Meet Taylor Holmes, owner of Holmes Media LLC. She started her photography business 10 years ago and has never looked back!
She took on Holmes Media LLC full-time two years ago, and her business has been flourishing.
Photo Credit: Paige Seidenschwarz Photo and Video
“I pride myself on being a photographer that clients/vendors can feel comfortable with, and I work diligently to ensure that my couples have fun,” Taylor says. “It’s so important to me that my couples actually take time to soak in the joy of those beautiful moments.”
She describes her photography style as eclectic, fun and vibrant – and we couldn’t agree more!
Photo Credit: Holmes Media LLC
“The art, culture, and history of the world around me! When I’m in a creative rut, I take my camera and just go,” Taylor says. “I let it lead me wherever it wants – sometimes outside in nature, other times in the studio trying something new.”
The BasicsPackage includes the ceremony and family/party photos.
The Essentials Package includes eight hours of full wedding day coverage.
The Works Package includes eight hours of wedding coverage and both engagement and bridal/boudoir shoots prior to the wedding day.
“I’m someone who can connect with just about anyone, and I love that about myself,” Taylor says. “I carry this small superpower with me to every shoot and wedding!”
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 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!
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!
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.
Josh and Hannah Riley had dreams. Josh wanted to own Tennessee Walking Horses, and Riley had a dream of entertaining. The two decided to combine their passions and open The Stables at Cherokee Creek in 2020.
Photo Credit: Lela & Lyla
Riley began two online venue master courses and became overjoyed with the amount of inquiries they began to receive! Now, they’ve hosted hundreds of weddings and have connected with Arkansas Wedding Vendors all across the state.
Photo Credit: Lela & Lyla
The two could not have been more excited about this endeavor, and we’re honored to have been witnessing their growing success.
Photo Credit: Lela & Lyla
The Stables at Cherokee Creek is currently accepting inquires from newly-engaged couples to host their weddings and vendors seeking a venue for styled shoots. Don’t miss an amazing opportunity to have the wedding of your dreams at The Stables at Cherokee Creek in Conway, Arkansas.
Norwood Day Floral Co., Little Rock’s newest floral and gift shop, is fully in bloom and ready to celebrate its new midtown location.
The 7509 Cantrell Road storefront will host a grand opening event on Thursday, Feb. 27, with a day of giveaways, raffles, food and drinks from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Norwood Day was established last summer by award-winning designer Chris Norwood and event planner Christina Day-Essary, both formerly of Tipton & Hurst, and has since kept busy with weddings, galas, corporate events and floral arrangements for customers across the metro.
Photo Credit: Photo provided by Little Rock Soirée
“Whether a wedding or intimate dinner party, there is nothing we love more than partnering with our clients to bring their visions to life,” Norwood says. “We are truly humbled by the support we have received and look forward to creating even more award-winning designs to help those we serve [to] celebrate all of life’s occasions, big and small.”
Following the grand opening, the shop will be open Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Astral Spa at Oaklawn Hot Springs | Photo Credit: Jason Masters
Treatments We Love
“Turtle Tranquility” at Turtle Cove Spa: a half-day of pure bliss with a facial, massage, body treatment and chakra balancing to restore calmness and put minds and bodies into harmony.
“Journey of Devotion” at Astral Spa: Arkansas’ only Forbes four-star rated spa. You’ll enjoy a muscle-soothing soak, a warm body cocoon with a hot oil scalp treatment, a massage and a facial.
Both of these popular spas offer enchanting crystal-infused treatments, a nod to Hot Springs’ famed crystal mines.
Photo Credit: Zach and Rosalie Marion
In Good Favor
Place a quartz crystal from a local mine at each guest’s place setting at your reception for a totally-Hot Springs favor.
Thursday
The Welcome Party
Allow travelers to get settled at their accommodations before hosting a welcome party at Crystal Ridge Distillery. This popular venue is a memorable choice for welcome parties and rehearsal dinners. Our dream for a welcome party here begins with a distillery tour and tasting, followed by cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the historic event space. Embrace the warmth of original 1920s exposed brick and wood beams as you greet guests and set the stage for a memorable wedding weekend.
Photo Credit: Benjamin Martin Photography
Warm Welcome
Be sure to include Crystal Ridge Distillery’s moonshine in your Hot Springs-themed welcome bags. We love the “Apple Pie” but there are 12 flavors to pick from!
Friday
The Rehearsal
Create a wedding itinerary for your guests, complete with breakfast recommendations and a planned Friday excursion before the rehearsal.
