The Skylark Manor is a newly renovated wedding and event center located in Benton that will be open for weddings in October — and we are head over heels in love!
Skylark Manor, located at 8786 Samples Road, is a beautiful New-Orleans-style house located on 100 acres of fields, forest and beautiful landscape that was owner and manager Yoni Johnson's family estate. It is the perfect location for any corporate, intimate or grand occasions.
The History
Skylark Manor has hosted countless weddings and events over the past 20 years, the first of which being Michael and Yoni Johnson in October of 1999 under a sky adorned with a rainbow and in the presence of guests and a curious family of deer.
More than 22 years ago, Johnson's parents bought the house, 100 acres, and barn that create Skylark Manor. The barn has been on the land since the early 1900s. Over the years, the house, barn and land have gone through multiple transformations including a two-room cabin addition. When Yoni and Michael got engaged 19 years ago, she knew she wanted to get married at her parents' house, and the whole thing was perfect.
"Since then, we've hosted a variety of parties, events, and fundraisers for family and friends," Johnson says. "Time and time again visitors have said, ‘Y'all should rent this place out for weddings and events.’ I have always loved planning and hosting gatherings and events and now Skylark Manor is providing me the opportunity to do this all of the time."
The Vision
Although their vision for the space has changed and evolved over time, their most recent remodel included parts of the house and the cabin. The upstairs of the house is being converted into a bridal suite, the back porch is being enclosed and a flower garden and additional landscaping are being added to the pond and patio area.
In July, Michelle Posey of Mariposa Studio captured the venue through the styled shoot pictured here inspired by "A Midsummer Night's Dream."
The Accommodations
Indoor and outdoor accommodations include over 40 acres of outdoor space, tables and chairs for 100 guests, three banquet rooms with beautiful views, a sound system, bridal quarters, a cabin perfect for groom’s quarters, and a wine cellar. Brides can also schedule a private tour to see if the location suits their event or occasion.
"We provide versatility," Johnson says. "Brides have many options for ceremony and reception spaces that can fit any theme. If they choose an outdoor wedding, they have gorgeous views and the ambiance that nature provides. The house exudes elegance and charm with beautiful chandeliers and original artwork. Brides can expect the staff at Skylark Manor to go above and beyond in order to make their wedding at our venue smooth, seamless and memorable."
Contact Yoni Johnson, owner and manager of Skylark Manor, for more information and reservations at (501) 258-5101 or info@skylarkmanorevents.com. You can also follow Skylark Manor on Facebook, Instagram and their website.
The Details
Venue: Skylark Manor
Photography: Mariposa Studio
Florals & Decor: Flowers and Home (Monroe Cranford), Bryant
Design & Styling: Mindy van Kuren & Yoni Fiser Johnson
Bridal Boutique: Proposals Boutique
Tux: Culture Clothing Company (Cade Williams)
Cake: Art is in Cakes (Natalie Madison)
Hair: Lindsey Powers, Little Rock
Makeup: Jessica Humerick, Little Rock
On-set Hair & Makeup: Meagan Zimmerman
Models: Faith Carr & Max McFarlin
