As I think back over the last 17 years and reflect on all my weddings, it’s so hard to choose just a few of my favorites. But here goes…

I loved getting to work for the Siddle family. Designing and executing two beautiful days for their twin daughters was double the fun for me… first for Melanie & Taylor and next for Melissa & Travis. Both of these sweet couples are so strong in their faith and commitment to one another, that it’s inspiring. Also the musical selections for both of their ceremonies are the moments I will remember so fondly. They truly wanted their guests to join with them in worship… and it was magical.

A memory I’ll always laugh about from Melanie and Taylor’s day is chasing some neighborhood dogs that decided to be wedding crashers all around the Siddle’s multi-acre property. Y’all their place is BIG! For those pups it was all a game, but for me, I got a serious workout running after and ushering them off the property. Oh the life of a wedding planner!

Melissa and Travis’s wedding resulted in me finding the best burger I’ve ever had (seriously!) and developing a ridiculous affinity for Beekman 1802 products. All thanks to the destination experience one has while staying at Pursell Farms.

Thanks for the memories Siddles and wishing many happy and healthy years together to Mr. & Mrs. Taylor Brown and Mr. & Mrs. Travis Jackson! Love you people!

I think one of the most remarkable takeaways from my time spent as a wedding planner is learning all of the details of how, where, when, and why my couples came to be. Hearing the crazy, funny adventures they’ve experienced together up until the time we met, is truly a gift. I’ve listened to a ton of proposal stories over the years (some perfect, some not so much) and watched in delight as they re-enacted the day to me. Hearing how it all went down never got old… I love to hear about love! 

Stefanie and Michael’s proposal is an awesome story for sure. Let’s just say it was a “Total Eclipse of the Heart”. You’ll have to click back a few pages on the blog to read their engagement post for what I mean by that. I also got a kick out of learning they have a 5lb. bag of gummy bears delivered to their apartment each week to enjoy during their HGTV binge sessions. Details like these mattered to me when getting to know my couples and designing a special day for them.

Stefanie was from the Birmingham area, but lived in the Northeast while we were planning their wedding. We had bi-weekly status meetings via phone and I so enjoyed catching up with her and her mom, Eva, every time. We even had a FaceTime meeting once with their floral designer, CeCe Designs, where we had Stefanie mounted on a tripod at the end of the table so she could see everyone at once. It was a hoot for sure!

The first look that Stefanie and Michael shared is one I’ll never forget. Y’all these two are IN LOVE and it was so beautiful to witness. Something else I’ll always remember is the custom suit that Michael had made for this day. It was a very nice blue ensemble, but what made it so memorable was the reveal he planned to his groomsmen. That still makes me laugh out loud.

Cheers to you… Mr. & Mrs. Michael Landes… wishing you both many, many, happy years together!

If you have some time, I hope you’ll browse back through the blog and read the stories of all the amazing couples I’ve served over the years. But the last wedding I’m going to reminisce about is one that I’ll forever be grateful for for being chosen to be their planner. All weddings are beautiful and full of emotion, but Meredith and Joe’s wedding day was ratcheted up several notches for both me and them.

As most of you know… my lovies… The Wiggles (aka Bonnie and Huck) are my world, and on the morning of Meredith and Joe’s wedding, I received the phone call my hubby and I had been waiting for. We were going to be parents again, and soon! I’m already so amped up for wedding days, but this had me bouncing a good bit more!

This wedding became a signature event for my business. The clear tent we installed at Vulcan Park for guests to be able to enjoy the city view below was simply stunning. I loved it so much that I had a large canvas of it hanging in my office for several years. The team that worked this magic was exceptional and Jessica Morris, of Hothouse Design Studio, was the artistry behind the whole design. For the ceremony, we made sure Meredith and Joe felt as if they were marrying in an outdoor chapel. Afterwards, we ushered guests to the upper patio area while the team flipped the tent. This meant moving all the pews out and setting up the tables, chairs, linens, centerpieces, and lounge furniture quickly. Remember, I said this team was exceptional…. this was all done in 30 minutes!

So what made this day exceptionally emotional? Meredith’s dad had passed away unexpectedly a few months prior to the wedding. At the time, I wasn’t even sure the event would go on as planned. I learned later from talking with Meredith’s mom, Jane, that her husband had made them promise to still make the day happen. And that’s exactly what we did. 

