Photography: Sterling Imageworks |
Caroline + David
Pine Bluff // 5.14.22
When Caroline Oudin and David Pollard met at a mutual friend’s wedding reception at the Pine Bluff Country Club, they had no idea it would become the site of their own nuptial celebration. The pair were introduced by a friend who thought they might hit it off, and Caroline admits that after dancing and talking through the night, she “felt butterflies.” The feeling was mutual, and the couple dated for a year and a half before David proposed at his family’s cabin on Petit Jean Mountain. He popped the question at a favorite scenic overlook, and Caroline said “yes.” Before meeting with wedding planner Natasha Gates, the couple decided on a spring date, a lilac color palette, and a church wedding. Both had attended First United Methodist Church of Pine Bluff while growing up and thought it would be a special place to tie the knot. From there, Natasha helped pull together all the details of the big day, including amazing floral displays, food selections from chef Jamie McAfee, and an artful faux cake by baker Kelli Marks. Caroline’s mother also played a big role. “Mom and I tried to meet every Friday for lunch to make decisions, plan, and get organized,” Caroline says.
On the big day, the bridal party enjoyed a relaxing morning at the bride’s childhood home before heading to the church. Following the traditional ceremony, well-wishers headed to the Country Club for a reception with a live band. Southern favorites, such as grouper on a bed of étouffée, were served alongside beef tenderloin and vegetables. For dessert, guests enjoyed individual slices of cake topped with a solid chocolate “P.” Following a fireworks send-off, the couple exited the reception in a decorated golf cart. After a honeymoon in Antigua, they are now at home in Little Rock.
Caroline wore her grandmother’s enamel ring as her “something blue.”
A little red getaway car, which the couple took from the ceremony to the reception, paid homage to David’s parents’ wedding.
Artful Dessert
Caroline envisioned a wedding cake with petal-shaped layers. Baker Kelli Marks brought this to life in a faux cake rendition that served as a display piece during the reception. Guests were served sliced sheet cake in a variety of flavors.
The grand finale of the celebration was a firework show over the golf course after Caroline and David exited through a set of sparklers.
Local Resources
Bridal gown Unveiled Bridal Collection Cake Sweet Love by Kelli Marks Catering Jamie McAfee Entertainment (Ceremony) Arkansas Capital String Quartet Entertainment (reception) Funky Town, RAM Entertainment Floral design Silks A Bloom Groom’s and Groomsmen’s Attire The Black Tux Hair and makeup (bride and mother of the bride) Dennis Harris, Salon Underground Hair and makeup (bridesmaids) Belle & Blush Photography Callie Sterling, Sterling Imageworks Planning and design Natasha Gates, Natasha Gates Events Rentals Eventology, The Dance Floor Man, and Nuage Rings Brooks Fine Jewelry and Sissy’s Log Cabin Stationery Hobart Print Studio Transportation Arkansas Destinations Venue (Ceremony) First United Methodist Church of Pine Bluff Venue (reception) Pine Bluff Country Club Videography KB Studios
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