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{Real Plus Size Wedding} Mankin Mansion Wedding by Arli Quinn Photography

As everyone knows I’m originally from Richmond,Va. No matter where we end up my heart will always be in Virginia and especially Richmond because I know love everything about it….one being my family since they all live there including my inlaws and two the amazing places there. So naturally when I saw this wedding on the website of the venue, Mankin Mansion, which I absolutely love. I had to have it, I’ve done weddings there, photo shoots and even stayed there with the hubby so it has a definite spot in my heart and the owners are fabulous. And I’m so glad that I can share the amazing location and the talent of the featured vendors Arli Quinn Photography and the great culinary style of White House Catering, who. I’ve worked with before as well. This wedding truly is a full circle for me and the love for my home town and amazing wedding vendors there.

Lloyd and Renee Tuttle
October 26, 2013
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Vendor Information

Photographer: Arli Quinn Photography

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Videographer:

Wedding Planner: Historic Mankin Mansion

Caterer: White House Catering

Cake: Kalico Kitchen

Invitations & Calligraphy: InvitationConsultants.com

Jewelry: Purchased at Dillard’s—not sure the brand

Bride’s Attire {Designer, Style Name or Number}: Mori Lee, Style 1851 Embroidered Net with Satin Cummerbund

Where did you get the bridal attire? Low’s Bridal & Formal, Brinkley, Arkansas

Bridesmaids Attire: Alfred Angelo

Groom’s Attire: Jim’s Formal Wear

Groomsmen Attire: Jim’s Formal Wear

Ceremony Location: Historic Mankin Mansion

Reception Location: Historic Mankin Mansion

Transportation:

Music/Entertainment: Martin Ramirez, Historic Mankin Mansion

Rentals and Décor: Classic Party Rentals

Officiate/ Minister: Rev. J. Michael Cadaret

 

Wedding Information

How did the two of you meet? Over a pair of green beers on Fake St. Pattys Day, a large celebration the Saturday before St. Patricks day in Manhattan, Kansas.  It is a large celebration that takes over the streets of Aggieville yearly.

Describe your engagement: The ring was “burning a hole in Lloyd’s pocket”.  After spending the day at the dog park playing with our “kids”, we returned to my home.  Next thing I knew he was on one knee asking for my hand in marriage.
The weather on your wedding was: Crisp and Cool—a perfect fall day.

Describe your wedding flowers: The flowers were various fall colors brought together by accents of wheat to represent our both growing up on a farm.
Describe your wedding cake: The cake was a marble pound cake with buttercream fondant.  It had a country but classy flair as the cake transitioned from a traditional wedding cake on one side to a hunting scene on the other.  The cake topper brought together the entire piece as it was of the bride in the traditional gown and the groom in his tuxedo along with his hunting gear.  The topper also included our “K9 kids” Beretta and Trapper.
Describe your DIY décor, if any: There were several pieces of DIY décor throughout the ceremony and reception.  Together with our florist, we created an atmosphere that was comfortable but beautiful for our guests.  Some of the more prominent décor items that were homemade include table runners that were embroidered by my mother with an “engraved tree trunk” with our names and wedding date.  We also implemented a lot of aspects of the farm including large sprays of wheat throughout and several mason jars filled with corn with candles.  My favorite piece was a handmade (but purchased) guest book.  It was two slices of tree trunk with a burned wood design on both and space for the guests to sign.  This is an amazing addition to our home décor and helps remind us of the big day.
Describe your menu and your favorite part: Beef Brisket with famous Memphis BBQ sauce, breaded chicken, loaded mashed potatoes, tossed vegetables, and a roll.  The appetizers were classic Virginia Ham rolls; breaded asparagus; Tomato, Basil, and Mozzarella bites; and classic vegetable, cheese and fruit displays.
Describe any unique aspects of the beverages you served: We served two “signature drinks”.  Lloyd’s choice was called “The Tipsy Tuttle”.  It was a classic Crown Royale and Coke.  My choice was called “The Sweet South”.  It was a sweet combination of peach schnapps, sweet tea vodka, and lemonade.
Your first dance song: Like Jesus Does, Eric Church

The thing that we would have done differently: I would have allocated more time for pictures with Lloyd and I.  We decided, as to go with tradition, to not see each other before the wedding.  During the “photography hour” there was not enough time to get some of the family pictures that we would have liked and didn’t have enough time for different locations for couple pictures.  There are so many beautiful picture opportunities at the mansion, that it was hard to choose the best, but Arli (my photographer) did an excellent job getting the best photos with the time that we allotted her.

If we could have spend our wedding dollars differently, we would have: We worked VERY hard to budget correctly in order to make all of my dreams come true.  This included working up some elbow grease myself, but it was well worth it in the end.
Our favorite detail of the wedding was: the intimate setting and the absolutely beautiful grounds at the mansion.
The most unique element of the day: My father and I arrived at the ceremony in a horse drawn carriage.  I felt like a princess!
Your advice for other plus size brides: Go to a bridal salon that offers sample dresses in plus sizes.  Trying on your wedding dress is supposed to be an absolutely thrilling experience.  Going to a bridal salon that only offers a size six for you to try squeeze into is simply no fun and lowers your self esteem.  At Low’s, they had hundreds of dresses in my size or larger to try on so I knew exactly how the dress was going to look on my big day.  Also, it is very important to dress your curves appropriately.  I am 100% confident with who I am, but do know that some styles simply do not work for me.  It does not mean that you have to sacrifice any of the beauty associated with the dress. Accentuate your best features and have it tailored here or there to make it fit perfectly.  Also, a good bodice and pair of Spanx don’t hurt either J. And ALWAYS buy the dress a size BIGGER.  It can always be tailored down, but not always up.  This also allows the tailor more freedom in making the dress form fitting to you.
Three adjectives that describe the day: Stunning, Perfect, Lovely
What has surprised you most during the first few months of marriage? Everyone says that the perfect marriage takes work, and it does, but we find that it is easy and fun.  We have moved halfway across the country, changed jobs, got married, and built a new house all within 6 months.  If we can survive that, we can survive anything!

 

 

 

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Shafonne Myers is a certified wedding and event planner who longed for bridal inspiration that looked like her. She has created a website and magazine that brings bridal inspiration to plus size brides. She does speaking engagements educating the world about plus size brides and self confidence.
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