Happy Holidays! I’m starting a new tradition this year. I sent some of my favorite local things to Benfield Photography couples and some of the wedding vendors who referred me to their couples this year. Oprah gives away her favorite things, so why can’t I? 

2022 has been such a fun and exciting year for me personally and as a business owner. I want to thank you for supporting me this year. And in the year ahead, I would love for you to refer me to all your engaged friends (it would really mean the world to me!) Without further adieu, here are some of my favorite things:

Dale’s Favorite Local Things

Onyx Coffee: My favorite local coffee shop that has made a huge name for itself all across the country, Onyx Coffee Lab seems to do everything right. They win national awards and their baristas are some of the best in the country, thanks to their high quality, standards, and training. As a luxury wedding photographer, I adopt the same high quality standards. I know Jon, the owner of Onyx, from my Baller Foodtruck days when we collaborated on some events, and it’s been so fun to watch his company grow and diversify. One of their popular whole been coffees, Eclipse, boasts notes of baker’s chocolate, burnt sugar, and smoked vanilla bean. And of course, it is sourced, roasted, and packaged locally in Rogers, Arkansas.

Markham & Fitz: This local chocolate maker won the Bentonville Small Business Woman-Owned Business of the Year in 2020. I take my girls to the 8th Street Market location when we are craving spiced sipping chocolate, and I was excited to see them in Puritan Coffee & Beer recently. I chose their Southern Pecan for my favorite thing because it boasts caramalized pecans and black salt. Salt + chocolate is the perfect pair!

ph Alchemy: Another woman-owned company in Northwest Arkansas, ph Alchemy creates small batch simple syrup. I’ve used them in everything from cocktails to coffees, and have yet to find a flavor I don’t like. I chose lavender for my favorite local things because it rocks in a bees knees or a latte. I hope you enjoy!

Happy Holiday season to you and your loved ones!