The Time Was Finally Right: A Love Story for the Ages
College sweethearts Caroline and Johnathan's love blossomed when they started going steady for the third time. Here is a look at their lovely Memphis wedding.
Caroline Clare Talbot and Johnathan Horton met as students at Mississippi State. “We dated on and off, and I guess it finally stuck after we graduated,” Caroline recalls. “The third time was the charm.”
When the time came for Johnathan to pop the question, he made sure it was a memorable evening for Caroline. Two years after graduation while in Charlotte, North Carolina, for a Mississippi State bowl game, Johnathan surprised Caroline with dinner reservations, a romantic stroll through the park and then proposed under the twinkling, starry night sky.
PinCaroline Clare Talbot and Johnathan Horton, the “Mr. and Mrs.”PinThe couple steals a kiss in the aisle.
The couple made an early decision to marry at St. John’s United Methodist Church, a Midtown Memphis church that their close family friends attend regularly, instead of their home church in Hernando, Mississippi. They also included their family and friends in other aspects of their special day. Ceremony music was provided by organist and pianist Matthew Bogart; soloist and pianist Luke West, a friend of the bride and groom; and soloist Ashley Wieronski McCormack. There was a scripture reading by Johnna Strange, a bridesmaid and friend of the bride and groom.
Caroline wanted her wedding to be elegant and colorful, so they opted for fresh, traditional arrangements with bold complementing colors. Wanda Carol Robison of Blossoms is a friend of the family, so Caroline trusted her creativity and says that her selections did not disappoint.
PinShe found her dress, an Olia Zavozina, at Maggie Louise Bridal Boutique.PinHer wedding gown featured a corset top with soft silk A-line skirt and elegant lace overlay with delicate fringe along the hem.PinShe carried a few tokens with her for good luck along the way. These items included a handkerchief made from her husband’s baby bonnet, her “something old,” and a special bracelet that has been passed between her college friends on each of their wedding days, her “something borrowed.”PinHer wedding dress held a small piece of fabric from a bridesmaid’s dress worn at her late friend Holli’s wedding, her “something blue.” The fabric was sewn into the dress and monogrammed with bible verse Jeremiah 29:11, stating “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord.”PinCaroline’s 16 bridesmaids — her childhood and high school friends, former roommates, her sister and her soon-to-be sister-in-law — wore the lace Cleo Top with Sea Glass Louise Tulle skirts by BHLDN, which complemented the bride’s exquisite lace gown. They carried bouquets arranged in slightly bolder varieties of the bridal bouquet.
PinHer maid of honor was her sister, Mary Gates Talbot (now Heidelberg).PinJohnathan had 12 groomsmen, and his best man was his dad, Jon Horton.PinThis eager ring bearer, Carter Gilbert, is the son of Caroline’s high school friend and bridesmaid, Chelsie Gilbert.PinThere’s just something about seeing the bride and groom embrace during their first look — swoon!PinCaroline shares a special first look with her dad before the wedding festivities begin.PinCaroline and Johnathan were married by Brother David Cox in the presence of nearly 500 family members and friends at 6 p.m. on July 9, 2016. The couple exchanged traditional wedding vows at St. John’s United Methodist Church.
Following the ceremony, guests traveled downtown for a reception at The Columns. Caroline selected the venue because of its central location and size.
There were his and hers cookbooks, a decorating book and a book about the Mississippi Delta for guests to sign as they arrived, each telling a piece of the story of the couple’s love and history. Fresh peach Bellinis and Moscow mules were handed out as guests entered.
Unique personal details were positioned throughout the reception space. Photos of friends and late family members were framed and placed on tables at the entrance. There were monogrammed personalized linens, koozies, wine glasses and even a personalized dance floor light! And the Amurica photo booth trailer was on site for fun and unique photos for guests to enjoy.
As Caroline and Johnathan were announced as Mr. and Mrs. Horton, they enjoyed their first dance to Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered,” one of Caroline’s favorite songs and one to which the couple has always enjoyed dancing. Caroline and her dad danced to “My Girl” by The Temptations, which holds a special meaning to them.
PinAs Caroline and Johnathan were announced as Mr. and Mrs. Horton, they enjoyed their first dance to “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” by Stevie Wonder.PinCaroline and her father share a touching father-daughter dance to The Temptations’ “My Girl.”PinJohnathan and his mom danced to Van Morrison’s “Days Like This,” a meaningful song for the mother and son and for the occasion.
PinCenterpieces were filled with tall, lush greenery and full neutral blossoms with splashes of color, transforming the large space into an inviting, warm and celebratory venue.PinWhite Door Events brought in gold satin tablecloths and gold chairs to complement the large gold columns throughout the room. Tables were decorated with small, bright bunches, votives and floating candles.PinThe dinner menu included Caprese and Caesar salads, pork tenderloin sliders, a macaroni-and-cheese bar and shrimp and grits.PinThe pork tenderloin sliders were a hit!PinNo one went hungry at this smashing soiree!PinThe five-tiered bride’s cake, designed by Alice Chow Cakes, was a traditional wedding cake with buttercream icing. It was topped with hand-painted Wolfe Studio “Lovebirds” and trimmed with fresh flowers.
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PinThe groom’s cake was a duck hunting-themed chocolate cake topped with a duck and adorned with a replica of Johnathan’s hunting partner, Bella. The sign on the side read “The Hunt Is Over!”PinCity Heat Band kept the crowd on their feet all evening long.PinGuests were given glow stick necklaces and sunglasses to fuel the dance floor festivities and served late-night grilled cheeses, which really hit the spot!PinFriends and family sent the couple off with bubbles — and a bit of rain, which was another notable moment for the newlyweds.PinA black 1956 Chevy two-door sedan escorted the couple to The River Inn, where they spent the night. They left the following morning for a romantic honeymoon in luxurious Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.PinCheers to you both, Johnathan and Caroline!
For more on Caroline and Johnathan’s wedding, check out their wedding video, produced by Sami Sue Studios.
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