I know we all like to believe that our loved ones are watching over us, but this day made me a true believer of the thought. During the early days of planning, Meredith’s parents had expressed their wish to have a surprise fireworks show for Meredith and Joe during the reception. For weeks leading up to the wedding, there had been a severe drought in Alabama. So bad that there was a strict burn ban in place with severe fines for violators. At Vulcan Park, with the elevation, it tends to be on the windy side and often. Up until about 45 minutes prior to the scheduled fireworks time, I had not received the green light from the fire marshall. I was already feeling like the show was not going to be allowed. But then the winds died down, and I mean basically stopped. The fire marshall gave us the thumbs up and the show went off as planned. The newlyweds, along with their guests, were all delighted. Then 15 minutes after the show concluded, the winds returned. I stood next to Meredith’s mother the entire time and afterwards, we both looked at each other with tears in our eyes. We knew her husband had been there. It still, to this day, gives me chills and comfort at the same time when I think about it.

Much happiness to you always Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Lee!

Given the responsibility to handle someone’s wedding is a great honor, and those gifts, I’ll cherish the rest of my life. Executing wedding days are a tremendous amount of hard work, but a lot of joy and satisfaction comes with creating these perfect days. Sometimes the plans get derailed by weather or world-wide pandemics (y’all I can’t even with this season), but in the end I’ve enjoyed this ride like I never dreamed possible. While I know I will NOT miss the inability to walk the day following a wedding, I do however know that I’ll miss witnessing my favorite moment at each wedding… the walk the newlyweds take back up the aisle together hand in hand. I know, that sounds a bit on the cheesy side, but I recognize and feel the relief the couple expresses at that moment and remember that feeling like it was yesterday.

In my final thoughts and words, I want to say thank you to all the beautiful, silly, funny and thoughtful couples I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and working for over the years. Hugs and kisses to you all! And to all the vendors who have been my teammates, cheerleaders, confidants, and conspirators over the years… thank you from the bottom of my heart for putting up with me, answering emails and text messages after hours, helping to square away plan b and sometimes plan c for my events, and for just being great people! Wedding industry folks are a special breed for sure. I wish you all many blessings for continued success in your businesses and personal lives and know that I’m still cheering you on, just from a far. And don’t be surprised about an invitation from time to time to catch up over breakfast or a cup of coffee. Lastly, I’ll leave you with this… 

“There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

and

TTFN… Ta Ta For Now! 

hugs and kisses,
Rachael

Until I get to share their day though, you can enjoy their playful engagement images captured by BeLight Photography. Their Q&A with me is pretty special too and I’d say that it’s safe to say that Stephen is a little smitten with his bride.

How/where did you meet and what did you do on your first date?

Stephen and I met when we studied abroad together in Greece. We both attended the University of Alabama and have many mutual friends, but we did not meet until we were in the airport about to head to Greece. We had so much fun, and by the end of the 4 weeks, everyone pretty much knew we were a thing. After Greece, Stephen came home and I flew to Paris to meet my mom. We had our first date on the 4th of July- the day I flew home from Paris. Stephen drove to Birmingham from Tuscaloosa to watch the fireworks with me. Since then, the 4th of July has been our special holiday together.

Describe your dream date…

Our dream date would be to hike somewhere really cool. We would love to go to Machu Picchu, Banff, or Acadia National Park.

Do you two have a favorite movie or song?

We have very different tastes in movies and music, but one movie we can agree we both love is My Big Fat Greek Wedding. It is cheesy, but it always has us laughing.

What guilty pleasure do you share?

We could both lay around all day finishing a really good book. Neither one of us has any shame in reading for hours on end.

Tell us all about the proposal… anything not go as planned or was it completely perfect?

In my mind the proposal was absolutely perfect! Stephen took me to Aldridge Gardens in Hoover, where we frequently went together for walks. After walking for a few minutes, Stephen says he needs to get his water from his backpack. I continue walking and when I turn around, Stephen is down on one knee with a ring in his hand! It was the most perfect place I could think of to get engaged. Stephen says that one thing that went wrong (even though I did not notice) is that both our moms were very obviously hiding behind the trees. He could see them the whole time!

What do the two of you like to do together when you aren’t working or in school?

We love to travel, hike, try new foods, drink wine, and read.

What are you looking forward to the most about your wedding day?

Stephen: Getting married and going to Italy.

Emily: I am excited to have all of my favorite people in one place to celebrate our marriage. I’m also pretty darn excited about the peach cobbler at the reception!

