OLIVIA KING & MARCUS COTTON
Oct. 1, 2022 | Trapnall Hall | Little Rock | Jazmin Andrade Photography
Olivia and Marcus met in early 2020 while working on a visual poetry short film. Ironically, the poem was called “Under the Same Sky” and centered around finding the person you will end up with. They reconnected two years later while salsa dancing with friends and have been together ever since.
Marcus asked Olivia to marry him at his grandparents’ home in Arlington, Tennessee with close friends and family present. The property is integral to his family’s history, and now it is part of the couple’s story as well.
Olivia wanted an outdoor wedding with modern florals. She liked the idea of incorporating pampas grass to create a boho vibe. They found the perfect venue, Trapnall Hall, which provided a beautiful backdrop for their big day.
WEDDING VENDORS WE LOVE
Rentals
Confetti’s Party Rental
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Photography: Jazmin Andrade Photography; Catering: Black Swan Catering Company; Wedding cake: Cosmic Cake; Florals: Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s; Invitations: DIY; Rings: Zales and Etsy; Wedding dress: Brides for a Cause in Portland, Oregon; Bride’s earrings: Etsy (CraftLis); Groom’s attire: New York Suit Exchange; Makeup: Lavonne Beauty
Q & A
Q: What is your secret to wedding planning success?
A: “Delegate, delegate and delegate. Typically for such a special day so many are open and willing to help you in any way they can for your wedding. I was never too shy about taking up help from ones who afforded it to me and my husband,” Olivia said. “Also, keep things written down. I wrote almost everything down including deadlines, prices and how or what we were to do to accomplish tasks. I never tried to have it all up in my head but always in my notebook or in my notes app.”
Q: What was your most worth-it wedding splurge?
A: “Definitely making sure we booked a photographer we felt comfortable with and who would make our family comfortable was the most worth-it splurge,” Olivia said. “We are so happy Jazmin Andrade was exactly that!”
Q: What is a trend or tradition you love?
A: Olivia said she loves the trend of wearing a simple satin wedding dress over the traditional lace because it’s more her style. She incorporated “something old” by wearing her grandmother’s ring.
CUSTOM DETAILS
“I got a lot of inspiration via Pinterest and fell in love with thrifted vases turned into terra cotta vases. My friends and I DIY’ed at least 80 vases for my wedding, which was a special memory for me,” Olivia said. “We also hand-poured all the candles for the ceremony in thrifted bowls I found. All the decorations were favors for the guests. I still see my vases and candles in family and friends’ homes.”
PURE BEAUTY
“Something I asked the girls to do that was different, especially for African American weddings, was to not straighten their hair,” Olivia said. “I wanted them to feel they could wear their hair in its natural state and not feel they had to alter it just for my wedding. It was so awesome to see them–some who are Latina, Black and white–wear their hair in their beautiful curls and textures.”
