Ali Hastings & Michael Tripoli
October 14, 2023 | Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts in Little Rock | Claire Alberius Photography
Ali and Michael met in Austin when Ali’s high school best friend invited her to a party at the University of Georgia.
“My future husband was there, and the rest is history,” Ali said.
Michael said “I love you” after the second date. Ali said she was a bit of a slow burn.
While living in Little Rock during Ali’s cancer treatment at UAMS, Michael proposed to Ali on the porch of her childhood home.
“Our engagement was after a long journey and a moment between just the two of us,” Ali said.
Wedding Vendors We Love
Venue and catering
Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts
Florist
Tanarah Luxe Floral
More Vendors
Photography: Claire Alberius Photography; Ceremony: The Cathedral of St. Andrews; Cake: Blue Cake Bakery; Wedding dress: Unbridaled (Austin, Texas); Tuxes: Capra and Cavelli (Austin, Texas); Band: Diamond Empire; HMUA: Lauren Benet Hair and Macy Scarlet Salon; Stationery: Ali Hastings (bride); Transportation: Arkansas Destinations
Photo Credit: Claire Alberius Photography
Q&A
Q: What was your vision for your wedding day?
A: “Our priority was to make sure everyone had fun!” Ali said. “We drew a lot of inspiration from the AMFA building and the art. We were able to tour very early (so early we had to wear hard hats) and loved that the building itself was a piece of art. Our goal was to highlight its beauty and not cover it up.”
Q: What was one of your wedding must-haves?
A: “We live in Austin, Texas — the live music capital of the world!” Ali said. “We knew we wanted a live band, and our band, Diamond Empire, delivered! … [Also,] we rented out the galleries. Everyone was able to connect with the art, take photos and have an experience unique to them. We also chose venues sentimental to my family. My grandparents and parents were married at The Cathedral of St. Andrews, and I attended many summer camps at AMFA. It was great to have locations that had personal connections.”
Q: Tell us about your colors.
A: “Our color palette was minimal—light browns with pops of copper. This was a function to highlight the beautiful buildings we chose as our venues. We wanted to ensure our decor and wedding party served as icing on the top of two gorgeous venues. We chose the locations because we loved them, not to change them.”
Q: Tell us about your color palette.
A: “Our color palette was minimal — light browns with pops of copper,” Ali said. “This was a function to highlight the beautiful buildings we chose as our venues. We wanted to ensure our decor and wedding party served as icing on the top of two gorgeous venues. We chose the locations because we loved them, not to change them.”
Q: What was your favorite moment of the day?
A: “[There are] too many to count!” Ali said. “Getting ready with my friends in the Capital Hotel was so great! We watched college football, giggled, and had amazing food from the hotel and Boulevard Cafe. It was nice and relaxed and everyone was able to chill before the party and have girl time. [Another was] the reception! Having everyone we loved all together for one night was such a dream. We couldn’t have better friends and family. We celebrated with amazing food and drinks, lots of dancing and even more laughing.”
Q: What advice do you have for couples planning their own weddings right now?
A: “Take time for yourselves!” Ali said. “Wedding planning can be stressful or presents its own set of challenges. Do what you can to spend time with your future spouse by making planning fun on coffee dates or allowing your friends to support you by stamping save the dates or making welcome bags.”
Specialty Bourbon
The newlyweds bottled bourbon specially for their wedding. “This was a tribute to my family’s business!” Ali said. “One of our specialty cocktails highlighted the bourbon, and we now have special bottles from our wedding day that we open on special occasions.
Remembering Mom
Ali’s mom passed away in 2019, so she incorporated her mom in many different ways. “I wore her dress to our rehearsal dinner, lots of her favorite jewelry, and my wedding band is made from some of her diamonds,” Ali said.
