“I ‘played dumb’ and asked Phillip for help on my homework,” shares Caroline of meeting her future husband in their 9th grade physics course. “We were told to help one another work on gravity equations, and the rest is history!” 

Years later, Phillip surprised Caroline with a proposal at a vineyard. “I left her with a note, flowers, and a dress she had previously picked out but never ordered,” describes Phillip, adding that he had her friends help her get ready and drive her to the vineyard, where she walked down to lights that spelled out “Marry Me.” Of course, she said yes. 

When planning their wedding day, Caroline envisioned a fairy-tale celebration that honored the summer season. Vibrant colors in sorbet and melon tones made up the color palette, creating a visually stunning and dreamy atmosphere in shades of pink, orange, yellow, and green that radiated romance. 

“I could not get behind an all-white wedding plus greenery trend because frankly, that is way too boring for me!” shares the bride, who went her own way when designing the day with her wedding team. “Colorful florals are so in [now], and I’m so glad that I did it.” 

The bride also knew she wanted an alfresco ceremony surrounded by nature, so they selected a vineyard venue reminiscent of the site where their wedding journey began. When the day came, however, the storms rolled in, but neither Caroline or Phillip’s spirits were broken as they were just so happy to be marrying each other. 

Though they had to move the ceremony under the patio, the day was perfect in their eyes. Everywhere guests looked, flowers filled the spaces. “I really wanted flowers to be the focal point, intriguing all of the human senses,” describes the bride of the roses, peonies, gardenias, and other fragrant blooms that delighted loved ones. 

Before the ceremony, the couple took part in a “first touch” around a corner, in lieu of a first look, as the bride wanted her groom to see her for the first time as she walked down the aisle. When the time came, Caroline processed wearing a stunning floral-embellished gown with shoulder streamers and a gorgeous veil, following two ring bearers and the pair’s goldendoodle Goose, who donned a custom-made leash and a bandana fashioned to look like a tuxedo. 

“Colorful florals are so in [now], and I’m so glad that I did it.”

After the “I dos,” guests entered the magnificent reception space, which showcased a burst of lively color. Tables were decorated with neutral or bright yellow linens, as well as floral-print napkins, whimsical blooms, and an array of crystal and gold details. 

A cozy velvet lounge area with bohemian-patterned ottomans continued the joyful design scheme, fitting the couple’s vision of a vibrant, romantic summer celebration complete with impressive fare honoring Southern comfort foods and a savory carving station. 

Loved ones enjoyed slices of the wedding cake, which was a work of art, offering three delectable flavors: lavender cake with honey buttercream, vanilla cake with strawberry filling and champagne buttercream, and chocolate cake with chocolate ganache and chocolate buttercream. 

To send guests home on another sweet note, a chef provided fresh crêpes to end the night before the couple’s grand exit, which was a highlight for the newlyweds. “When we saw everyone smile, laugh, and blow kisses, it is a moment that I will cherish forever. It was great to have all of the people who made us who we are send us off into our life,” smiles Caroline.