Oaklawn Hot Springs | Photo Credit: Erin Wilson Photography
The Pancake Shop is Hot Springs’ most beloved breakfast spot. As for the excursion, it’s hard to choose just one. A ranger-led tour of Bathhouse Row is always a good idea. Follow that with private transport to Garvan Woodland Gardens so visitors can experience the breathtaking 210-acre botanical garden. A day at the horse races and casino at Oaklawn Hot Springs is always an exhilarating experience for first-time and repeat visitors alike.
Lunch spots abound. DeLuca’s Pizzeria is popular with celebrities visiting the Spa City, and locals will tell you Stubby’s BBQ, McClard’s Bar-B-Q Restaurant and the Superior Bathhouse Brewery are must-tries too.
Catering Temptations | Photo Credit: Cameron and Elizabeth Photography
There’s a million combinations for how to plan the big day in the Spa City. From incredible venues that are nestled in nature and situated on lake shores to ones that are rich in history or rustic and industrial—there’s so many ways to wed in Hot Springs.
Anthony Chapel at Garvan Woodland Gardens | Photo Credit: Emma Farr Photography
Check out our favorite vendors to make this day unforgettable!
Chittum Venue at Forest Lakes | Photo Credit: Boston Mountain Photo
Sunday
Bid Farewell
Don’t let your guests leave without saying goodbye! Thank them for making the journey with a farewell brunch, followed by a bike ride on one of Hot Springs’ acclaimed mountain biking trails. We love The Venetian Dining Room at The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa, and it’s famous for its Sunday brunch.
The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa | Photo Credit: The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa
Rent bikes and take to the Northwoods Trails to soak in the picturesque Ouachita Mountain scenery—a perfect send-off for your most active out-of-towners.
Couples continually tell us that photography was their “most worth-it” splurge.
Take it from them and hire a talented and reputable professional like these featured here.
Submit your Real Weddings by March 7, 2025 to be considered for a feature in our Fall/Winter 2025 issue of Arkansas Bride!
Here are the rules:
Double-check your vendor’s names, and make sure to list all of them!
We want exclusivity! If you’re being featured in one of our competitor’s magazines, we, unfortunately, cannot feature your wedding at this time.
Share the story behind sentimental moments on your special day. We love featuring a variety of weddings from all across the state, and what sells us on weddings we feature are 1.) uniqueness and 2.) personal touches!
We feature ALL weddings! Even though our namesake mentions brides, we love to feature all Arkansas couples – so, please, submit your wedding for a potential feature!
If you ever have any questions, feel free to reach out our assistant editor, Katelyn Allen at kallen@abpg.com.
Submit your Real Weddings by March 7, 2025 to be considered for a feature in our Fall/Winter 2025 issue of Arkansas Bride!
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!
Planning and design: Britt Jones Co.; Production assistant: Ammie Marie Weddings; HMUA: Lu Makeup and Hair; Dress: Dylan Parienty; Models: Tom & Sara Maurizi
Videographer: Dave and A Camera; Wedding dress:Tesori
Photo Credit: The Villar Photo Co.
Photo Credit: The Villar Photo Co.
Photo Credit: The Villar Photo Co.
More Vendors
Co-curator: Sandra Yvette Photography; Venue: The Muse Hotel; Florist: Rose and Peonies; Tablescape and cake: Forevermore Weddings; HMUA: Latina Glam Squad and Adrianaleyva MUA; Rentals: Yennis Party Rentals; Jewelry: Greye Wolfe
Photo Credit: The Villar Photo Co.
Photo Credit: The Villar Photo Co.
Photo Credit: The Villar Photo Co.
SUBMIT YOUR STYLED SHOOT TO BE FEATURED IN ARKANSAS BRIDE HERE!
Arkansas jewelers showcase shimmering diamonds, mixed metals and decadent pearls that brides are sure to swoon for.
(Pictured at top) Roberto Coin white gold chain mixed with a Roberto Coin yellow gold paperclip bracelet with white diamond link, styled with Roberto Coin “puffy triangle” earrings and My Story bands (fluted white gold and yellow gold “bubble”); available at Blakeman’s Fine Jewelry in Rogers.
Photo Credit: Jason Masters
Photo Credit: Jason Masters
Glistening yellow gold wedding bands, pear-shaped diamond engagement ring and sparkling yellow gold and diamond infinity twist ring alongside statement hoop earrings; all available at EVM Jewelers in Fayetteville.
Photo Credit: Jason Masters
Photo Credit: Jason Masters
Utterly timeless pearl necklace and delicate pearl and diamond studs, styled alongside a multicolor pearl bracelet; available at Wilkerson Jewelers in Stuttgart.
Photo Credit: Jason Masters
White gold and diamond baguette band, glittering white gold and pavé diamond band and emerald diamond engagement ring—paired with a dazzling diamond tennis bracelet available at Romance Diamond Co. Jewelers in Fayetteville.
| Photo Credit: Kati Mallory Fine Art Photography
