Kati Mallory Photo + Design

Natasha and Brandon Gates' simply Southern wedding is the stuff of dreams. From the incredible floral installation wrapped around one of Goodwin Manor's trees to the fun milk and cookie bar, we loved it all. 

The planning process was a bit different for Natasha than it is for most brides. She's actually a wedding coordinator herself and works with Anne-Claire Allen. "It was challenging for me to sit back and just be the bride this time, but Anne-Claire and our amazing team of 'friendors' helped make all our dreams come true for us!" 

Just a bit of scrolling will show you why we're so head over heels in love with this amazing wedding. 

Kati Mallory Photo + Design

Kati Mallory Photo + Design

Kati Mallory Photo + Design

Kati Mallory Photo + Design

On her wedding stationery: "Oh my goodness, our stationary was one of my favorite aspects of the day. Anne-Claire’s mom Deborah Allen is an amazing artist and painted Goodwin Manor for us. That was on the inner envelope of all our guest's invitations. Hobarts did all of our signage so perfectly. Invitations were a big deal for me because I love all the detail but also because I feel like the invitation suite sets the tone for guests to know what to expect at the wedding!" 

Kati Mallory Photo + Design

Kati Mallory Photo + Design

On her gown: "[My dress was] SO not what I ever expected to pick. I went into the process pretty open-minded and just wanted to try on different styles. My sister Tiffani, picked a dress that she saw me look at but not pick up because it was so 'not me.' Tried it on, and ended up loving it! I put on a few others after but kept going back to that one. It’s not every day you get to wear a big dress, after all!" 

Kati Mallory Photo + Design

Kati Mallory Photo + Design

Kati Mallory Photo + Design

On the groom's fashion: "For Brandon, we had a custom suit made with thicker lapel for his broad chest. He was able to pick the inside 'patterns' and have our wedding date on the inside so that is something special for him to have for date nights!" 

Kati Mallory Photo + Design

Kati Mallory Photo + Design

On the lovely florals: "For our florals, we mostly did white with greenery and touches of blue. [Silks A Bloom] decorated the staircase at Goodwin so beautifully and then wrapped floral all around the tree for our intimate dinner with all our closest friends and family!

Brandon was very close to his grandfather who passed away 10 years ago from cancer. Blue carnations are the flower they used at his service and often decorate his headstone with so I asked Dale to add a blue carnation to both Brandon and his dad's boutonnieres. He took the time to dye them the perfect color of blue. It was such a special touch to our day!" — Natalie

Kati Mallory Photo + Design

On those cute ring bearers: "We didn’t have 'ring bearers' but 'ring security.' My two nephews and Brandon’s cousin (all around age 8) wore navy pants with a white collared shirt with ring security badges and aviator glasses. They took their job very seriously and I thought they looked so handsome!" — Natalie

Kati Mallory Photo + Design
 

On flower girl fashion: "My two nieces were my flower girls and then the two girls I nannied through college were my “something blue.” They wore sweet little blue dresses. All the girls wore adorable babies breath halo crowns!" — Natalie

Kati Mallory Photo + Design

Kati Mallory Photo + Design

Kati Mallory Photo + Design

Kati Mallory Photo + Design

Kati Mallory Photo + Design

Kati Mallory Photo + Design

Kati Mallory Photo + Design

Kati Mallory Photo + Design

Kati Mallory Photo + Design

On wedding dessert: "Cake wasn’t something that was super huge to me. I’m not a huge sweet person. Brandon’s preferred sweet is his Grandma's cookies and milk. We had our traditional wedding cake but also had a station with his grandma's cookies, coffee and milk in test tubes. (Brandon is a science nerd)!" — Natalie

Kati Mallory Photo + Design

The Details

Photographer: Kati Mallory Photo + Design

Event planner/designer: Anne-Claire Allen Planning & Design, Little Rock

Florist: Silks A Bloom, Little Rock

Furniture rental company: Confetti’s Party Rental, Little Rock

Linens: La Tavola Fine Linen

Lighting: Goodwin Manor, Little Rock

Cakes: Kelli Marks/Cathead’s Diner, Little Rock

Caterer: Boulevard Bread Company, Little Rock

DJ/Band: Central Arkansas Entertainment, Little Rock

Wedding stationery: Hobart Printing, Bryant with painting by Deborah Allen

Bridal boutique: Inverness Bridal Couture, Conway 

Veil, shoes, garter, other accessories: Inverness Bridal Couture, Conway  

Bridesmaids attire: Azazie

Groom/groomsmen attire: Men's Wearhouse

Engagement ring: Tara and Co. Diamonds, Searcy

Wedding bands: Sissy’s Log Cabin, Little Rock 

Hair: Amanda Bidwell of Sola Salon Studios, Rogers

Makeup: Megan Irwin, Little Rock

Rehearsal dinner venue: Goodwin Manor, Little Rock

 = Vendor we love