Elizabeth Fiser & Michael Williams
Just the Two of Us
Married
Aug 22, 2020
Bella Vista ,
Arkansas
Photo Credit
The Hickenloopers
Style Guide
Color Palette
Style
Formal
Season
Summer
The Proposal
As their spring trip to Lake Como, Italy, approached, Elizabeth had an inkling that a proposal might be around the corner. Wanting to give Elizabeth an unforgettable birthday, Michael hired a photographer, saying they were having photos taken as a birthday present. Little did she know that in the middle of the most romantic garden at Villa d’Este, Michael would be asking her to be his wife. They dressed for portraits and wandered around the beautiful property of Villa d’Este before Michael decided on the perfect spot for the proposal. This marked the beginning of Elizabeth and Michael’s engagement, and it was just what Elizabeth wanted: time for just the two of them.
In Preparation
While Michael and Elizabeth were finalizing wedding plans, COVID had other plans. Their original date was April 25 but was postponed to August 22 with the hope that they would be able to have some version of their original wedding. They had always planned to have an intimate ceremony at the Faye Jones-designed Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel, followed by a larger reception at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. They had initially planned to have a cocktail-style reception with small plates and lounge seating, but with COVID protocol in mind, they kept the small plates but opted for an elegant and classic sit-down dinner.
The Big Day
The bride selected a wrap-style gown embellished with French Alencon and Chantilly lace, sequins, and glass beads, while the groom wore a classic black tuxedo. The bridesmaids wore sleeveless gowns with V-necklines, and trumpet skirts with embellished bows on the back; Michael chose black tuxedos for the groomsmen. They chose Tanarah Luxe Floral because of their team’s ability to transform beautiful flowers into grand showpieces. They selected a popular live band, Boom! Kinetic, to make sure their smaller guest count still got a major party. All of this was possible because of their amazing planning team, Amanda Reed Weddings, which led an outstanding team of vendors willing to work with whatever was thrown at them. Elizabeth Fiser and Michael Williams Got the Wedding of Their Dreams in Arkansas.
The Retreat
The bride and groom had planned to honeymoon in Santorini, Greece, but decided to postpone Greece in favor of a “mini-moon” to Big Cedar Lodge in Branson, Missouri, immediately following their wedding. They stayed at the spa cottage just steps from Big Cedar’s renowned spa, celebrating with couples’ massages and relaxation in the grotto. The couple also golfed at Top of the Rock and Buffalo’s Ridge and spent afternoons horseback riding and enjoying Big Cedar’s many pools. Although Greece had to be postponed, they were happy to have a honeymoon closer to home where they can return to celebrate their anniversaries in the future.
Contributing Vendors
PHOTOGRAPHER
EVENT PLANNER & DESIGNER
FLORIST
CEREMONY VENUE
Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel
RECEPTION VENUE
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
CATERER & BAR
Eleven Restaurant at Crystal Bridges
CAKE
GROOM’S CHEESECAKE SHOOTERS
INVITATIONS
PROGRAM
GOWN
Inbal Dror from Mark Ingram Atelier
RECEPTION GOWN
Allison Webb from Unveiled Bridal Collection
GROOM’S TUX & BRIDESMAID DRESSES
HAIR & MAKEUP
Janell Ezell of Soul Beauty Salon
RENTALS & DECOR
Lightworks Events, Party Pro Rents, Eventology, Nüage Designs, Party Tables, StageKing, The Dance Floor Man, and Dancenhance Entertainment
LIVE PAINTER
FAVORS & GIFTS
MONOGRAM
Claudia Engle Lettering & Design
SIGNAGE CALLIGRAPHY
CEREMONY MUSIC
ENTERTAINMENT
VIDEOGRAPHER
BRIDAL PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER
TRANSPORTATION
Pinnacle Car Services and Dynasty Transportation
