Kelsey DeAnn Thompson & Zachary Gilbert Roth
June 19, 2010 • Fayetteville
First United Methodist Church & East Square Plaza

Arkansas natives Zack and Kelsey Roth love the Great Outdoors, and their passion for partaking in nature’s bounty is even apparent in Zack’s proposal, which took place on a blustery hike at Red Rocks in Colorado. During their college years at the University of Arkansas, they spent their spare time floating the Buffalo River, hiking in the Ozark Mountains and hanging out on Beaver Lake before graduating and eventually relocating to Denver for work. They brought their enthusiasm for the natural world back home to Northwest Arkansas, however, for their wedding among family and friends.

Setting the Scene

Kelsey and Zack would’ve gladly said their vows outside in some picturesque setting, but June in Arkansas doesn’t afford wedding-friendly weather. Instead, the duo decided to bring the outdoors in (into air conditioning) for the comfort of their 250 guests. “We love Fayetteville, Colorado and the outdoors, so we tried to embed that into everything,” Kelsey said. “We are very natural, laid back and love to have fun. That’s what we wanted for our wedding.”

The Venues

Their vows were exchanged at the First United Methodist Church in downtown Fayetteville. “We love [that area], and I have always wanted to get married in that church,” Kelsey said. “It was also special to us because Zack’s grandparents got engaged at that church.” And East Square Plaza was a unique choice for the couple – they didn’t want to have their reception somewhere they’d been for another wedding. “I fell in love with the brick arches, the vault and the location –plus it was big enough to hold all of our guests.”

Natural Wonders

Kelsey wanted to transform the blank-canvas venue into a one-of-a-kind reception. Lighting played a big part in this, with ambient light casting tree branch shadows around the room. The forest-inspired space was enhanced further with natural colors, rustic décor (hurricane lanterns, lots of candles, copper serve ware, urns instead of vases) and specialty seating. “The banquettes added height, and they broke up all the traditional tables,” Kelsey said. The whole place had “a very natural, organic feel.”

Cues from Colorado

Kelsey drew inspiration for the nod-to-nature wedding from Colorado Aspen trees, but because she couldn’t get real Aspen trees for the Arkansas wedding, she settled on similarly looking Birch branches. Even the drapery featured an Aspen tree print, and Birch stumps acted as miniature cocktail tables. The tree trimmings effectively executed their “bringing the outdoors in” motif, and as Kelsey said, eliminated the need for a lot of flowers.

Cues from Arkansas, Too

For their out-of-town guests, Kelsey and Zack compiled gift baskets filled with Fayetteville-themed sundries – including wine and spices from Ozark Mountain Foods.

Let Them Eat Cake, Crepes and Pies

Kelsey and Zack personalized their food selections – serving their favorite specialty cheeses, breads, meats and seafood. Kelsey’s favorite food item – crepes – were integrated into the menu too. In fact, an entire crepe station was set up for guests to build their own.

A stunning wedding cake was also her wish, so it was framed with a dramatic branch backdrop. Zack, on the other hand, skipped the groom’s cake entirely and opted to serve an assortment of his favorite pies.

The Details

Rings: Blakeman’s Fine Jewelry, Rogers

Wedding dress: Priscilla of Boston, Denver

Groom & groomsmen attire: Mr. Tux, Fayetteville

Invitations/Paperie: Sincerely Yours Paper, Springdale

Florist: Flora, Fayetteville

Cakes: Rick’s Bakery, Fayetteville

Ceremony music: Fayetteville String Quartet

Reception band: Boom Kinetic, Fayetteville

Décor/Lighting/Rentals: Eventures, Fayetteville and Rogers

Transportation: Pinnacle Car Services, Bentonville

Guest accommodations: Dickson Street Inn, Cosmopolitan and Marriott Courtyard, Fayetteville