Alicia Gerfen & Jim Willis
September 24, 2011 • Circle Yoga Shala, Jasper
Photos by Whitney Bower Imaging

Alicia Gerfen and Jim Willis, both from Little Rock, met through family members, including Jim’s brother who instructed yoga with Alicia’s mom. It is fitting then that the couple planned an intimate, rustic affair that took place at none other than a yoga shala. The utilized the talents of friends and relatives, served locally farmed foods and gave out Arkansas honey favors to save money and to emphasize sustainability.

What detail truly made the wedding yours?  
“Our friends and family offered their time and talents to help us create an environment that we really identified with.”

Bride's Inspiration
“We wanted something intimate, genuine, low-key and fun. The décor and theme really just arose from the natural setting and the existing look and feel of the yoga shala.”

How They Customized
Because they love barbecue and cooking food from local farmers markets, Alicia and Jim did not want to settle for generic catered food. They bought a sustainably raised whole pig from a local farm and roasted it on site. A local honey producer made small honey bear jars with the wedding date printed on the label for guests to take home.

Ways They Saved
The bride and groom decided not to have a rehearsal dinner, bachelor/bachelorette parties or a wedding party in order to cut down costs. “For almost every aspect of the wedding, from the band to the tent to the officiant, we did it ourselves (or someone close to us did) or we knew someone who cut us a deal."

The Details
Photography: Whitney Bower Imaging, Little Rock
Drinks: Central Distributing & Diamond Bear Brewing, Little Rock
Rentals/Lighting: Intents Party Rental, Fayetteville