How did you know he/she was the one?

Emily: When I first met Stephen, I was so surprised at how at ease I felt around him. Of course I was still nervous during our first dates, and I would worry about my outfit or make up or whatever. But when we would get to talking, I felt I could talk about anything with him. I am honestly my most true self when I am with him. He is my rock. He is my best friend. He is kind, loyal, smart, and generous. Being in a long-distance relationship is hard. But every time I would call Stephen upset and missing him, it never failed, he would be at my doorstep that weekend. (Usually with flowers in hand). I am so incredibly blessed to have him in my life, and I cannot wait to be his wife. 

Stephen: Emily has my heart not because she is beautiful, sweet, smart, and loves to travel just like me (although these are all wonderful things about her). She has won my love by the support, determination, and ability to forgive she has shown throughout our relationship.

This was evident to me during the past two years when I was working on my masters degree and my subsequent first year in my new job in Nashville. We were living apart and I was going through a phase of life where I was deciding on my career and where I’d be living. Emily was there for me through difficult decisions, my CPA exams, and many long weeks at work.

That’s why, in March 2019, I decided I could not wait any longer to propose. I decided on a Sunday afternoon that I was ready and proposed that next Saturday. Ever since she said yes, we have been blazing forward on the rollercoaster ride that is wedding planning cruising toward our wedding day. 

Check out their engagement photos taken by Eric & Jamie Photography and we’ve also included some fun Q&A to get to know this couple a little more.

Congrats you two… so happy for you both!

How/where did you meet and what did you do on your first date?

Angela: We met our freshman year at Auburn. I grew up here in Birmingham and Phillip in Spanish Fort/Fairhope. We were both attending a party with a group of our high school friends when we met. 

Phillip told me his name and I told him I could marry him since his last name was equally as fun as mine. I distinctly remember having a bread tie ring that night.

I’m not sure if we ever went on a “first date” but I have a lot of first memories. My best friend, Christina, and I happened to be in a biology class with Phillip’s roommate at the time. The first time we hung out after that party was the four of us grabbing lunch at Lupton’s in the Quad after class! Soon after that, me, Phillip, and my other best friend, Elizabeth, went to Applebee’s for dinner (this is what we always joke was our first date). We were fast friends after that! Our friend groups became close and we would cook Monday Night “Family” dinners at our dorms and hang out all the time! Phillip’s roommate also happened to be dating my roommate’s sorority sister, who led me to two of my best friends, now bridesmaids!

Phillip and I were best friends for years before we started dating. We would go to the grocery store, run errands, study at the park, take day trips to Ikea, and go to football games together. It wasn’t until after Phillip went to study abroad in Ireland one semester that we became more than friends. He realized he could never be that far away from me for that long with minimal communication ever again . I also always joke that Phillip never asked me to be his “girlfriend” but I guess the transition happened sometime in all of our fun because I will soon be his “WIFE”. 

Describe your dream date…

Phillip: Our dream date is getting a break to relax and cook a nice meal, sit on the couch, and watch a movie.

Angela: I imagine our dream date will hopefully occur on our honeymoon! Being on vacation, nothing to worry about, enjoying time relaxing on the beach and eating delicious food. But honestly, swimming with the pigs is probably closer to my dream! Just add in some deer and I’d be set

Do you two have a favorite movie or song?

Angela: We are huge Harry Potter fans and debated having a Harry Potter themed wedding… I asked phillip if we could turn the barn into the Great Hall. You can imagine his response . We have also probably seen every episode of NCIS more than ten times. 

What guilty pleasure do you share?

Angela: I somehow recently discovered how amazing Dairy Queen Blizzards are. We love to go get a Choco Brownie Extreme and Heath Blizzard. I can’t wait to enjoy one post wedding, I even googled the nearest DQ from Ross Bridge for wedding night

Tell us all about the proposal…

Phillip: Each year, Angela’s family takes a beach trip to Destin, Florida. After talking with Angela’s parents, I was able to get a photographer and have everyone in the family convince Angela we would be taking some family portraits on the beach. We were able to create some chaos and convince Angela that her and I needed to go ahead and leave to meet the photographer and the rest of the family would follow. I think, at this point, she was a bit suspicious but when we arrived the photographer waved to me (she wasn’t supposed to know who I was) and Angela got even more suspicious. We went with the photographer to scout some locations before the family arrived and once we found a nice secluded spot and taking a few “test shots” with the photographer, I turned to Angela. She had the biggest smile I think I’ve seen yet. I got on one knee and asked her to marry me. Shortly after, the family arrived and we all celebrated with some real family portraits before heading off to dinner.

