It’s 6:00 am and the temperature is dropping. 50ºF…45ºF…35ºF…29ºF… In a matter of just 2 hours, Mildred B Cooper Chapel, Peel Mansion, and the Mansion at the Orchard were blanketed in a sheet of snow – a day before Nick and Megan’s wedding. And it couldn’t have been more magical.
Not being a native of Arkansas (I am from Nashville, TN), I’m not accustomed to snow. Yes, we would receive it from time to time, but never like Arkansas. Especially Northwest Arkansas. So on the day of Megan and Nick’s wedding at Mildred B Cooper Chapel, I was slightly apprehensive. After all – that’s a lot of roads to travel as water turns to ice. This wouldn’t have been an issue if I had my truck still, but being a proud driver of a mini-van, things were a bit more precarious for me.
Regardless, a wedding was on schedule and I was set to perform!
And what a performance the day was. Passing by cars that had slid off the road. Fish-tailing my way through backroads. And of course, praying with intensity on the way to the first location.
Finally arrived at the Mansion at the Orchard.
Mildred B Cooper Chapel Snow Wedding: Megan and Nick
The Mansion at the Orchard
The Mansion at the Orchard is a venue just 15 minutes away from Mildred B Cooper Chapel and is often rented by guests as a place to get ready for their wedding.
That was the plan for Megan and Nick as they had a house full of guests from all over the country – some as far away as Florida, and others as close as Bentonville. It was also a way to bring together a family reunion, of sorts, between friends who were far from each other, due to the call of duty. Many of the attendees, including Nick, were (and are) active-duty servicemen and women. To bring everyone under one roof was an exciting moment for them all as they induced themselves into an array of celebration and joy.
On the day of the wedding, as many of them recovered from “headaches”, the preparations were in full swing. Megan confined herself to her bridal suite while Nick and his groomsmen casually strolled about the mansion and readied their dress blues for the wedding.
It was here that I also met Odin, the mascot of the party – and the most playful german shepherd one may come across! The moment I touched his squeaky toy, he would not stop asking me to play!
There were many touching moments. Some that come to mind include:
- Megan’s grandmother wearing earrings for the first time in years.
- Nick and his friend Zimmer salute each other once in uniform to acknowledge the importance of the day.
- Megan recalled childhood memories with her friends and discovered old journals together
- The look of Megan peaking at Nick as he walked Odin outside in the snow
As the clock ticked on by, the hour approached for all parties to depart for Mildred B Cooper Chapel – and get ready for the wedding.
Mildred B Cooper Chapel Wedding in the Snow
Mildred B Cooper Chapel is beautiful. However, going there while it is covered in snow is like stepping into a fantasy.
It reminded me immensely of C.S. Lewis’s Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe – stepping into the land of Narnia.
One of Arkansas’s many glass wedding chapels, Mildred B Cooper is a beautiful wedding venue located in Northwest Arkansas.
It is one of the smaller chapels, but it can still accommodate many guests – considering the size of a small, micro-wedding.
Also to note is the short distance it is from the river that flows just down the hill by the office building.
As guests were arriving at the chapel, Megan went by the office so she could see her father.
The reason for this setup was to allow him to be the first to see her in her dress.
A quick note I meant to add is that Megan and Nick had already been married for over 2 years. Remember though – he is in the Army, and during their first two years of marriage, he was serving overseas.
The anxiety was building for Megan as she was getting ready to take her vows public. Being with her dad, it was evident he was able to give her peace.
Finally, the moment had come! As they trudged through the snow, Megan’s father shielded her from the elements with an umbrella he brought with him, specifically to cover his daughter.
Step by chilling step, they came up to the doors of the chapel where they could hear the music playing. And then, the doors opened…
Peel Mansion
Immediately after the ceremony, joy had filled the air! Families hugged, the bridal party shouted their congratulations, and we made our way to Peel Mansion to enjoy the reception!
We wasted no time getting inside – after all, we spent nearly 2 hours in the snow and cold.
It is a quaint mansion – right alongside the main highway.
While its location is not grand, what they have done with it is still magnificent.
Megan and Nick joyously burst into the reception dining hall, where we were shoulder-to-shoulder with everyone.
All except a small area by the sweetheart table, where they shared their first dance.
As I watched Nick and Megan dance, I couldn’t help but be reminded of the first dance I shared with my wife on our wedding night.
It’s the most memorable moment because, at that moment, it’s only the two dancing.
Yes, the room may be filled, but you just don’t care then.
All that matters is the rhythm of the music, the sway of your partner, and the joy of being married.
Megan and Nick, congratulations on your wedding. I wish nothing but the best for you.
Thank you to these special vendors for helping this wedding come together:
Wedding Planning: Honey Rose Events
Getting Ready Venue: Mansion at the Orchard
Ceremony Venue: Mildred B Cooper Chapel
Reception Venue: Peel Mansion
Photography: Arkansas Wedding Collection
