Real Northwest Arkansas Wedding: Kim Nguyen & Trey Caruthers

K & T

KIM NGUYEN & TREY CARUTHERS

October 2, 2021 | Osage House | The Johnson’s Photo

Kim and Trey were set up on a blind date by her sister and his mom in December of 2018. Trey was living in Thailand at the time and they decided to meet when he visited home during the holidays. Their first date turned into a 6-hour dinner, and the only reason it ended so soon was that the restaurant was closing. 

Trey proposed in September of 2020 when the couple was on vacation in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. After spending a nice evening together, Trey and Kim decided to take a walk along the beach when they spotted a rose in the sand. He picked it up and gave it to Kim, got down on one knee and popped the question. As soon as I saw the ring box, I knew my life was about to change forever,” Kim said. After the proposal, they had a photoshoot and enjoyed their first dinner as an engaged couple in a cave. 

K & T

K & T

INSPIRATION & DETAILS

Kim and Trey wanted to plan a glamorous wedding but without glitter and glitz. Kim wanted a romantic, enchanting feel with a cozy and inviting atmosphere. They knew early on that they wanted a wedding planner, and decided to hire Amanda Reed who brought their dream wedding to life! 

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Their most worth-it wedding splurge was on a photographer, videographer and florals! Kim and Trey’s wedding colors consisted of a neutral palette with pops of color–such as cream, ivory, green, mauve and light pinks, plus pops of peach, orange and blue! They envisioned using hydrangeas, peonies, ranunculus, dahlias, garden roses and lots of greenery. PIGMINT Floral Studio went above and beyond carrying out the enchanting atmosphere Kim asked for. They even designed trees for the reception space and tables! 

K & T

K & T

K & T

K & T

Kim loves that so many Arkansas brides are ditching tradition when it comes to their weddings. They opted out of a bouquet and garter toss, and love that couples are making the day more about them. They offered their guests late-night snacks from McDonald’s and Taco Bell–it was a hit! They still hear about the snacks to this day. 

“Trusting others and letting go of the need for control will only make the process that much more enjoyable. Don’t lose sight of your budget–know where you’re willing to compromise and make adjustments and the things that are non-negotiable.”
– Kim Nguyen

HOW THEY CUSTOMIZED

Kim and Trey decided to write their own vows and exchange them during a private first look. It is a moment they will cherish forever! She’s so glad they decided to create this intimate moment and will never forget it. 

K & T

K & T

K & T

They both love to travel, and so they decided to incorporate this detail into their wedding day. Kim loves the Mediterranean and Spanish inspiration, so they incorporated pops of blue throughout their tablescapes, lounge area and dance floor–which was created to be a large Portuguese tile! Their ceremony aisle was adorned with Turkish rugs from Turkish Trunk. 

K & T

K & T

Kim’s advice to Arkansas brides is to have fun during the planning process. 

K & T

K & T

K & T

“It’s not worth stressing over. Try to enjoy your wedding day and take it all in! I had an amazing army surrounding me to take care of all the details and felt like I was able to truly be present at the moment.”
– Kim Nguyen

WEDDING VENDORS WE LOVE

Planner
Amanda Reed of Amanda Reed Weddings 

VENUE
Osage House

WEDDING DRESS
TESORI

FLORIST
PIGMINT

RENTALS

Eventology  

MORE VENDORS

Photographer: The Johnson’s Photo, Videographer: Hon Creative, HMUA: Boun Vang, Suit: Mr. Tux, Cake: Shelby Lynn’s, Caterer: Catering Unlimited & Koons Saloon, Rental: White Door, Stationery: Minted, Menus and Signage: Shindig, DJ: DJ Xavier, Dance Floor: The Dance Floor Man, Car Service: High Society Event Rentals, Photo Booth: Social Photo Booth, Ceremony Rentals: Turkish Trunk, Linens: La Tavola, BBJ Linens, Nuage Linens


See this Real Wedding as it appeared in the print edition of ARKANSAS BRIDE.
Discover more inspiration in Arkansas Bride’s Real Weddings section.

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