Real Arkansas Wedding: Rachel Harris-Batch & Vince Johnson in Little Rock

Rachel Harris-Batch & Vince Johnson
March 9, 2019 / Little Rock
Clinton Presidential Center

Rachel Harris-Batch and Vince Johnson met in a very modern manner — via social media. Vince messaged Rachel on Instagram and after chatting, they exchanged numbers. They talked for a few weeks before going on their first date to Copeland’s restaurant and have been together ever since.

Vince popped the big question on Rachel’s 25th birthday in 2017. Rachel thought she and Vince were just going out for dinner. Before dinner, Vince and Rachel met a photographer to get some photos snapped in downtown Little Rock. Once the shoot was over, Rachel turned around and saw Vince was down on one knee asking her to marry him. “I didn’t even know how to react because I was so in shock,” she said. “Looking back, I’m glad I took photos because now I can remember this moment forever.”

THE INSPIRATION

When it came to planning, Rachel took on most of the duties herself but she decided to enlist the help of pros for the décor and florals. She was adamant about not wanting the family to help decorate because she wanted them to be able to enjoy the moment. “It was stressful at times, but I am glad that I got to plan everything the way we wanted it to be,” Rachel says. “It makes it even more special because, when I look back, I know that all of the ideas were ours.”

Once the couple toured the Great Hall at the Clinton Presidential Center, they had their venue decision made. They both loved the tall glass windows, the views of downtown and the bridges. Rachel wanted the space to look clean and fresh, but something that would still be in style 30 years from now. So she chose a neutral color palette with organic-looking greenery and white florals.

The bride chose blue and floral wedding invitations from Minted.

The tables featured luxe linens with tall arrangements of elevated greenery and hanging glass globes, along with custom lucite monogrammed chairs.

HOW THEY CUSTOMIZED

During the ceremony, Rachel kept things simple with a backdrop of ruscus, ivy and eucalyptus. In the center was a neon acrylic sign that said “The Johnsons.” Rachel wanted the focus to be on the reception décor by filling the space with loose greenery and white florals that she spotted all over Pinterest. She made the bar area one of the main focal points with hanging greenery above and greenery draped across the front of the bar. Rachel opted for rectangular tables instead of round to allow for family-style seating. The head table featured a dramatic gold runner with big bunches of elevated greenery and hanging glass globes.

The couple’s three-tier cake featured smooth white icing and flowers bunched in the middle of the second and third tiers. Each tier was a different flavor and on top sat a clear acrylic cake topper with the phrase “Drunk In Love.”

For their first dance, Rachel decided to switch things up. She’s always loved Jodeci and knew she wanted to play their music at her wedding, but she couldn’t pick just one song. She asked their DJ to create a melody of her four favorite Jodeci songs and the couple danced to the blend for their first dance as husband and wife.

Despite terrible weather on the day-of — bad enough that the tornado sirens went off in Little Rock — nothing went awry on the big day. “By the time we got ready to take our first-look pictures, the weather was beautiful,” Rachel says. “No one would have guessed that there was a tornado and lots of rain earlier that day.”

VIDEO

WEDDING VENDORS WE LOVE

VENUE
Clinton Presidential Center
Little Rock

CATERER AND DRINK SERVICE
42 bar and table
Little Rock

MORE VENDORS

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