You know, I just can’t pin point my favorite part of this Arkansas wedding. It could be the whimsical hay bale seating which I never tire of, or the rustic charm of the horse ranch that the festivities were held at. Who knows, maybe it’s even the cute, fluffy dogs. I think it might be all of the above captured to complete and utter perfection by Aaron Snow. The gallery is awaiting your click and it is full of love and even more gorgeous details from this southern beauty.










From the beautiful Bride…
Jake and I wanted to remember our wedding day to reflect our lifestyle. It seemed so easy, during the planning process, to make the day about everyone else, but we worked really hard to keep the focus on our desires. We didn’t dream about some fancy soiree in an unfamiliar location. When Jake and I talked about our dream wedding, we talked about hanging out in comfortable clothes with our family and friends.
The wedding was held at Angel Creek Stables, which conveniently doubles as my mom’s farm. We took the week before the wedding off work so that we would have time to set everything up and spend time with our families. The week was more work than I could have ever imagined! Thankfully, Jake’s entire family flew in from all over the country and jumped right in to help. I don’t think they knew how serious we were when we said, “This couldn’t have happened without you.” It really wouldn’t have! The morning of the wedding was not spent in the normal state of relaxation for the bride and bridal party. The whole family was throwing hay bales, tying ribbon on burlap, setting candles on tables, putting up signage, hanging sheppard hooks, and cooking lunch for 50+ family members until about 2:00 PM — keep in mind, pictures started at 3:00. Not only did we have an entire army helping us the week of the wedding, we had half the city of Fort Smith praying for nice weather…and did those prayers pay off! If you can believe this, it rained for a solid week until about three days before the wedding — just enough rain for the grass to turn green and a nice amount of time for the puddles to dry. Then, on the day of the wedding at about 5:30 PM, my cousin reported a downpour 2 miles south of us and my mom’s best friend reported a downpour 2 miles north of us. For us, though? A beautiful rainbow. It was like the clouds picked up just long enough to protect the seats.
Another aspect of the wedding that people should know is about my dress. Before my wedding, it belonged to my sister. Paige, my matron of honor, and best friend, volunteered her dress for me to have completely taken apart and put back together. Hers had beautiful tucks all over the skirt, a dropped waistline, and a top that was straight across. Amy, a friend of the family, took the tucks out, shortened the front of the skirt, raised the waist, made a belt, and created a sweetheart neckline. In the end, I had a borrowed, old, and new dress — all in one. I could never repay my sister for the gift of her wedding dress, and words can’t express what it meant to me. In the end, all of the planning, decision making, and worrying was completely worth it. I could go on and on about the perfection of our wedding day. It meant the world to Jake and me to have those closest to us witness the exchanging of our vows, and I never thought I would find so much joy in watching people hang out on a couch made of hay!
Photography: Aaron Snow / Venue: Angel Creek Stables / Invitations: Xowyo / Shoes: Sperry Top-Sider / Dress: Jasmine Bridal (original dress) redesigned and re-made by Amy Hale / Bridesmaid’s Dresses: J. Crew / Groom’s Suit: Land’s End / Groom’s Tie: The Tie Bar / Band: Joe Giles and the Homewreckers / Reception Lighting: Eventures Outdoor / Lanterns: Purchased at Sam’s Club / Cake: Jennifer Olienyk / Cupcakes: Cuppies and Joe
| « Engage 2010…More! | Charming North Shore Wedding At Willowdale Estate » |
It might be easier to write a list of what you can pin point that ISN'T what you like. It would have to be a small list of about 0 items because I agree with you - this wedding is so stunning!
So lovely and come on, how freaking pretty and happy is that bride!
I don't often comment and I've been following this blog for a few years now... and I'm pretty sure this is only my third comment ever. Meaning, I only comment when I'm blown away! I love everything about this wedding - from the simply stunning sunflowers (my favorite but have never seen them as the stand out wedding flower before - but love!), to the re-gifted dress from her sister (SO sweet) to the way this couple looks at each other (SO in love) or the cute dogs! I could go on and on and on... One detail I did notice in the bigger picture gallery, the RSVP! I love the color and the quirkiness. Other things I really loved: the pictures with her mother and the color/style of the bridesmaids dresses - also the burlap/chalkboard theme. This is easily a slam dunk Claire - congrats to you and Jake :)
that dress is lovely. I love everything about this wedding. That bride looks so happy on her amazing dress! all these pictures are great!! Love from Belgium
Umm.... obsessed. I have only commented once before... but WOW!!! I think 95% of my love for this wedding though is how stunning the bride is... I mean, seriously.
