Lauren Nicole and David Justiniano
October 1, 2016 • Bentonville
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
No amount of distance could keep these travel buffs apart. Fayetteville native Lauren Nicole met David Justiniano of Bolivia while attending the University of Arkansas. Five years after their first date, with many travels and lots of long distance in between, the couple went on a trip to Iceland. David, an aviation buff, booked a helicopter trip. After landing in a remote volcanic area, Lauren noticed the clear outline of a ring box in his back pocket. On one knee amidst the dramatic landscape, David proposed.
The Inspiration
The majority of Lauren and David’s friends were coming from different parts of the United States, and his family was coming from outside the country, so it was important that guests experienced some of the couple’s favorite aspects Northwest Arkansas during their short stay.
Lauren describes her color story as primarily a lot of greenery mixed with rich berry accents of purples, reds and blues. Since Crystal Bridges is a work of art in its own right, the couple only wanted to enhance the views with foraged florals expertly arranged by Tanarah Luxe Floral. “I’m biased, but I thought the bridal bouquet she made – complete with blackberries, succulents and rosemary – was the most beautiful I’ve ever seen,” Lauren says.
How They Customized
Music to Our Ears
Ceremony & Bridal Processionals
“Clair de Lune” by Claude Debussy
“Canon in D” by Johann Pachelbel
Father/Daughter Dance
“My Girl” by The Temptations
Mother/Son Dance
“What a Wonderful World”
by Louis Armstrong
Lauren and David wanted their wedding party to include just a best man and maid of honor, giving their friends the chance to sit back and relax. The couple had a “children’s court,” which included nine little ones ranging in ages from 18 months to 5. The littles initially walked the wrong way down the aisle, resulting in plenty of laughs.
Since many of the guests were not from Arkansas, Chef Melody Lane designed a Southern-style menu, starring a delicious sweet tea-brined chicken with a peach compote.
The couple also added South American touches to honor David and his family. The couple served Tres Leches as the groom’s cake and gave out sweet empanadas as a late-night party favor.
David and Lauren’s wedding from Lauren Leatherby on Vimeo.
The Details
| Photographer | Stephanie Parsley Photography | |
| ♥ | Venue | Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville |
| Event Design & Day-of Coordination | Bates Reed Brides, Springdale | |
| ♥ | Florist | Tanarah Luxe Floral, Little Rock |
| Rentals | Eventures, Fayetteville | |
| Cakes | Shelby Lynn’s Cake Shoppe, Springdale | |
| ♥ | Caterer & Drinks | Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville |
| Empanada Favors | The Green Goat, Fayetteville | |
| DJ | DJ Greg Hodges, Fayetteville | |
| Ceremony music | Second Line Strings, Fayetteville | |
| Videographer | Lindsey Noel Photography, Kansas City | |
| ♥ | Wedding Stationery | Shindig Paperie, Fayetteville |
| Wedding Gown | BHLDN, Boston | |
| Bridesmaid Attire | Macy’s | |
| Groom & Groomsmen Attire | Suit Supply, New York City | |
| Hair & Makeup | Kimberly McGuire, Fort Smith | |
| Guest Accommodations | 21c Museum Hotel, Bentonville | |
| Rehearsal Dinner Venue | MOD, Bentonville | |
| ♥ | Wedding Vendor We Love |
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