J
riends, actually twins (Anna and Elizabeth Cassels) that grew up
with the groom in Tuscaloosa and later became friends with the
bride during her freshman year at Alabama, are what brought
Caroline Lillie Coker and Thomas Joiner Pugh together.
Joiner, who was pursuing a career in geology at The University of
Alabama, had spotted Caroline on campus, and she quickly caught his
eye. Caroline, requiring a date for her very first sorority party, and not
knowing anyone in Tuscaloosa, sought the help of Anna for advisement.
The date was set, the introduction was made, and the rest they say, is
kismet. “I’m usually shy, but he was like no one I had met before. We sat
for hours and had the best conversation. I didn’t want the night to end,”
described Caroline.
Days, then weeks went by with the couple talking and texting daily.
Several dates and a few months later, the couple were officially in a
relationship. “When my parents dropped me off at school, my mother
told me not to fall for the first boy I met, but Joiner was different, and
I knew he would be a hit with my grandfather, as they share the same
fraternity, major, and the love of Alabama and UA’s football,” laughed
Caroline.
Soon, Caroline was introduced to Joiner’s family in Tuscaloosa where
she was embraced, and then Caroline took Joiner home to meet her
family on 30A in South Walton where she grew up. “It may sound corny,
but I knew all along that Caroline was the one, and I was happy to finally
meet her parents, brother, grandparents and her friends,” said Joiner.
Susan Benton, Caroline’s mother who also resides in Pensacola,
received the official call asking for Caroline’s hand in marriage as well
as help with engagement ring shopping. “Joiner wanted to propose
on Christmas Eve, Caroline’s favorite holiday, and knowing how close
Caroline and I are, felt that he needed to ask my permission first. I was
absolutely moved and touched. And, of course guided him right away
downtown to Jewelers Trade”, said Susan.
On a cold and rainy winters eve, after an arduous day at work in
Tuscaloosa, Caroline arrived home to find multiple candles burning and
flower petals picked form Joiner’s grandparents garden covering the
living room floor. Joiner was standing in the center of petals that were
in the shape of a heart. “It never registered what was happening. We had
discussed getting married but had not laid out any plans. When he got
down on one knee, all I could do was squeal! And, of course say, yes”,
explained Caroline.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Wedding Planners:
Megan Kennedy Dickson and Tiffany Latshaw of Megan K Events
Jessica Jensen of Portofino Island Resort
Photographer: Aislinn Kate Photography
Videographer: Lance Holloway Productions
Caterers:
Rehearsal Dinner: Classic City Catering
Wedding: Portofino Island Resort under the direction of Chef Jera Hughes
The Wandering Oyster: Beth & Bill Walton
Designers:
Floral Design: Fiore of Pensacola
Oyster Design: Ann Lomax, Drift by Ann
Draping/Lighting: Wedding Walls
Soft Seating and Stage: Soho Events & Rentals
Calligraphy of invitations/Stationary/Dance Floor/Wedding Program:
.......
Angela Welch
Invitations/Stationary: Ginger Bender at duh in Pensacola
Bridal Gown: Romona Keveza from Ivory & White in Birmingham, Alabama
Bridesmaids Dresses: Jenny Yoo
Wedding Cake: Betty Weber
Hair Stylist: Brooke Miller
Makeup Artist: DeSheri McClure
The Couples Signature Drinks: Donner-Peltier Distillers
Transportation: Beach Bum Trolley’s
Caroline Lillie
Coker
Thomas Joiner
Pugh
F
Newlyweds of Pensacola 23
story by
Courtney Murray
| photography by
Aislinn Kate Photography
23-25 Wedding Coker-Pugh.indd 1
12/26/17 4:21 PM