Elegant Fall Wedding at the Grandeur House in Little Rock
On November 9th, 2024, Maddie and Ky said “I do” at The Grandeur House in Little Rock, Arkansas. As wedding photographers in Arkansas, we had been dreaming of shooting at this stunning venue all year, and it did not disappoint. The crisp fall weather, warm colors, and the venue’s modern elegance provided the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable wedding day.
Details
From the moment we arrived, we were blown away by the details Maddie and Ky poured their hearts into. Nearly everything was lovingly DIYed by the couple, giving their day a personal, heartfelt touch.
One of our favorite parts of photographing the details was seeing how Maddie honored her late family member. She included a cherished photo, her Bible, a handkerchief, and of course, her shoes—each piece weaving a story of love and remembrance.
Detail Photo Tip: Gather all the meaningful items you want photographed (shoes, jewelry, invitation suite, heirlooms, etc.) in a designated spot or box before your photographer arrives. This saves time and ensures no special detail gets overlooked.
Getting Ready
Maddie was incredibly relaxed from the moment we walked into the bridal suite. Everyone was calm and enjoying themselves, which set a carefree, joyful tone for the entire day. Working alongside an amazing wedding planner like Ashley Napier also helped keep the timeline stress-free and well-organized.
Timeline Tip: When you have a dedicated wedding planner, you can trust that the schedule will stay on track. This frees you up to soak in every moment of your wedding day rather than stressing about logistics.
Bridesmaid Dresses
We’ve been loving the trend of mismatched bridesmaid dresses this year! Maddie’s bridal party delivered with a variety of styles and colors that photographed beautifully. It added so much vibrancy and personality to the overall look.
Bridesmaid Dress Tip: Encourage your bridesmaids to show off their individual styles by selecting dresses in a range of colors or silhouettes. It makes for a fun, cohesive-yet-unique look in your wedding photos!
Bridesmaids in PJs
Before the party got into full swing, we captured Maddie and her bridesmaids in their matching PJs. The Grandeur House’s bridal suite is a photographer’s dream, boasting large windows that let in the most beautiful natural light. These light, airy getting-ready shots are ones we know Maddie will treasure for years.
Lighting Tip: When touring venues, make sure to peek into the bridal suite (and other key spaces) at the time of day you’ll be getting ready. Good natural lighting can make all the difference in your final photos.
Including Parents
Small moments with parents are some of our favorites to capture. Maddie’s mom helped zip up her wedding dress—a sweet, symbolic moment marking her final step before walking down the aisle. Meanwhile, Ky’s mom placed his boutonniere on his lapel, getting him camera-ready for his big moment.
These parent-child interactions are what wedding days are all about: family, support, and a whole lot of love.
First Looks
First Look with Bridesmaids
Emotions ran high when the bridesmaids turned around to see Maddie in her gown for the first time. Their collective excitement filled the room, reminding us just how special these “first look” moments can be.
First Look with Dad and Brother
Maddie shared a heartfelt first look with her dad and brother. It’s always such an honor to capture the genuine reactions of family members seeing the bride in all her glory. The sweetness of this moment (and maybe even a few tears) made for unforgettable photos.
First Look with the Groom
Finally, it was time for Maddie’s first look with Ky. The look on his face was one of pure awe and joy—truly one of our favorite photos of the year. Maddie and Ky also exchanged private vows before heading off to take portraits with the bridal party, carving out a moment that was both intimate and deeply meaningful.
First Look Tip: Doing a first look can ease any nerves and give you a quiet moment together before the bustle of the ceremony. It also allows for more flexibility in your timeline, helping you capture portraits and bridal party photos in natural light.
Bridal Party Photos
Haven and I often split up on wedding days to maximize coverage. While Haven was with the bridesmaids, I hung out with the groomsmen—and these guys were a blast! Along with the classic “mom and pop” poses, they even hoisted Ky up on their shoulders for a fun, candid moment.
Back with the bridesmaids, the colorful dresses really popped in photos and brought Maddie’s vision to life. We love seeing so much color and personality on wedding days!
After individual group shots, we squeezed the entire bridal party together for a big group photo. Yes, it was a large bridal party, but that only added to the excitement and energy.
Large Bridal Party Tip: When planning portraits, work closely with your photographer and planner to organize group shots efficiently. Have a list of must-have combos ready and designate someone from each side to help gather people. This keeps things moving and ensures you get all the photos you want.
Couples Portraits
Before the ceremony, we snuck away with Maddie and Ky for some couples portraits. One benefit of having a first look is that it frees up time for relaxed portrait sessions without worrying about the guests waiting. This let us capture stunning shots of the two of them before the party kicked off.
Ceremony
The ceremony itself was both intimate and filled with laughter and joy. Friends and family looked on with love as Maddie and Ky exchanged vows. From the front of the aisle to the back row, everyone was thrilled to be there in support of the newlyweds.
Reception
The Reception Space
Thanks to Ashley Napier, the reception space was beautifully arranged. Thoughtful table settings and decor details made for fantastic photo opportunities. Good lighting and a cohesive setup not only enhanced the event’s ambiance but also made it easier for us to capture stunning images all evening.
Reception Tip: Plan your reception with lighting in mind. Whether it’s string lights, soft uplights, or a combination of natural and artificial light, a well-lit venue creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere for both guests and photos.
Grand Entrance
Maddie and Ky made their grand entrance to roaring applause. There’s something about the energy of a newly married couple walking hand in hand through their loved ones that just can’t be replicated.
Cake Cutting
Before dinner, the cake decided it had its own agenda and started to lean, so Maddie and Ky jumped in for a quick cake cutting. Despite the unexpected tilt, it made for a lighthearted, memorable moment—and delicious photos!
First Dances
The first dances followed soon after, creating some of the sweetest moments of the night. Maddie and Ky swayed to their song while beaming at each other, and then shared equally special dances with their parents.
First Dance Tip: Schedule your first dances before the dance floor officially opens. This way, you have a private, uninterrupted moment for just you two (and parents!), and it also cues guests to join in the celebration once the floor opens up.
Dinner Time
Once dinner began, we took the chance to grab a quick meal ourselves—because no one wants photos of themselves mid-bite! After recharging, we were back on the floor to capture the rest of the evening’s festivities.
Dance Floor
What a party! From line dances to impromptu sing-alongs, everyone was out on the dance floor celebrating Maddie and Ky. These are the moments we live for—pure joy and celebration.
All That to Say
Maddie and Ky’s wedding day at The Grandeur House was nothing short of magical. We are so thankful they trusted us to capture every big and small moment. Fall weddings in Arkansas never fail to amaze us, but this day will hold a special place in our hearts for a long time to come.
If you’re planning a fall wedding in Little Rock or anywhere in Arkansas, we’d love to help capture your day. Feel free to reach out so we can chat about your vision!
Vendors
- Planner: Ashley Napier Weddings
- Venue: The Grandeur House
- Catering: Corky’s Barbecue
- Bartending: Loisrie Co.
- Photographer: The Linns
- HMUA: Alishia Osequera
- DJ: Timbo Promotions
- Content Creator: EK Content Creation
