Carlie and Clayton Bruce’s love story starts in the Castle High School band. The Newburgh, Indiana, natives shared mutual friends in high school, but it wasn’t until a few years later that they reconnected through working at the same restaurant. The couple dated for three years before Clayton popped the question on Christmas morning, Carlie’s favorite holiday. The pair spent Christmas Day celebrating and sharing the news with family.
The couple loved looking at different wedding venues. Carlie enjoyed wedding dress shopping and she found her perfect match at House of White in Newburgh. She recommends making a binder for the planning process to keep track of details.
Carlie and Clayton were married on Sept. 1, 2023, at Pine & Co. Twenty guests were invited to the outdoor ceremony, which Carlie says made for a beautiful and private occasion. Clayton’s father officiating the ceremony added a special touch.
The couple’s welcomed 150 guests to their reception, also at Pine & Co.
“We had barbecue from Miller’s Barbecue and an amazing dessert, and we stayed late dancing and celebrating with our family and friends,” Carlie says.
Carlie’s grandmother made the wedding cake, and Bea Sweet Treats supplied cupcakes. Although many of the night’s highlights revolve around the dinner and dancing, Carlie says one of the couple’s most cherished memories happened with photographer Bree Neeley.
“One of our favorite memories was, toward the end of the night, Bree had us go outside and take pictures,” she says. “We were so happy, and they ended up being some of our favorite pictures.”
Vendors included:
• Venue: Pine & Co.
• Photographer: Bree Neeley – Neeley Photography
• Flowers: Carolyn’s Creations
• Decorations: Mistletoe & Ivy
• Catering: Miller’s Barbecue
• Cupcakes: Bea Sweet Treats
• Dress: House of White
• DJ: Evansville DJs LLC