Meredith Benton Photography

Michaela Held & Davis Kinley
April 22, 2017 • Paron
Cold Springs Events

A ninth grade crush turned into a lifelong love for Little Rock native Michaela Held. Michaela had her eyes set on an older guy named Davis Kinley, who she referred to as her “celebrity crush.” The two began dating on May 10, 2010, and they’ve been together ever since. On April 16, 2016, Davis asked Michaela to marry him at their favorite hiking spot on top of Whitaker Point in Kingston. Without hesitation, she said yes to spending the rest of her life with her best friend and forever celebrity crush.

Meredith Benton Photography


The Inspiration

Above all, Davis and Michaela wanted their wedding to be a day of celebration of their relationship and fun for their guests. Michaela wanted the day to look bright and refreshing, and nothing like she’d seen done before. Michaela’s event planner, Natalie Scott, came up with the idea of a citrus theme, which perfectly tied together all the bright colors Michaela envisioned.

Instead of having floral arrangements on each table, the reception tables had compote bowls filled with fresh fruit surrounded by lush greenery. Outside, there was a drink station to greet guests as they walked toward the ceremony. The station offered three different flavors of lemonade and was garnished with citrus fruits and an organic floral arrangement in playful citrus hues. More than 60 pounds of fresh fruit were used for table décor, including peaches, oranges, lemons, grapefruits and limes.

Meredith Benton Photography

Meredith Benton Photography

Meredith Benton Photography

Meredith Benton Photography

Meredith Benton Photography

Meredith Benton Photography


How They Customized

Music to Our Ears
Processional
“Be the Song”
by Foy Vance

First Dance
“Wilderness”
by Jon Bryant

The couple paid special attention to each detail, even down to the napkins. Michaela had napkins designed with five interesting facts about her and Davis. She also personalized cups with their initials and wedding date, and included their favorite foods in the reception menu.

Michaela also brought some sentimental details into her wedding day. “My dad passed away when I was 5, and I carried a locket I have with his picture in it as I walked down the aisle,” she says. “I also carried a small Bible that the Kinleys have passed on to every girl in the family who gets married. Each girl signs it and carries it with her as she walks down to meet her groom. They have done this for many generations and I thought that was very special.”

Meredith Benton Photography

Meredith Benton Photography

Meredith Benton Photography

Meredith Benton Photography

Meredith Benton Photography

Meredith Benton Photography


Video


The Details

Photography Meredith Benton Photography, Little Rock
Venue Cold Springs Events, Paron
Event Planner Natalie Scott Events, Little Rock
  Florist Magnolia Belle Floral, Conway
Caterer Simply The Best Catering, North Little Rock
  Cakes Sweet Lavender Bakes, Little Rock
  Wedding Stationery LaBohemmePaperCo., Etsy.com
  Printing Alright Printing, Benton
  Videographer Hailey Merlo Media, Fayetteville
  DJ Central Arkansas Entertainment, Little Rock
  Linen Rentals BBJ Linens
Wedding Gown & Veil Low's Bridal & Formal, Brinkley
  Bridesmaid Dresses David's Bridal, Little Rock
  Groom & Groomsmen Attire Jos. A Bank, Little Rock
Jeweler Sissy's Log Cabin, Little Rock
  Hair & Makeup Dennis Harris, Breathe Salon, Little Rock
  Vintage Mercedes Limo Robert Chandler
  Rehearsal Dinner Venue Pinnacle Valley Restaurant, Little Rock
Wedding Vendor We Love

Meredith Benton Photography

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