Story: Stephanie Maxwell Newton | Photography: Erin Wilson Photography and Films | Hair & Makeup: Pout
Caroline Ply Events sets the scene for an intimate gathering inspired by the Edgemont House’s Mediterranean charm
Growing up in a large family—she’s the second youngest of eight—Caroline Ply experienced her fair share of weddings early in life. “I have six sisters, and my first wedding was one of my older sister’s when I was 12,” she says, noting how much she loved being a part of every little detail of the festivities. “As we’ve gotten older, I’ve loved watching each of them make the day their own.”
Caroline pursued an interior design degree before dipping her toe professionally into the wedding industry as an assistant for several planners in Northwest Arkansas. “I loved it so much, I would count down the days until the next wedding,” the planner recalls. When she and her husband relocated to Little Rock in 2020, she had several friends ask her to help plan and style their weddings. This led her to officially launch Caroline Ply Events, where she utilizes her design background to help brides visualize color palettes, room layouts, and tablescapes as well as perfect all the logistics leading up to “I do.”
For this inspirational shoot, Caroline played off the architecture of Chris H. Olsen’s Edgemont House in North Little Rock. “I toured this venue and felt like it was truly timeless and intimate,” she says. Read on to see how she combined a summery palette with modern details for an al fresco celebration that’s tailored and chic.
An envelope liner depicting an orange tree ties the invitation suite to the venue and overall palette.
Blue Waves
Dinner plates with a blue painterly pattern were the starting point for this colorful scene. From there, Caroline drew ideas from the venue itself; for example, large potted fruit trees in the courtyard inspired the introduction of orange to the color palette. Ghost chairs and wicker placemats bring both modern and natural elements to the mix.
The Edgemont house is done in a Spanish Colonial Revival style, and we wanted to mix that feeling with a few things that are a little more modern.”
—Caroline Ply, wedding designer
Varying tier sizes and a sculptural bow (in edible ribbon!) give the traditional wedding cake a contemporary twist.
Style Forward
“I wanted the wedding party’s style to be where some of the modern feel came into this look,” Caroline says. The bride’s sophisticated chignon bun and sleek sheath-style gown speak to a laid-back elegance that suits the venue and theme. Gray suits for the groom and groomsmen and light blue bridesmaids’ dresses keep everything airy and fresh.
In Full Bloom
An organic display of dahlias, delphiniums, veronica, campanulas, roses, snapdragons, antique carnations, olive branches, and blueberry foliage in the table arrangements coordinates with floral elements of the bridal and bridesmaids’ bouquets.
Resources
Bride’s gown Unveiled Bridal Collection Bridesmaids’ dresses Bella Bridesmaids Cake Sweet Love Bakery Floral design Magnolia Belle Floral Groom’s and groomsmen’s suits A Step Above Hair and makeup Pout Paper goods Paper Supply Co. Photographer and videographer Erin Wilson Photography and Films Rentals Eventology Rings Sissy’s Log Cabin Venue The Edgemont House Wedding design Caroline Ply Events
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