Barron Grace Cheek & Thomas Mann Crank
Sept. 13, 2025 | Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts in Little Rock | Kati Mallory Fine Art Photography
Barron and Thomas’ families have been friends for generations. Their grandmothers were very close, and Barron’s mom is best friends with Thomas’ aunt. Barron even spent many summers at his aunt’s house in Nashville, riding horses and spending time together. Although their paths should have crossed many times, they always seemed to miss one another. Until one night, four years ago, their stories changed forever!
“Our connection was instant, and we never looked back,” Barron said. “It was fate!”
The day Thomas proposed seemed like any other normal day to Barron. They spent the entire day out on the lake with their friends and family, and as the day wound down, everyone decided to go up for showers and naps. Barron wasn’t ready for the day to end yet, and Thomas suggested a sunset boat cruise to have some alone time together.
They cleaned up, poured some cocktails and took their dog, Ash, down to the boat.
“I started going on and on about how perfect the day was; how sweet it was to have everyone together and belly laugh all day long,” Barron said. “[Thomas goes], ‘What if I could make it a little better?’ [So] I turned around, and he was smiling up at me on one knee.” Swoon!
Wedding Professionals We Love
Wedding gown: Unveiled Bridal Collection
Florist: Cabbage Rose
Venue: Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts
DJ Jelly Bean, lighting, lamps and dance floor: Central Arkansas Entertainment
More Wedding Professionals
Planning and design: Gretchen Larkan Weddings; Photography: Kati Mallory Fine Art Photography; Ceremony venue: St. Edward Catholic Church; Rentals: Eventology; Stationery: By Invitation Only; Makeup artist: Jessica Humerick; Hair stylist: Hannah Price of The Fix
Q: What inspired your florals?
A: “I was so excited to work with David at Cabbage Rose because I just love his style and eye,” Barron said. “I wanted all white and hints of greenery. I wanted the flowers to look as lush as possible and represent pure elegance. He designed the wreaths for the inner doors in the church. They were there to hide me while I stood in the foyer waiting for my dad to walk me down, and ended up being my favorite statement piece.”
Q: When you look back at your wedding, what part of the day sticks out to you the most?
A: “When I was getting my makeup done, my dad came in with the music speaker and turned on our first dance song, ‘Secret o’ Life’ by James Taylor,” Barron said. “It immediately brought me back to my childhood and all the sweet memories. It was such a beautiful and poetic moment of my dad passing me off to my new husband. I will never forget that moment with my dad and the love I feel for him. I was sobbing, and he was, of course, just dying laughing.”
Q: What advice do you have for other couples planning their wedding day?
A: “Plan time for what you and your husband need,” Barron said. “I wanted to make sure we had a few moments alone just to hold each other’s hands and take a deep breath. I never felt rushed – I just felt peace. We did a first look and dinner by ourselves.”
Q: Is there an underrated wedding vendor for the big day you recommend to all Arkansas couples?
A: “I don’t think I could have done it without the ultimate duo: Gretchen and Kati,” Barron said. “All I had to do was follow their lead! They both are so talented at what they do— keeping us on schedule but never sacrificing, still having a good time.”
Q: Why did you decide to go with the vibe of your wedding?
A: “I wanted something that felt very traditional, classic and timeless,” Barron said. “I wanted all my flowers to be full, lush, and white. I loved the traditional look and feel of the Catholic Church, the convenience of walking across the street to the Art Center, and how all the open windows at the reception let us see the perfect, romantic sunset to kiss the day goodbye.”
Q: What was your favorite part of the planning process?
A: “I loved the design aspect of it,” Barron said. “Creating a traditional, elegant, and peaceful theme. I would say the flowers and the invitations were probably my favorite two to design.”
Peace and Love
“I think, and hope, that our people could see and feel how much love we have for each other,” Barron said. “That and the overwhelming peaceful theme of the day.”
Getting Butterflies
“My family has always seen my late grandmother as a butterfly,” Barron said. “Thomas and I entered the reception with such joy and love for each other, and the first thing we saw was a butterfly on the window outside. That butterfly showed up at sunset and never moved the rest of the night. Such a cherry on top of the day and the two families marrying together.”
