Newlyweds of Pensacola 25
guitar and sang Humble And Kind.
The rehearsal dinner reflected the bride and
grooms love of oysters and their passion for the
Gulf Coast. Oyster shells, driftwood, and the palest
pink and white florals adorned each table and filled
the venue. Oyster shells with the guest’s names also
directed all to their seats for the evening’s plated
dinner service.
The couple’s oyster and pearl theme carried
over to the reception at Portofino poolside. The
Al Fresco event included an onsite tent draped
in soft white billowy fabric that was filled with
twinkling lights, while a floral, crystal, and pearl
chandelier hung above the dance floor. Flanking
each side were two more chandeliers made of
repurposed oyster shells. Another floral chandelier
hung over the fresh strawberry and cream layered
cake that sat atop an oyster shell base. Nearby,
the grooms cake that Joiner helped design was
displayed. It was made of chocolate ganache and
cheesecake layers that resembled a backhoe with
his company logo on the side. Driftwood, oyster
shells, and pastel florals topped each of the pale
linen gray covered tables. Not to miss was the
over the top food presentations that were passed
by wait staff but changed each hour, along with a
Gulf shrimp station, carving station with filet of
beef, and a mashed potato bar with toppings. The
Wandering Oyster was brought in to serve four
appellations of regional off bottom farmed oysters
that were shucked on site from an iced down boat
and presented raw with two refreshing mignonette
sauces, or grilled.
Caroline’s “something old” was her great
grandmother Lillie’s diamond engagement ring, a
gift from her grandmother as she is the namesake.
Her “something new” was her diamond earrings
from her husband, “something borrowed” was
the diamond cuff bangle from her mother, and the
“something blue” was stitching that could hardly be
found in her Badgley Mischka shoes.
The newlyweds skipped the traditional garter
throw to allow more time for the guests to dance
the night away to the tunes by Big Bling and The
Funk Machine, a phenomenal high energy band
from Atlanta. They chose Etta James’ At Last for
their first dance. The bride and her two fathers
shared a dance to Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond,
while the groom danced with his mother to Days
Like This by Van Morrison. The night ended with a
fantastic firework’s display before the newlyweds
were whisked away by boat.
Caroline and Joiner, after waiting on Hurricane
Irma and Maria to pass, soon enjoyed an extended
honeymoon in Saint Lucia. They now reside
together in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
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