Benjamin Martin Photography

Carley Calico & Jesse Morrison
Oct. 28, 2016 • Hot Springs
Hamp Williams Building

Jesse Morrison of Glade Valley, N.C. met Carley Calico of Fort Worth, Texas when she visited Mississippi State University in early summer 2014. They only spoke for a few minutes and went their separate ways, but Jesse says he didn’t forget her. Later that summer, Jesse was recruited by a friend to help “a new graduate student” move into an apartment. He was happy to help, but when Jesse realized that the new grad student was Carley, he couldn’t get there fast enough. Jesse proposed to Carley just over a year later, at about 1 a.m. on a Sunday. Jesse says he was getting nervous after weeks of hiding her rings all over the house, so it was nothing extravagant—“just the two of us, at home, and my grandmother’s engagement ring,” Jesse says. Otherwise known as a recipe for success.

Benjamin Martin Photography


Why Hot Springs?

The duo opted for a destination wedding and Hot Springs was the perfect place. As soon as the couple saw its garden courtyard and the preserved automotive counter, they knew Hamp Williams was the perfect venue. “The property is beautiful on its own and the history of the building made it even more special,” Carley says.

Plus, her grandparents and parents both got their marriage licenses at the Garland County Courthouse, so it made getting Jesse and Carley’s even more special. Another perk was the central location of the city for guest travel, and since the wedding was on a Friday, guests had time to explore Hot Springs before returning home.

Benjamin Martin Photography

Benjamin Martin Photography

Benjamin Martin Photography


The Inspiration

Jesse and Carley wanted their guests to be comfortable and for everyone to have fun, while keeping things simple and timeless. It was important to them that their personal style was reflected in the details of their wedding day.

Benjamin Martin Photography

Benjamin Martin Photography

Benjamin Martin Photography

Benjamin Martin Photography


How They Customized

The two brought their favorite craft beer from breweries in Mississippi, ice cream from the creamery at Mississippi State University, made their own tonic and bitters for craft cocktails, as well as pepper jelly for our guests made from peppers and strawberries they grew in their garden. In addition, Jesse surprised Carley and brought her scooter for the two to ride away on when they left the reception.

Another unique element was that Jesse realized that their wedding was on his Aunt and Uncle’s anniversary. So, next year, when Carley and Jesse celebrate their first anniversary, his Aunt Mandy and Uncle Tim will be celebrating their 50th.

Benjamin Martin Photography

Benjamin Martin Photography

Benjamin Martin Photography

Benjamin Martin Photography


The Details

Venue Hamp Williams Building, Hot Springs
Photographer Benjamin Martin Photography, Benton
Event Planner Randi Slick, Signature Events, Hot Springs
Florist Kelly Efird Flower Events, Hot Springs
Rentals Signature Events, Hot Springs
  Caterer Taco Mama, Hot Springs
  Craft Beer Mayhew Junction Brewing Company, Starkville, Miss.;
Slowboat Brewing Company, Laurel, Miss.
  Cakes Just a Little Frosting, Ashland, Ala.
  DJ Doc Bryce Productions, LLC, Camden
  Videographer Brad Fugere Media, Little Rock
  Photobooth Hot Springs Photobooth, Hot Springs
  Wedding Stationery Amanda Northfell, Fayetteville
  Wedding Gown At Last Bridal & Formal, Hot Springs
  Bridesmaids Attire JCrew.com
Wedding Vendor We Love!

Benjamin Martin Photography

See this Real Wedding as it appeared in our print edition

Discover more inspiration in our Real Weddings section.