But it reminds me that overstyling is a mistake-she looks like herself, and just glowing! Love Love LOVE.
Probably the prettiest & happrist bride ever featured on SMP! This wedding is so sweet.
OMG!!! I am in loooooveeeee with this wedding.. so simple and effortless. The bride's hair and make-up are to DIEEEE for.. anyone know the lipgloss/eye shadow/blush used?? She looks great.. and I have fair skin as well.. trying to master my wedding makeup look!
I know this bride! I went to college with one of her friends and we had dinner when she visited. I can testify that she is one of the sweetest and most genuinely beautiful people I've ever met! It was no surprise that her wedding was just as beautiful! Congrats, Claire!
I also don't comment very often, but I just wanted to say how absolutely gorgeous and happy this bride is. Beautiful wedding!
OMG Claire!!! Your mom told me you were going to be featured on here and I couldn't believe it. I saw your amazing invitation in person and it was even more gorgeous than the picture. You looked beautiful and I'm so happy for you!
so charming + lovely...adorable couples and photos to boot!
This is such a gorgeous wedding - the sunflowers against those bridesmaid dresses is such a great contrast and the bride and groom look so happy!
Also i want those doggies! OMG too cute
Rachie xo
love the colours so much!
The fabric invite was beautiful!
Wow. Loving all the details! They did such a great job with their wedding! Everyone looked beautiful (especially the bride in her newly customized dress, how wonderfully awesome is that?!)! Honestly, I thought this was a photo shoot, took me a second or two to realize it was a real wedding!! Such a pretty wedding with more then pretty people :) Congrats to the happy couple!
sweet claire and jake,
absolute love and congratulations to you! ;)
what a beautiful and joyful day you deserved.
smiles,
emily b.
The bride is a doll!! Love her smile!
Let me just say that this wedding was AS BEAUTIFUL in person as it is in the photos. Never have I ever been to a wedding with such perfect attention detail but at the same time that down-home country charm. It was a stress free ceremony and reception with perfect music, dancing, and decorations! Claire and Jake are just as precious in person and I'm so blessed to have been at the wedding and witness the beauty. Next, I will be marrying Claire and Jake! :) <3 you both!
Very cool, I can't get over the "couch" made of bales of hay
the bride is picture perfect! I love the wedding dress story and the family helping with all the set up... it bring tears to my eyes...
love it all!
oh my gosh!! this is so amazing!! congratulations sweet seester! you are the best. xoxo
This wedding just blows me away. I can only hope that when I get married that I can have such a stunning outcome that is heartfelt as well. I love how her family was involved and she did things the way that she wanted them done. This goes to show that an outside wedding can be classy and organized. I think that outside weddings especially out in the country provide an open door for creativity to explode. I love how creative she got with the small details such as the clothesline invitations and the sunflower bouquets. The colors are so fresh and beautiful! They definitely suit the overall theme of the wedding.
So So So beautiful!! The bride is clearly happy and her happiness (and beauty) magnify each and every photo. :)
YAY ARKANSAS! I had yet to see a wedding from my new home state! And an incredibly beautiful one as that. I just love this wedding, just every bit of this! This bride is amazingly gorgeous! So jealous - and totally in love with this wedding! Way to represent, Claire!
This was a beautiful and FUN wedding. So happy I was there to celebrate with Claire and Jake.
The pics are great but the emotional essence of all the photos of the couple stand out for me.
what a beautiful bride, i love how natural this wedding is...classy and not over the top.
amazing horse cake!!!! looks so real!!!!
i love hard boiled eggs too! great idea!!! is this a real wedding??
this bride is stunning. My goodness what a natural beauty. this wedding was perfect.
WOW! What a special night! Jake and Claire represent so many hopes and dreams. Thanks for the great memories!!!
Beautiful pictures of a beautiful couple! This is so stylish, hard to believe it really is a wedding. Expected your wedding to be as special as you are. David and I send you much love.
This gorgeous lady should model wedding dresses for a living. This could not have been more elegant and you can totally feel the love. How lucky they are.
Beautiful, beautiful Claire. You have always been stunning. Congratulations!
Congrats Claire! Your wedding was gorgeous and definitely looks like it reflects your personality!