The courtship of Travis and Natalie Patton was anything but traditional. Because she landed a job overseas that required travel, Natalie found work and romance in cities like Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon and Dubai. Her suitor, Travis, visited her in each city, and during one seemingly customary visit in Dubai, he proposed atop the famed Burj Al Arab, a sail-boat shaped hotel in Jumeirah Beach.
For a couple with such an exotic love story and sense of adventure, a traditional wedding just didn’t fit. So Natalie and Travis chose to host a themed event on Oct. 16, 2010, set right in the heart of the Roaring Twenties.
How They Customized
A fitting location. The couple chose the Historic Rogers House in Little Rock for their ceremony and reception. Built in 1914, it had all the traditional style they were looking for, along with a basement perfectly suited for a “speakeasy.”
Gatsby-esque gown. Because she was planning from the Middle East, Natalie could find no adequate place to dress shop. Finally, she ordered beautiful handmade French alencon lace from Bridex San Francisco, had it shipped to Oman, and communicated her vintage design to an Indian tailor who created her picturesque gown.
Music from the era. The couple hired Little Rock-based Bob Boyd Band to set the tone for the celebration by playing Jazz Age favorites for guests to dance the Charleston on the front porch.
Unique attire. Natalie gave all attendants free reign to choose their ensembles. Some made their outfits and others pieced together finds from eBay and other online sites. The end result was an eclectic cast of unique flappers and gangsters.
Ways They Saved
Handmade dress. The bride’s customized dress was also a means of saving money. According to Natalie, a similar designer-style dress with the exact same lace costs $5,000. Instead, she spent $800 on lace and $300 on labor. This was partially because she was in Oman where labor was more affordable. But Natalie said other brides, with a family or friend adept at sewing, could do something similar and save a lot.
Skip the extras. Natalie omitted several extras from her wedding: no favors, no name cards and no guest book. “It’s OK to break a few rules,” she said, “nobody will really notice.”
Period decor. In staying true to their non-traditional theme, the couple was able to save money on traditional wedding expenses. The small (but beautiful) flower arrangements and other aspects of their décor mimicked a true ‘20s wedding – as in those days weddings weren’t as elaborate as today’s common over-the-top soirées.
What detail truly made the wedding yours?
“The theatrical element of the theme. I’ve always enjoyed theatre, playing dress up, perhaps living in an imaginary world sometimes, so for me, it was almost impossible to host a big party without gravitating towards an exciting theme.”
THE DETAILS
- Photographer: Erin Moulden Photography
- Florist: About Vase, Little Rock (attendants’ flowers)
- Caterer/drinks/rentals: Trio’s Restaurant & Catering, Little Rock
- Cakes: Donatello, Little Rock
- Band: Bob Boyd Band, Little Rock
- A/V services: Oak Street Design, Little Rock
- Groom’s suit/shoes: Paul Morrell Formalwear, Little Rock
- Bride’s shoes: Solemates, Little Rock
- Venue: Historic Rogers House, Little Rock
