Real Wedding: Lauren Dunklin & Zachary Reed Burroughs
Oct. 4, 2025 | Five Oaks Duck Lodge in Humphrey | Kati Mallory Fine Art Photography
They say what you’re looking for is often ‘right under your nose,’ and for Lauren and Zach, that old adage hit the bullseye. Zach grew up an avid outdoorsman and has always loved all things duck hunting. His family often frequented Stuttgart during duck hunting season, not far from where Lauren grew up. Yet, despite the shared ZIP codes and mutual friends, it took a digital match years later to finally bring the couple face-to-face.
The heritage of Lauren’s family is deeply tied to Five Oaks Duck Lodge, which they have owned since 1983, and includes a long-standing commitment to Arkansas conservation and research-based land management. Inspired by her sister’s wedding at the Lodge in 2020, Lauren realized that this very place, steeped in her family’s legacy, was the ideal setting for her own marriage.
After receiving permission from Lauren’s parents to ask for her hand in marriage, Zach immediately started arranging a detailed proposal. Knowing that Lauren’s father booked the Lodge for an annual family and friends hunting trip around Christmas, Zach realized this week would be the ideal time to propose. The afternoon of December 28, 2024, Zach asked Lauren to meet him at the venue to begin setting up presents for his niece. When they walked into the Lodge, he got down on one knee and popped the question!
“I was so surprised,” Lauren said. “Our families joined us that night for a special dinner, and Zach, his brothers, his dad and my dad and brother-in-law got to participate in a duck hunt the next day that topped all family and friends hunts to date!”
WEDDING PROFESSIONALS WE LOVE
Florist: Silks-A-Bloom
Videography: Wanderbloom Films
Catering: Heritage Catering
Bar: The Southern Sippery Mobile Bar
Photo Credit: Kati Mallory Fine Art Photography
MORE WEDDING PROFESSIONALS
Planning and design: Becky’s Brides; Photography and content creation: Kati Mallory Fine Art Photography; Venue: Five Oaks Duck Lodge; Rentals: SOHO Event Rentals; Dance floor: Southern Event Wraps; Stationery: 5 By 7 Designs; Wedding gown: Maggie Louise Bridal; Wedding gown designer: Anne Barge; Makeup artist: Jessica Humerick; Hair stylist: Haley Kagebein; Band: Atlanta All Stars; Wedding cake: A&M Cake Designs; Groomsmen attire: Q Clothier; Getaway car: Twin City Limousines
Q: Did you incorporate something sentimental?
A: “We had a custom watercolor mural of a very special hunting spot at Five Oaks Duck Lodge as a backdrop at our reception,” Lauren said.
Q: What moment of the day do you wish you could relive?
A: “I wish I could relive the moment when Zach and I first saw each other,” Lauren said. “We didn’t do a first look, so it was truly special when I saw him waiting at the end of the aisle!”
Q: Was there something about your day that felt very unique to you?
A: “Because we were getting married at Five Oaks, we decided to integrate the mallard duck into so many of our designs,” Lauren said. “We had a mallard duck-shaped details card in our invitation suite, a mallard duck pattern on the dance floor and all guests received [camouflage] hats and duck calls at the end of the night!”
Q: What advice do you have for other couples planning their wedding day?
A: “My biggest advice would be to truly enjoy the season of being engaged and planning your wedding,” Rebecca said. “It can definitely feel stressful at times with so many decisions to make, but the time goes by so quickly. Try to soak in all the little moments along the way, celebrating with friends and family, planning the details, and dreaming about the day together. I would also recommend hiring vendors you truly trust. Having an amazing team around you makes such a difference and allows you to relax and enjoy the process. At the end of the day, the most important part is getting to celebrate your love surrounded by the people who mean the most to you.”
Q: When you look back at your wedding, what part of the day sticks out to you the most?
A: “When I look back at our wedding day, it’s really the people and all the little moments that stand out the most,” Rebecca said. “From getting ready with my closest friends and family, to seeing Cameron for the first time for our vows, every part of the day felt so special. Having all of our family and friends there to celebrate with us meant everything, and the night was filled with so many fun memories from dancing together to surprising our guests with Big Red. It was such an unforgettable day filled with moments I will cherish forever.”
Matrimonial Magnolias
“Since I was getting married in the fall and at our duck lodge, I thought it would be amazing to incorporate magnolia leaves,” Lauren said. “I’ve always loved the look of big trees and greenery! Silks A Bloom absolutely killed it … The floral duck they created that sat on the table right when you walked into the tent!”
Five oaks family ties
“I’m a very sentimental person, and Five Oaks has been so important to my family for years and years,” Lauren said. “My sister got married there in 2020, and I knew Zach and I also wanted to say ‘I do’ at the lodge. We truly wanted the lodge, the scenery and the mallard duck to influence our overall design!”
