Anna + Lucas | A Summer Wedding in Arkansas

Okay, I have to be honest… this wedding took place on the 21st night of September (cue Earth, Wind, & Fire). So while it was technically fall, this gorgeous color palette and warm weather were giving biiiig summer vibes and I was NOT mad about it! Anna and Lucas shared their special day at The Loft at Stone Oak in Greenwood, Arkansas. As a long-time wedding photographer both here in Arkansas and back on the east coast, I’ve had the privilege of capturing more love stories than I can count, but Anna and Lucas’ wedding was full of magical moments and details that are truly unforgettable! I'm excited to share some of their memorable highlights here on the blog!

The beauty in summer weddings is unmatched. From the incredible golden-hour, to the seasonal florals, Arkansas is full of romance during this time of year. The details and planning were arranged by Samantha with Kindred Provisions. From stunning floral arrangements to the dripping greenery, this Arkansas wedding was full of SO many unique touches.

Anna, as the stunning bride, wore an off-the shoulder lace wedding dress from Unveiled Bridal located in Little Rock, Arkansas. Kari Wein was part of the makeup and hair team for this Arkansas wedding.

Anna and Lucas’ day will always be one I’ll remember as a wedding photographer. From the summer, transitional-fall wedding color scheme of pink, orange, and green to the golden-hour bliss, this day could not have been more perfect in Northwest Arkansas. These incredible vendors worked so hard to bring their dream vision to life and I was so honored to have been able to capture such an incredible love story!

Excited for more love stories? Check out my previous engagement session here!

For more Bethany Grace Photography weddings, head over to Pinterest

5 of My Favorite Portrait Locations in Little Rock, Arkansas

Moving my business to a new state after 6 years understandably came with quite the list of challenges. One of the most glaring that hit me after booking my first session was that I no longer had my go-to portrait locations. I didn’t even know how to get to the nearest grocery store without my GPS but somehow I was supposed to recommend beautiful, picturesque locations to brand new clients! (I suppose I could have just plugged in the coordinates to that grocery store and had the session in aisle 5) Over time, I’ve explored “The Natural State” of Arkansas with my amazing couples + families and have found stunning locations that have me returning again and again.

Being able to suggest locations for your clients builds their level of trust and confidence in you. It helps make one of their biggest decisions about their session more manageable so they can focus on alllll the other moving pieces like choosing their outfits, booking hair + makeup, or coordinating everyone’s schedules.

To be honest, not having recommendations for my first few clients was a pretty crummy feeling so I want to share a few of my favorites I’ve found over the years!

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1.Rocky Valley Trail

I was GIDDY when I first stumbled upon this beautiful location. I’ve always dreamed of photographing the beautiful blue waters in Banff National Park but this was a close second for me. If you are hoping for that ethereal, glowy light I recommend making a trip in the days leading up to your session to see what time the light slips below the rock-face above the water and plan accordingly!

2. The Old Mill

I’m not sure how it took me over a year of living in Arkansas to stumble upon this gem but it has quickly become a favorite choice for many of my couples! This location was featured in the opening credits of “Gone with the Wind” and there are a LOT of unique shooting locations all contained within a relatively small area. The Old Mill can get a bit crowded (last time I was there I counted SEVEN other photoshoots going on) so don’t panic if you show up and it’s swarming with tourists and other creatives! Take your time, prioritize the locations you are hoping to shoot in, and assure your couple everything is under control.

3. The Capitol

The Arkansas State Capitol presents quite a few opportunities with its stunning bronze doors, grand columns, granite steps, and lush green lawns. You would be hard-pressed to find an angle here that doesn’t look stunning!

4. The Clinton Center

This location was actually the very first that I simply set out and discovered “on my own.” I only say that in the sense of I had nothing to go off of except I knew my couple wanted to have their portraits taken downtown and I could not have been more of an Arkansas newbie. I arrived an hour early to walk around and scout specific locations so I would not, at any point, accidentally say “Um, maybe we can try over here?” Considering I had sweat through my clothes in the July summer heat by the time my sweet couple arrived, my confidence in directing to them to the specific locations I had already chosen allowed me to cling to a shred of professionalism and dignity.

5. Two Rivers Park

If you live anywhere near Little Rock, you’re probably thinking “well, duh!” because honestly this is THE place for your session if your client is wanting their photos with an assortment of natural, outdoor settings. Tall pines? Check. Gorgeous river views? Got ‘em. Grassy fields for romantic frolicking? Yep. (Honorable mention: the occasional deer enjoying dinner and watching the previously mentioned romantic frolicking with confusion + judgement)

I could easily double the length of this post but for now, I hope this helps you when it comes to your upcoming portrait sessions! Nowhere near Little Rock, Arkansas? I’ll be sharing how to find portrait locations in your own area soon!

Brock + Kenzie | Downtown Little Rock Engagement Session

If you’re looking for a chic + classic vibe for your engagement portraits, Downtown Little Rock has no shortage of locations. From historic buildings to beautiful bridges, Brock + Kenzie captured a wide variety of photos all within walking distance of one another!

