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A Timeless Winter Wedding Celebration

With stunning captures by Lela and Lyla, this Southern Bloom planned wedding is straight out of a fairytale, y'all. Florals from Silks-a-Bloom are nothing short of jaw-dropping at the always gorgeous locale of Cold Springs Events.

White Door Events and Party Time Rentals helped to create an inviting atmosphere with furniture and and so many finishing touches. Meanwhile, food and catering from Vibrant Occasions was top notch to say the least. Be on the lookout for a stunning, all white, six-tiered wedding cake designed by Mickey's Cakes & Sweets.

The Love Story


When Ally first met Cole during their freshman year at the University of Arkansas, she didn't know that November 3, 2018, would become a date she'd wear around her neck forever. The two crossed paths during Ski Lodge weekend – she, a Kappa, and he, a Sigma Chi – marking the beginning of their love story. That meaningful date now hangs as a delicate necklace Cole gifted her in the summer of 2019, a constant reminder of their serendipitous meeting.


The Proposal

The proposal unfolded on the pristine shores of Rosemary Beach, where Cole and his family orchestrated an unforgettable moment. "My family came and surprised me at the proposal on the beach!" Ally recalls. The evening continued with an intimate celebration featuring a private chef-prepared dinner, allowing both families to share in their joy.

 

 

The Vision

For their December 30th wedding at Cold Springs Events, the couple prioritized creating a joyful atmosphere for their wedding party while maintaining an elegant aesthetic. The day began with the groomsmen enjoying breakfast at the groom's parents' house before settling into a rental property on the venue grounds for a relaxed afternoon of cornhole. Meanwhile, the bridesmaids embraced the celebratory atmosphere during their hair and makeup preparations.



The ceremony design focused on spiritual significance, with the Arkansas Symphony quartet performing a carefully curated selection of old and new hymns as guests arrived. "The timing was chosen to take advantage of afternoon light coming in the chapel," Ally explains. The focal point was a stunning full floral cross, which served as the ceremony centerpiece, creating an ethereal backdrop for their vows.

The Reception


The celebration transformed from an elegant ceremony into a high-energy reception. A sophisticated cocktail hour featuring live jazz set the tone before transitioning to the Memphis Soul Revue, who kept the dance floor packed throughout the evening. The design incorporated modern elements with white parsons tables, acrylic stools, and strategic lounge areas surrounding a dramatic 40-foot black dance floor, creating what Ally describes as a "club feel."

  

The Menu

Working with Vibrant Occasions Catering, the couple opted for an innovative alternative to traditional wedding fare. "We didn't want a sit-down dinner but wanted something different than the normal buffet style food at weddings," Ally shares. "Mary suggested pasta stations and it ended up being a huge hit!"

The culinary experience began during cocktail hour with passed hors d'oeuvres including cheese-stuffed mushrooms, spinach artichoke crostini, and mini Italian meatballs served over cheesy polenta. The pasta stations featured chefs preparing fresh dishes to order, offering guests their choice of grilled chicken alfredo or a rich pasta ragu with cabernet-braised beef and Italian sausage. In a playful late-night twist, Chick-fil-A chicken sandwiches made an appearance at 9 PM, providing the perfect fuel for the final hour of dancing.


The Details

The floral design maintained a clean, modern aesthetic with all-white blooms accented by lush greenery. This pristine palette carried through to the cake – a towering creation of white tiers adorned with fresh flowers at the base, featuring alternating layers of chocolate, strawberry, and lemon filling.


 

Words of Wisdom

When asked about budget-saving advice, Ally offers a practical tip: "Coordinate flowers with the groom's family so the flowers can be used for both rehearsal dinner and ceremony." But perhaps her most valuable insight came from her own experience: "Because of a lot of planning and a wonderful wedding planner, the day went off without a hitch. It was just perfect and a lot of fun!"

After dancing the night away surrounded by loved ones, Ally and Cole jetted off to Cabo San Lucas for a week of newlywed bliss at Zadun, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. With its pristine beaches, world-class amenities, and stunning ocean views, it was the perfect destination for the college sweethearts to begin their next chapter – one that started on a November night at the University of Arkansas and led them to their perfect December evening under the twinkling lights of  Cold Springs Events.

Photography: Lela and Lyla
Venue: Cold Springs Events
Wedding Planner: Southern Bloom
Catering: Vibrant Occasions
Florals: Silks-a-Bloom
Band: Memphis Soul Revue
Rentals: White Door Events
Additional Rentals: Party Time Rentals
Cake: Mickey's Cakes & Sweets
Ceremony Music: Arkansas Symphony
Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier from Unveiled
Bridesmaids Dresses: Amsale
Groom's Attire: Bauman's Men's Clothing
Ceremony Painting: Kristen Hess Fine Art
Photo Booth: Social Photo Booth
Hair: The Boulevard Salon Makeup: Makeup by Lauren Benet
Videographer: NiLo Productions Co
Invitations: By Invitation Only
Groomsmen Attire: Men's Wearhouse
Rings: Sissy's Log Cabin
Officiant: Brandon Barnard

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Chrissy Arpie Ott

Chrissy Arpie Ott is the founder of The Perfect Palette. Since its launch in 2008, The Perfect Palette has been the go-to color resource for couples who dream of a unique, creative and colorful wedding day.

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