Clare and William’s wedding embodied the soulful cry of Etta James: at last. The two are quick to tell you that their love was worth waiting for, and is one shaped by years of prayer.

If the legacy of their marriage is anything like their wedding day, it will be kind, thoughtful and intimate, filled with William’s deep-belly laughs and Clare’s softheartedness. Thank you, Clare and William, for allowing us the privilege. – Ann-Marie

“All I ever really dreamt about my wedding day is how happy I would be and how crazy I would be about the man I chose to marry. I didn’t ever really think of specifics besides a beautiful white dress, and the actual day lived up to all my expectations! It was the happiest day of my life!” – Clare

“William is the happiest guy I know. He is full of life and is constantly smiling or laughing. You will never meet a better man! I am so lucky I get to call him mine!” – Clare

“I was able to use several borrowed pieces from the Bentley side of the family – a beautiful fur stole and a stunning white beaded purse. I also gifted William my father’s watch so that he could be part of the ceremony in some small way.” – Clare

“We met online! The app was Hinge, and we first started talking through messages on September 12, 2020. Our First date was September 19, and the rest as they say is history!” – Clare

“William and I both waited what felt like so long to find each other, and much prayer went into getting to this day. Because of this, it really felt like a wonderful celebration from both sides of our families and friends, and it truly showed the whole weekend. The feeling was just pure love and magic! Plus the snow!! I have never been to a prettier rehearsal dinner. River Hall has windows on all sides to see the Mississippi River, but on this particular night it was as if we were inside a snow globe! Add in the candlelight from inside, and it was simply gorgeous! There was also a little snow left on the rooftop of the Peabody for pictures, which was amazing.” – Clare

“Though these words might not sound like the most fun, steady and stable are the first words that come to mind. We know we can count on each other through thick and thin, fights and happiness. We are both very loyal people in our personal and work lives, and I think that really shines through in our relationship. We also are both constantly laughing at each other, which makes life so much more enjoyable!” – Clare

“William proposed during a trip to Rosemary beach in July of 2021. We had been there for most of the week, and he surprised me towards the end of the trip. We were walking around the square after dinner, and once we had gotten back to the car, he decided he wanted to take a picture at the fountain. As we were taking the picture, he started talking about our first date, and then he turned to me and started to propose. Sadly, there were a lot of kids on bikes playing very loud music, so the proposal stalled for quite a few minutes! Haha But he finished the proposal, and I said yes!” – Clare

“I was so pleased with each and every vendor, but I think the star of the show was definitely Southern Bloom. Kelly Freeland has been one of my best friends for many years now, and she was a bridesmaid, wedding planner, florist, and coordinator. I don’t know how she does it! And in heels!! She is a true gem, and she made my vision come to life. Everything was stunning, and I am so blessed to call her my friend.” – Clare

a moment and say a prayer.” – Clare

“Planning a wedding is stressful, but my best advice is once you get to the wedding week, try to relax and enjoy it as much as possible! Starting Wednesday before the wedding, I let go of the to-do list, and we had an amazing dinner at Folks Folly just the two of us before people started to arrive in town. That was the best decision. It got the celebration in motion, and I took it as my cue to start enjoying the week’s moments!” – Clare

“Everyone went out of their way to show us how much they cared. From the bridal luncheon the day before the wedding, to getting ready the day of, everyone devoted so much time and heart to the weekend. So many came up to both of us and expressed their love and celebration personally. We were so honored to share our day with so many that we are close to.” – Clare

“I think what surprised me the most was how calm I was and how smoothly everything went. I thought I might be a little nervous walking down the aisle, but when the moment happened, all I felt was excitement!” – Clare

“We didn’t really include any family traditions – just the typical cutting of the cake, first dances, and an entrance to the wedding instead of an exit at the end of the night. However, I was so happy that we included our first communion as a couple during the service. It was an element that was very important to me, and it gave us time during the ceremony for just he and I to have a moment and say a prayer.” – Clare

“I am an eclectic person in both decorating my home and in the way I dress, so I think that played into the night heavily. I love mixing silvers and golds and patterns and colors. Throw in a little modern with the acrylic chairs and a little old with the blue chinoiserie vases, and that’s pretty much me to a ‘T.'” – Clare

“Our koozies were the cutest! We support different SEC teams, so we had one side with the Razorbacks represented and one side with Ole Miss represented. They turned out great! William also paid tribute to Ole Miss with his “Lane Train” socks!” – Clare

Lead Shooter: Ann-Marie Wyatt | Second-Shooter: Lindsay Pace | Dress: Maggie Louise/Anne Barge | Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal | Tux: Jos. A Bank | Cakes: The Flour Garden | Reception Venue: The Columns | Coordinator: Kelly Freeland, Southern Bloom | Flowers: Kelly Freeland, Southern Bloom | Invitations: Stovall Collection | Calligraphy: Rachel Fisher| Rentals: White Door Events | Music: Beth Luscombe Strings | Band: Al Paris & The Heartbreakers | Caterer: Coletta’s | Hair: Allie Gambrell, House of Aglaia | Makeup: Matt Gossett | Preparation Accommodations: The Peabody Hotel