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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12/26/17   4:21 PM