Eureka Springs is a Wedding Destination
My Wedding: Just As I (almost) Planned It
by J. Gresham
(Eureka Springs, AR) — It has been said that “The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry!” This best describes the plans Dylan and I had for our wedding. It goes something like this….
Our Original wedding date was scheduled in November of 2020. Even though my father is the general manager of probably the most popular wedding site in Arkansas, Dylan and I decided, since I love the snow and Dylan loves the mountains, to have our wedding in The Rockies. We scouted wedding venues and decided on one in Estes Park, Colorado. Deposits were made, flights were booked and everything was a go. Then a wrench, known as the global pandemic, got thrown into the works.
Dylan and I talked and talked, altering thoughts and adding innumerable “what if’s”, and we decided that even though our attending guests might be limited that Colorado was our dream wedding and we were going to go ahead as planned. So, we let our family and friends know that we were still on for our original date at our original wedding site. Then, suddenly, almost like someone threw a gloom switch, the Covid-19 numbers started climbing almost vertically for Colorado and Larimer County. With change came restrictions.
We needed to find a wedding site closer to our homes in Northwest Arkansas. So, the search began for our dream of a panoramically picturesque wedding, replacing snow and mountains with the beauty of Beaver Lake. Enter the Hobbs Haus and the professionals at Ozark Mountain Vacation Rentals.
What a gorgeous home! What a spectacular view! Hobbs Haus has a huge deck overlooking the lake and an Ozark Mountain backdrop. Perfect! In less than one week, plans were made; friends and guests notified; everything was set in place for our dream “outdoor” wedding. Of Course, the weatherman said, “Not so fast…!” The Saturday of our planned nuptials it was forecasted to be in low forties; rainy, foggy and yucky. The weatherman was (unfortunately) indeed accurate for once.
Once again, The Hobbs Haus proved ideal. Dylan and I, who had become experts in making lemonade out of lemons, simply pulled the chairs, the tables, the decorations, the huge Zoom video screen (that would allow out-of-town family and friends to virtually attend), everything into the home resetting them in the “huge” living room, the size of and adjacent to the deck. Shortly after “the turn”, our lakeside “chapel” and reception hall were ready to begin welcoming guests.
While the groomsmen hung out on the lower level in the game room, all of our guests (30) began to arrive wearing protective and styled masks. As The wedding party finished putting on our wedding attire in the two adjacent bedrooms and very large bathroom, our original minister took his place. The music started playing, my Dad took my arm, and he escorted me in my beautiful wedding dress down the aisle to meet my groom.
After repeating our vows and lavishing in that first “husband and wife” kiss, the party began. We had our traditional first dances (my Dad is a pretty good dancer, btw!). We cut the cake and shared that first “not too messy” first bites. Then our friends, despite the less than perfect weather, went to work firing up the outside grills and cooking up a feast that would have put the Rocky Mountain meal to shame. Hobbs Haus offered the convenience of an extended Kitchen off the living room, good size dining room space separate and on the deck a grill, family table and plenty of room to gather and enjoy the lake view.
Following the wedding, Dylan and I began our new life together. There are four large bedrooms so we spent the night at the Hobbs Haus in the Master Bedroom and were joined by our Maid of Honor and the Best Man for a relaxing evening and plenty of laughs amazed at what we had accomplished in less than one week.
Turns out our dream wedding was at a majestic Beaver Lake Estate near Eureka Springs, AR.
The Hobbs Haus is a very spacious lake front home sitting on nearly 4 acres. The western boundary is adjacent to the Hobbs State Park and Conservation Area. There are miles of top notch hiking, biking, and multi-use trails within the park. You will have complete privacy while you enjoy amazing views of beautiful Beaver Lake.
This home sleeps 14 guests making it perfect for large families or groups of friends at the lake. The open living room has extra-large windows that provide exceptional views of Beaver Lake. There is a bar height counter between the living area and large gourmet kitchen. Finishes are luxurious with granite counter tops throughout. The kitchen features a large island with a double stainless sink and dishwasher. All appliances are stainless steel, the stove has a vent hood and there is even a wine chiller. this kitchen easily accommodates multiple chefs.
The laundry room is available for guest use and you will have access to the two car garage. The house includes an additional freezer in the utility room.
The dining room easily accommodates all 14 guests and is accessible from the kitchen and living room. A patio door opens off the dining room onto the beautiful deck, providing outdoor dining with a picturesque view of the lake.
The large full bath on the main floor has a bedroom on each side. On one side of this bath is the first bedroom with two queen beds and on the other side of the bath is the master bedroom with a four post king bed. The views of the lake are amazing from this room. Both of these bedrooms have an exterior door with direct access to the wrap around deck.
Enjoy the wrap around deck with amazing views of the lake. Dine out under the stars and take in the view as the sun sets.
The lower level of this home has a large family and game room. This is the perfect place for the young at heart to gather. You can play foosball or air hockey as well as watch TV.
There are two more bedrooms on the lower level with another large shared bath which has a tub shower combination. Both of these rooms have two queen beds each as well as large closets and TVs with DVD players.
There is a great patio area outside the lower level with two hammocks in the shade of the upper deck. The back yard also includes a fire ring. All of this with that great lake view.
Now for the best part… This house is located in a cove with some of the clearest water in the lake. There are incredible limestone shelves down at the lake’s edge, in easy walking distance. The rock shelf is like a giant natural table top providing hours of enjoyment… the best swimming, lounging, and exploring on the lake!.
The rock ledges are exposed at normal pool stage and are only covered when the water gets to about 7-8 feet above normal stage. The main shelf is great for jumping as the water is 15-25 feet deep next to it. The shelves continue to the west along our property and into the state park and down the nearby cove there. There is usually a rope swing in the cove around the corner in the state park. There is a trail down to the water just to the east of the house. At the bottom of this trail the cove is shallower and more protected, this is the place to tie up a boat overnight.
The Rocky Branch Marina is the closet to the house and is to the left when you get to the main channel, about 2 miles by boat.