One swipe and…BOOM! Love! Well, things didn’t progress that lightning quick, but sparks flew for sure on Lindsey and Justin’s very first date at JJ’s Grill in Arkansas. Just over a year later, Justin surprised Lindsey with a proposal with some help from Lindsey’s darling Goldendoodle, Cash. That sweet pupper and Justin’s doggo Butters were a part of Lindsey’s bridal portraits (peek at the cuteness a little further below).
Lindsey fell for her gown’s fabric and the way it complemented her figure with its just-the-right-fullness skirt, cinched waist, and V-neckline…but the piece de resistance was her detachable train. Explains Lindsey, “I didn’t have to worry about bustling the dress or it getting messed up while being transported.”
More details below from Lindsey, who wore her mom’s veil for her “something old” and pinned her mom’s sorority pin to her bouquet (they went to the same college and were in the same sorority!) for her “something borrowed”:
How did you guys meet?
“Justin and I met by matching on the dating app, Bumble! He quickly asked me out via the app and we had our first date on July 31, 2017 at JJ’s Grill. We are very thankful for the app because I don’t think we would have met otherwise. He grew up in DeWitt, AR and went to Arkansas State University while I grew up in Little Rock, AR and went to the University of Arkansas. I just don’t think we would have ever crossed paths.”
wedding dress: custom Lea-Ann Belter gown via Bridal Boutique of Lewisville | photographer: Meredith Benton Photography | scroll down for full vendor list
How did your sweetie propose?
“On August 30, 2018, I was gearing up for a big weekend with our friends on Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, AR. I decided I was going to go get my nails done that afternoon so I went right after work. When I got home, Justin was there in my living room which really surprised me! He handed me a hand-written note with sweet words about me and our future. He then proceeded to get down on one knee in my living room and proposed! I really loved that my dog Cash was there because it was funny how he thought Justin was playing when he got down on one knee.”
How did you choose your gown?
“I chose the gown first because of the fabric. It was beautiful, luxurious and timeless. I also loved the fit of the gown—it showed off my figure while also creating a full skirt but it wasn’t too big. And of course, I chose it because I had the ability to make a custom train that I could take on and off throughout the day. I didn’t have to worry about bustling the dress or it getting messed up while being transported.”
Tell us about your day!
“We did not have a theme in mind or a specific style. We just wanted something simple and intimate to enjoy with our family and friends. We did want to keep it traditional and that is why we had our ceremony at a church. The church is actually the one my paternal grandparents have gone to for many years. I wanted to honor my late grandmother by having our ceremony there and I really felt like she was watching over us that day.
My favorite wedding moment was our “last dance.” When everyone was lining up outside for our grand exit, our band played our first dance song again. It was just the two of us on the dance floor in a big, empty ballroom. We got to take in the moment and relive our first dance song. There’s just so much going on when you do your first dance that it was great to have it played again and just for the two of us.”
What was your first dance song?
“A ’90s country fan through and through, Justin wanted to choose our first dance song. And I was so happy he wanted to select the music for that special moment! Justin chose Sara Evans’s “I Could Not Ask for More” because felt it was totally us. Every prayer was answered for us when we found each other and we give God all the glory.”
Describe your wedding day in 5 words or less:
“Fast, fun, traditional, simple, intimate.”
What was your something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue?
“Something old was my veil which was actually my mother’s wedding veil. Something new was my dress. Something borrowed was my mom’s sorority pin that I pinned to my bouquet; we were in the same sorority (at the same college) so it was very meaningful. Something blue were my shoes.”
Three words that best describe your significant other (you or both of you can answer!):
“Justin is thoughtful, funny and loving.”
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
“We went to Excellence El Carmen in Punta Cana.”
Any advice for future brides/grooms?
“Enjoy every moment—even the planning! It all goes by so fast and you can easily get stressed and forget to enjoy every second. I would also say that it’s not too hard to plan a lot of it yourself. I hired a planner for the month and day of and that was the perfect amount of time. She really helped with all the last minute details. Everything leading up to that though wasn’t hard to plan if you already know what you want and you know the area well. There are tons of resources online to help with the planning process and tons of reviews of vendors—plus there’s always Pinterest!”
Lindsey + Justin’s Little Rock Wedding Vendors
wedding dress: custom Lea-Ann Belter gown via Bridal Boutique of Lewisville | photographer: Meredith Benton Photography | wedding planner: Meredith Events | ceremony venue: Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church | reception venue: Chenal Country Club | florals: Cabbage Rose | cake: Sweet Lavender Bakeshop | bride hair + makeup: Lindsey Powers Huey | bridesmaid dresses: Bill Levkoff via Beside the Bride | bridesmaid makeup: Megan Irwin | bridesmaid hair: Lindsey Powers Huey | groomsmen tuxes: Calvin Klein via Men’s Wearhouse | jeweler: Diamonds Direct (Dallas, TX) | videographer: Betwixt Magnolias | photo booth: Little Photo Booth | band: Diamond Empire Band | invitations: Simply Paper Co.
