06 Apr Meredith + Joe | Vulcan Wedding

Meredith and Joe’s wedding day was a long time coming in the planning for sure. They both live out of state but decided to come back home to Meredith’s roots to say their I do’s. I’m so fortunate to have been chosen to help them plan their day. They made several trips to Birmingham over the year+ of planning and we had some great times during our marathon meetings for sure. I got to know this family so well and consider them part of my own now. During our time together though, tragedy struck their family when Meredith’s father was diagnosed with cancer and passed away fairly quickly. Needless to say they were devastated and I worried about how the loss of her father would affect her and if the wedding would even proceed. I learned shortly after his passing that Ralph, her dad, had made sure to express his wishes to Meredith’s mom, Jane, and to Meredith about how important it was to him that they proceed with the wedding. He told them not to worry, he would be there with them. Jane and Meredith were so gracious and steadfast in their follow through for Ralph. Their personal strength, to this day, has me in awe.

I truly feel that Ralph was with us that day and let me tell you why. Remember the extreme drought conditions we were under last Fall? Well, Ralph and Jane had decided they wanted to surprise Meredith and Joe with a surprise fireworks show. The winds had been whipping the day before and blowing fairly good still that morning but just before our scheduled show time they died down to almost nothing and we were given the green light by the fire marshal. Needless to say, Jane and I were so elated… Jane especially since it was Ralph’s wish for their daughter that day. The show was magnificent and about 30 minutes following, the winds picked back up again. We knew for sure then that Ralph had been with us celebrating. I will never ever forget this experience!

This wedding is chocked full of so much beauty and love and I’m thrilled I finally get to share it. Some of my favorite things about this day include Meredith’s fabulous blue Manolo Blahnik shoes, her dad’s wedding band attached to her beautiful berry bouquet, her mom walking her down the aisle, the gorgeous monogram Empress Stationery designed that we used everywhere, the stunning calligraphy from Deb Warnat, Joe’s jacket change from ceremony to reception, the fireworks show (well duh!), that amazing tent and lighting, their minister informing guests prior to ceremony about no cell phones, and that Birmingham view! And lastly I cannot say thank you enough to the amazing vendor squad we assembled for this day and the feat they pulled off flipping this gorgeous tent from ceremony to reception. We went from a beautiful outdoor church to a romantic dinner and lounge setup in 30 minutes and that included moving church pews… church pews y’all! I swear I could look at these images from the oh-so talented Allison Lewis all day and I hope you enjoy them as much as me.

Planner: Two Hearts Weddings  | Bridesmaids: Norstrom’sBride’s Attire: Ivory & White | Cakes: Pastry Art Bake Shoppe | Calligraphy: Deb Warnat DesignsCatering: Kathy & Co. | Entertainment: Total Entertainment | Fireworks: Pyro ShowsFlorals, Linens & Decor: Hothouse Design Studio & Prophouse Birmingham | Groom’s Attire: Mr. Burch Formal Wear | Lighting & Draping: Design Productions LLCMusicians: Cahaba River StringsPhotography: Allison Lewis Photography | Programs: Wiregrass WeddingsStationery & Monogram: Empress Stationery | Stylists: Beauty by Jess + Sanctuary | Tents, Tables & Chairs: Event Rentals UnlimitedTransportation: Coats Classic Cars / Rare Transportation / Over the Mountain Sedan | Venue: Grand Bohemian Hotel | Venue: Vulcan Park & Museum

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