Wedding Guide - February 2020

WEDDING GUIDE

You’ve said,

“Yes!” to the man of your dreams, and now

the adventure begins. Figuring out where to begin can be

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overwhelming, but have no fear, the Do South® Wedding Guide is here! We’ve partnered with some of the best local vendors, dedicated to making all your wedding dreams come true. So, sit back and relax, and congratulations – you’re getting married!

WEDDING GUIDE

2801 Old Greenwood Road, Suite 15 Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.420.9651 27ruedefleur.com In vogue and trendsetting floral designs for every occasion, specializing in weddings, parties, and events in a plethora of styles including vintage, boho, and classic. We look forward to working with you! We are open Tuesday through Friday, from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. & Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

We are located in the heart of Fort Smith, AR in Maybranch Square – Sophisticated floral design, created just for you.

318 North 7th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.782.7854 bonnevillehouse.com Whether you’ve dreamed of this day your entire life and planned every detail, or you decided to keep it simple, skip all the fuss and say “I do” with a few loved ones around, we’ve got you covered! The Bonneville House is a full-service wedding and event venue. Our events manager and preferred vendors work together to help you plan your dream ceremony and reception. Our beautifully decorated historic venue offers an elegant setting. We have six rooms, two restrooms, a commercial kitchen, a spacious courtyard with gazebo and a beautifully landscaped front lawn with endless possibilities. Call today and mention Do South ® for your free tour and consultation.

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479.996.5199 jadegravesphotography.com

5622 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.452.2140 johnmaysjewelers.com

I’m a River Valley based photographer specializing in

Roses are red. Violets are blue. We love diamonds and so

wedding photography and lifestyle portraits. I love clean,

should you! It’s that time once again to show appreciation

timeless styles, and while I appreciate a flattering pose,

to that special someone in your life who means the most

I cherish moments captured when everyone forgets the

to you. Whether you are celebrating your first Valentine’s

camera is near. My favorite wedding moment is just after

Day together, or like our founders, John and Kathryn, your

the first kiss, when the bride and groom turn to face their

53rd Valentine’s Day together, we invite you to come see

guests. Seeing their joy and love gets me every time! A bride

some of our gorgeous new pieces in the store. If you’re

and groom promise much to one another, and I promise

looking for a beautiful Jay Strongwater frame to accent a

to value your family, your memories and your time. I’ve

special picture or if this is the year you get down on one

captured hundreds of weddings and thousands of lifestyle

knee and profess your love with a gorgeous new Hearts

portraits, and I can’t wait to talk about capturing yours!

On Fire diamond engagement ring, we have you covered!

WEDDING GUIDE

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Diamonds are Forever O

words Liesel Schmidt image Happy Together / Oleksii Biriukov Shutterstock

One of the most important things when it’s time to get engaged is, of course, the ring. They say that a diamond is forever, and that marketing campaign has made millions for a reason: It’s true. Women tend to keep those diamond engagement rings forever, so what is chosen now will essentially be one of the investments of a lifetime. For that reason, the diamond selection process is key; but most people don’t have the expertise to navigate the ring displays without the proper guidance. Enter the experts.

The age-old advice is to focus on the three C’s: color, cut, and clarity. Crucial to determining that is the grading system established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), which rates color and clarity as well as cut guidelines for round brilliant diamonds. Generally, the more colorless the diamond and the higher the clarity, the more expensive it will be. Fewer flaws and inclusions make the gem rarer, so the price tag often reflects the rating.

And while diamonds indeed may be forever, even they experience trends. So

what cuts are trending now? According to Mays, pear and oval-shaped diamonds are making a strong comeback, though round cut diamonds are still at the top of most wish lists. For those who like a softer take on a square or rectangular shape, cushion cut diamonds are their perfect match.

WEDDING GUIDE

Carat size is also undeniably high on the list when it comes to discussion points.

That said, the shape of the diamond is a huge factor that affects how big it appears. “A lot of clients, especially young women, come into our store with a predetermined notion about the carat size they want,” says Kevin Mays of John Mays Jewelers, a self-proclaimed “gem geek” with fifteen-plus years in the industry. “People often forget that carat is a measurement of weight and not size like pounds or ounces. Therefore, you may have five one-carat, round brilliant-cut diamonds and they will all vary in size and diameter based on the quality of the cut. This is why the cut of your diamond is so important and is the biggest influence on the brilliance and fire—the sparkle—of your diamond. For that reason, I tell my clients that you should always sacrifice carat over cut.”

Whatever you choose, the most important thing is, of course, the sentiment behind it. “I believe the most important thing in selecting a ring is to remember the beauty and the emotion of the occasion. As jewelers, we’re in the business of romance, and that’s what I love about it! When you sell on beauty and not on price, the four C’s fall into place accordingly,” says Mays.

And while those four C’s are certainly essential to determining the value of a diamond, nothing is more crucial than the three words that come after: “She said yes!”

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WEDDING GUIDE

994 Mountain Harbor Road, Mt. Ida, Arkansas 870.867.2191 / 800.832.2276 mountainharborresort.com But first, the venue! Here comes the bride, but first important

2717 S. 74th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.573.3799 passmoreplasticsurgery.com

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decisions must be made. From the flowers, food, and color palette, there are many ways couples can express themselves

Weddings involve a lot of planning and preparation. If you

on the most important day of their life. Just as important, is

are a mother of the bride, you may also want to plan for

the location and we propose Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa.

products and procedures to improve your appearance and

maximize your confidence for your walk down the aisle.

Mountain Harbor provides an ideal blend of recreation,

Whether it’s injectables for treatment of frown lines and

relaxation, and sophistication. Offering two expansive lakeview

crow’s feet, Ultherapy to tighten the loose skin, PiQo4

conference venues, as well as a large open-air pavilion amongst

fractional laser treatments, or surgical procedures, Passmore

the trees, you’ll enjoy innovative amenities mixed with the

Plastic Surgery offers something for every budget and every

luxury of Arkansas’ Premier Resort. Our award-winning staff

mother of the bride.

and on-site coordinator are here to assist with all details so you can enjoy your big day!

WEDDING GUIDE

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WEDDING GUIDE

WEDDING GUIDE

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479.926.2YOU wedeliver@Sodies2you.com

3411 Old Chismville Road, Greenwood, Arkansas 479.651.8300 theloftatstoneoak.com

Sodie’s 2 You is the first mobile bartending and beverage

The Loft offers a two-story, spectacular urban atmosphere

catering service in the River Valley, making it easier for you

that is no doubt, stunning. It is tucked away in a quiet and

to host amazing parties anywhere! Let us know about your

natural setting in the River Valley. We offer gorgeous chairs

event and we will help you arrange what you need. We pick

and tables, a dreamy bridal loft, groom's lounge, expansive

up your prepaid liquor from the store of your choice and

catering kitchen, multiple patios with string lighting, outdoor

bring it to your event. We can even arrange for licensed

fireplace, fire pit and custom designed wine barrel cocktail

bartenders to serve your guests. Our Custom Bartending

tables. Recently, The Loft has added a gorgeous honeymoon

Trailer is also available, featuring a dual–top margarita

cottage decked out in white shiplap and the most wonderful

machine, two cocktail stations, wine refrigerator, taps for

finishing

kegs, and iced beer bins. Contact us at 479.926.2YOU or

bedding. Enjoy your stay just steps away from the venue and

wedeliver@Sodies2you.com.

make this day a day you will truly remember.

touches

including

luxury

linens,

robes

and