May 10, 2008, 7 p.m.
Pulaski Heights Baptist Church, Little Rock
Visions of Enchantment
Jacquelyn and Ryan’s relationship was a fairy tale romance from the start. If their enchanted wedding was any indication, then the stage has been set for the couple to live happily ever after. For the reception, the Country Club of Little Rock was splashed with vibrant theatrical colors. The style-savvy bride teamed up with her equally creative mother, Sonya, whom Jacquelyn describes as a “talented visionary,” to infuse even the tiniest details with a touch of French-inspired drama. “My mother and I looked to add artistic depth to the evening,” Jacquelyn says. “We wanted to convey energy, romance and life.”
Colorful Collaboration
The mother-daughter design team knew exactly what they wanted when it came to decor. “Our vision for the reception was [a mix of] masquerade, Moulin Rouge and fairy tale [themes],” Jacquelyn says. “My mom and I love details — the little touches personalized our celebration.” True to form, the pair left no detail un-personalized. The centerpieces of bright yellow and pink roses with tulips and green hydrangeas from Tipton Hurst made for an eye-popping display against the black and white floral patterned tablecloths. “My mother is a painter of flowers and Chris Olsen with Tipton Hurst was a mastermind,” Jacquelyn says. “We wanted smells and texture as well as color.”
Confection with Character
The theatrical theme continued with the seven-tier bridal cake, which was layered between rows of pink peonies and topped with miniature lovebirds peeking through billowing white feathers. “My mom and I probably looked through thousands of books and magazines to piece the perfect cake together,” Jacquelyn says of the cake, which was flavored with alternating layers of buttercream, lemon, almond and vanilla. “We had a great experience working with Mickey’s Special Affairs. We pulled several photographs together of what we wanted to create and they made exactly what we were looking for.” Small blue icing bows wound around the cake, and a white block letter H, accentuated by blue icing, signified the couple’s last initial.
Bridal Instinct
The bride was a vision of elegance in her snow white strapless ball gown, accentuated by a sweetheart neckline. Ever the traditional bride, Jacquelyn was sure to wear something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. “I wore new a tiara and earrings, a borrowed diamond hair piece, old pearls and a blue garter!” Jacquelyn says. “I also carried my mother’s rosary on my bouquet, [which was] a borrowed piece.”
For her bridesmaids, Jacquelyn selected mermaid-cut gowns in her favorite color, a soft yellow buttercream. “The texture and cut was formal and gorgeous on each girl,” Jacquelyn says. “They were beautiful in the low lighting and glistened in photographs. The color and cut flowed very nicely with my dress and added to the continuity and romantic look we were going for.”
Christ-Centered Ceremony
While the reception was sprinkled with modern influences and ideas, the ceremony was firmly rooted in tradition. “Our vision for our ceremony was traditionally romantic and formal,” Jacquelyn says. “We wanted our ceremony to reveal our love for Christ and for each other.” Jacquelyn, who grew up under the Jewish Christian faith, wanted the Messianic Jewish ceremony to reflect the strong beliefs that she and her fiancé shared. To solidify their unity, the bride and groom took part in traditions such as kneeling underneath the chuppah, dancing the hora, circling the groom, smashing the glass and saying Hebrew chants. “I also carried Ryan’s old baby bonnet that was given to his mother at his first baby shower. Inscribed on the bonnet was a poem proclaiming the blessing and prayer bestowed on the first-born baby, Ryan, and the intention of everlasting love for his bride.”
Happily Ever After
What better way to end a fairy tale wedding than with a horse-drawn carriage ride? For the bride and groom, who share a love of horses, it couldn’t have been more perfect. After spending time with well-wishing friends and family, many of whom took part in the ceremony, the bride and groom stole a quiet moment to catch their breath and reflect upon the day in the carriage. “I am a horse lover. I grew up on ponies and horses and showed hunter-jumpers,” Jacquelyn says. “Our relationship began like a fairy tale on a blind date and has felt like one ever since.We thought the Cinderella ending was perfect for us!”
Photographs by J.H. Schroeder Photography
Cakes: Mickey’s Special Affairs, Little Rock
Florist: Tipton Hurst, Little Rock
Wedding Dress: Low’s Bridal and Formal, Brinkley
Bridal Accessories: Low’s Bridal and Formal, Brinkley
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Low’s Bridal and Formal, Brinkley
Tuxedo: Paul Morrell Formal Wear, Little Rock
Caterer: The Country Club of Little Rock
DJ/Band: Little Rock band The Rockets for reception, John Jarboe Quartet for ceremony
Attendant Gifts: “Light it up with the Halls” cigar matches and water bottles labeled “Jacquelyn and Ryan, May 10, 2008” with love bird caricatures.
