Though Faith Pearse Miller met Jonathan David Helmerich during their freshman year at the University of Missouri, it took a couple of years for their relationship to progress. “He was a member of my twin brother’s fraternity, which meant off-limits,” notes Faith. “My junior year of college I decided that, whether my brother liked it or not, David was the man I’d been looking for.” After five years together, David proposed at their alma mater on the sidelines of the football field, where Faith – a former member of the Golden Girls university dance team – had returned to perform during the homecoming game.

When it came time to plan their nuptials in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where they reside, the pair relied on their team of vendors, as well as their family. Though they wanted the day to reflect their style, they also made sure to keep their guests in mind at all times, which started right away by choosing a beautiful museum venue they knew loved ones would enjoy. “Locals like to claim that it is ‘Tuscany in Tulsa’ as it truly feels like you aren’t in Oklahoma,” the bride shares of the museum that hosted both ceremony and reception.

Desiring a romantic and chic garden wedding with a white and gold color palette, the ceremony was held in the gardens on property. “After being a Golden Girl that wore a gold sequin dress to football games, no one was surprised we chose the color gold,” smiles Faith of their design scheme. Since they wanted to also blend traditional and modern aspects, the vow exchange followed timeless traditions despite being held outside.

When it was time to enter the tented reception space on the front lawn of the museum, loved ones were amazed by the stunning décor. An impeccable floral chandelier with illuminated orbs was placed over the dance floor, serving as the pièce de résistance of the celebration. Modern guest seating by Chameleon Chair Collection surrounded elegant tables, and striking centerpieces comprised of ivory blooms including roses, orchids, hydrangeas, and calla lilies provided a luxurious feel to the space that had been built from the ground up. “After all the months and hours of planning, it was so wonderful to see it all come together and be so beautifully done,” muses the bride.

Following a sit-down dinner service, guests were offered slices of not one, but four wedding confections for dessert. “I am an extreme dessert lover, so I knew it needed to play a large role in my wedding,” shares Faith. Two full-sized wedding cakes featuring an abstract floral design made of white chocolate were provided, as well as two German chocolate groom’s cakes and a variety of sweet treats displayed on large dessert tables featuring small bee details as an ode to the groom’s beekeeping hobby. To keep everyone energized throughout the fête, late-night snacks from Chick-fil-A were served on silver platters, delighting attendees.

The couple was thrilled with the outcome of their celebration and encourages others to stay consistent with design elements to ensure you reminisce on the day with joy and pride. “When you look back at photos, you’ll thank yourself for taking the time to make sure everything coordinated,” confirms the bride. “But most importantly, make sure you are enjoying the planning process with your fiancé!”