Erin Wilson Photography and Films

DALE ALDRIDGE & SAGE CARPENTER

Dec. 17, 2021 | The Grandeur House | Erin Wilson Photography and Films

Dale and Sage met for the first time in person over Labor Day weekend in 2003. Sage was living in Wichita, Kansas, while Dale was living in Little Rock. They had been messaging one another and calling each other daily for quite some time. “Once our eyes locked for the first time, the rest was history,” Dale said. 

After a few years, they decided to take their relationship to the next level by gifting one another commitment rings and purchasing a home together. 

“When marriage became an option in June 2015, we celebrated with everyone else as we were so thankful to all that fought so hard for our love to be recognized by our government,” Dale said. “We decided to wait until what we felt was the right time in our lives to make the commitment of marriage. 

“After being together for 18 years, we would finally decide to be married in front of our closest friends and family and have the wedding of our dreams. A dream we once thought would never be a reality.”

Erin Wilson Photography and Films

Erin Wilson Photography and Films

Q & A

Q: What were your florals inspired by?

“Once Sage and I settled on a ‘Christmas wedding celebration,’ and then our colors, I went to work with my Silks-A-Bloom team and planner, Anne-Claire Allen Owens, for what was truly an inspired collaboration,” Dale said. “What could be better than mixing the two things that Silks-A-Bloom specializes in–fresh event florals and Christmas design? It was meant to be. Ornaments of all sizes were placed in runners of florals, under the Christmas trees and hanging from the ceiling installment.”

Erin Wilson Photography and Films

Q: Did you hire a planner?

“As a matter of fact, our wedding planner just happened to be my ‘woman of honor’ and best friend,” Dale said. “Working in the event/wedding industry, I know all too well how crucial having a planner is. No matter how much I thought I would know and how confident I was that I would consider each detail–there was so much I didn’t know or know to plan for. We did not want to overlook a single detail for our guests and Anne-Claire and Hope made sure we accomplished that.”

Erin Wilson Photography and Films

Q: Most worth-it splurge?

“We continue to have guests raving over these notable splurges: spectacular florals, top-notch custom clothing and a memorable dining experience,” Dale said. “It was important to Sage and I that each guest feel special…at each place setting guests would find a preserved boxwood wreath and a hand-wrapped gift box with a custom-dated ornament.

Erin Wilson Photography and Films

Q: Favorite wedding moment?

“Sage and I chose to stand up and speak to all of our guests during dinner,” Dale said. “This was very important to us. We wanted to stop the clock—bringing a halt to all events going on around us. This was a chance for us to share our sincere thanks and love to all of our guests. … a special moment to see and acknowledge so many friends and family that had come to support our love.”

Erin Wilson Photography and Films

TWIST ON TRADITION

Dale and Sage opted for speeches at the reception, rather than the rehearsal dinner. They loved being able to gather as a large family with friends and loved ones, and then dancing the night away.

Erin Wilson Photography and Films

MEMORABLE MOMENT

Dale and Sage hired a dance instructor and prepped months before their wedding for their first dance. They danced to “Come What May” from the movie “Moulin Rouge.”

Erin Wilson Photography and Films

UNIQUE DETAIL

“We were so excited to premiere talented ‘dancing disco balls’ at our reception. They were a huge hit!”

Erin Wilson Photography and Films

Erin Wilson Photography and Films

WEDDING VENDORS WE LOVE

Venue: Grandeur House; Florist: Silks-A-Bloom; Catering: Heritage Catering; Guest accommodations: Aloft West Little Rock

Erin Wilson Photography and Films

MORE VENDORS

Wedding planner: Anne-Claire Allen Planning & Design; Photography and videography: Erin Wilson Photography and Films; Invitations and signage: By Invitation Only; Rentals: Eventology; Linens: BBJ La Tavola; DJ: DJ Nick Hud; Entertainment: Arkansas Circus Arts; Sound/lighting: Central Arkansas Entertainment; Dance floor: The Dance Floor Man; Wedding cake: Kelli Marks; Wine and spirits: Salute’ Wine & Spirits; Custom tuxedos: Jenanne Filat of Barakat Bespoke; Wedding bands: Cecil’s Fine Jewelry; Transportation: Arkansas Destinations (shuttle service); Dance instructor: Daniel Felts; Cellist: Christian Serrano-Torres; Custom flower girl baskets: Kara Woller; Pre-wedding skincare: Sidney Bennett of Radiant Wellness

Erin Wilson Photography and Films

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