Natalie and Matthew were married three weeks ago up at Camp Mitchell on Petit Jean Mountain, surrounded by friends and family and stunning scenery! "We chose Camp Mitchell as our wedding venue because it was a good middle ground for our families. Matthew’s family lives primarily in Batesville, and my parents are in Russellville, with the rest of my family scattered around the state. Also, I’ve known Helen Hargreaves, one of the co-directors of Camp Mitchell since I was 5 because she taught kindergarten at my elementary school, St. John’s. I went to church camp one summer at Camp Mitchell, had my bachelor’s degree celebration there, and have spent the past few Christmases at Grace Lodge at Camp Mitchell with my mom’s family. Because of Helen and those events, Camp Mitchell holds a special place in my heart."

I always love to know how people met and fell in love, and Natalie was so sweet and sent me the whole story! 

 "I moved to Batesville for my job teaching English at Batesville Junior High in 2012. I didn’t know a soul when I moved here, but I quickly became friends with our art teacher, Katie. She was dating Kyle (her husband now), one of Matthew’s friends from high school. It was through Katie and Kyle that Matthew and I met at a dinner with mutual friends in the spring of 2013. Katie and Kyle knew Matthew and I were both single and got us to both come to that dinner. After that, Matthew and I started talking and hanging out more. For our first real “date” together we went to Wendy’s and got frosties and chatted for hours. We’ve been together ever since. Last summer, I went to Pensacola Beach, FL, with Matthew and his family. We were there the week leading up to the 4th of July, and on the 1st, we decided to go looking for crabs on the beach after everyone had gone to bed. We took a flashlight so we could find the crabs since they blend in with the white sand, especially at night, and as we were looking, Matthew pulled something out of his pocket and shined the flashlight on it. It was my ring! He asked me to marry him, and I was honestly a little shocked because I wasn’t expecting him to surprise me. I called my family that night (and I woke them all up), and we told his family the next day. Everyone was so happy for us, but especially Matthew’s mom, Denice. She and I teach together, and we’ve become good friends both at work and personally."

Dress- Low's Bridal in Brinkley 
Cake - Linda at Piece-a-Cake in Morrilton
Florals - Sharyn at Harps in Russellville
Catering - Kristi Strain at Sisters Catering in Morrilton
Blue books for decorating the reception tables - Lynn at Vintage Books in Russellville 

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There weren't many photo requests for the day, so when the best man asked me to make his beard longer I made a copy with about a 3 inch addition!  That image in is the main gallery ;) june20-34
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While everyone was visiting I slipped outside to grab some shots of the gorgeous view, and then found the guys "decorating" the car!  june20-62 june20-63

Friends, family, and food - the three must-haves for a great reception. june20-53

Natalie and Matthew, thank you for letting me be a small part of your beautiful day. Wishing you all the best! 

-T