Tiffany Larkam and Will Caldwell Exchange Vows
By Lance Avery Morgan Photography by Lacy + Lee
When the minister asked the bride and groom to kiss at the end of their ceremony, it was their first kiss. Ever. They had saved such a special moment for the big day. Tiffany Larkam, daughter of Kristi and Charles Larkam II of Austin, and Will Caldwell, son of Vicki and Gerald Caldwell of Dallas, married each other in a gorgeous ceremony at Hyde Park Baptist Church in Austin, where their parents had married 32 years ago. Having met at church through mutual friends and after dating for one year, they had an engagement of eight months.
Like many, the proposal was unique and started with a ruse to detract attention. The groom’s mother had a pivotal role in the plan. She called the couple on their way to a family gathering and asked if they could stop by their church first since she had forgotten something and requested that they pick it up. “We walked into the foyer of the church where there was a sparkling chandelier turned on, music was playing, and there were candles and flowers,” recounted the bride. “I said, ‘Oh, it looks like there is a ceremony going on…we should go the other way,’ to which Will responded, ‘Yes, there is a ceremony… Tiffany, today is the day.’” She continued, “He was down on one knee popping the question. I was so surprised and thrilled.”
Plans were made for the ceremony’s festivities ahead. The rehearsal dinner at Westwood Country Club kicked off the weekend of nuptial activities. For the exchange of vows, the bride was stunning in a Geraldine Mikado ballgown, featuring Spanish lace detailing along that bodice that created a sheer and lace effect along the length of arms. Customized button detailing added to the entire length of the royal train. In her hair, she wore flowers that were embellished from her mother’s veil.
She was escorted down the aisle by her father to the groom’s favorite hymn, Come Thou Fount. The couple’s mothers and grandmothers walked down the aisle to As the Deer, which was also in the wedding ceremony of the bride’s parents years ago. The three worship songs were The Goodness of God, I Love You, Lord, and We Exalt Thee by vocalists Pastor Randy Davenport, Pastor Cassidy Wilkinson, and Kaitlyn Davis, with accompaniment by piano and Barton Strings.
Pastor Earl McClellan of Shoreline City Church in Dallas was the officiant, and he made jokes that entertained the guests and brought tons of laughter during the ceremony. The bride and groom also took Communion led by the bride’s uncle, Pastor John Larkam. At the beginning of the ceremony, a candle was lit close to where the bride stood, by the bride’s family in memory of Tiffany’s late sister, Alexandra Larkam. Scripture was read by Annie Grace Weeden, the bride’s late sister’s dearest friend.
Tiffany’s Matrons of Honor were Emma Abernathy and Katlyn Campbell, while Redeate Seife served as Maid of Honor. The additional Bridesmaids serving her were Ansley Braden, Kelley Brown, Mollie Chinnery, Molly Dunaway, Avery Godwin, Emily Harrison, Catherine Larkam, Chelsea Mount, Sydnee Nichols, Andy Vazquez, and Hailey Whatley, along with Walker Brown and Caleb Walker as Ring Bearers. In the House Party were Mary Claire Bass, Cori Camp, Kalle Davis, Fields Dunston, Ashley Harrison, Kaitlin Kimbrell, Stephanie Larkam, Kristen Walker, and Naomi Walker. The flower girls were Grace Brown, Charlotte Larkam, and Alyssa Walker. The groom was attended by 14 groomsmen, including his father, who served as his Best Man: Dany Anchia, Christian Avila, Tom Brandt, Drew Brown, Jacob Cardenas, Marcos Celis, Troy Dixon, Charlie Gibson, Damian Juarez, Charles Larkam III, Daniel Poku, Natt Rataphan, and Holden Royals.
After the worship and music-filled ceremony, the 420 guests enjoyed dinner and dancing at the Driskill Hotel. The color theme for the entire affair was white, light pink, and periwinkle blue, which Barbara Shorts at Verve Events planned, while Westbank Florist created the floral décor. Alba Artisan Bakery made the bride’s and groom’s cakes. “Our spirited band, Matchmaker, joyfully led our guests to the exit of the Driskill by playing Oh When the Saints Go Marching In,” mused Tiffany. “We made our grand exit as our guests threw flower petals in celebration of our brand new marriage union. It was a day to remember. We felt like royalty.”
The bride, who graduated from Baylor University is employed by WeWork, while the groom, who graduated from Dallas Baptist University, works for Guidestone Financial Services. They reside in Dallas and spent their sunny beach honeymoon in Antigua.
