Real Arkansas Wedding: Natalie Peek & Joshua Haywood of Texarkana

Natalie Peek & Joshua Haywood
May 26, 2013 • Twin Creeks Lake Pavilion in Texarkana

Photos by Drew Cason Photgraphy

A group of 14 friends from Texarkana ate at the same restaurant every Tuesday night for eight years. When Natalie Peek joined the group in 2012, she noticed a quiet guy at the end of the table. That guy, Josh Haywood, approached her after dinner one night and asked her to play racquetball the following weekend. A romance ignited. Just eight months later, Josh proposed in Smith Park outside of Texarkana. He hired a photographer to be there, invited Natalie’s friends to surprise her, and planned a party for afterward. A short six months later, they were hitched.

BRIDE’S INSPIRATION

The couple chose to join their lives together outside the gorgeous Twin Creeks Lake Pavilion, with nature’s beauty as the backdrop. The rustic scenery was Natalie’s inspiration, and it guided her throughout the planning process. She used natural elements, like moss and greenery, and classic colors like soft peach, ivory and gold.

HOW THEY CUSTOMIZED

Like many couples, Natalie and Josh chose to see each other before the wedding for a “first look.” However, Natalie says she couldn’t imagine that moment without her dad handing her over. She chose to have him walk her down to where Josh was waiting for her. Natalie also created a logo for her wedding and used it on everything from the invitations to the favor bags to the thank-you cards. One of her most cherished details of the wedding was the pergola which her grandfather and brother built for her big day. The arch made a stunning framework for the bride and groom to stand beneath and become one.