Sarah Caroline Esch & Michael Mathews Baker
May 31, 2025 | St Joseph Catholic Church In Conway | Bailey Brewer Photography
Caroline and Matt met during their junior year at the University of Central Arkansas in 2018. Caroline remembers being hesitant to date Matt because of how much effort he put in to getting to know her.
The two fell in love that summer and have been together ever since. “I saw his big heart for others and me, he made falling in love and being with someone so easy,” Caroline said.
Seaside Florida is a sentimental place for Caroline. Her mother passed away shortly after a girls’ trip the two took to the area, and it’s been a place for her to remember her mom ever since. When proposing, Matt booked the couple a trip to the area to not only honor Caroline, but also her mother in the proposal.
“Matt got down on one knee in front of the Seaside Chapel and told me he wanted to honor my mom in some way during the proposal,” Caroline said.
Photo Credit: Bailey Brewer Photography
Wedding Professionals We Love
Wedding dress: Unveiled Bridal Collection
Event design and florals: Tanarah Luxe Floral
Photo Credit: Bailey Brewer Photography
More Wedding Professionals
Day-of coordinator: Madalyn Duncan; Photography: Bailey Brewer Photography; Venue: St Joseph Catholic Church; Catering: Pasta Grill; Cake: Sweet Lavender BakeShop; Rentals: Eventology; Entertainment: Crown Entertainment; DJ: DJ Xavier Riley; Groom and groomsmen suits: Bell & Sward; Rings: Sissy’s Log Cabin; Makeup artist: Jessica Humerick; Hair stylist: Emily Bullock at Urban Society; Bartending: Prospects; Signage: LivSimp by Olivia Lyles; Watercolor custom monogram: PaintsbySA (Sarah Anne Henderson); Spray tan: Laney Bolin; Content creator: Content by Katelyn; Getaway car: Vintage Motor Cars
Q&A
Q: What inspired your wedding day decor?
A: “We wanted to have a soft and sophisticated mood,” Caroline said. “…At our reception, we had Crown Entertainment put string lights above the tables, Tanarah Luxe had florals in bud vases with floating candles and dimmed the lights … it felt intimate for our guests.”
Q: Did you incorporate anything sentimental?
A: “On my bouquet, I had a piece of lace from my mother’s wedding dress tied in with the ribbon,” Caroline said. “I wanted to have a piece of my mom walking down the aisle with me.”
Q: What inspired your florals?
A: “I really love sage green and cream as our wedding colors because it is a versatile and sophisticated hue that works beautifully with a wide range of colors,” Caroline said. “I could go with florals and not worry about clashing!”
Q: Is there an underrated wedding vendor for the big day you recommend to all Arkansas couples?
A: “A content creator, Content by Katelyn specifically,” Caroline said. “I get to relive my day by the short videos and the behind-the-scenes pictures are some of my favorites, truly capturing the happiness between my husband and [me]!”
Photo Credit: Bailey Brewer Photography
Honoring Caroline’s Mom
After Caroline’s mom passed away unexpectedly, she wanted to find a way to honor her at the wedding. She decided to attach a piece from her mother’s wedding dress to her bouquet so that it felt like she walked down the aisle with her.
Photo Credit: Bailey Brewer Photography
Keep It in the Family
Caroline hired her aunt, Tanarah Haynie, to design her dream wedding reception space. “We wanted to have a soft and sophisticated mood,” Caroline said. “…At our reception, Tanarah had florals in bud vases with floating candles and dimmed the lights … it felt intimate for our guests.”