Kelsey + Dalton | Rocky Valley Trail | Little Rock, Arkansas Engagement Session

To say a lot has changed in my life and business since I last shared a formal blog is an understatement. I’m now shooting both in Virginia and Arkansas! Transitioning my business across the country has not come without challenge- one of which being no familiarity with locations! But this particular “problem” has already proved time and again to simply be a new adventure that has thrilled my creative heart and challenged me in ways I haven’t felt in years!

Although it is a humbling experience to ask clients, “Do you have any location suggestions?!” It has been such a great way to explore my new home and see the immense beauty of Arkansas!

When Kelsey first sent me Rocky Valley Trail, I actually squealed! This was one of the first locations my little family and I visited when we moved to Arkansas in January and I told my husband that I would just love to shoot a session there!

These two attorneys met and fell in love at law school and their story continues when they tie the knot in just a few months!

Sydney + JD | Clinton Presidential Center and Park | Little Rock, Arkansas Engagement Session

This was such a special shoot I will always remember because it was my very first here in my new home of Arkansas! This was the day it started to feel real that BGP is HERE and we are tackling this exciting new season head on!

Sydney + JD were so gracious to show me around this beautiful downtown area and we had so much fun exploring new locations, finding that perfect lighting, and laughing simply because they were just downright giggly-in-love.

You’ll see their stunning wedding on the blog in just a few weeks!

Emily + Keaton | Hawaii Destination Wedding | Oahu

Okay, let me come clean about something: this was not the actual moment that these two lovebirds tied the knot…. In fact, they were celebrating half a decade of wedded bliss on the white sand beaches of Oahu, Hawaii! As a wedding photographer, I am understandably biased about capturing + celebrating the different chapters of your unique love story.

With all the changes that life brings, it’s important to pause and reflect on the covenant vows you spoke to one another and bask in the rich joy of the life you have built together since that day.

For Emily + Keaton, we started in the woods leading up to the beach. Then, we dug our toes in the sand and soaked up the warm glow of the sun that was beginning to set until finally… we jumped into the water for the romantic, ocean-soaked, sunset photos (seriously, be sure to scroll all the way to the end!)

Florals: The Garden Collective

Sierra Vista Engagement Session: Rachel + Evan

Ohh Rachel and Evan! I think I could write a novel when it comes to the hiccups they have worked past as they have planned and replanned…. and replanned…. and REPLANNED their wedding!

This couple has become so near and dear to my heart because I will be sharing not only a wedding anniversary with them, but also the wedding venue my husband and I were married at almost six years ago! To be honest walking around Sierra Vista and reliving my own memories was a little emotional for me in so many sweet ways. I feel absolutely honored to now be capturing Rachel + Evan’s love story against these tall pines and sweeping mountain backdrop!

Southwest Virginia Engagement Session: Jasmine + Bailey

We could not have had a more beautiful, fall evening for Jasmine and Bailey’s engagement photos!! These two were complete naturals in front of the camera which is no easy task. We had plenty of laughs, soaked in a stunning mountain sunset, pet a few donkeys, and found ourselves cornered by a herd of cows. Those are some words I never imagined typing on my blog but geez, I love this life in Southwest Virginia!

Jasmine and Bailey’s wedding venue is SO beautiful and I was lucky enough to get a tour from them during our session! Everywhere you turn is picturesque and it took quite a bit of self-control not to use every portrait location possible… this is going to be an April wedding you don’t want to miss!

Venue: The Eighty Four

Virginia Mountain Wedding: On the Glen at Glenburn Farms

I’ve never felt so much joy, relief, and accomplishment for my couples as I have this season… For Lindsey and Palmer, their time of engagement included planning a wedding… being long distance… in the midst of a global pandemic. 

The intentionality and detail that went into this day made it all the more special! Lindsey personalized every aspect of their wedding. She and her dad even built and stained the wood pieces used at the ceremony and reception! Every piece came together so beautifully and the day was an absolute dream!

Congratulations Mr + Mrs Peery, I couldn’t be more thrilled for you two!

Venue: On the Glen on Glenburn Farm

Second Shooter: Carissa Divant

Catering: Mission BBQ

Makeup: Makeup by Ravishing

Hair: Morgan Hannah

Cake: Casey’s Cakes

Flowers: Buchanan Florist

Videographer: ValCinema

DJ: Blue Ridge Entertainment

Colonial Williamsburg Engagement: Ron + Courtney

I’m so excited to share this session for so many reasons!! I first met Courtney in 2016. I was still in my first year of business and she was a bridesmaid in the second wedding I had ever shot! Over the past four years I’ve had the privilege of capturing the weddings of several ladies from the same bridal party and now… it’s Courtney’s turn!! Seeing her again for her engagement session felt like seeing an old friend you are already so comfortable with (heck we had a FaceTime meeting back in May sans makeup) and I’m extra excited for her wedding day because I know how great these ladies are at celebrating one another!!

Ron and Courtney, it’s so clear what a perfect match you are for one another and I’m so honored you’ve chosen me to document your love story!