These two architects found the perfect modern venue in Arkansas

architectural wedding venue

Sherry and Jerry met at the Georgia Institute of Technology while they were both studying architecture back in 1992. Soon after, they developed a romance during a class project but ended up losing touch for many years. The two finally reconnected on Facebook in 2021 and rekindled their connection. After getting engaged, they started planning their wedding at what is widely considered to be one of the most significant examples of modern architecture, and the perfect venue for two architects - Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

Keep scrolling to see photography by Sean McNeil of this structurally beautiful wedding at Thorncrown Chapel and 1886 Crescent Hotel, featuring florals by Rose of Sharon Floral Design, coordination by Anaphora Designs, and design by S+J Design Lab. Click here to check out the full gallery of photos, also linked at the bottom of this page!

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There's no better venue for two architects than a modern architectural legend

Thorncrown Chapel is an architectural masterpiece known for its remarkable beauty and unique design. It was designed by architect E. Fay Jones and completed in 1980. The chapel's design is inspired by the principles of organic architecture, which emphasizes harmony between human habitation and the natural world. The most striking feature of the Thorncrown Chapel is its soaring, glass walls that allow natural light to flood the interior and create a sense of connection to the surrounding forest. Thorncrown Chapel has received numerous accolades for its architectural significance, including being named one of the "20th Century's Best Buildings" by the American Institute of Architects. It also continues to be a popular destination for weddings, spiritual retreats, and other events.

wedding chapel in the woods

The couple used architectural design tools to help bring their vision to life

From the custom rings to the wedding cake, every element of the wedding was envisioned and planned by Sherry and Jerry themselves. They took advantage of familiar architectural design tools such as 3D computer models and 3D printing to bring their wedding design to life. The couple even designed a special wedding motif created using entwined forms of their first class project! The design served as the icon of their union, symbolizing the past, present and future, and was featured throughout the wedding’s design.

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The reception location highlighted the beauty of a 19th century hotel venue

After the lovely ceremony at Thorncrown Chapel surrounded by their closest family and friends, the couple hosted their reception at another historically significant building - the 1886 Crescent Hotel. The hotel's Garden Room where the event was hosted was filled with Phalaenopsis orchids (the bride’s favorite flowers). The couple shared, “Our wedding flowers were stunning and just what we had envisioned! Our floral designer, Althea Wiles with Rose of Sharon Floral Design, knew that we wanted something modern that was inspired by the simplicity and beauty of our wedding venue. Additionally," shared bride Sherry, "I wanted to add a touch of peach and roses as a tribute to my late mother, who had that combination at her own wedding."

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Inspired by their wedding venue, a guest helped them find their dream home a few weeks later!

The evening ended with a beautiful dinner catered by the 1886 Crescent Hotel and plenty of dancing to beats by DJ Antonio. And as if this love story wasn’t perfect enough, a few weeks after the wedding a guest sent Jerry a home listing for another E. Fay Jones design in Forrest City, Arkansas called the Don and Ellen Edmondson House. The couple purchased the home and will now be living happily ever after in what has been touted as E. Fay Jones’s most comprehensive residential design. Sherry and Jerry’s story was truly an architectural match made in heaven!

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