Some weddings feel like a movie. This one felt like that, full of love, connection, and surrounded by their people with a stunning venue as their backdrop.
Jonathan and Shaleah’s wedding at The Grand at Willow Springs in Prairie Grove, Arkansas was one of those. It was clean, elegant, and completely personal. Nothing was too much. Nothing forced. Just people who love each other, in a beautiful space, celebrating something real.
Why They Chose The Grand at Willow Springs
The Grand at Willow Springs is one of those Arkansas wedding venues that feels quiet and romantic but still high-end.. Surrounded by trees, tucked into the hills of Prairie Grove, it offers just enough space to feel open without losing the intimacy. That balance is hard to find.
Jonathan and Shaleah picked it because they wanted a location that could accommodate their large wedding and still feel elevated. It’s full of Southern charm and it matched the tone of the day completely.
A Quick List: What Makes The Grand at Willow Springs Stand Out
If you're looking at Arkansas wedding venues, here's what stands out about this one:
- Indoor and outdoor ceremony areas
- White, neutral colored interior (perfect for photos and making it your own)
- Private, tucked-away location
- On-site bridal and groom suites with lots of space
- Big enough to host a full guest list, but separated into spaces that feel personal
- You can have a traditional ceremony in the chapel, or something unique and more relaxed.
The Story: What Made This Wedding Feel So Special
From the moment I walked into the bridal suite, it was clear this day wasn’t going to be about putting on a show. It was about meaning. Shaleah was calm and surrounded by people who knew her well and everything looked incredible.
One of my favorite moments was when the bridesmaids were using the beautiful windows to sit in and put their makeup on. It was just so fun and out of a movie.
The ceremony was in the stunning chapel and even though they did a first look earlier in the day, Jonathan's reaction was still priceless and so full of emotion.
And then the reception was where things picked up. Everyone was ready to celebrate. It wasn’t stiff or overly formal. Just joyful. The toasts were personal. The dancing was energetic.
FAQ: Planning a Wedding at The Grand at Willow Springs
Can you get ready on-site?
Yes. The Grand has a large bridal suite and a separate area for the groom’s party. Both are spacious, clean, and full of natural light—huge for photos.
Is it more suited for big or small weddings?
It can go either way. This wedding had around 300 guests and it felt full but not crowded. You could do something more intimate or have enough space for a big wedding.
What’s the best time of year to get married there?
Late spring and fall are ideal. You’ll get the best light, and the outdoor areas are more comfortable. That said, the venue is stunning during winter weddings with the snow and so much space for indoor ceremonies.
Moments I’ll Always Remember
There were moments just after the ceremony where Jonathan and Shaleah got to celebrate with all of their friends and family. It was full of so much love and emotion from hugs to tears. That’s the kind of thing you can’t stage. You just have to experience it.
I also loved their reception, it was full of personal touches and special moments.
The bridesmaids and the groomsmen both had choreographed dance routines for their entrances. The bridesmaids entered to a song from Lizzie McQuire and all had earpieces on, it was so fun and really got the energy going in the room.
As a special surprise to their guests, Shaleah and Jonathan lead a song in worship during the reception. It was a beautiful, heartwarming moment of the bride and groom signing and playing guitar to a song that means so much to them.
Thinking About Your Own Wedding at The Grand at Willow Springs?
Here’s a question I like to ask couples:
What do you need to be feeling in 10 years when you're flipping through the wedding day photos?
Because whatever that is, that's going to guide everything. The venue. The flow of the day. Even your guest list.
If you want a day that feels intentional and timeless, The Grand at Willow Springs is worth seeing. It’s one of those Arkansas wedding venues that’s just as beautiful in person as it looks online (truly).
And if you’re drawn to photography that’s documentary capturing those raw candid moments but polished and editorial when the time comes, that’s what I do. I care about real moments, beautiful memories, and keeping the day focused on what actually matters.
Connect with Malachi Westbrook Photography
I photograph weddings all across Arkansas and the U.S., and I specialize in editorial and documentary-style photography. If you're getting married at The Grand at Willow Springs (or anywhere else) and want photos that feel like art but still tell your story, I’d love to talk.
Reach out here: malachiwestbrookphotography.com/contact or follow along on Instagram @MalachiWestbrookPhotography to see more.
