Kati Mallory Photography

KIRBY MOORE & WALKER JONES
July 30, 2021 / Sunset Lodge at Rusty Tractor Vineyards, Little Rock

Kirby and Walker met in college at the University of Arkansas. Kirby was trying to decide whether to take a date to an upcoming function when one of her friends told her that Walker really wanted to go with her. The function was canceled, but the two made plans to hang out anyway. Though they tried to just be friends, it wasn’t long before they were inseparable. When Kirby found out that Walker was her hometown pastor’s nephew, it felt like fate.

For Walker’s 25th birthday, Kirby had planned a surprise party at the Country Club of Little Rock. While stopping to take a picture with the sunset, Walker surprised Kirby by asking her to marry him. Kirby was completely shocked since she thought she was the one pulling off the ultimate surprise that night. They made their way back to the Country Club, where all their friends and family were waiting to celebrate.

THE INSPIRATION

Wendy and Casey Jones wanted to celebrate their son and daughter-in-law with a very special evening. With the help of JoBeth McElhanon of Lilias & Olive, they were able to plan an elevated, stylish and fun rehearsal dinner at the Sunset Lodge at Rusty Tractor Vineyards in Little Rock. Kirby and Walker love traveling and visiting wineries, so it was the perfect setting.

The goal was to bring the feel of the vineyard indoors, with Tuscan and California Wine Country touches throughout the décor. Casey requested one long table so everyone could sit together, and this table became the anchor of the design for the dinner.

Grant Harrison Photography

Grant Harrison Photography

Grant Harrison Photography

Grant Harrison Photography

“Enjoy the season of being engaged. Once your wedding day rolls around, everything is out of your hands, so just have fun and soak it in.”
-Kirby

HOW THEY CUSTOMIZED

Chris Norwood and the team at Tipton & Hurst installed a pergola over the long table with hanging greenery and Edison bulbs, giving the venue an intimate, fresh feel. Fruit was intertwined with the blooms. Grapes were the obvious choice, and JoBeth also included other fruits found in vineyards in July: cherries, plums, peaches and figs. This set the color palette of greens, lavender and peaches. Every single detail hinted to a beautiful summer evening in the vineyard.

The family wanted the evening to have ongoing movement. Upon arrival, the guests enjoyed bites from a charcuterie table with watermelon gazpacho and cocktails inspired by the bride and groom’s favorite drinks — Ranch Water and blackberry bourbon lemonade. After this, guests made their way to their seats for dinner. During dinner, family and friends gave speeches and wished the soon-to-be Joneses well. Following champagne toasts, everyone moved to the veranda and enjoyed custom gelato sundaes and a cigar bar before hitting the dance floor. Sweet Leah, a Nashville-based band, kept things lively and fun. As a special touch, each guest received potted herbs as parting gifts.

Grant Harrison Photography

Grant Harrison Photography

Tipton & Hurst created a floral display of summer roses in coral and ivory, juliette roses, hydrangeas and dahlias in hues of a coral sunset.

Grant Harrison Photography

Grant Harrison Photography

Grant Harrison Photography

Grant Harrison Photography

And this is just the rehearsal, wait until you see the wedding!

REHEARSAL DINNER VENDORS WE LOVE

Planning
JoBeth McElhanon of Lilias & Olive, Little Rock

Florist
Tipton & Hurst, Little Rock

Furniture rentals
Eventology, North Little Rock

Caterer
Heritage Catering, Little Rock

Jeweler
Sissy’s Log Cabin, Little Rock

MORE VENDORS

Venue: Sunset Lodge at Rusty Tractor Vineyards, Little Rock; Photography: Grant Harrison Photography; Videography: NiLo Productions; Linens: Nuage Designs; Cake, groom’s cake: Mickey’s Cakes & Sweets, Little Rock; Drink service: Country Club of Little Rock; DJ/Band: Sweet Leah, Nashville; Invitations: By Invitation Only; Wedding dress, veil, accessories: Warren Barron Bridal, Dallas; Bridesmaid dresses: BHLDN, Philadelphia; Groom/groomsmen attire: Neiman Marcus; Men’s Wearhouse, Little Rock; Hair: Heather Copeland, The Fix Salon, Little Rock; Makeup: Jessica Humerick and Madison Domenick, Little Rock; Honeymoon: Poe Travel, Little Rock

Grant Harrison Photography


See this Real Rehearsal Dinner as it appeared in the print edition of ARKANSAS BRIDE.
Discover more inspiration in Arkansas Bride's Real Weddings section.