FORMALLY YOURS

Greystone Estate sets the stage for a dreamy wedding scene in Northwest Arkansas

WRITER STEPHANIE MAXWELL NEWTON PHOTOGRAPHER OLIVIA FRYER MODELS GABE NIXON AND MACKENZIE RYAN

“For the groom, I went with a traditional black tuxedo to stay true to the timeless style,” Meg says.

A classic invitation suite by Shindig Paperie sets the tone.

There’s a history of love carved into the enchanting Greystone Estate in Rogers.

As the story goes, its original owner, Willard Robertson, began constructing the luxurious manor in the 1960s as a surprise for his beloved wife, Marlyn. Now reimagined as a wedding venue by current owners, fine materials and furnishings give Greystone Estate an unmistakable air of romance.

That was certainly the draw when designer Meg Taylor of Modern Bliss Weddings and photographer Olivia Fryer teamed up to create this captivating styled shoot to showcase their talents. “We chose the venue because we loved the intimate setting,” Olivia says. “We had in mind a couple who want a private but lavish affair, and there are many elements that add to that vibe—like the gated entrance, the private forested drive, and the opulence of the home itself.”

For every detail, Meg’s directives were “youthful, ethereal, and elegant.” An element of airy effortlessness runs throughout, from the gardenesque floral design to the bride’s loose curls and off-the-shoulder gown. The designer also wanted to play into Greystone Estate’s formality. “The manor’s dining room has beautiful European characteristics, and I tried to select items that would elevate the space while keeping its historic charm,” she says. Gold-rimmed china and crystal stemware complement the mahogany-paneled walls and Chippendale furnishings in the candlelit scene. “There’s an old-world element here that’s somewhat unique among venues in this area, so we wanted to highlight those features,” Olivia says. “The estate just feels very mysterious and romantic.”

SWEET DETAILS Tiers of varying heights and flowers made of sugar give the traditional cake a fresh spin. Green velvet draped on the cake table accentuates the great room’s green marble fireplace for a cohesive look.

Pigmint’s floral design incorporated a muted palette and organic shapes.

LASTING BEAUTY Greystone Estate derives its name from the ‘Napoleon gray’ marble used throughout the exterior and interior of the home. “One of my favorite features of this venue is the gray marble staircases and outdoor areas,” Olivia says. “The marble photographs beautifully and complements its subjects so well.”

Resources BRIDE’S GOWN AND ACCESSORIES Tesori Bridal CAKE Cakes by Robbin FLORAL DESIGN Pigmint Floral Studio GROOM’S SUIT Mr. Tux NWA HAIR Mackenzie Ruebling Ballou, The Beauty Lounge NWA MAKEUP Veronica Lopez, Artistry by Veronica PAPER GOODS Shindig Paperie PHOTOGRAPHY Olivia Fryer Photography RENTALS Randal Events RINGS David Adams Fine Jewelry VENUE Greystone Estate WEDDING DESIGN AND COORDINATION Meg Taylor, Modern Bliss Weddings 119 Roden Mill Rd, Conway, AR 72032 501-380-0035 | thepinesconway.com @thepinesconway