Couples pick dates for lots of different reasons, and there are some pretty unique dates out there. Well, Nick and Tavia got a once in a lifetime date: 12/13/14. Their Arkansas winter wedding was just as unique as the date, and it was a beautiful day.
A Winter Wedding without the Weather
The ceremony was at Hunt Chapel, and we started in the changing rooms right next to the chapel. I was able to get some pretty cool detail shots. One of the more interesting ones was Tavia’s idea. We took the rings and hung them from a candy cane. I also used their flowers to get a few more ring shots. Nick’s ring was very different from the normal groom’s ring. It was actually three bands that were connected, and they lined up to be put on.
After a first look inside the chapel, we went outside with the bridal party for photos. Even though Nick and Tavia’s wedding was in December, the weather really wasn’t bad at all, so we were able to get some great shots. Again, Tavia had some interesting ideas for photos. One really creative one involved the bridal party being in the background and Nick and Tavia kissed in the foreground, forming a frame around the bridal party.
Winter Wedding Details
Just like everything before, the ceremony had some very unique aspects to it. For the pre ceremony music, they had a harpist playing. The flower girls didn’t do the traditional flower tossing. One tossed these different colored snowflakes, while the other held a sign with a message. The most interesting part came right at the end. When Nick went in for the kiss, the pastor held up mistletoe over their heads. Very cute, and it definitely fit with the winter wedding theme.
There are a lot of great reception sites out there, but one of my favorite is The Grand at 117. Now this might partially be because the owner is a former bride of mine, but it’s also has so much to offer. Nick and Tavia used the whole place. On the bottom floor, there were places for people to sit and eat, a hot chocolate bar, a Christmas tree, the guest book, and other decorations. On the second level, there was a S’mores bar. Yes, that’s right. You could make your own S’more from scratch. On the third floor, they had the food buffet set up with more tables for eating.
This winter wedding had a few more special details. The couple played a game I had never seen before. They traded a shoe with each other, so they both had one of each, and they sat back to back. They were asked questions, and they answered by raising the shoe of the person that was the right answer. To keep the guests entertained, they also had custom Mad Libs on the tables. The guests filled them out and then turned them in to the couple. I’m sure there were some pretty funny ones.
To end the night, Nick and Tavia exited to the ringing of bells from all the guests. We then ended this winter wedding with some quick portraits out in front of the Grand. It was a beautiful way to end such a special, unique night.
