Lissa Chandler Photography

A historic wedding venue that radiates sophisticated cool is now open in Centerton. We promise, you’re going to want to check this one out.

The History

The Gustafsons are doing what they know, and doing it well. Amber and Eric met in high school in Fayetteville in 1995, married in 2001 and lived in Los Angeles for 14 years before returning to Arkansas in 2015 to raise their daughter.

Amber has a background in the LA wedding planning industry. She founded her own company called Amber Events, Inc. in 2007, building it up to become a well-known event company in the LA circuit. She worked with celebrity clients such as Danielle Fisher of “Boy Meets World,” and Rose McGowan of “Charmed.” Eric, a musician and furniture maker, is known for his creative designs and almost exclusive use of reclaimed materials.

When it came to finding their own space for events in Arkansas there were a few elements that must be present.

“The property had to: be in Benton County, be historic, have high ceilings and possess a lot of character,” Amber says. “293 N. Main Street in Centerton fit all of the criteria!”

The Space Itself

The Ravington renovation was an art project for both Amber & Eric. They describe it as a historic renovation with an artistic and funky twist. No detail was overlooked and every single inch has been thought through from the reclaimed barn-wood floors, exposed brick walls and architectural details, to the white-pressed tin ceiling tiles hung with chandeliers.

Miles Witt Boyer

The building was built in 1909 as the original Mercantile on Main Street in Centerton. The space boasts a 7,100-square-foot building (heated and cooled) and a 2,800-square-foot private courtyard. Ceremonies can be held in either the courtyard or the First Room.

The venue can accommodate weddings, cocktail hours, and receptions for up to 250 guests. There is a large catering prep kitchen for any caterer of your choice, a beautiful bridal changing room, a dapper groom's room, space in the courtyard for food trucks to pull up.

Stephanie Dawn Photography

As far as decorations go, there are tables and mahogany Chiavari chairs for 150 available to brides. Plus, stunning original antiques to boot. An added bonus to keep in mind is the ability to bring in outside catering and alcohol. Cheers to that.

The Ravington can only accommodate one event on any given day and therefore bookings are made according to the day of the week. Brides will also get services with their booking such as a uniformed police officer to assist with parking and traffic, tables, chairs, and linens for up to 150 people and more.

Doing What They Know

While the venue looks flawless today, the days leading up to the opening of The Ravington weren’t always smooth sailing.

“(It was) chaos,” Amber says. “Sheer chaos and stress. Because the building materials used are reclaimed items, you cannot just go to Lowes/Home Depot to buy more of it. The last three days before our first wedding we had a flooring crew working literally around the clock to get the floors down—the last boards were being nailed down as the rehearsal started!”

With four weddings under their belt and their fall season completely booked, we’d say these two know what they’re doing.

For more information on the venue and booking, visit The Ravington’s website. 

Megan Burges Photography