Real Hot Springs Wedding: Katelyn Allen & Carter Shields

Real Hot Springs Wedding: Katelyn Allen & Carter Shields

KATELYN ALLEN & CARTER SHIELDS

Feb. 4, 2023 | Anthony Chapel and Pine Hill Estates | Hot Springs | Swearingen Weddings

Katelyn and Carter became best friends while studying abroad in Australia, New Zealand and parts of Asia. Katelyn had a major crush on Carter from day one and even told one of her friends on the trip that she knew he was the one. On his birthday in 2019, she finally confessed her feelings for him (expecting him to reject her). Little did she know, Carter had been harboring his own crush, and they’ve been together ever since.

The couple opted for a more intimate wedding celebration in Hot Springs on their four year anniversary together. Carter is a “The Lord of the Rings” fan and always wanted to get married at Anthony Chapel, and Katelyn was determined to make that happen for him. Following the ceremony, they had a private dinner and reception at Pine Hill Estates on the shores of Lake Hamilton with their closest friends and family.

Real Hot Springs Wedding: Katelyn Allen & Carter Shields

Real Hot Springs Wedding: Katelyn Allen & Carter Shields

WEDDING VENDORS WE LOVE

Ceremony venue
Anthony Chapel at Garvan Woodland Gardens

Reception venue
Pine Hill Estates

Coffee cart
Flourish Coffee Company

Invitations and stationery
Abigail Fowler Designs

Custom pet watercolor
Watercolors by Korry Jones

Hair
Tyler Richards of Belle & Blush

Makeup
Colby Valentine of Belle & Blush

Real Hot Springs Wedding: Katelyn Allen & Carter Shields

Real Hot Springs Wedding: Katelyn Allen & Carter Shields

MORE VENDORS

Photography: Swearingen Weddings; Wedding planner: Emily Wade Wilson; Florals: Vase and Vine; Catering: Slim Chickens and Cheryl Otwell; Cake: Sweet Lavender Bake Shop; Linens, chargers and other rentals: Eventology; Glassware and tables: Pleasant Valley Church of Christ; Photo booth: Doug Kramer; Printing and signs: Pen & Ink Paperie; Fun fact napkins: Etsy (Memorable Wedding); Wedding dress: The Bridal Cottage; Reception dress: Leila Slip Dress from RUNAWAY; Alterations and custom sleeves: Audra’s Alterations; Groom and wedding party suits: Joseph A. Bank; Jeweler: Roberson’s Fine Jewelry

Real Hot Springs Wedding: Katelyn Allen & Carter Shields

Real Hot Springs Wedding: Katelyn Allen & Carter Shields

Q & A

Q: What inspired your florals?

A: “I really wanted a wedding I could look back on that didn’t feel time stamped,” Katelyn said. “We wanted a lot of greenery, baby’s breath, white roses and other flowers that felt timeless. Plus, Princess Diana used white and green florals, so I had to!”

Q: What was your inspiration?

A: “I love the classic ‘80s and early ‘90s wedding aesthetic, and wanted to incorporate that into our day as much as possible,” Katelyn said. “I was inspired by ‘90s brides such as Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and Diana, Princess of Wales. We wanted ‘90s flare with a fantasy, whimsical edge!”

Real Hot Springs Wedding: Katelyn Allen & Carter Shields

Q: How did you personalize your big day?

A: “We decided to have one big wedding party instead of traditional bridesmaids and groomsmen,” Katelyn said. “We had so much crossover with our friends, we didn’t want them to only claim ‘one side’ when they mean the world to both of us!” 

Q: What did your guests rave about the most?

A: “The food,” Katelyn said. “We hired Slim Chickens to cater fried chicken and Cheryl Otwell to cater the sides—she did not disappoint. She made mac and cheese, green beans, rolls and mashed potatoes. At one point, my sister-in-law brought Carter and I a huge plate of mac and cheese and we devoured it.”

Real Hot Springs Wedding: Katelyn Allen & Carter Shields

Real Hot Springs Wedding: Katelyn Allen & Carter Shields

HONORING LOVED ONES

“I wanted to make sure we honored Carter’s mom in any way we could. Even though I never had the chance to meet her, I still see the amazing impact she left on her sons and my father-in-law. I put together a small table and displayed details from their wedding day, including her wedding dress!”

Real Hot Springs Wedding: Katelyn Allen & Carter Shields

Real Hot Springs Wedding: Katelyn Allen & Carter Shields

FAVORITE TREND

Katelyn loves the trend of brides changing into a second look at their reception. Her blue, ‘90s-inspired silk dress was such a contrast to her 3D, whimsical floral gown, so she truly got to have the best of both worlds.

Real Hot Springs Wedding: Katelyn Allen & Carter Shields

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