Stephanie Hoadley & Justin Bagwell
October 24, 2020 / Bee Branch
STEPHANIE HOADLEY AND JUSTIN BAGWELL met through one of Stephanie’s work colleagues. Justin proposed at the top of Petit Jean Mountain, where the couple had one of their first dates. They were alone at the top when Justin got down on one knee and popped the question. A family passed by not long after, and their daughter asked to take a picture of them with her polaroid camera. This was their first picture as a newly engaged couple, and it is now in their living room.
“Justin says what he loves most about me is that I put up with his mess,” Stephanie says. “I love that he loves me better than anyone else could and that he makes me laugh...even when I don’t want to!”
PLANNING IN A PANDEMIC
When the pandemic hit, the couple downsized their guest list from 250 to 65. They had a micro wedding and reception with immediate family and close friends. Despite the difficult decision to cut their guest list, the two couldn’t have been happier with their wedding day. As one of six children, Stephanie says her family has a lot of experience planning events (which came in handy). Wedding planning runs in the family, as Stephanie’s mother was a wedding coordinator for 20+ years, and her older brother still works as a wedding planner.
THE INSPIRATION
The decision to have the wedding at The Barn at Greers Ferry Lake was simple. Greers Ferry holds a special place in Stephanie’s heart as her family spent most summers on the lake. The couple loved the overlook of the lake and wanted to be married with it in the background. The venue supplied an eight foot tall* white picture frame adorned with magnolia and floral
accents that the couple stood in for the ceremony. The venue’s indoor ballroom provided a lovely reception area.
As for the wedding theme, Stephanie wanted an organic and timeless atmosphere. The decor used a mix of colors such as mauve, burgundy, saffron and turmeric yellow coupled with the texture of natural greens. As far as florals, Stephanie was inspired by wildflowers and wanted the bouquets to feel hand gathered.
HOW THEY CUSTOMIZED
For her bridesmaids, Stephanie wanted them to be comfortable and themselves in what they wore. They wore a chiffon skirt in four different shades of mauve or burgundy with a neutral colored top. Stephanie’s shoes were unique and her favorite fashion element from her big day. She chose the KEDS Kate Spade White & Gold Glitter Triple Decker Sneaker for comfort (so that she wouldn’t trip and fall down the hill and into the lake).
As for her favorite wedding moment, Stephanie says it was sitting and eating with Justin directly after the ceremony. It gave the two a moment to soak in being husband and wife and enjoy each other’s presence after being officially pronounced husband and wife.
THE DETAILS
| WEDDING VENDORS WE LOVE | |
|---|---|
| Photography | Boston Mountain Photo |
| Planning | TLF EVENT, Little Rock |
| Flowers | Tanarah Luxe Floral, Little Rock |
| Cake, groom’s cake | Patticakes Bakery, Conway |
| Caterer | Gina’s Catering, Benton |
| MORE VENDORS | |
|---|---|
| Venue | The Barn at Greers Ferry Lake, Bee Branch |
| Lighting, DJ | Premiere Event Group, Little Rock |
| Invitations | By Invitation Only, Little Rock |
| Wedding dress, accessories | Inverness Bridal, Conway |
| Bridesmaid dresses | revelry.com |
| Groom's attire | J.R. Hobby Horse, Conway |
| Hair | Megan West of Salon Blue, Conway |
| Makeup | Heather Causey |
| Rehearsal dinner catering | Cross Creek Sandwich Shop, Conway |
See this Real Wedding as it appeared in the 2021 digital edition of Arkansas Bride. Discover more inspiration in Arkansas Bride's Real Weddings section.
