• Wedding date: Aug. 6, 2011
  • Number of guests: 300
  • Ceremony location: The Cathedral of St. Andrew, Little Rock
  • Reception location: McDonald Hall at The Cathedral of St. Andrew

College sweethearts Ashley Maude Pounders of North Little Rock and John Randall Benton of Sherwood wed this summer on Aug. 6, 2011. The couple met through a mutual friend the summer before Ashley started college at the University of Arkansas, where John was already a sophomore. She soon headed to Fayetteville to attend school with him – and the rest is history.

What was your overall inspiration?  We wanted a wedding design that was beautiful and timeless. To accomplish this, we chose a soft color scheme, luxurious linens, classic chiavari chairs and stunning flowers.

What were the interesting personal touches and details? In lieu of favors, the couple made a donation in honor of their guests to the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Foundation. The Groom’s cake was in the shape of Arkansas and featured images of a Razorback, flying mallard ducks, deer and turkey tracks, portraying some of the groom’s favorite things & hobbies. Ashley’s “something old,” a beautiful vintage cuff belonging to her grandmother, was wrapped around the stems of her bouquet.

What one detail truly made the wedding yours? The Cathedral of St. Andrew Choir provided the music for the ceremony and truly set an angelic tone for the entire evening.

How did you customize your wedding? The bride wore a veil that was custom made using the groom’s mother’s cathedral-length veil, edged in lace from the mother of the bride’s wedding dress.

How did you save money in planning your wedding? We chose an affordable venue and a caterer who allowed us to bring in our own alcohol to stock the bars.

THE DETAILS