Emma Grace Hall & John Caleb Dean
June 14, 2025 | The Reserve At Hot Springs | Raegan Buckley Photography
Emma Grace and John met during their freshman year at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville through mutual friends. They attended a few events together that year, and then Caleb moved to Florida for a Summer job.
They stayed in touch while he was away, and they made things official when he came back to finish school the following semester. Eight years later, the couple tied the knot at The Reserve in Hot Springs, surrounded by their loved ones!
Photo Credit: Raegan Buckley Photography
Photo Credit: Raegan Buckley Photography
Wedding Professionals We Love
Custom rentals, production design, sound and DJ: TJ the DJ with Central Arkansas Entertainment
Florist: Tanarah Luxe Floral
Wedding dress: Unveiled Bridal Collection
Photo Credit: Raegan Buckley Photography
Photo Credit: Raegan Buckley Photography
More Wedding Professionals
Planning, design and stationery: Lesley Withrow Designs; Photography: Raegan Buckley Photography; Videography and content creation: Black House Studios; Venue: The Reserve Experience; Linen and furniture Rentals: Eventology; Catering: Texas Roadhouse; Bartending: Raise The Bar; Cake: Ambrosia’s Bakery; Hair stylist: Stasi Serfaty at Carter Miller Salon; Makeup artist: Kakki Jones (bride) and Stephanie Proctor (bridesmaids); Tuxes: Baumans (groom) and Men’s Warehouse (groomsmen)
Photo Credit: Raegan Buckley Photography
Q&A
Q: What inspired your wedding day look?
A: “For my wedding gown, I knew I wanted something unique yet timeless. Having spent around four years in the bridal industry selling gowns, I had tried on and seen countless styles by the time it was my turn! I worked with Betsy Manning at Unveiled, one of the boutiques I had previously worked at, and she was so patient as I tried on dress after dress until I found the one.”
Q: Why did you choose to get married in Hot Springs?
A: “Our venue really inspired the vision for the day,” Emma Grace said. “The Reserve had been my dream venue for so long. I love the character of the buildings, the amazing landscaping throughout the property, and the flexibility of so many beautiful spaces to transform for different events throughout the weekend. I wanted my wedding to feel similar: classic, but colorful and unique.”
Q: When you look back at your wedding, what part of the day sticks out to you the most?
A: “We’ll never forget the first moment we saw each other walking down the aisle,” Emma Grace said. “Also, one of the moments we had looked forward to most was our first look and exchanging private vows. After so much anticipation, seeing each other for the first time that day and sharing our vows in the garden was incredibly special. It was one of the most intimate, peaceful moments of the entire day.”
Photo Credit: Raegan Buckley Photography
Blooming Bridesmaids
“For my bridesmaids, I wanted colorful, summery dresses that felt perfect for an outdoor wedding,” Emma Grace said. “I landed on a soft lavender shade and loved the way it added a pop of color to our wedding party!”
Photo Credit: Raegan Buckley Photography
Save by Central Arkansas Entertainment
“I think one of the most important vendors you can hire is your planner! Lesley Withrow was incredible,” Emma Grace said. “And of course, she absolutely saved the day. Her team spent the entire day setting up our reception space exactly as we had envisioned it. Then, about an hour before the ceremony, a huge storm rolled in and completely destroyed the setup. I had no idea until after because by the time we walked into the tent, it was perfectly put back together.”
Photo Credit: Raegan Buckley Photography
Personalized Pendant
“Someone really important to both Caleb and me was his Granddad, Buddy Raines,” Emma Grace said. “Sadly, he passed away about six months before our wedding day. I gifted Caleb a pendant with two lockets on it, one with a picture of his mom and the other a picture of his Granddad. We placed them on the inside of his tux jacket so they would be with us on our wedding day.”
