NWAWI April 2024

Vendor Spotlight

Whitney Mountain Lodge: Where Dreams Become Reality

Nestled in the heart of Northwest Arkansas, Whitney Mountain Lodge stands as a beacon of elegance and charm, beckoning couples to embark on their journey of love amidst breathtaking natural beauty. Founded in 2002, this iconic venue has been a beloved landmark in the region, captivating hearts and creating cherished memories for generations.

Reminiscing on childhood memories, the current owners of Whitney Mountain Lodge recall the joy of sharing the Lodge's splendor with visiting family and friends. Inspired by a deep-rooted passion for hospitality and a commitment to preserving this treasured destination, they embarked on a mission to restore and revitalize the Lodge, breathing new life into its storied halls.

Since its grand reopening, Whitney Mountain Lodge has played host to a myriad of celebrations, each one a testament to the enduring allure of this enchanting venue. With versatile banquet rooms capable of accommodating intimate gatherings or grand soirées, coupled with 15 meticulously appointed guest rooms, including a luxurious bridal suite, Whitney Mountain Lodge offers unparalleled versatility and sophistication.

What sets Whitney Mountain Lodge apart is not just its stunning vistas or elegant facilities but the unwavering dedication of its staff, many of whom boast over two decades of experience in serving the wedding community. Their expertise ensures that every event, from the grandest gala to the most intimate ceremony, is executed flawlessly, leaving couples and their guests enchanted.

At Whitney Mountain Lodge, customization is key. Tailoring each detail to suit the unique preferences and desires of the couple is paramount, ensuring that every wedding is a reflection of their individual love story. Whether it's coordinating with preferred caterers, arranging bespoke décor, or providing invaluable advice, the team at Whitney Mountain Lodge goes above and beyond to exceed expectations.

However, the journey to "I do" is not without its challenges.

Whitney Mountain Lodge

encourages couples to embrace the planning process with meticulous care, offering invaluable guidance and support every step of the way. From recommending professional photographers to assisting with timelines and vendor coordination, their commitment to excellence shines through, ensuring that every aspect of the wedding day is nothing short of perfection.

As demand for this idyllic venue continues to soar, couples are advised to secure their desired dates well in advance, with bookings often made up to two years ahead. Yet, amidst the meticulous planning and anticipation, Whitney Mountain Lodge remains a sanctuary of serenity and romance, a place where dreams are not only envisioned but brought to life.

For those embarking on the journey of a lifetime, Whitney Mountain Lodge stands as a beacon of hope and possibility, where love knows no bounds and every moment is infused with magic. As couples exchange vows amidst the tranquil beauty of Northwest Arkansas, they are enveloped in an aura of timeless elegance, creating memories to last a lifetime.

In the hallowed halls of Whitney Mountain Lodge, the greatest reward lies not in the accolades or applause but in the knowledge that they have played a part in shaping the beginnings of a beautiful love story. For the team at Whitney Mountain Lodge, there is no greater honor than being entrusted with the precious task of turning dreams into reality, one wedding at a time.

Northwest Arkansas Wedding Ideas is honored to present an extraordinary wedding expo, set amidst the serene beauty of Plentywoods Venue.

• Vendors ranging from florists to photographers

• Interactive Games

• Sample delectable food

• Gather our “ideas” for your special day

Sunday April 28th, 12-3

Presented By:

Love, Laughter, and Forever: The Journey of Matt and Shannon Hicks

On Valentine's Day 2023, Shannon and Matt celebrated by making a special dinner at home. Despite Matt's insistence, she wanted to wait until she finished cooking dinner before opening presents. A little later that night, he revealed the reason...he was a nervous wreck! Shannon finally relented, opened her gift to find a cute little plush sloth holding a beautiful ring.

It all started when Matt’s dear friend, Lance, wouldn’t leave Matt alone about needing to ask Shannon out on a date. After a year's time, Matt finally asked Shannon’s friend, Jennifer, if she thought Shannon would say yes. Jennifer said “Do it!”. If it hadn’t been for Lance, that first date may never have happened!

For Matt and Shannon, planning the wedding was so easy. They have a tendency to be on the same wavelength and neither are extravagant or overthe-top people. They both wanted a wedding that was pretty, yet low-key and with no stress. With families that don’t live locally, the important part was that they wanted to enjoy the day with each other, family, and friends.

“One thing that I love about Matt is that he is so compassionate and caring. I’ve never had someone that cared about me so much, I felt like it couldn’t be true. He treats me as his number one person. Plus, we both love the sun and the beach!”, Shannon said.

When asked what makes Shannon special, Matt said, “It’s impossible to narrow it down to one thing! She is one of the kindest, most genuinely caring people I’ve ever met. We enjoy each other’s company regardless of where we are or what we’re doing. She always makes sure I know she cares.”

One part of the ceremony that was unforgettable for both Shannon and Matt was the warming of the rings before the ring exchange. To have their families participate in the ceremony in such a way

will always be a special memory. Another favorite moment was the celebration they received from their friends and family when they walked into the reception hall!

Matt and Shannon planned the wedding together. It helps that Shannon plans events for her job so she was able to bring their ideas to life. They chose Kindred North because of the packages they offered. Shannon said, “Kindred North was amazing. We didn’t have to do a thing the day of. They took care of flowers, decor, and photography.” They chose the colors based on the states they are both from: yellow (sunflower) Kansas and blue (bluebonnets) Texas.

Cowboy Catering Company created a massive charcuterie board. Shannon said that she still hears rave reviews from their guests about the food! The DJ who drove up from Fort Worth, is a dear friend of Shannon’s who made the reception personalized just for the happy couple. Their favorite bartender, Herbert, made sure everyone was properly hydrated. The officiant, Garrett Lewis, did an incredible job of incorporating Matt and Shannon’s story into the ceremony.

Early on in their relationship, Shannon played Beyond by Leon Bridges. It suits them perfectly and was incorporated into the ceremony. All of the music during the day was either tied to a special memory or was a favorite song of theirs. One thing guests loved about their wedding was that they had a cocktail hour before the ceremony. The guests enjoyed getting to spend time with Matt beforehand and it created a relaxed atmosphere leading up to the main event.

The day after the wedding, Mr. and Mrs. Hicks took a short trip to Vegas. A few months later, they spent 10 days at their favorite vacation spot in Cozumel. They could jump into the ocean from the backyard!

The best advice this couple offers to a couple in the planning process is to not stress or feel like the day has to be perfect or over the top. Make it what you both want. And when it comes to a successful marriage, they both agree that it takes honesty, kindness, sharing, teamwork, and cheese dip.