A Formal Shabby Chic Wedding at The Royal Ridge in Royal, Arkansas

Melissa Benni (31 and a senior bilingual administrative assistant) and Etienne Mirgaine (27 and a stress engineer) met by working for the same French company in Little Rock, Arkansas. A year later, Etienne proposed while they were on vacation in Mexico with a princess-cut diamond ring. The couple wanted a shabby chic barn wedding for all of their out-of-town guests from Europe. Both Melissa and Etienne are originally from France, but love Arkansas, so it was an easy choice for the wedding. They exchanged vows in the gorgeous Garvan Woodland Gardens chapel. “The chapel was definitely the best element, it was a beautiful glass chapel located in Hot Springs and was surrounded by trees. It just gave the ceremony a whimsical feel,” Melissa says. “Everyone loved it and thought it was such a magnificent place. It is all wood and glass and the light shines into the chapel beautifully.” Afterwards, they went to The Royal Ridge for their reception. Not only did they love the rustic wooden barn and crystal chandeliers, but they also loved the owner, Angie Butler. The couple chose mint and coral for their color palette and added whimsical details such as bicycles and honey. At the end of the night, they enjoyed a local meal by Yaya’s Restaurant and 50s music by DJ Saveas.