Sarah Slocum & Ryan Collins
May 21, 2011 • Arkansas State Capitol Rotunda, Little Rock & Park on the River, Maumelle
Photos by Drew Cason Photography
Click here to view this Real Wedding spread in our Spring/Summer 2012 issue. 

Miss Arkansas 2009 and Sheridan native, Sarah and her groom Ryan, of El Dorado, have an engagement story, as all brides and grooms do, but Sarah shared another one instead—a story in which Ryan demonstrates his love for her in a special way. She had been torn between ordering a custom wedding ring she’d wanted for years and wearing her grandmother’s band. She ultimately chose the heirloom with hopes of getting the other as an anniversary gift years later. “I didn’t know it, but Ryan had the custom band made anyway and surprised me with it during the wedding. I was completely surprised and, of course, I cried!”

How They Customized
The pristine, white-marble rotunda paired with lime green and fuchsia floral accents created striking bursts of color. One such accent, the 70-foot-tall orchid and crystal curtain, was an incredible backdrop for their ceremony. Also adding a pop of color were the custom-designed bridal party dresses in purple dupioni silk, for which Sarah hired two friends from the pageant world to create.

Ways They Saved
“I wanted custom calligraphy for my invitations, but it was much more expensive than I anticipated. Rather than foregoing, I decided I would learn how to do it myself.”

What detail truly made the wedding yours?
“We wanted our wedding to be very personal, so we chose individuals with whom we already had personal connections. It made the day much less stressful because we knew all the various elements were in great hands.”

The Details
Photographer: Drew Cason Photography, central Arkansas
Event Planner/Florist/Cakes/Caterer/Rentals/Lighting: Felecia Walls Pleis, Cabbage Rose Florist, Little Rock
Stationery: Hobart’s Printing, Benton
DJ/Band: Rodney Block & the Real Music Lovers, Little Rock
Gown: Low’s Bridal & Formal, Brinkley
Bridesmaids Attire: Shelley Kelley & Laine Berry, The Royal We, Conway
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Warehouse, Little Rock
Jeweler: Bill’s Custom Jewelry, Stuttgart