Before the Ceremony Begins

 Lori Sparkman Photography

Before the ceremony begins,

 the photographer has time to catch 

all the little details of the wedding. 

It is hard to believe that September is just around the corner

and our fall wedding season blossoms in fullness.

  

I have heard from so many of my brides

 that the day was over all too soon ...

over in a flash ...

after all the planning.

 Lori Sparkman Photography

The brides personal bouquet is to be remembered, 

and captured in a lovely photo... just sitting there looking pretty.

I especially love the magnolia leaves 

and fern fronds in this one.

 Lori Sparkman Photography

With roses in her collar, Delilah our sweetheart 

English Suffolk draft horse

 knows it is wedding day 

and she has an important job to do. 

 Lori Sparkman Photography

 Wedding signs are out, 

and this one is most appropriate 

for the day and these times. 

 Lori Sparkman Photography

 Capturing the bride and groom 

in a sweet private moment. 

 Lori Sparkman Photography

 First look ?  

Seems to put a bride at ease 

and I love this romantic 

dash across the lawn.

 Lori Sparkman Photography

 There are never too many pictures

 of just the two of you...

 Lori Sparkman Photography

And with your girls

 Lori Sparkman Photography

A few pictures of a handsome groom

 before the actual ceremony are treasured.

 Lori Sparkman Photography

 Stepping in the carriage...

Time to get in the carriage and go to the altar.

Treasure this sweet moment! 

 Lori Sparkman Photography

Such a beautiful wedding and stunning bride!  

Venue Alda's Magnolia Hill 

Planning Alda's Magnolia Hill 

Florals Alda's Magnolia Hill 

Photography Lori Sparkman Photography

Catering : Vibrant Occasions Catering

Hugs!

Pssst: Did you know Alda's Magnolia Hill  is on Instagram? 

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

Like to know when a new blog post is up and available to read? Subscribe for email updates, it’s free and your email will never be shared. Subscribe for free post updates !

The Boathouse and a Water View

There is something about water that seems to draw people near. 

The sun sets behind our mountain and lake, 

and just a few steps from The Farmhouse, Buddy has built a Boathouse.   

The sun goes down, and the twinkle lights come on. 

Last week, we had company from Dallas, a friend I had not seen in years....While passing through, he wanted to stop and say hi, but more than anything, just to walk around the lake. 

Over 60 years passed, and as a young boy, he had been fishing here with his dad.  

A walk around the lake helped to relive a few moments in time with his father.  

He remembered an old barn and was quite surprised 

with our Farmhouse and Boathouse.

The Porch on The Farmhouse is lit up for a reception. 

Just a few steps away from the reception is The Boathouse. 

A little liquid refreshment is served from the Boathouse. ..whether it is a "bar" 

or Hot Cider Bar,  Lemonade stand, or Hot Chocolate Bar, 

it is very inviting.

 Nearby is the bonfire pit for toasting s'mores 

Sitting around a bonfire by the lake, 

listening to the sounds of the night...what could be better?

   The handmade cedar boathouse is the authentic period correct building, housing 3 boats. 

 Honoring the past, yet perfect for today's entertaining, 

it captures the rustic spirit of the lake and surrounding woods. 

  

Our 1948 red Chevy truck holds wedding gifts on the tailgate.

Guests enjoy seeing the handmade canoes 

 now hanging up in the boathouse.  

The "Arkansas Traveler" wooden canoe has steamed wood ribs, 

in the antique and classic style of Old Town Canoes. 

The "Arkansas Traveler" on the right with Samuel and

 Buddy is in his "Strip Built Cedar" canoe, on the left.

Here Buddy works on the Arkansas Traveler  

Buddy and Samuel testing out the Arkansas Traveler on it's maiden voyage 

The Cedar Strip Built canoe

Our boats certainly get used !

Here the Dory boat is rowing bridesmaids to the altar. 

After a wedding ceremony, photos in the boats 

are romantic on the lake.

String lights around the Boathouse and in the trees...all lit up in the night

The Arkansas Traveler canoe hangs upside down over a French wine barrel.

The Boathouse is a perfect spot for an Instagram photo. 

Stand behind the truck door. 

The Boat House sign hangs overhead and 

is made from fallen wood on the property. 

My Daddy's 1954, Martin boat motor hangs in the boathouse...still in working order!

Come get a cup of hot cider from the Boathouse, and enjoy sitting around the bonfire.  

Thank you for visiting!

Southern Style Flavors to Wow Your Wedding Guests

After the first of the year, we are all into wedding planning with our brides for the year. And we have made it easy, for exclusive to Magnolia Hill is our award winning caterer, Dinner's Ready  !

They are on the leading edge of what is happening in the wedding world 

as they played host to the Arkansas Democrat Bridal Fair as a leading sponsor. 

Wedding blogs such as The Knot released what they see in trends on wedding reception offerings..."the sit-down dinner is starting to be replaced with more interactive options. Set up stations that feature your favorite eats, like a raw bar with a waiter live-shucking oysters or wine and cheese pairings with an on-site sommelier. If you don’t want to forgo a plated dinner, host a cool cocktail hour and serve the main meal family style for a twist on tradition."

 

And you may have seen Serge as he regularly makes everyone hungry on KARK morning show! KARK TV featuring Chef Serge preparing some  favorite dishes on air.

 Make sure you are not hungry when you read this...for your mouth will be watering after you see the pictures of their delicious creations.

 For the grooms table, Razorback cupcakes !

     and for a main course....Buffet style or plated

 

 

  Sometimes mini versions of your favorite desserts 

 make even more of a statement than their full-sized counterparts.

 The active stations are not only delicious, but fun to watch the chef cook right in front of the guests.

 Appeal to guests’ lighter sides by putting a few delicious good-for-you options on the menu. This heirloom tomato & basil salad is mouthwatering beautiful. 

 A little drama with an active station of Bananas Foster

 Your home-cooked favorites are instantly elevated when served in unexpected ways, like these grilled cheese points served with dainty tomato soup shooters.

 An abundant buffet is a great way to ensure everyone gets what they want, but it also creates an appetizing focal point. One tasty buffet option is a cheese station with an array of mild and strong flavors, different textures, and cheeses made with goat, cow, and sheep milk. Add labels so guests know what they’re diving into, then pair them with breads, fruits, and nuts.

 Beautiful presentations

An appetizer display on the hay wagon. A little netting keeps early nibblers away, yet still looks exciting  while the wedding ceremony is going on !

Stuffed zucchini boats 

For any  Southern specialty,  Serge puts the finishing touch for perfection!

 Blackened Chicken with Cajun Cream

  Look at these cute sunflower cupcakes complete with a ladybug.

Now I bet I have made you hungry!