Joshua and Alison Arthur

The beautiful Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs, Ark., was the setting for an early morning wedding uniting Alison R. Guzman, of Austin, Texas, and Joshua J. Arthur, formerly of Nevada, Mo.

Alison is the daughter of Sergio and Monica Guzman of Texas and Paraguay.

Josh is the son of James P. Arthur, Cassville, Mo., and Vicki C. Arthur of Las Vegas, Nev.

The early morning sun, filtered by the trees and mountain mist, illuminated the glass chapel.

Ferns and other greenery adorned the draped and candlelit altar. The organist played musical pieces selected by the couple as guests entered the chapel. Honored guests were the grandmothers of the groom, Billie Curtis and Wanda Arthur, as well as Dalia Guzman, grandmother of the bride.

The Rev. Susan Phillips, Springfield, Mo., officiated the double-ring ceremony. Bret Hignutt, Springfield, Mo., served as best man. Grace Williams, Pittsburg, Pa., aunt of the bride, served as matron of honor. With guests standing, Alison entered the chapel, escorted by her mother and father, as the organist played the "Bridal Chorus" by Richard Wagner.

Alison's gown was designed in Washington, D.C., and made in Paraguay, homeland of the bride's mother. The white silk and organza, full-length gown with chapel train featured an off-the-shoulder bodice that was beaded by hand and accented with handmade lace. A coronet of small white flowers adorned the waist-length veil. The bride wore a pearl necklace that was a gift from the groom. The bridal bouquet was arranged with miniature white orchids, white roses, baby's breath, and streamers of white satin ribbon.

The matron of honor wore a full-length floral gown in the bride's chosen colors of turquoise and white. The bride's mother wore a full-length gown and jacket of turquoise silk and lace. The mother of the groom wore a cocktail-length suit with a brocaded jacket of turquoise, black, and gold. Renee Arthur, stepmother of the groom, wore a full-length blue gown and matching jacket accented with blue sequined piping.

The Rev. Phillips spoke of the sanctity of the wedding vows reading verses from the bible and a poem from Kahlil Gibran. After the charge to the couple to honor this day in their life always, the mother's of the bride and groom lit candles representing each family.

The couple exchanged vows they had written and wedding bands that were designed to match the emerald ring Alison received upon their engagement in Paris, France.

After exchanging their vows, Josh and Alison lit their unity candle from the candles representing each family. The pastor closed the wedding ceremony with a prayer and then presented to the guests Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Arthur. As the couple prepared to leave the chapel for their reception at the Cresent Hotel, guests showered them with red and white rose petals distributed by Ashley Arthur, sister of the groom.

Guzman-Arthur reception

In honor of the marriage of Joshua and Alison Arthur, a wedding reception was hosted by Sergio and Monica Guzman, parents of the bride, in the courtyard and floral gardens of the Crescent Hotel, Eureka Springs, Ark. As guests arrived, they were greeted by their hosts and the wedding party.

A large white tent was set up for the linen covered serving tables and refreshment bar presided over by hotel staff. Guest tables were adorned with white linen tablecloths and centerpieces of peach gladiolas and purple gay feathers, purchased from a local organic farmer. The theme of the wedding and reception was a "green wedding" to reduce the carbon imprint on the environment, a cause supported by both the bride and groom who are actively involved in environmental issues in both their careers and lifestyle.

Brunch was served with a selection of fresh fruit, bagels, smoked salmon, and condiments. The hotel chef prepared individual omelets of the guest's choice. The event was serenaded by a violinist from Eureka Springs. A large arrangement of white roses, a gift from David Guzman, brother of the bride, was presented to Alison by her parents. David is serving duty on a ship in the Pacific Ocean and was unable to attend.

Following the brunch, Alison and Josh invited the guests to watch the cutting of their wedding cake. The three-tiered cake was decorated with white pearl icing and piped lace trim that adorned each layer. The top of the cake was decorated with a fresh miniature floral bouquet. The cake was made from organic ingredients, as requested by the bride and groom, to keep with their green wedding theme.

Alison explained that instead of throwing a bridal bouquet, a tradition from her mother's homeland of Paraguay would be used. Several ribbons extended out from the bottom layer of the wedding cake. Single women were invited to surround the cake and take a ribbon in their hand.

Upon Alison's signal, all the ribbons were pulled out. Each ribbon had a double heart silver charm as a memento of the day, but only one ribbon had a special ring signifying that the recipient would be the next to marry. Savannah Cory of Springfield, Mo., received the lucky ribbon with the ring.

Upon cutting the wedding cake, the couple shared the traditional first bite of cake and then toasted each other with champagne. The fathers of the bride and groom, as well as the best man toasted the couple. Joshua removed the bride's garter and tossed it towards the young unmarried men present. Best man Bret Hignutt caught the garter. Afterwards, the waiters served wedding cake to the guests.

Serenaded by the violinist, the bride and groom shared their first dance as a married couple.

Afterwards, the couple danced with their parents and invited other guests to dance as well. As the bride and groom prepared to leave, the guests were invited to the front steps of the hotel where a horse drawn carriage was awaiting the couple. The driver wore a charming red top hat and tails. Best wishes were offered by the guests as the couple drove away for their tour through the charming streets of Eureka Springs.

For their honeymoon, the couple stayed in the bridal suite of the Crescent Hotel.

Joshua completed his master's in global environmental policy from American University in May 2007. Alison will complete her master's in ethics, peace, and global affairs from American University in May 2008. Following the honeymoon the couple returned to their home in Washington, D.C.