Real Arkansas Weddings: Caroline Scott & Ethan Chernivec

Caroline Scott & Ethan Chernivec
July 11, 2020 / Sherwood

Caroline Scott and Ethan Chernivec have a the University of Central Arkansas to thank for their meet cute. The two were both part of UCA’s college ministry called Student Mobilization and attended the summer project called KALEO. They became friends and got to know each other during the summer before going on their first date and hitting it off.

When it came time to propose, Ethan took Caroline to Two Rivers Park in Little Rock. The two have fond memories of the park because it’s one of the first places they went on a date and where he asked her to be his girlfriend. Ethan had the proposal spot set up with pictures of them, decorations and candles marking the way.

Planning in a Pandemic

The couple had to drastically change the set-up and flow of the wedding day to ensure they abided by social distancing rules. The couple made assigned seating for the reception with tables spread apart as required for COVID standards. Guests filled out a questionnaire before arriving and were required to wear masks. The original plan was to have a buffet dinner at the reception, but had to switch gears to a seated dinner. The cake wasn’t allowed to be present at the reception until it was time to actually cut the cake, so it was rolled out only during the cake cutting and then rolled back to the kitchen for serving.

THE INSPIRATION

The couple chose to have their big day at The Venue at Oakdale in Sherwood, which is Caroline’s hometown and close to her family and many of their guests. Ethan and Caroline actually chose to have their wedding at the venue before it was even finished being built and the space was everything Caroline envisioned.

Since they were having a summer wedding, Caroline opted for rich hues and included her favorite color, purple, in the design. Bright florals were a beautiful touch against the bridesmaids’ dusty mauve dresses. Tipton & Hurst designed compact bouquets with large blooms including multicolored roses and peonies. The wooden cross ceremony backdrop was draped with organic-looking greenery and matching florals and two large urn arrangements flanked the aisle.

HOW THEY CUSTOMIZED

Caroline’s reception style was classic and elegant with white tablecloths, colorful arrangements filling the space and a dance floor in the center of the room. The head table featured an elevated floral runner filled with greenery and lovely hanging blooms and purple lighting transformed the space into a romantic setting.

As the couple celebrated with friends and family after a whirlwind planning period, Caroline had time to reflect on what she loves the most about her now-husband. “He is nurturing, caring, encouraging and selfless,” she says. “He loves me so well and being around him is just the best feeling.”

As for her favorite wedding moment, Caroline says it was definitely their first look. “We were both anticipating that moment all day long, and both super nervous for the wedding ceremony — but once we saw each other, all the nerves went away and we were just excited to be with each other.”

VIDEO

THE DETAILS

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