Melissa Albey Photography

Allison Droke & Isaac Erickson
April 21, 2018 | Hot Springs
Arlington Lawn & Ozark Bathhouse Cultural Center

A flat tire and a bit of fate brought Allison Droke and Isaac Erickson together. The two both attended the University of Memphis and by some stroke of divine intervention, Allison’s tire completely flew off her wheel driving to class one day. Isaac was the good Samaritan who offered to help her.

Early on in their relationship, Isaac and Allison took a weekend trip to Hot Springs and were so charmed by the history and the eccentricities that they kept coming back. Visiting Spa City became their tradition so Isaac knew that was the only place to pop the question. He proposed to Allison on Arlington Lawn, where they’d later say their I Dos just feet away from the proposal site.

THE INSPIRATION

COLOR STORY

The couple lives in Memphis, which made planning a little difficult until they hired wedding planner extraordinaire Randi Slick, owner of Signature Events.

When it came to picking a theme, Allison has always been drawn to the glamour of the 1920s and the Hollywood silent film era. She wanted to incorporate those elements into her wedding day without it being overly “Great Gatsby costume gala.” To balance the art deco elements, Allison incorporated soft, romantic touches.

Once Allison toured the Ozark Bathhouse Cultural Center, she knew it was the perfect spot for the reception. She had wanted a venue with historical significance that fit the vintage theme, and the Ozark Bathhouse checked all the boxes.

Melissa Albey Photography

Melissa Albey Photography

Melissa Albey Photography

HOW THEY CUSTOMIZED

Allison wore a beaded Christina Wu gown with cap sleeves, so she wanted her bridesmaids to wear dresses featuring embellishment too. They wore gold sequined sheath dresses by Badgley Mischka with an open back. They wore their hair in a braided side updo, which was fashioned after the popular finger wave bobs of the 1920s.

After the ceremony, Allison and Isaac hosted a cocktail hour on the porch of the Ozark Bathhouse. They served two specialty cocktails — champagne mixed with Agua de Jamaica and rum mixed with Horchata. Allison’s cousin’s husband is a Nashville jazz pianist and provided the perfect atmosphere with jazz tunes.

The reception was where Allison and planner Randi were able to really have fun with decorating. Kelly Efird provided multiple floral displays, which included giant palm leaves and lots of greenery. Allison had always dreamed about having a paper moon photo booth so her husband and his groomsmen made the photo booth and backdrop for the reception. Both Allison and Isaac are vegetarians, so they opted to serve a vegetarian-friendly Mexican buffet that satisfied even their pickiest omnivore guests.

Looking back, Allison’s favorite wedding moment was seeing her family and new husband’s family all dancing and hanging out together. “It really felt like two families becoming one, she says. “I know it's cliché, but just hadn’t been something I thought about during the wedding planning process.”

Melissa Albey Photography

Melissa Albey Photography

Melissa Albey Photography


THE DETAILS

WEDDING VENDORS WE LOVE
Event planner Randi Slick with Signature Events, Hot Springs
Florist Kelly Efird Flower Events, Hot Springs
Rental company Signature Events, Hot Springs
Wedding cake Taste of Eden Bakery, Hot Springs
Caterer Taco Mama, Hot Springs
Wedding dress Low's Bridal & Formal, Brinkley
Ceremony music Rebecca Bingham - Bingham Music Agency, Hot Springs
MORE VENDORS
Photographer Melissa Albey Photography, Hot Springs
Bridesmaids attire RentTheRunway.com
Groom/groomsmen attire Macy's
Jeweler Barry Duncan with Professional Jewelers, Memphis
Guest accommodations The Waters, Hot Springs
Favors Personalized soap bars from Bathhouse Soapery, Hot Springs
Rehearsal dinner venue Angels in the Park, Hot Springs

Melissa Albey Photography


See this Real Wedding as it appeared in the print edition of the HOT SPRINGS WEDDING PLANNER.

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