Emily and Cal’s Crystal Bridges Museum wedding in Bentonville was one of those days that just sticks with you in the best way. The setting itself is stunning (I’ll never get over those clean lines, natural light, and the way the whole space feels alive with art and nature), but what made this day incredible was them.
Emily and Cal are the kind of couple who make everyone around them feel welcome, and their wedding party showed up with that same energy. Big group, big personalities, and just the sweetest, most uplifting vibe all day long.
As someone who photographs weddings in Northwest Arkansas often, Crystal Bridges is always a dream, but this crew took it to another level. Every moment felt effortless and just so memorable. I’m still smiling thinking about it.

Emily brought a strong sense of vision to her wedding day, which shaped the experience beautifully, and the execution of that vision by wedding planner Anne Claire Allen and her team brought it all to life. Her mother later shared, “Emily had a pretty clear vision for what they wanted for their wedding, which made it easier to narrow down decisions. Surround yourself with a great team, which we did with Anne-Claire and Hope, yourself, and the vendors we used. Remember glitches will happen. Just keep your sense of humor, offer advice when asked, and don’t forget to smile for the camera.”
As a photographer, I always aim to bring not just skill but a sense of calm and support to every wedding. After the weekend, Emily wrote, “Leslee you were such a light this past weekend and we are so thankful to have had a photographer and positive energy like you.” Messages like that mean the world to me and remind me why I love this work.
Emily and Cal’s Crystal Bridges Museum wedding was filled with beauty, laughter, and heartfelt moments. Capturing their day in such a meaningful setting was a true honor, and I am so grateful to have been part of it.





































The Team
Design and Planning: Anne-Claire Allen
Photography: Leslee Layton
Floral: Silks A Bloom
Venue: Crystal Bridges Museum
Dance Floor: The Dancefloor Man
Hair: Ace Hair Co
Makeup: Paige Ghahremani Adriann Duncan
Stationery: By Invitation Only
Rentals: Alchemy Event Rentals
Cake: Shelby Lynn’s Cake
Photobooth: Social Photo Booth Co
Band: Manhattan by Jordan Kahn Music
Cellist: Cello by Austin
“”Five stars does not do Leslee Layton Films justice! Leslee conveys a calming presence, a pristine professionalism, and a joyful spirit. She helped with making sure the wedding festivities ran smoothly, and made sure to capture all of the most important parts of our special day. We could not imagine our wedding day without having her included. The piece of work she created for us is priceless, and it still brings us to tears each time we open it up. Leslee’s film is the perfect portrayal of our love. Words could never be enough to brag on this woman or to express our gratitude.” – Kassie