25 Mockingbird Photography

Brittney Rand & Cole Carson
April 1, 2017 • Hot Springs
Anthony Chapel at Garvan Woodland Gardens & Embassy Suites by Hilton

It was the day before Valentine’s Day when Cole Carson took Brittney Rand, both of of Carthage, Illinois, to Malibu for an impromptu picnic and hike. It was a beautiful day and the couple was sitting on a hill overlooking the ocean. The two decided to play a game that they love called the whisper challenge, where one person has headphones on and plays music loudly and the other person whispers a phrase or word of their choice. The object is to guess what your partner is saying by only reading their lips. Brittney and Cole decided to play one more round when he whispered “Brittney, will you marry me?” She immediately knew what he had said and started to cry. When she looked up, he was on one knee with the most gorgeous ring.


Why Hot Springs?

Even though the Illinois natives now live together in Los Angeles, the couple needed a venue that wasn’t too far from their home state, as Brittney’s grandparents are not able to fly. After googling “forest chapel” and finding Anthony Chapel, the couple was sold. Hot Springs provided a perfect destination for out-of-town guests, offering great options for guest accommodations, activities for kids and fun tourist attractions.

25 Mockingbird Photography

25 Mockingbird Photography


The Inspiration

Cole and Brittney both love being outside and love the beauty and sanctuary of the woods. “I was never the little girl who envisioned what her wedding day would look like,” Brittney says. “But once Cole proposed it was obvious that we would go with a very simple, understated and ethereal look that suited us both. The couple wanted to complement the earthy tones of the gardens and the gorgeous architecture of the chapel, so they chose to go with neutrals and shades of greens with pops of white.

25 Mockingbird Photography

25 Mockingbird Photography


How They Customized

Since their guests traveled so far for their big day, the couple wanted their guests to be completely taken care of. After the ceremony, there was a beautiful cocktail hour with hors d'oeuvres, drinks and live music, followed by a plated meal for guests. While the meal was the biggest expense of the wedding, Brittney and Cole were glad they did it that way. Their guests were fed, happy and ready to dance the night away.

Still, the highlight of the day for Brittney and Cole was their ceremony. Many friends were involved, making it meaningful and personalized. The music was played by one of their groomsmen, the unity prayer was given by a close friend and honorary aunt, and their close friend and honorary uncle officiated the service. He tailored his message to the couple and tied music into his spiritual teaching, making it feel intimate. Brittney and Cole wrote their own vows, for an extra special touch.

25 Mockingbird Photography

25 Mockingbird Photography

25 Mockingbird Photography

25 Mockingbird Photography

25 Mockingbird Photography


The Details

Ceremony Venue Garvan Woodland Gardens, Hot Springs
  Reception Venue Embassy Suites Hot Springs
Photography 25 Mockingbird Photography, Hot Springs
Event Planner Randi Slick of Signature Events, Hot Springs
Florist Kelly Efird Flower Events, Hot Springs
Rentals Randi Slick of Signature Events, Hot Springs
  Caterer & Drinks Embassy Suites Hot Springs Hotel & Spa
Cakes Ambrosia Bakery, Hot Springs
  DJ Central Arkansas Entertainment, Little Rock
  Cocktail Music Zacc West
  Videography TNT Video Services, Plymouth, Illinois
  Wedding Stationery Etsy.com/Shop/HelgaWigandt
  Wedding Dress Karoza Bridal, Glendale, Calif.
  Groomsmen Men's Wearhouse, Nationwide
  Engagement Jewelry Robbins Brothers, Azusa, Calif.
  Wedding Bands Jared the Galleria of Jewelry and Robbins Brothers, Azusa, Calif.
  Hair Shannon VanFleet, Redken Artist, Carthage, Illinois
  Makeup Shelby Repplinger, The Powder Rumors, Sioux City, Iowa
  Rehearsal Dinner Venue Room 504, Hot Springs
Wedding Vendor We Love

25 Mockingbird Photography

See this Real Wedding as it appeared in our print edition

Discover more inspiration in our Real Weddings section.