1. Real Weddings

Lara & Justin: A Rustic Wedding in Fayetteville, AR

While attending the University of Arkansas, Lara met Justin in the school’s theater department. Their senior year of college, he played Nathan and she

While attending the University of Arkansas, Lara met Justin in the school’s theater department. Their senior year of college, he played Nathan and she played Adelaide in the school’s showing of Guys and Dolls. The Bride Lara Hightower, 39, high school guidance counselor The Groom Justin Fletcher, 36, manager of corporate relations The Date November 24 After nearly 15 years together, while visiting family in Fayetteville at Christmastime, the couple decided to stay at the Inn at Carnall Hall on the campus of their alma mater. Justin suggested that they take a walk in front of Old Main where all the names of the school’s graduates are carved. Lara was walking a few steps ahead of him when he called to her. She turned around to find Justin down on one knee. The couple soon began planning a rustic barn wedding in Fayetteville.

Lara and Justin had their ring bearer carry a traditional pillow in blue silk and tied with a brown ribbon, but put a twist on tradition with the flower girl who walked down the aisle with a posy of peonies.
Lara and Justin played up their color palette with cupcakes iced in blue and white.
Lara’s bridesmaids wore modest knee-length, chocolate-brown, silk dresses. Their light pink and white bouquets stood out against the rich fabric.
A handwritten drink menu added a whimsical feel to the cocktail hour.
The Pratt Place Inn offered tons of rustic charm with wrought-iron chandeliers and exposed beams. The natural space needed very little decor to make it sparkle.
No Southern party is complete without dessert. The freshly baked pies and chocolate chip cookie sandwiches were a huge hit with guests.
Lara and Justin shared their first dance to “At Last,” by Etta James. Although it’s often played at weddings, they loved that after 16 years of dating, it really fit the meaning of their day.
Although Lara and Justin exchanged traditional vows, they added a few personal touches to the ceremony. Lara’s mother and four of her sisters sang “Hodie,” a Latin hymn, and the bride and groom each chose a poem to be read in honor of the other.
Lara, with help from family and friends, created the chocolate-brown programs. The blue sleeve, printed with a simple monogram, was glammed up with an elaborate scrollwork pattern.