Arkansas Bride Lauren Strack Puts French Touch on Her Conway Wedding

Lauren Strack & Joel Blansett
June 29, 2013 • St. Joseph Catholic Church & Knights of Columbus, Conway
Photos by SoHo Photography

With a little help from mutual college friends, soul mates Lauren Strack of Conway and North Little Rock’s Joel Blansett found each other. The couple first met in statistics class at the University of Central Arkansas in 2009, but didn’t start dating until two years later. Their love grew strong and finally on Dec. 22, 2012, Joel decided to take the next step. He took Lauren hunting at one of their favorite places and the site of their first date, the Wattensaw Bayou. “It is absolutely beautiful!” she says. As the two were walking along the bank and came upon “the most clear and prettiest of spots,” Joel popped the question. “Afterward, we went to his parents and all of my family and best friends were there to surprise me!” she says.

BRIDE’S INSPIRATION

Lauren asked A Southern Tradition to create a “French Country” look for the wedding, complete with soft romantic floral arrangements and décor. The wedding colors revolved around pale pink and décor was punctuated by natural elements like a cake arbor and unique floral tree creations for tablescapes at the reception.

HOW THEY CUSTOMIZED

Much of the reception décor was customized, including the bottled drinks with the first letter of their last name draped around the necks; the wedding programs; and the beautiful cake arbor created by Lauren’s father that incorporated delicate white and pink flowers, elements from her parents’ wedding and a string of lights.

FAMILY AFFAIR

The couple’s families played an integral part of the big day. Lauren’s father built an antique wagon that the ring bearers rode in during the ceremony, along with the cake arbor, and family members made all of the delicious food served at the reception too. “It was so special to have our family as such a huge part of the wedding,” Lauren says.