LYNZIE + COLTON

Photography: Allie Atkisson Imaging  |  

Lynzie + Colton
Perryville // March 21, 2020

Once it’s set on a calendar, it’s rare that a wedding date gets moved up. However, when COVID-19 hit, Lynzie Thoman and Colton Wylie adapted plans for their April 2020 wedding not by postponing it, but instead by moving it up five weeks.

On Friday, March 20, they realized the wedding was not going to look like what they had imagined. “I still remember Colton calling me at work,” says Lynzie, who is a nurse and was in the middle of a 12-hour shift. “He said, Why don’t we just get married tomorrow?” Lynzie agreed, but the two weren’t set on a location until she thought of the place where they went on their first date: the Ouachita National Forest. With breathtaking views and natural scenery as their backdrop, the top of the hiking trail at Flatside Pinnacle couldn’t have been a more romantic venue. With 11 guests in attendance and Lynzie’s dad serving as the officiant, the couple exchanged vows, focusing on their love for one another in a time of many unknowns.

While they both say it was difficult not to be able to have all of their friends and family alongside them to share the occasion, they were overjoyed to be able to be married on that day. “The most important thing was being able to say ‘I do,’ and I felt the same amount of joy no matter where it was said,” Lynzie says.

With a number of decisions and details in a short period of time, the two relied on their family and excellent vendors to help pull the day together. They note their photographer, Allie Atkisson, went above and beyond by arranging for a bouquet and bringing champagne, speakers, and music for their first dance as husband and wife. Now, after a honeymoon in St. Lucia, the couple are at home in Maumelle.

I was on top of the mountain for about two hours waiting on her, and it was worth every second. Seeing her walk up that hike and then right up to me is something I never will forget.”

—Colton

Think Fast
Because they planned their ceremony just hours before it was set to occur, the couple’s original florist was not able to get the flowers they had selected. Their photographer, Allie Atkisson, stepped in with a beautiful bouquet from Nitzia’s Designs, while Lynzie’s sister-in-law created bridesmaids’ bouquets and boutonnieres.

True to Nature
Not only was Flatside Pinnacle the site of their first date, it is a great reflection of Lynzie and Colton’s passions for hiking, camping, and all things outdoors. “We joked when we were originally planning that this style of wedding would be closer to our preference,” Lynzie says.

Lynzie’s grandmother made the bride’s favorite confection, a lemon cake, for the big day.

We couldn’t wait to marry each other, and we didn’t want to wait another day so we decided to go for it instead of waiting until COVID was over.”

—Lynzie

Just Her Style
One of Lynzie’s must-haves for the wedding day was a gown that “expressed who she is as a person.” She wanted it to be flowy and comfortable but also exquisite. “The Watters gown I picked was just my style, and I fell in love with it immediately,” she says.

Resources
Bride’s gown She Said Yes Bridal Floral design Nitzia’s Designs Hair and makeup Lavonne Anthony, Lavonne Beauty Photographer Allie Atkisson Imaging Venue Ouachita National Forest