Ann O’Neal Pevahouse & Aaron Carroll
September 9, 2023 | Country Club of Little Rock | Avery Earl Photography
Ann and Aaron met during Ann’s freshman year at Ole Miss, when mutual friends set them up as dates to Aaron’s fraternity formal in New Orleans. “We started dating shortly after that and never stopped!” Ann said.
Eight years later, Ann and Aaron are living in New Orleans. Aaron knew Ann wanted a surprise engagement, but she had never told him she had always wanted to get engaged at Longue Vue House and Gardens.
One day, Ann had plans to get cocktails with friends to celebrate completeing their board exams. Instead of taking her to get cocktails, Ann’s friend surprised her by pulling into Longue Vue.
“Luckily, my friends had packed me a dress and heels to change into once I realized what was happening,” Ann said.
After a walk around the gardens, Aaron got down on one knee with a ring designed by a private jeweler out of Baton Rouge.
“It was so special,” Ann said. “After the proposal, he surprised me again with a party down in the French quarter with all of our family and friends.”
Wedding Vendors We Love
Florist
Tipton & Hurst
Wedding dress
Unveiled Bridal Collection
Makeup Artist
Belle & Blush
More Vendors
Planning and design: Anne-Claire Allen Planning and Design; Photography: Avery Earl Photography; Ceremony: Pulaski Heights Methodist Church; Reception: Country Club of Little Rock; Band: Jordan Kahn Music Group; Rentals: Eventology; Production: CWP Productions; Cake: A&M; Transportation: AR Destinations; Getaway car: Capital Hotel car; Invitations and day-of paperie: By Invitation Only; Hair stylist: The Fix Hair Salon; Emerald hoop earrings, tennis bracelet and wedding bands: Sissy’s Log Cabin
Q&A
Q: What was your vision for your wedding day?
A: “My vision was a traditional hometown wedding,” Ann said. “The venue selection was easy — my parents got married at Pulaski Heights United Methodist and had their reception at the Country Club of Little Rock, so it was special to us. Having an awesome and creative wedding planner like Anne-Claire definitely helped inspire me.”
Q: What was wedding dress shopping like?
A: “I am a very indecisive person when it comes to shopping, so it was a little stressful but exciting!” Ann said. “I knew I wanted something traditional but still a little fun with a long train and matching veil of course! After shopping all over Dallas and New Orleans, I finally found the perfect dress at Unveiled in Little Rock. When I tried on my dress for the first time, I knew it was the one. Betsy and her staff were so helpful, and it was such a wonderful experience working with them.”
Q: What must-have of the wedding day did you know you just had to have?
A: “A fun band was so important to us!” Ann said. “They add so much energy to the dancefloor. Jordan Kahn Orchestra has tons of lead singers that you can choose from. … They were amazing and so interactive. Our guests raved about them!”
Q: What personalization did you love the most?
A: “I wore my mother’s emerald drop pearl necklace that was an engagement gift from my father,” Ann said. “[Also,] our getaway car was a red antique Porsche 911 convertible that my mother gifted my father on their wedding day. It was driven by Aaron’s grandfather which made our exit extra special!”
Q: Tell us about your color palette.
A: “My color palette was white and light greens with pops of light blue,” Ann said. “My favorite color has always been green, so that inspired most it. Tipton & Hurst did such a wonderful job with all of the thick hydrangea arrangements and hanging florals over the dancefloor. I added some blues with the mismatched bridesmaid’s dresses and the custom blue and white dancefloor, which I loved!”
Q: What was your favorite moment of the day?
A: “It is hard to choose just one, but it was either our private dinner before the reception began or our last dance while all of our guests waited outside for our send off,” Ann said. “It was nice to spend a moment alone together to reflect on the day.”
Q: What advice do you have for couples planning their own weddings right now?
A: “A lot of brides can get really caught up in the little details of everything having to be perfect,” Ann said. “I think it’s really important to try to relax and let some stuff go. Your wedding day is supposed to be fun, not stressful!”
Taking After Her Parents
Ann and Aaron channeled Ann’s parents’ engagement and wedding for their own big day. Anne and Aaron used the same venues — Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church and Country Club of Little Rock. Anne also wore her mother’s emerald and pearl necklace, which was an engagement gift from her father. Finally, Anne and Aaron used Ann’s father’s vintage Porsche convertible for their getaway. The Porsche was a wedding gift to her father from her mother!
