Jessica Williams & André Bernard
October 6, 2018
Clinton Presidential Center, Little Rock
We all know location is crucial in the world of real estate, but for Jessica Williams and André Bernard, being in the right place at the right time was how their love story began. The two met at The Pointe at the Brodie Creek apartment complex pool. André lived there and Jessica was visiting a friend. They hit it off and their relationship blossomed from there.
In 2017, the couple took a trip to Dallas to help André’s little sister move into her dorm at SMU. After they got her moved in, André and Jessica had special dinner reservations at her favorite steakhouse, Eddie V’s. André strategically planned a late-night meal to be followed by a romantic midnight proposal on a very meaningful date to the couple, August 13.
THE INSPIRATION
“Old world elegance meets new world charm” served as Jessica’s inspiration for her big day. She had always dreamed of having her ceremony in a beautiful church, and First Presbyterian Church had just the feel she was looking for.
“In contrast to the ceremony, the reception was at the Clinton Library,” Jessica says. “I chose this location because of its clean lines and neutral white palette. There, we had the flexibility to dream up all sorts of things. I liked having a mix of the old classic architecture with the new contemporary style.”
After she decided on the theme and venues, she focused on fashion and florals. Jessica found her “Fierce” Rivini gown at Bella Bianca in Chicago. The modified flared crepe gown with an off-the-shoulder beaded bodice captured that Old Hollywood glam she was looking for.
HOW THEY CUSTOMIZED
• • •
Jessica’s wedding planner Anne-Claire Allen totally transformed the Clinton Presidential Center into a show-stopping reception. The ballroom was drenched in white florals and romantic candlelight. The couple had a boxwood wall designed for a photo booth and added florals for flair. On the balcony, turf lined the concrete and lounge furniture offered guests a chance to relax.
Jessica’s favorite moment of the day was a complete surprise. André serenaded his new bride to John Legend’s “Stay With You.” “I couldn’t hold back my tears,” she says. “It was the most beautiful song sung by my now-husband.”
THE DETAILS
| WEDDING VENDORS WE LOVE | |
|---|---|
| Venue | Clinton Presidential Center, Little Rock |
| Caterer and drink service | 42 Bar and Table, Little Rock |
| Furniture rentals | Hank’s Event Rentals, Little Rock |
| Jeweler | Sissy’s Log Cabin, Little Rock |
| Groomsmen attire | Paul Morrell Formalwear, Little Rock |
| Bridesmaid dresses | Bella Bridesmaids, Little Rock |
| MORE VENDORS | |
|---|---|
| Photography | Jo Johnson Photography |
| Planning | Anne-Claire Allen Planning & Design, Little Rock |
| Videography | Betwixt Magnolias, Searcy |
| Photo booth | Klassik Entertainment, Little Rock |
| Florist | Silks A Bloom, Little Rock |
| Cake | Kelli Marks, Little Rock |
| DJ | DJ Nick Hud, Little Rock |
| Dancers | Tidwell Project, Inc., Little Rock |
| Soloists | Vesta Blanks and Zetoria Curry |
| Invitations | By Invitation Only, Little Rock |
| Wedding dress | Bella Bianca, Chicago |
| Groom's attire | Baumans Fine Men's Clothing, Little Rock |
| Hair | Petal Jolie Salon, Atlanta |
| Makeup | Kraz4Makeup |
| Transportation | Vintage Motorcars, Little Rock Twin City Limos, Little Rock |
| Rehearsal dinner venue | Agasi 7 Rooftop Bar + Kitchen, Little Rock |
See this Real Wedding as it appeared in the print edition of ARKANSAS BRIDE
Discover more inspiration in Arkansas Bride's Real Weddings section.
