VERA WHITIKER & ANTHONY MERCEDES
October 14, 2023 | The Stables at Cherokee Creek | Conway | Dring Creative
Vera and Anthony met on Tinder. At the time, Vera was in Fort Smith on a work assignment to help at a hospital during COVID-19. She had been single for a while, and one of her co-workers suggested going on a dating site. Vera and Anthony spoke on the phone for a while after matching on Tinder before deciding to meet up on a Saturday night at the Electric Cowboy. They instantly connected and decided to meet up again, thus beginning their love story!
Not long after they met for the first time, Anthony confessed that he saw a future with Vera.
“Literally after the second week of spending nonstop time with him, Anthony told me he knew I was the one and we should just get married, but of course me being me, I told him to stop running game,” Vera said. “Little did I know five months later he would actually propose to me.”
Vera remembers what it felt like to fall in love with Anthony:
“I knew Anthony was the one when I realized that being with him was like being with the better half of myself,” Vera said. “He always tries to be positive and optimistic, while I'm the overthinker. He calms me, reassures me and just [overall] brings out the best in me.”
WEDDING VENDORS WE LOVE
Venue
The Stables at Cherokee Creek
Decor
Party Time Rental and Events
MORE VENDORS
Wedding Planner: B Jane Events; Catering: Charcuterie & More; DJ: Dimeblock DJ Services; Makeup: D Beaute; Hair: Krowned by Ki; Decor: The Party Spot; Dress: Bridal Cottage; Bartending: Special Events Bartending
Q & A
Q: What inspired your color palette?
A: “I always wanted a fall wedding in October. The time when the leaves are just now turning and the colors are between the stages of green, orange and red,” Vera said. “I also loved the [boho] feel of the pampas grass, because it gave off the vibes of cozy and comfort like home. Taking all that into consideration I headed to Pinterest and to the Arkansas Bride Magazines for inspiration.”
Q: How did you choose your venue?
A: “I chose to get married at The Stables at Cherokee Creek because the scenery is gorgeous, it came with the tables and chairs included and the option to have a horse and carriage on your wedding day! I honestly love horses and I think that is what really sold me!” Vera said. “Let me not forget the owners though. Hannah was so sweet, soft-spoken and always willing to help or answer any questions I had. She really makes your experience personal and makes you feel like family!”
Q: What is your secret to wedding planning success?
A: “I would say my secret to wedding planning success would be to take your time, weigh your options, pay for things in moderation and hire help!” Vera said. “B Jane Events made my day go by a little easier and the way she staged all the decor was so beautiful! Hiring Bethany as my wedding planner was definitely a great decision!”
Q: What was your favorite moment of the day?
A: “My favorite moment of the day was when the doors opened up for me to walk down the aisle and I was able to see my husband for the first time in his suit,” Vera said. “He was just smiling, with this one single tear in his eye. That moment made the day so worth it!”
Q: Tell us all about your wedding fashion!
A: “I felt like a princess putting on my dress. It was so surreal to put on my wedding dress once all the alterations and add-ons were put together,” Vera said. “My husband, on the other hand, swore he was a celebrity on the red carpet. I will give him that though, because he was so handsome standing at the altar waiting on me.”
DIY FLORALS
“I actually did my own florals! I made the arches, table florals, aisle markers, columns, bridal and bridesmaids bouquets,” Vera said. “It started off with me just wanting to save money, but in the end turned into a fun project that I really enjoyed doing.”
WEDDING GUEST RAVES
“Everyone actually complimented me a lot on the florals and decor the whole night,” Vera said. “Of course, everyone's favorite part of my wedding for the adults was definitely the open bar hosted by Special Events Bartending, and the bonfire and s'mores at the end of the night.”
WORTH THE MONEY
“My most worth-it splurge was the venue,” Vera said. “It was the centerpiece to tying my whole wedding together.”
