Whitney Bower Imaging

Candace Mullikin & Kyle Ashcraft
Oct. 18, 2014 • First Baptist Church & the Civic Center, Star City

Photography by Whitney Bower Imaging

Despite growing up together in the same small Arkansas town, Star City natives Candace Mullikin and Kyle Ashcraft never talked. That is, until college. Candace headed to Little Rock for a friend’s birthday, a party to which Kyle was also invited. “That night we sat together at the dinner table and laughed all night,” Candace said. “He asked me on our first date about a week later and we’ve been together ever since.”

On Christmas day in 2013, Kyle knew exactly what he was doing when he invited his family over for dessert with Candace’s family. They had a lovely evening, but Kyle had just one more gift. Candace opened an ornament that read “Will you marry me?” and Kyle got on one knee in front of their families.

Whitney Bower Imaging


The Inspiration

Candace had one thing in mind while designing her wedding: a silvery, blush wonderland. With this clear vision as her guide, she brought in silver sequin tablecloths, crystal chandeliers, cotton candy martinis, mounds of fresh flowers and lush pink hues to make her fairytale dreams come true.

Whitney Bower Imaging

Whitney Bower Imaging

Whitney Bower Imaging


How They Customized

If there was a focal point of the décor, it was without a doubt the wedding cake. The couple brought in a giant, multi-tiered, intricately decorated wedding cake complete with flowers and, of course, sparkles. Even Kyle’s duck hunting cake was larger than life, designed to emulate one of his own mounted ducks.

Whitney Bower Imaging

Whitney Bower Imaging

Whitney Bower Imaging


Deeper Meaning

The Ashcraft wedding also had plenty of tender moments, like when the couple left in the same 1967 Corvette that served as Candace’s parents’ getaway car at their wedding in 1982, or when they attached a locket to Candace’s bouquet that held a picture of her father, who passed away when she was a little girl, so that he could still walk her down the aisle.

Whitney Bower Imaging

Whitney Bower Imaging

Whitney Bower Imaging


 The Professionals

Photographer: Whitney Bower Imaging, Little Rock
   Event Planner & Designer: Shawna Young of Young Designs, Little Rock
   Florist: Shepherd Florist, Pine Bluff
Rentals: Confetti’s Party Rental, Little Rock
Confetti machine, LED bar & chandelier: Central Arkansas Entertainment, Little Rock
   LED dance floor: Event Works, Fayetteville
   Lighting & chairs: Radiant Designs, Little Rock
   Ice sculpture: Creative Image Ice, Hot Springs
   Caterer/drinks: Pine Bluff Country Club, Pine Bluff
Cakes: Natalie Madison’s Artisan Cakes, Little Rock
Chocolate fountain: The Haute Chocolatier, Hot Springs
   Band: Brown Soul Shoes, Little Rock
   Wedding stationery: By Invitation Only, Little Rock
Wedding gown: Low’s Bridal & Formal, Brinkley
Bridesmaids’ attire: Proposals, Little Rock
   Groom/groomsmen attire: Fathers & Sons Clothier, Pine Bluff
   Engagement ring: Fuqua’s Jewelry, Star City
   Wedding bands: Sissy’s Log Cabin, Pine Bluff
   Hair & makeup: Jordan Roark of Mona Lisa Beauty Salon, Star City
   Honeymoon travel agent: Sue Smith Vacations, Little Rock
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