Every year, we receive hundreds of wedding submissions from all over the state, and we pour through thousands of images to select our favorite moments. You guys never make it easy, but we’ve paired down our absolute favorite moments of the year from your weddings.
From swoon-worthy wedding exits and hysterical dance floor moments to tear-jerker first looks and fabulous wedding styles…we’re so excited to introduce our Best of 2024 Categories.
WINNER OF THE BEST PHOTO OF 2024
After reviewing over 7,000 votes from you,
the winner of the best photo of 2024 is…
Meica Royal-Robinson & Tirrell Robinson
by The Photo Squad
Photo Credit: The Photo Squad
SEE ALL 29 PHOTOS NOMINATED AND SELECTED FOR THE BEST PHOTO OF 2024 HERE!
Introducing Arkansas Bride’s Best of 2024: Best Cakes!
Wow guys, you really showed up and showed out with wedding cakes this year. We wish we could feature them all! From pearls and bows to vibrant colors and extravagant florals, here are the cakes of 2024 that really stood out to us.
So many beautiful brides and grooms this year…it was so hard to pick our favorites! Here are just a few stylish Arkansas newlyweds who really stood out to us as Best Dressed of 2024.
Introducing Arkansas Bride’s Best of 2024: Best First Looks. We laughed and cried while going through thousands of wedding day photos. We’d recommend grabbing some tissues now before you start scrolling!
Introducing Arkansas Bride’s Best of 2024: Best Dance Moves!
This may be our favorite category because your guests make us laugh, cry (tears of joy, obviously!), and feel like we missed out on a really good party!
Arkansas couples showed up and showed out this year with some show-stopper reception and ceremony exits! These are the images that stuck out to us the most this year…
Photo Credit: AC Photography & Events
Photo Credit: AC Photography & Events
Photo Credit: Alyssa Simpson Photography
Photo Credit: Boston Mountain Photos
Photo Credit: Caitlin Wilson Photography
Photo Credit: Caitlin Wilson Photography
Photo Credit: Caitlin Wilson Photography
Photo Credit: Caitlin Wilson Photography
Photo Credit: Caitlin Wilson Photography
Photo Credit: Cameron and Elizabeth Photography
Photo Credit: Erin Wilson Photography
Photo Credit: Erin Wilson Photography
Photo Credit: Freckled Fox Photography
Photo by Kati Mallory Photo & Design | Photo Credit: Kati Mallory Fine Art Photography
Calling all Planners, Designers, Custom Rentals and Florists…We love the work you’ve done this year! What a hard year to select our favorites, because we wanted to select ALL OF THEM!
Here is just a sneak peek at some of our favorites, but if you want to see more – go see our new issue of Arkansas Bride here.
There’s still time to discover that special something at Romance Diamond Company. Whether it’s a sparkling statement piece or a timeless treasure, our curated collection promises something unique for everyone on your list. Visit us today and let us help you find a gift that will make this season truly unforgettable.
Come see us TONIGHT at the She Said Yes 20th Birthday Party tonight!
Starting a 6pm, come check out the store and meet the owners and bridal consultants who make the dreams of so many brides and grooms come true from across the state of Arkansas.
Kelsey Hatcher and Lawson Korita tied the knot on May 23, 2024, at The Montage Palmetto Bluff in South Carolina. The couple had known each other for years before they decided to explore a romantic relationship, and they have been together ever since. Kelsey realized Lawson was the one for her when her two sons accepted him into their family.
“I was in love with Lawson, but without them accepting him into our world and vice versa we wouldn’t be here today,” Kelsey said. “He was our missing link or puzzle piece if you will. Our miracle at Montage.”
Lawson planned the perfect proposal for Kelsey. While the couple was vacationing in Aspen with her family, they drove to Maroon Bells—the most photographed mountain in North America—where he got down on one knee and asked her to marry him.
“My ring was a family heirloom,” Kelsey said. “It belonged to his grandmother [who] recently passed before our engagement. She was amazing and it is an honor to wear her diamond.”
Planning: Jessika McCuin Weddings; Videography: The Powells; HMUA: Kakki Jones; DJ: Xavier Riley; Stationery and signage: The Social Type; Tuxes: Bauman’s
More Vendors
Venue, bartending, catering and cake: Montage Palmetto Bluff (South Carolina); Golf club: Hilton National Golf Club; Reception lighting: JLK Events; Reception dance floor and Rentals: Event Works; HMUA: Kakki Jones; Ceremony music: Hilton Head Entertainment; Trolley: Old Savannah Tours; Gown: Warren Barron (Dallas)
Photo Credit: Cameron and Elizabeth Photography
Photo Credit: Cameron and Elizabeth Photography
Photo Credit: Cameron and Elizabeth Photography
Dinks & Drinks
Kelsey and Lawson spend a lot of their free time playing sports together and enjoy a bit of friendly competition. The two decided to kick off their wedding weekend with “Dinks and Drinks,” a fun pickleball-themed welcome party for those celebrating the couple.
