Page 12 - Real Weddings

Alexis (better known as Lexi) and Derek have been teammates from the very beginning. A er graduating from Cabot High School, Lexi knew she was going to continue her pole-vaulting career at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. What she didn’t know is that track and eld would lead her to not only the 2016 Olympic Games, but also to her soul mate. Derek, a decathlete for the Razorbacks, was a sophomore when Lexi was a freshman. e two started dating only a few months a er they met, and quickly fell in love. Just before Valentine’s Day the following year, Derek arranged for the couple to have photos taken at sunset on a hill a er a track meet. During the photo shoot, he popped the question. Lexi quickly said “yes!” en the two celebrated with their families, who Derek had invited to be present for the proposal.
THE EVENT
Lexi described her idea of a perfect wedding as a small, intimate event with both of their families and close friends in attendance. With that in mind, the couple chose Fellowship Bible Church in Cabot for the ceremony, which was attended by about 150 guests. Lexi’s oldest brother, Tyler Weeks, performed the ceremony. Lexi’s mom, Amy Weeks, and aunt, Becky Bene eld, helped to plan the ceremony.
THE CAKES
e couple’s three-tier wedding cake was champagne- avored with lemon icing, which Lexi said “was delicious!” e groom’s cake paid homage to the couple’s college — a strawberry cake baked in the shape of a razorback. Both cakes were made by Leanne Neale from Cabot Cafe and Cake Corner.
THE RECEPTION
Lexi and Derek chose to have their reception at e Venue in Cabot. Another of Lexi’s aunts, Lynne Clarke, took a large part in planning and decorating the reception with
a rustic and vintage feel, incorporating wooden signs and letters as well as antique items throughout the venue. Guests were treated to barbecue prepared by Clarke. Guests le the reception with favors that the couple had made — packs of mints with labels that said “Mint to be.”
12 • real weddings in arkansas | 2018
A
LEXIS WEEKS
DEREK JACOBUS
AUGUST 12, 2017 PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELSEY WESTLAKE