Leigh Alcott and Samuel Sneider
Married
May 18, 2024
El Dorado ,
Arkansas
Photo Credit
Micahla Vaughn Photography
Style Guide
Color Palette
Style
Season
Spring
The Proposal
In 2021, as the pandemic began to subside, Sam and Leigh were invited to a picnic at Bette Davis Park in Los Angeles. What they initially thought was a casual outing turned out to be a setup for a great match!
A few years later, Sam returned to Bette Davis Park with Leigh for another picnic, where he proposed with a custom-designed ring from their friend. It was a special day just for the two of them, followed by a weekend filled with family and friends.
Leigh’s family traveled from Mississippi and Arkansas to join Sam’s family in California for the special occasion, as both Passover and Easter fell on the same weekend. However, they surprised everyone by transforming the weekend into a beautiful garden engagement party at Sam and Leigh’s home. The event was expertly planned by their friend and local Los Angeles event planner, Stephen Berg.
In Preparation
While the couple cherished their engagement weekend, they decided to make their wedding more intimate and personal by choosing to tie the knot in Leigh’s mother’s backyard in El Dorado, Arkansas.
To bring their vision to life, Leigh’s mom enlisted the expertise of architect Doug Staton, who transformed the backyard into a breathtaking, picture-perfect space. The result was an ideal setting for a springtime Southern garden wedding, overflowing with charm and elegance. They collaborated from afar with hometown wedding planner Hannah Lamb Events to create a Southern-inspired atmosphere that was both fun and immersive, giving their family from around the world a genuine taste of Arkansas culture. They embraced local vendors, who helped execute the vision seamlessly. The celebration emphasized Southern hospitality, making every guest feel like part of the family, while the night was filled with laughter, dancing, and stories shared beneath the twinkling string lights of the clear tent.
The Big Day
The Southern wedding day was a beautiful blend of cultures and traditions, featuring a stunning Chuppah and a heartfelt Jewish ceremony officiated by Sam’s brother. The day began with a cocktail hour, during which the couple greeted guests at their home while photographers captured all the special moments. Stag Culinary impressed everyone with a mouthwatering four-course meal that showcased the best of Southern flavors and hospitality. The local band, Boomer Hill Band, was fantastic and kept the energy high — people still talk about how amazing they were!
The decor balanced vibrant florals and bold colors with classic simplicity, including white tablecloths and antique china that provided an elegant touch. The flexible bride and groom adjusted the ceremony and dinner times to keep guests comfortable, ensuring no one had to sit in the blazing sun. One of the evening’s highlights was the cake—it was not only beautiful but also delicious, making it a favorite moment of the night! Overall, the day was truly delightful.
The Retreat
After their family wedding, the bride and groom celebrated their honeymoon with friends in La Paz, Baja California. They enjoyed a day of snorkeling with sea lions—one of their favorite activities—and relaxed on the beautiful white sand beaches. The Baja Club hotel, with its stunning scenery, was the perfect location to commemorate their union and share this special experience with their “other family.”
Featured Wedding Vendors
Photography
Photography Assistant
Dallas Caldwell
Planning and Design
Florist
Venue
Private Residence
Content Creation
Creative Reflection
Rentals
Specialty Rentals
Eventology
Linens
BBJ LaTavola
Catering
Stag Culinary
Bar
Cake
Band
Boomer Hill Band
