Shayla & Patrick McHale
Shayla and Patrick McHale got married on a beautiful, hot summer day in June. The Bride and Groom with their families, and adorable dog Carl, stayed at the unique Hot Springs hotel, The Reserve. Their wedding day began with breakfast in their private rooms where Lavonne Beauty did the girls hair and makeup. After the excitement of getting ready, Shayla and Patrick shared an intimate first look on The Reserve’s private grounds where they exchanged their vows.
Shayla’s dress, designed by Seema Gujral, was a stunning Lehenga—an elaborately beaded skirt and cropped top traditionally worn at Indian weddings. Her dress of choice was a surprise for her father. She revealed her dress to him in a father-daughter first look. There was not a dry eye in sight.
(BTS: Shaylas dress was equally beautiful as it was heavy! In order to get the shot on the right, I had to hide behind the dress and hold it up! So worth it.)
The ceremony was short and sweet within the warmth of Anthony Chapel at Garvan Gardens. The aisle was lined with beautiful clouds of baby’s breath by Hot Springs’ Flowers and Home. Shayla and Patrick made the decision to skip tradition and stand on the opposite side during their ceremony to give their loving parents the best view of their child’s face during the ceremony. While the couple opted to skip the bridal party, their ceremony was not lacking in guests. Their ceremony was officiated by Shayla’s own brother and witnessed by the couples closest friends and family.
While it is easy for me to show you some beautiful photos of their wedding and pretend like everything went according to plan, that isn’t the case with every wedding. While the ceremony was taking place at Anthony Chapel, back at The Reserve, a very different scene was taking place. In Arkansas fashion, the heat was accompanied by a quick downpour just as the bride was departing for the ceremony. This sudden change in weather managed to knock down several cocktail tables and the beautiful string lights draping around the outdoor dance floor. Thanks to the quick reaction of our coordinating staff, the staff at The Reserve, the DJ, “This is Mayo”, and Central Arkansas Entertainment, we were able to clean up the mess and have a beautiful, dry reception space before guests arrived.
After the ceremony, guests were transported back to The Reserve for the reception in the quaint Hot Spring Trolleys. Guests were greeted with an open bar at cocktail hour in the greenhouse. The Bride and Groom made their grand entrance into cocktail hour with their adorable dog, Carl. Dinner was served by Chuy’s Tex Mex under a large white tent lit with glowing string lights. Before the sun set, Black House Studios swept the couple away to take the most romantic portraits I have ever seen. Touching toasts were given by both the Bride and Grooms’ parents and the best man, after which the couple and their guests dance the night away.
While most weddings end here, Shayla & Patrick had one more surprise for their guests. When the last song ended, Shayla & Patrick led their guests back to the Greenhouse which was now transformed with disco balls, uplights, and Little Caesar’s crazy bread for their after party, “Club McHale”!
Love Letters From the Bride
“Madison and her team had a lot to handle with our wedding and they executed it perfectly! Between two venues, transportation, a rowdy bunch, and lots of decor - they had every detail nailed down. The thing we loved the most - our doggy child Carl was at our wedding and without even asking, Madison's team would bring him out on the dance floor with his leash so he could be part of the experience. He is our family and the fact that they knew we wanted him a part of the day and taking that off of our hands to handle was amazing. We didn't want him out there the whole time so that was so nice of them! There were minor things like our dance floor falling, rain, etc. But Madison never wanted me to feel the stress of that. She took it on head first and handled everything without putting the stress on me! The timing of course changes in a wedding and she always had a back up plan and gave us clear direction! Brides, HIRE MADISON AND HER TEAM. Having a planner is a MUST when it comes to weddings and having the best time of your life!”— Shayla McHale review on The Knot
The Vendors
Ceremony- Anthony Chapel at Garvan Gardens
Reception- The Reserve at Hot Springs
Planning- Madison Nichole Weddings & Events
Photography & Videography- Black House Studio
Florals- Flowers and Home
Catering- Chuy’s Restaurant
Rentals- Eventology, Central Arkansas Entertainment, Madison Nichole Weddings & Events
Entertainment- This is Mayo
Hair & Makeup- Lavonne Beauty
Transportation- Hot Springs Trolley
