Lela & Lyla Photography

Megan Lindsey & Blane Howard
Oct. 22, 2016 • Camden
Fairview United Methodist Church & Private Family Residence

Blane Howard of Hot Springs and Megan Lindsey of Camden were introduced at one of his concerts in the summer of 2011. Blane is a country music artist and was the opener for Blake Shelton at Magic Springs in Hot Springs. The two became friends and started dating the summer of 2012.

Fast forward four years, Blane and Megan were on a trip to Las Vegas. On the second to last night, Blane made reservations for an early dinner at the Eiffel Tower restaurant inside the Paris hotel. Once inside the hotel, Megan could tell something was up. Blane was not heading for the restaurant, he was leading her to one of the lounges. Once inside, Blane took Megan’s hand and helped her onto a beautiful stage, where a piano covered with rose petals and candles awaited the two. He asked her to sit down next to him and began to play the piano and sing one of their favorite songs, “You and I” by Michael Buble. Once he finished the song, he asked her to marry him and, of course, the answer was “yes.” But the surprises didn’t stop there. When Megan turned around, she saw her and Blane’s parents, who had been hiding in the lounge the whole time.

Lela & Lyla Photography


The Inspiration

Megan knew that she wanted her wedding to be formal, yet relaxed. The final result was a mix of glamorous, Southern and natural. She wanted the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception to feel grand and luxurious, but also personal and enjoyable for everyone attending.

As far as the décor, Megan decided on white, metallic silver and gold for the color palette with pops of purple hues. She incorporated the purple through reception lighting, cocktail hour flowers, and her bridesmaids’ dresses. “I even made my signature drink, ‘Megan’s Martini,’ purple,” she says.

Lela & Lyla Photography

Lela & Lyla Photography

Lela & Lyla Photography

Lela & Lyla Photography

Lela & Lyla Photography

Lela & Lyla Photography


How They Customized

The food and drink selections were extremely important to Blane and Megan. A very special element of the food included a whole hog that Megan’s dad prepared (complete with cool sunglasses!) as well as his very own recipe for his famous pulled pork and brisket sandwiches. He is an award-winning barbecue cook who competes all over the South.

Music to Our Ears

Ceremony Songs
“God Knew That I Needed You"
“When I Say I Do”
by Matthew West

First Dance
“Promise to Love Her”
by Blane Howard

Megan says their first dance song was without a doubt the most memorable part of the entire wedding. The two had chosen “Someone Like You” by Van Morrison to be their song, but Megan changed that plan after Blane surprised her the day of the wedding. Early that morning, Megan’s sister and maid of honor Amelia showed her a small sign that said “Open me” in Blane’s handwriting on her laptop. When she opened it, she found instructions to open a letter he’d written, as well as a playlist. The letter described how he had written a song about their wedding day and it was not only for her, but for Megan’s family, as well. Megan and Amelia pushed play to listen to the song, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. “It was an emotional morning to begin with,” Megan says. “But Blane’s surprise sent it over the edge.”

Lela & Lyla Photography

Lela & Lyla Photography

Lela & Lyla Photography

Lela & Lyla Photography

Lela & Lyla Photography


Video

The song, “Promise to Love Her,” is Blane’s latest single and is available on iTunes and Amazon. The music video, which includes real footage by videographer Brandon Chambers from the wedding, has over a million views!


The Details

Photographer Lela & Lyla Photography, Little Rock
  Videographer Brandon Chambers, Camden
  Florist Camden Flower Shop, Camden
Rental Company Party Time Rentals & Events, Little Rock
Lighting Party Time Rentals & Events, Little Rock
  Cakes Vintage Soul Cakes, Savannah, Ga.
  Caterer Woods Place, Camden
  Band The Big Dam Horns, Little Rock
  DJ Todd King, Camden
  Wedding Stationery The Shoppers Guide, Camden
  Wedding Gown Maggie Louise Bridal, Collierville, Tenn.
  Bridal Shoes Dillard's, Little Rock
  Groom & Groomsmen Attire Men's Warehouse, Little Rock
  Jeweler Stinson's Jewelers, Camden
  Hair Delaine Amerson, Camden
  Makeup Makeup by Lacey Hall, Sheridan
  Rehearsal Dinner Venue Postmaster's Grill, Camden
Wedding Vendor We Love

Lela & Lyla Photography

See this Real Wedding as it appeared in our print edition

Discover more inspiration in our Real Weddings section.