“They had to pry me away from the court to go get dressed for the rehearsal dinner,” Kelsey said. “It was the perfect way to start the weekend. Totally set the tone.”
The pickleball welcome party was inclusive for all guests attending the weekend: kids playing games on one court and adults serving or sipping on the sidelines.
For the rehearsal dinner, Kelsey and Lawson wanted to arrive by boat with their sons through the May River. On the ride over to the dinner, they saw dolphins while their boys took turns driving the boat. Kelsey shared that this was one of, if not the, most magical moment of the entire weekend.
“I’m not sure I can explain the magic but it was a chance for the four of us to be completely alone,” Kelsey said. “…[We] soaked in the moment with our little family. It was a precious moment.”
Photo Credit: Cameron and Elizabeth Photography
Photo Credit: Cameron and Elizabeth Photography
Photo Credit: Cameron and Elizabeth Photography
The Wedding
Kelsey’s wedding looks were all inspired by her wanting to feel comfortable in her own skin, and feeling like herself. From her gorgeous Tom Ford rehearsal dinner dress to the silky, slinky low-back moment – she came to her wedding weekend with bombshell moments at every event.
“I wanted my gown to be beautiful but effortless and at the same time give me a moment to feel bridal,” Kelsey said. “I loved my veil. It felt very romantic in contrast with my more modern slinky gown. I opted to forego an outfit change and it was the right call.”
Their color palette was inspired by Low Country Southern, even though that has never been Kelsey’s style. The Montage Palmetto Bluff in South Carolina is a luxury resort famous for being a classic Southern escape, and the couple wanted to highlight the architecture and gorgeous landscape of the venue.
“Lawson loves lavender, so we started there,” Kelsey said. “I was very into the combination of lavender and chartreuse. We knew that if done right it would be really beautiful. I think we pulled it off. Our wedding choices reflected both of us at every point. It was never about what I wanted. We wanted it to feel like us, and it did.”
Photo Credit: Cameron and Elizabeth Photography
Photo Credit: Cameron and Elizabeth Photography
SUBMIT YOUR WEDDING TO BE FEATURED IN ARKANSAS BRIDE HERE!
Peyton and Forrest met at an Arkansas competitive cheer gym in 2013 while they were in high school. While Forrest was finishing his senior year of high school, Peyton was only completing her sophomore year. The two parted ways, but ultimately ran into one another again in college. Peyton was cheering for the University of Mississippi and Forrest was cheering for the University of Arkansas, and officially started dating four years after they had met.
“We were at my house on the lake, and our dogs were playing in the backyard while we were drinking coffee on the deck watching them,” Forrest said. “I remember in that moment thinking that this was all I ever wanted and needed, and that she was someone I never wanted to live without.”
Forrest proposed by surprising Peyton while she was on a family vacation in Cabo, the place where they eventually tied the knot. He was standing under a gazebo overlooking the ocean, got down on one knee and asked her to marry him.
“Partially shocked at the fact he was in Mexico and not back home in Arkansas, I think I blacked out during the actual proposal,” Peyton said. “After he had proposed and we hugged, I realized I hadn’t actually looked at the ring. I was blown away by the uniqueness of it, and loved it even more after finding out Forrest had designed it himself.”
“My favorite moment was the ceremony. I hadn’t had the chance to truly take in the ceremony spot before I walked down the aisle, so when the time came, I was absolutely blown away by the florals arranged by Native Floral Studio and Amanda Reed.” – Peyton
Photo Credit: Miles Witt Boyer
Sentimental Spot
Peyton and Forrest had always dreamed of planning a destination wedding. What better place to have it than the place he proposed? Now, Cabo is even more meaningful for the couple and their families.
Photo Credit: Miles Witt Boyer
After the Tone
In lieu of a traditional guest book, the couple invited guests to leave sentimental voicemails via a vintage phone. Peyton and Forrest can replay the thoughtful messages from loved ones whenever they want to relive that special day.
Photo Credit: Miles Witt Boyer
Photo Credit: Miles Witt Boyer
Colors of Cabo
Peyton and Forrest were inspired by Mexican bougainvillea flowers for decor, and used pink, orange, yellow and pops of blue throughout the day.
Photo Credit: Miles Witt Boyer
SUBMIT YOUR WEDDING TO BE FEATURED IN ARKANSAS BRIDE HERE!
| Photo Credit: Kati Mallory Fine Art Photography
