NWAWI August 2024 by NWA-WeddingIdeas

Hamilton

Clarissa & Kris

In an era dominated by social media, Clarissa and Kris Hamilton's love story began uniquely—entirely offline. Set up on a blind date by a family member during 2020, Clarissa was venturing into the unknown. "Kris doesn’t have social media, so I was truly being set up on a very blind date," she recalls. All she knew was his age and workplace. Their first meeting

at a small group cookout was the spark that ignited their relationship. "I am so glad that I went to that cookout! Best decision I ever made," she beams.

Fast forward to their engagement, the proposal took place during a day of birthday celebrations in Northwest Arkansas. With birthdays just a day apart, they spent the day shopping and dining, culminating in a fine dining candlelit dinner. Kris's proposal in the restaurant was a true reflection of their shared love for good food and intimate moments.

Reflecting on what they love most about each other, Clarissa highlights Kris's immense kindness. "Kris has the biggest heart of anyone I know. He will drop everything for literally

anyone." This quality, coupled with their mutual excitement to officially become "The Hamiltons," fueled the emotions on their wedding day.

The couple's wedding day was filled with memorable moments. Clarissa treasures the quiet time they shared after the ceremony, describing it as a moment where "time stood still for a minute." For Kris, the anticipation and emotional release of their "first look" was particularly special.

Family traditions added a personal touch to their celebration. They used Clarissa’s parents' champagne glasses, cake knife, and cake topper from their own wedding, which held sentimental value.

The Hamiltons were fortunate to work with exceptional vendors who brought their vision to life. Lindsey Dickey, their photographer, was a trusted ally throughout the process, capturing every moment with precision. Kindred Blooms, their florist, delivered stunning floral arrangements that added a unique touch to their black-and-whitethemed wedding. Marketplace Grill provided delicious food, and Confectionately Yours crafted a memorable lemon raspberry cake. Their day-of coordinator, Shelby Butler, ensured everything ran smoothly, allowing Clarissa and Kris to fully enjoy their special day. Clarissa’s mom played a significant role, handling much of the planning with enthusiasm and precision.

Despite the threat of rain, the couple’s wedding day unfolded beautifully. They made a last-minute decision to move the ceremony indoors to the chapel at their venue, Osage, which turned out to be a picturesque setting.

In reflecting on their journey, the Hamiltons emphasize the importance of trust and honesty in their relationship. "When two people fully trust each other, there is no obstacle that is too big to handle," says Clarissa.

Photos By: Lindsey Dickey

The Gathering Barn

Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Northwest Arkansas, The Gathering Barn NWA is more than just a wedding venue—it's a labor of love inspired by personal experience and a deep understanding of what makes a wedding truly special. The owner, a proud mother of five daughters, found her calling as a wedding vendor after planning three of her daughters' weddings. Recognizing the need for a beautiful yet affordable venue in the area, she established The Gathering Barn with a commitment to providing exceptional service and a picturesque setting for all kinds of celebrations.

The Gathering Barn NWA is a versatile event venue that accommodates weddings, rehearsal dinners, bridal and baby showers, parties, fundraisers, corporate events, and more. Spanning over 40 acres of stunning landscape, the venue offers breathtaking views that make for unforgettable photography. Among its standout features are the spectacular sunsets over the Little Osage Creek treeline, which provide a stunning backdrop for any event.

What sets The Gathering Barn apart is not only its natural beauty but also its affordability and flexibility. The venue offers a spacious house for the bridal party, complete with a full kitchen, living room, dining room, two bedrooms, and 2.5 baths. For out-of-town guests, its convenient proximity to XNA airport is a notable advantage. The space can be customized for various guest sizes, with the

option to expand through glass garage doors and additional tenting.

Client satisfaction is at the heart of The Gathering Barn’s operations. The team encourages couples to express their personalities through their event planning, providing a blank canvas for creative designs. The Weekend Wedding package, for instance, allows for a stressfree setup, with access to the venue starting Friday morning for rehearsals and decorating, and ending Sunday with ample time to gather belongings.

Prompt and efficient communication is another cornerstone of The Gathering Barn’s service. Understanding the domino effect of planning delays, the team ensures quick responses to inquiries and maintains open lines of communication via email, text, and phone. This proactive approach helps mitigate stress and keeps the planning process smooth.

On the big day, the team works closely with the wedding coordinator to handle any unforeseen challenges, ensuring the bride enjoys her special day without stress. The Gathering Barn also encourages early bookings, especially for peak months, and offers collaborative flexibility with other vendors to ensure seamless event execution.

Couples looking to create a memorable and personalized wedding experience will find The Gathering Barn NWA an ideal partner. For more information, visit their website at www. GatheringBarnNWA.com, follow them on Instagram and Facebook @TheGatheringBarn