LAUREN TILLEY & GEORGE MESSERSMITH
January 29, 2022 | Oaklawn Casino | Erin Wilson Photo & Films
Lauren & George have known one another since they were in the same preschool class. After growing up together, the two decided to try being more than friends. After 6 years of dating, George proposed on a park bench in downtown Hot Springs. Their friends and family were waiting for them at Lauren’s parent's house on Lake Hamilton where they celebrated all weekend.
WEDDING VENDORS WE LOVE
Venue & Catering
Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort
Florist
Silks-A-Bloom
Photography
Erin Wilson Photo and Films
WEDDING DRESS
Unveiled Bridal Collection
MAKEUP
Belle & Blush
JEWELRY
Sissy's Log Cabin
MORE VENDORS
Planner: Anne-Claire Allen, Venue: Lake Valley Community Church, Ceremony Music: Arkansas Capital String Quartet, Stationery: By Invitation Only, Cake: Ambrosia Bakery, Vinyl Dance Floor: The Dancefloor Man, Band: Jordan Kahn Orchestra, Rentals: White Door Events, Linens: BBJ Linens, Transportation: AR Destinations, Tuxedo: Maurine’s Tuxedo & Suits, Hair: Salon 70, Susan Curry and Debbie Miller
INSPIRATION & DETAILS
“Our wedding was an absolute dream. My mother and I have always loved elaborate flowers and knew that Silks-A-Bloom was by far the most fabulous. With Silks-A-Bloom and Anne-Claire, we dreamed up the most amazing day!”
- Lauren Tilley
Lauren hired Georgia Bridgwater to play live music at their wedding. The band played a jazzy set for dinner, their first dances and a dance set for the reception. A horn section played the wedding party and guests into the Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort so they could continue the fun!
Their first dance was to Conversations in the Dark by John Legend. George and Lauren had been friends for over 20 years–so the chorus of the song means so much to them. They’ve grown over the years but have loved one another exactly as they are.
Lauren’s advice to all Arkansas brides is to thank the people who made your wedding day possible! Her parents went above and beyond for her. Her mother spent every day for a year and a half listening to all of Lauren’s ideas for her big day.
Lauren and her mother planned her wedding day tirelessly for a year and hired Anne-Claire Allen as their wedding planner. Due to her attentiveness and attention to detail, the day was executed flawlessly. Lauren believes Anne-Claire and her team are incredible, world-changing women!
“[Our] photographer, Erin Wilson, and her husband captured our day perfectly. Her attention to detail is unmatched. Book a husband and wife videographer and photography team–their cohesiveness in capturing the day is a dream.”
- Lauren Tilley
HOW THEY CUSTOMIZED
Lauren knew she wanted to make a statement for her wedding. She’s always had a bold taste and so she wanted her personality to be reflected through the ceremony and reception. They wanted everyone to feel included, so they spent a lot of time on the seating chart. The dinner was one of Lauren & George’s favorite parts of the whole night!
“George is Greek, so we know we wanted to honor his relatives in some way! We created a playlist of the most popular Greek dances and played it during the band's break! Everyone was on the dance floor and joining in on the special tradition.”
- Lauren Tilley
“My best advice for any bride is to just relax and take it all in. Allow yourself to feel all the emotions and make sure you get a sneak peek of the reception space before guests!”
- Lauren Tilley
See this Real Wedding as it appeared in the print edition of ARKANSAS BRIDE.
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