Natalie Stagg & Ben Tschepikow
November 26, 2011 • Quapaw Quarter United Methodist Church & The Peabody Hotel, Little Rock
Photos by Christopher Nolan Photography

Natalie of North Little Rock and Ben Tschepikow of Fayetteville met while attending the University of Arkansas. Ben, a former Razorback baseball player, hit a home run with Natalie when he passed her a note during class and asked for her phone number. This past fall, they tied the knot in Little Rock with a nod to his baseball past and a unique theme – “Love is a gift” – which they incorporated into everything from the invitations to the gift-card favors that they sent guests home with.

How They Customized
The groom’s cake was an exact replica of Ben’s College World Series ring from 2009. For their exit from the reception, they had hog noses, pom-poms and fake snow for their guests to use while they were leaving. They also set up a tailgate-type station at the reception featuring his jersey and fun treats you’d find at the ballpark—like cracker jacks.

Ways They Saved
The bride and her mother cut costs by planning everything themselves, and also had family and friends pitch in to help where they were able.

Bride’s Inspiration
“We wanted a ‘winter wonderland’ feel so we chose whites, champagnes and shimmery golds for our colors.”

What detail truly made the wedding yours?
“Our ceremony. Ben’s mentor had us write letters to each other stating what we loved most about one another and read them during the ceremony.”

The Details
•    Photography: Christopher Nolan Photography
•    Stationery: By Invitation Only, Little Rock
•    Florist: About Vase, Little Rock
•    Caterer: The Peabody Hotel, Little Rock
•    Bride/bridesmaid attire: Low’s Bridal and Formal, Brinkley
•    Groom/groomsmen attire: Men’s Warehouse, North Little Rock