Reception Goals: Why The Ballroom at I Street Is the Perfect Pairing for a Cooper Chapel Wedding

Reception Goals: Why The Ballroom at I Street Is the Perfect Pairing for a Cooper Chapel Wedding

A Day Full of Heart in the Heart of Northwest Arkansas

There’s something really special about watching two people say “I do” surrounded by the places and people that shaped them. Katie and Tyler’s wedding was the kind of day that reminded me why I do this job—full of intentional moments, deep connections, and spaces that felt like an extension of their story. From the timeless beauty of Cooper Chapel in Bella Vista to the elegant, light-filled reception at The Ballroom at I Street in Bentonville, every detail of their day was thoughtfully chosen. And for me, that meant the chance to document not just a wedding—but a legacy.

If you’re new to Cooper Chapel, I wrote an entire blog post about why Arkansas’ famous glass chapels are some of the most magical places to get married. You can check that out right here.

Cooper Chapel Ceremonies Deserve an Epic Reception—Here’s the Solution

Let me be real for a second—finding the perfect reception space when you’re getting married at a separate chapel is harder than it sounds. Especially in Northwest Arkansas, where options can be either too rustic, too far, or not quite up to par with the elegance of places like Cooper Chapel.

That’s what makes The Ballroom at I Street such a perfect choice.

Just a short drive away in Bentonville—and literally right across the street from a private airport (yes, it’s as cool as it sounds)—the Ballroom offers an upscale yet approachable vibe with big natural light, clean white walls, and thoughtful spaces that make hosting a breeze. From a photographer’s perspective? It checks all the boxes.

5 Photographer-Approved Tips for Brides Choosing the Perfect Venue

Whether you're planning a classic chapel ceremony or just trying to find a venue that photographs well, here are five tips I give my couples when they’re choosing the spaces that’ll shape their day:

1. Prioritize Natural Light

Light is everything. It affects the mood, the tone, and the quality of your photos. Venues like The Ballroom at I Street are a dream because the light just works—even in the middle of summer or on a cloudy day.

2. Think Through Your Timeline Flow

If your ceremony and reception are in different locations, make sure the drive is short, the parking is easy, and the transition is smooth. You don’t want your guests sitting in traffic while your cocktail hour fizzles out.

3. Choose Getting Ready Spaces with Intention

You’ll spend hours in your prep space—and we’ll shoot a ton of photos there. Make sure it feels peaceful, clean, and well-lit. Trust me, it shows in the photos.

4. Make the Space Feel Like You

Don’t book a venue just because it’s trendy or has a good Instagram moment. Ask yourself if it fits your story. The venues that photograph the best are the ones where the couple feels completely at home.

5. Ask Your Photographer for Venue Advice

We see a lot—and we know what spaces photograph beautifully, how the light moves through them, and where to sneak away for portraits. Don’t be afraid to lean on that experience.

Katie & Tyler: A Celebration with Purpose and Presence

Katie and Tyler’s wedding felt like a masterclass in intentionality. Every guest was there for a reason. Every moment carried weight. And every detail—from Katie’s smile to the butterflies fluttering around cocktail hour—told a deeper story.

Those butterflies weren’t an accident. They were a quiet, beautiful tribute to Katie’s dad, who passed away just a few years ago. Watching them fly in and around their guests during cocktail hour was like witnessing a spiritual exhale. It was one of those moments where time slowed down, and you could feel something bigger than all of us wrapping its arms around the day.

Their first dance? Emotional. The toasts? Hilarious and heartfelt. The photos? Full of laughter, tears, and all those little blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments that matter most.

5 Ways Photographers Can Capture More Meaningful Wedding Images

For my fellow wedding photographers, here are a few takeaways from a day like Katie and Tyler’s:

1. Know Who Matters to the Couple

Before the day, ask your couple who the MVPs are. Parents, best friends, grandparents—those connections are gold when you’re trying to tell an authentic story.

2. Stay Present, Not Just Ready

It’s easy to get caught in the technical stuff. But meaningful images come from presence. Breathe, slow down, and see what’s happening.

3. Look for the Unsaid Moments

That hand squeeze during a speech. The look between sisters. The tear someone tries to hide. Those are the images they’ll feel forever.

4. Let Go of Control

The more you try to orchestrate perfection, the more you miss the magic. Be flexible. Be observant. Let the day unfold naturally.

5. Shoot With Empathy

When you connect with your couples, when you really care—your photos reflect that. Empathy is your best creative tool.

Want Photographs That Tell a Story? Let’s Talk.

If you're planning your own wedding and looking for more than just pretty pictures—if you want images that feel like memories and not just poses—I'd love to connect.

You can find me on Instagram at @mileswittboyer, browse more stories like this at www.mileswittboyer.com, or send me an email through my site. For years now, the couples who hire me do so because they want their photos to be more about legacy and love than Pinterest perfection. If that sounds like you, I’m here for it.

Let’s make something that lasts.

—Miles