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