Love By the Numbers with Sophisticated Garden Style

By The Perfect Palette - January 27, 2025 -

Love by the Numbers

When this couple celebrated their union at the Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock, Arkansas, they transformed the presidential library into an ethereal spring garden party that beautifully bridged cultures, traditions, and modern romance.

With cascading florals by Anthousai Florals in soft, romantic hues of blush, peach, coral, and lavender setting the scene, their day unfolded as an elegant celebration planned by Caroline Ply that honored both their Korean heritage and their shared American roots.

Capturing the Love

Artist Jarah Jacks captured the celebration in a live painting, while videographer Brian Weaver with Weaver Films and photographer Erin Wilson documented every precious moment. The bride stunned in not one but two meaningful looks – first in a classic WToo by Watters gown, then in a custom hanbok from South Korea's Gwangjang Market that paid tribute to her mother's own wedding day.

But before we dive into the details of this sophisticated soirée, we should mention that this love story began, quite fittingly for these two academics, with a failed attempt at studying calculus...

The Calculus of Love

Sometimes, the most beautiful love stories begin with the most unexpected study sessions. For S.W. and Martin, their romance blossomed over multivariable calculus at Vanderbilt University's Stevenson Library.

"We arrived prepared to study hyperbolic and elliptic paraboloids, but instead met the love of our lives," the bride recalls. "We talked through the night until the early hours of the morning. No studying was done that night."

From Campus to Forever

Their journey from that first meeting to the altar was filled with memorable moments, from S.W. gripping Martin's hand during a showing of "It," to a nervous first kiss at a university hackathon, and even weathering a year apart while S.W. studied abroad in Scotland.

After graduation and a cross-country move together, Martin proposed in Chicago's Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, setting the stage for their enchanting celebration at the iconic Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Honoring Heritage

One of the day's most meaningful moments came when the bride changed into a custom wedding hanbok from MyeongMoon JooDan in South Korea's Gwangjang Market. "As a Korean-American, it was deeply important to me to honor my heritage," she shares.

"My mother helped me put on the hanbok she had gifted me, just like she wore at her own wedding reception. It symbolized a bridge between my past and my future." The celebration of culture extended to their guests, with Korean family members wearing their own colorful hanboks, creating a stunning display of tradition and unity.

Fashion and Style

The bridesmaids embodied spring's vibrant spirit in mismatched dresses that complemented the wedding's color palette, while the groom and groomsmen looked dapper in classic suits from The Black Tux. The bride began the day in an elegant WToo by Watters gown from Inverness Bridal before changing into her meaningful hanbok.

A Garden Party Vision

The couple enlisted event planner Caroline Ply to bring their vision to life, transforming the presidential venue into an ethereal spring garden. Anthousai Florals created breathtaking arrangements that combined lush greenery with vibrant blooms in soft, romantic hues of blush, peach, coral, and lavender.

The ceremony backdrop featured garden-inspired floral pillars with cascading greenery, while reception tables showcased delicate centerpieces that appeared freshly gathered from a meadow.

Culinary Delights

Culinary DelightsThe Clinton Presidential Center's culinary team crafted a menu that honored both families and friends, featuring Southern comfort food alongside Asian and vegetarian options.

Mickey’s Cakes & Sweets created a showstopping two-flavor masterpiece, Italian wedding cake and a rich, delicious chocolate, adorned with fresh flowers that echoed the wedding's garden theme.

Dancing the Night Away

DJ Chad from Central Arkansas Entertainment kept the dance floor alive, and Pastor Aubrietta Jones officiated the ceremony - which included an unexpectedly memorable a cappella hymn performance.

The Next Chapter

The newlyweds later honeymooned in Portugal, exploring Porto, Lisbon, and the Algarve - a trip made possible by their savvy use of credit card points earned while planning their wedding. It was the perfect beginning to their next chapter, which started years ago with a calculus exam that turned into so much more.

Videogragher: Weaver Films

Photographer: Erin Wilson Photography

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Clinton Presidential Center

Wedding Planner: Caroline Ply Events

Florist: Anthousai Florals

Rentals: BBJ Linens La Tavola

DJ: DJ Chad with Central Arkansas Entertainment

Catering: Clinton Presidential Center

Officiant: Pastor Aubrietta Jones

Hair Stylist: Heather Copeland (The Fix Salon)

Makeup Artist: Jessica Humerick

Invitations: Dayflower Designs