Real Arkansas Wedding: Caitlin Abiseid & Nick Shull of Little Rock

Caitlin Abiseid & Nicholas Shull

Caitlin Abiseid & Nicholas “Nick” Shull
April 14, 2018 • Little Rock
Our Lady of Holy Souls Catholic Church • Heifer International Village

Caitlin Abiseid and Nick Shull’s story is one of love at first swipe. Nick was in pharmacy school. Caitlin was in nursing school. The two graduated from UAMS on the same day seven years ago, but they wouldn’t meet for another four years. The two noticed each other on a dating app and both swiped right. As they began dating, Caitlin left on an annual family trip to New England. While she was on vacation, Caitlin and Nick both read “The Five Love Languages.” They would discuss via text and calls, something that other love interests had never taken an interest in.

When she returned home, she found her doorstep adorned with a beautiful flower arrangement and note from Nick— Caitlin realized Nick was the thoughtful, genuine man she had always hoped for. Nick proposed on February 19, 2017. He cooked a steak dinner and afterwards presented Caitlin with a slideshow of all of the adventures they’d experienced together. He got down on one knee in the kitchen and asked Caitlin if she would marry and continue adventuring with him for the rest of their lives.

Caitlin Abiseid & Nicholas Shull

Caitlin Abiseid & Nicholas Shull

THE INSPIRATION

Nick’s mother sketched the couple’s wedding crest based on Nick and Caitlin’s love story. Nick’s favorite football team is the Broncos and he’s always said he finally found his unicorn when he met Caitlin.

The crest depicts a rearing bronco and unicorn with bright, vibrant florals. The crest was printed on everything from the invitations and napkins to the bar signs and menus.

The couple wanted their ceremony to take place somewhere downtown near the reception so their guests’ travel time would be at a minimum. They also wanted somewhere unique. Caitlin and Nick chose Heifer International partly because of the size of its space to accommodate their 225 guests.

“Nick and I both love animals and country life, so finding a little piece of our pasts in the middle of downtown Little Rock felt so natural to our upbringing,” Caitlin says.

Caitlin Abiseid & Nicholas Shull

Caitlin Abiseid & Nicholas Shull

Caitlin Abiseid & Nicholas Shull

Caitlin Abiseid & Nicholas Shull

Caitlin Abiseid & Nicholas Shull

Caitlin Abiseid & Nicholas Shull

HOW THEY CUSTOMIZED

With Caitlin being half-Cuban and Nick being half-Italian, the couple wanted to merge their cultures at their wedding. The décor transported guests to Cuba with vibrant colors, whimsical florals and tropical palms. In another unique nod to Cuba, Caitlin walked down the aisle to Camila Cabello’s “Havana.”

COLOR STORY

The food reflected their personalities and culture. Appetizers of ceviche on plantain chips and black beans and rice spoons were a welcome treat for guests. A pasta entrée and warm breadbaskets reflected Nick’s Italian heritage, as did the dessert bar filled with Italian wedding cookies and tiramisu.

The couple opened up the dance floor with a choreographed first dance to Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing.” Caitlin says that learning the dance together was a great bonding experience for the couple. “Having that intimate moment together with all of our closest family and friends cheering us on was the highlight of the reception,” she says.

Caitlin Abiseid & Nicholas Shull

Caitlin Abiseid & Nicholas Shull

Caitlin Abiseid & Nicholas Shull

Caitlin Abiseid & Nicholas Shull

Caitlin Abiseid & Nicholas Shull

Caitlin Abiseid & Nicholas Shull

Caitlin Abiseid & Nicholas Shull

VIDEO


MUSIC TO OUR EARS

CEREMONY

“Perfect (Wedding Version)”
Ed Sheeran

FIRST DANCE

“I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing”
Aerosmith

FATHER/DAUGHTER DANCE

“I Loved Her First”
Heartland

Caitlin Abiseid & Nicholas Shull

Caitlin Abiseid & Nicholas Shull


THE DETAILS

WEDDING VENDORS WE LOVE
Venue Heifer International, Little Rock
Wedding dress Inverness Bridal Couture, Conway
Jewler Sissy’s Log Cabin, Little Rock
Bridesmaids attire Bella Bridesmaids, Little Rock
MORE VENDORS
Photographer Meredith Melody Photography, Little Rock
Ceremony venue Our Lady of Holy Souls Catholic Church, Little Rock
Event planner Anne-Claire Allen Planning & Design, Little Rock
Florist Silks A Bloom, Little Rock
Rentals Confetti’s Party Rental, Little Rock
Caterer Boulevard Bread Company, Little Rock
Wedding cakes Kelli Marks, Little Rock
Wedding stationery Hobart Print Studio, Bryant
DJ and lighting Central Arkansas Entertainment, Little Rock
Videographer Nathan Willis Wedding Films, New Orleans
Groom/groomsmen attire Men’s Wearhouse, statewide
Hair Mauricio Martinez and Abby Blevins of Dry & Dash, Little Rock
Makeup Jessica Humerick, Little Rock
Party bus Arkansas Destinations, Little Rock
Cuban-style getaway car R.D. Keever, Searcy
Rehearsal dinner venue Brave New Restaurant, Little Rock

See this Real Wedding as it appeared in the print edition of ARKANSAS BRIDE

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