Photography: Sterling Imageworks |
Julie Paladino + Braden Vaughn
May 21, 2016 | Center Ridge
Photography Courtesy: Sterling Imageworks
Class Acts
Julie and Braden first met at Arkansas Tech University where they had the same majors (history and political science) and minor (speech communication). They had numerous classes together but they first started talking in a judicial process class, where Braden claims Julie came in and sat next to him. She, however, remembers him coming in to sit beside her. Either way, they struck up a conversation and began dating in January of 2010.
Easter Proposal
Braden proposed to Julie on April 5, 2015—Easter Sunday. The couple had gone to mass with Julie’s family. After the service they made their way out to the front of the church where Julie asked Braden if he thought this church (St. Joseph in Center Ridge) would be an option for the two to be married in one day. He replied, “there’s only one way to find out” and got down on one knee to propose. “Braden knew that when the day would come for him to ask me, that I would want it to be around my family, and at a place that was special to me. It was perfect,” Julie says.
A Meaningful Date
Julie says that she and Braden wanted their wedding date to be memorable and feel right, rather than choosing a random day. They opted to go with May 21. Her grandparents, Henry and Betty Paladino, were married on October 21, 1951 in the same church where Julie and Braden would exchange vows, so the 21st felt like a natural fit for them.
Professional Advice
“Deciding to use a professional planner was one of the most important decisions that was made,” Julie says. “I wanted to be able to work with someone who saw my vision for the special day. From designing to coordinating the wedding day, Natalie [of Natalie Scott Events] worked with me and my family to make it all happen. She was so helpful and made the entire process go with ease.”
Heritage Meal
Julie paid careful attention to the fare her guests would dine on following the ceremony. “The menu for the reception was important to me and a way I could showcase my Italian heritage,” she says. They served homemade spaghetti and smoked sausage, along with salad, sauerkraut, corn, and bread.
Twice as Fun
The couple made two distinguished exits as man and wife. For the first, following the ceremony, they drove away in a 1948 Ford two-door deluxe coupe. After the reception, they made their escape in a limousine.
Floral Selections
Peonies, garden roses, tulips, seeded eucalyptus, and white stock.
Wedding Day Resources
Bride’s gown: Low’s Bridal and Formal, Brinkley
Bridesmaids’ attire: J. Crew, Little Rock Cakes: The Cake Place, Russellville
Floral design: Clarksville Florist and Gifts, Clarksville
Groom’s and groomsmen’s attire: Men’s Wearhouse, locations statewide
Makeup: Estephany Gomez, Dior, Little Rock
Music—reception: Central Arkansas Entertainment, Little Rock
Paper goods: Posey Printing, Russellville
Photography: Sterling Imageworks, North Little Rock Rings: Joshua’s Fine Jewelry, Russellville
Venue—ceremony and reception: St. Joseph Church and Parish Hall, Center Ridge Wedding coordination: Natalie Scott Events, Benton
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