Wooden Handmade Canoes of Magnolia Hill

Handmade Canoes 

If anyone visits Magnolia Hill, we usually get asked about 

the wooden boats as we walk around the lake. 

Buddy, my husband has made all our wooden boats. 

This boat we named "Arkansas Traveler"

 with its' beautiful steamed & curved wooden ribs. 

Here is a cedar strip built canoe. 

Each board was applied by hand...so much work! 

He is like an artist except he paints with wood. 

Behind it is our Dory boat that is perfect 

for pictures with a bride and groom.

For several years, Buddy has gone to Wooden Boat School

 in Maine to learn this craft.

One year our two sons went too as they 

both love woodworking. 

It was a memorable Father -Son working adventure. 

This canoe is called the Sassafras. 

It sits beautifully on the water and glides easily. 

Before Buddy builds a boat, he is inspired by his surroundings. 

Each boat is handcrafted and treasured by our family.

 It is such a joy when we see them on the water. 

I have learned to love the smell of sawdust!

Especially in the fall, so peaceful on the water.

Wedding photos in the boats are especially romantic. 

The boathouse covers the boats and 

helps keep them clean when not in use. 

Buddy built the boat house too from

 fallen trees that we had after a storm.

Looking for a bit of inspiration in building

 for the woodworker in your life?  

Here are some of Buddy's favorite 

instructional books that we have in our library....

anyone who loves woodworking 

would love one of these books.  

A little early Christmas shopping 

for the woodworker in your family...

handmade canoe paddles 

are a nice beginner project. 

Canoe Paddles: A Complete Guide to Making Your Own

As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you purchase anything through an affiliate

 link, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. 

Building a Strip Canoe, Second Edition, Revised & Expanded: Full-Sized Plans and Instructions for 8 Easy-To-Build, Field-Tested Canoes (Fox Chapel Publishing) Step-by-Step; 100+ Photos & Illustrations

Canoecraft: An Illustrated Guide to Fine Woodstrip Construction

Building Strip-Planked Boats by Nick Schade

 Thank you for visiting and for your kind words...we always love hearing from you. 

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Yacht Wedding Styled Shoot

Ya'll,  I have been holding out a big secret... and bursting to share more details about this inspirational Nautical Style Shoot project with you ...and today is finally the day! Grab your coffee and take in all this gorgeousness. 

 How romantic to get married on the water...well now you can here in central Arkansas!   Just because weddings are smaller, they can actually be most memorable when planned on a yacht! This was our inspiration come to life behind the Style Shoot. 

Our nautical themed style shoot from a group of A+ vendors  included the over abundant talent of Justin Hoadley of Tanarah Lux Floral and photographed by the watchful eye of Lori Sparkman. The bride and groom enjoyed the Magnolia Hill private yacht "Happy Times" that is now open for weddings, which is a venue like no other with so many picturesque backdrops. Rocktown River Outfitters led the charge and piloted the boat to the most perfect sunset location on the Arkansas River.The city's lighted bridges and skyline was the one of a kind backdrop to the shoot. As New Englanders know the waterfront such as Martha's Vineyard is prime real estate when it comes to a timeless wedding...here we have it in the middle of our city!   

Our bride  was pampered by the amazing make up artist, Jamie Lynn Jones  , and wore a beautiful gown  from The Bridal Cottage.  Patticakes Bakery showcased a stunning nautical inspired cake. 

Timeless calligraphy and paper goods were created by Honor Canon of Our Scripted Life. A feast for the eyes of charcuterie boards on the cozy deck were handcrafted by Vibrant Occasions Catering. 

Take a peek at all the loveliness and become inspired to plan your own small nautical wedding, but big on style. If  you have pulled together your guest list, enjoy the fun part of planning by adding in personal touches for an unforgettable, intimate wedding on a yacht!  Small weddings can be over the moon and most memorable for everyone.

Of course we love it when you leave a comment!

VENDORS

Photography:Lori Sparkman Photography  | Event Planner: Justin Hoadley | Floral Designer: Tanarah Luxe Floral  | Makeup: Jamie LynnJones Hair Stylist:Jamie Lynn Jones  | Tuxedo And Mens Attire: Barakat Bespoke | Specialty Foods:Vibrant Occasions Catering  | Cake Designer: Patti Cakes Bakery | Dress Boutique: The Bridal Cottage  | Invitation Designer:Our Scripted Life | Models: Carmel Mullins Hunter Mullins |Furniture: Eventures Party Rentals | Fireworks: Magnolia Hill |  Digital Marketing Specialist: Holly Morrison | River Pilot: Samuel Ellis, Rock Town River Outfitters | Velvet Props: Love, Fest Shop | O'Looneys Wine & Liquor Champagne Pol Roger | Venue: Magnolia Hill Yacht, Happy Times, Location :  Rock Water Marina 

You’ll find me on Instagram here:  Alda's Magnolia Hill 

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You're Engaged! First thing to do!

Soooo ....You are engaged! 

Sometimes it happens when you least expect it, 

or maybe you had a "feeling" but one day the

 love of your life asks you to marry him,

 he puts a ring on your finger, and you are engaged!

 It is especially wonderful if Mr. Right 

has planned a surprise engagement 

for just the two of you.

       

with a little planning, a photographer 

can be close by when needed.

 

And then there is the moment you want to share it 

with friends and especially your family. 

Share the news with family especially first hand...

not through social media. 

Let them hear the excitement in your voice. 

Most fathers like it if they are "asked"

 for his daughter's hand in marriage. 

It is an old tradition but still quite beloved. 

   

It is always nice if you can take a bit of time

 and let the commitment "sink in" 

.... just enjoy the process of things to come. 

Always let those closest to you know of your excitement... 

  It is rather 

heartbreaking sometimes

 if they "hear" of your 

news through the grapevine 

or through social media. 

Capture the moment...

Start thinking of a "season" that you want to get married for the actual 

date will depend upon the dates 

that are available of a venue you have your heart set upon.

One of the first things people ask, "when is the wedding"?  

Don't rush on a date, it may vary, depending on

when a convenient date for those closest to you 

or that you need IN your wedding .

Right after you are engaged, start thinking of an Engagement Photo session. 

Let a photographer capture the magic of the moment

 at this time of your life.

We love engagement photo sessions for they are so sweet to 

play and laugh as you celebrate together.

These photos will most likely be useful in "Save the Date" cards 

once a date has been nailed down.  

Guests will love seeing pictures of the two of you displayed at your reception. 

A favorite picture may be enlarged, framed and useful on the 

Guest Book Table 

This is such a special time, that maybe you want to have 

a book of pictures for a keepsake. It may be used for a guestbook 

if blank space is left for guests to sign. 

On picture day, bring a couple of outfits for you both to change in, 

depending on the mood of your shoot...is it casual or semi formal. 

                                                                                                       Benjamin Martin photography

A good photographer will capture the sweet spirit of the moment.

Any season is fine for an Engagement shoot, but I have to say, 

Fall is my favorite. 

Fall is perfect for boots and sweaters.

Sometimes "Family"members join in the picture

"Now at last they were 

beginning Chapter One 

of the Great Story

no one on earth 

has ever read,

which goes on forever;

in which every chapter is better

than the one before."

                        - C.S. Lewis

We have so many colorful trees around the lake in the fall 

The woods, fields and lake is so pretty in the fall air.

The lake and boats are most romantic...

and I saved a surprise for last...this couple decided

 to "jump in the lake" with a PLANNED canoe roll.

 The water was cold 

but it captured a most memorable kiss!

Enjoy your time of Engagement, and plan for a fabulous memory

...with your love of a lifetime.