Meredith Events Volume I | Page 13

essa and Jonathan were initially introduced and set up on a blind date by none other than Jonathan’s stepmother. For their first date, Jonathan took Tessa on one of what would become many dates to the country club. It didn’t take long for both a sweet romance and deep friendship to start building. To see them now, you would think they had known each other for many years. They effortlessly make each other laugh, tease one another incessantly and are completely smitten with the other.

Jonathan is a farmer and one of the most en- dearing things about Tessa is how very much she loves the farm. To meet her, you would de- scribe her as a "girly girl." She’s stylish and always beautifully put together - but, the farm has become so special to her. Like Jonathan, it’s become her retreat when life gets busy. The close friend who officiated their wedding shared that he knew Tessa was really special to

Jonathan when he learned that she had been spending time at his farm. It isn’t surprising that this is where Jonathan chose to ask Tessa to be his wife.

Tessa and Jonathan were married in January at Downtown Church of Christ in Searcy and everything about their wedding was classically beautiful. They framed the ceremony with elegant iron work, candles, lit willow branches and arrangements of white lilies, white roses and pine cones.

Bridesmaids wore floor-length, classic black gowns while groomsmen were in traditional

black tuxedos. Tessa was breathtaking in her bridal gown with a sweetheart neckline and beautiful button details on the back. For outdoor portraits, Tessa wore her great-grandmother’s fur coat while the bridesmaids wore custom black fur shawls.

Their reception was held at Robbins-Sanford Grand Hall. It, too, was elegantly decorated with black and white table linens, burlap details, candles, white lilies and roses, pine and fir. Guests were served a buffet dinner and also enjoyed a cocoa stand that was decorated with images from their cocoa stand inspired en- gagement session. Their cake boasted five decadent tiers and was as delicious as it was beautiful. It was served atop a shabby chic wagon-like server and was topped with a stylish monogram. Tessa and Jonathan toasted with the same silver goblets that’s Tessa’s parents used at their own wedding. Tessa, Jonathan and their guests danced the night away before they left for their romantic honeymoon.

Tessa's Advice for Brides-to-be:

“I was really fortunate to have the help of my lovely mother who did pretty much everything, so I really didn’t have to do much. Don’t let the little things stress you. On your big day, nothing is going to matter anyway except that you’re married to your best friend. Yes, the planning is stressful, but try and enjoy it as much as possible even though you just want it to be over! And... enjoy all the special time you have with your mom during all of the planning.”

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www.bridalsavoirfaire.com