Angela: Our proposal was exactly how Phillip described. He had to find a way to trick me and get me in real clothes with makeup on he knew I would want my entire family there so the best time was our beach trip. One of the funniest parts was the night before the actual proposal we had all gone to get ice cream after dinner. Phillip and I walked over to look at something away from everyone else and my niece (9 years old) screamed thinking we were getting engaged right then (with Phillip having ice cream spilled down the front of his T-shirt). Little did she know the actual engagement was happening the next night and she was not happy when she found out she wasn’t in on the secret! 

What do the two of you like to do together when you aren’t working?

Phillip: We enjoy cooking food and baking sweets together. We also like to spend time decorating our new home. 

Angela: We love when we are just able to relax and enjoy time in our house. Sitting on the couch and cuddling with our sweet pup, Leo, and cats, Sofia and George. 

What are you looking forward to the most about your wedding day?

Phillip: I’m looking forward to seeing all our friends and family and being able to enjoy our time with them. 

Angela: I’m so excited to see everything that we’ve been working on come together. We truly both had such a major part in planning this, it actually probably wouldn’t have gotten done without Phillip. Plus he puts up with all of my crazy requests. 

I’m most excited about our first look! This day has been a long time coming and I know we will be so ready to see each other by that time. It’s been so hard keeping my dress and everything a secret from Phillip but can’t wait to see what he thinks!

How did you know he/she was the one?

Phillip: Angela has been the most kind, caring and most selfless person I’ve known since the day we’ve met. She is strong and determined about the things she cares about most. Her dedication to family and friends is unrivaled. The funniest moments are when we can make eye contact across a group of people and immediately be thinking the same thing without saying a word and bust out laughing. Angela keeps me my feet on the ground when my head gets too high in the clouds. She’s always felt like home to me and I can’t imagine a better person to have by my side!

Angela: I remember back in college, sitting on my best friends bed, telling her that Phillip was  exactly the type of guy I wanted to marry. He was exactly what I wanted in a husband and a future father to my children. He could literally handle any situation and had an answer to every question. Any task or crazy idea I came up with, he would succeed beyond my expectations – he even agreed to foster two kittens at his own apartment since I already had two of my own. 

Most importantly, he loved my family like his own (anyone who knows me knows my family is my #1). Even in college, we would take my nieces with us everywhere. He never questioned or complained (even though that meant being more responsible at football games). I always thought we must look pretty funny, two young people (both extremely dark complected) with blonde hair, blue eyed girls. 

Phillip continues to exceed my expectations daily. I may not be the easiest person to put up with but he does it with a smile on his face. He always makes me feel like the smartest, most beautiful person around, encourages me daily, and loves me unconditionally. We cannot wait to FINALLY be married and continue to build this life together. 

We’re also just a bit smitten over these photos from their engagement session with the talented Kelli + Daniel Taylor Photography and even more enamored by the pre-wedding day Q+A we asked them to share about their story. It’s pretty evident, they kind of like each other and are on the same page in all aspects of their love story. Congratulations Christian and Andrew… let’s get you two married!

How/where did you meet and what did you do on your first date? Give us all the details.

She said… Andrew and I met through mutual friends at the Filing Station (a bar) in Tuscaloosa in May of 2012. I was about to graduate from high school and he had just graduated from college. We shortly became friends on all social media outlets. When I started my first semester at Alabama in August of 2012, we started messaging on facebook and texting. Because I had a big crush on him, I tried so hard to come off as a “chill” and “down to earth” girl by hooking him up with someone on my cheer team. I would also reach out to him to buy me alcohol and even reached out once in a subtle manner to get a ride from him from the bar (which he denied) just so I could see him. Unfortunately, Andrew was not having it and clearly not into me so I eventually gave up (I blame it on age LOL).  For three years, we followed each other on social media and my crush on him never faded. The summer going into my senior year and after each of us were in long relationships, I sent a mass snap chat out to my snap chat friends saying “Last ever cheer tryout” and Andrew responded. We then messaged on skype and eventually started texting. A week later, I drove to Birmingham to hang out with him for the weekend. We went out to the bars the first night with his friends and my sister and her friends and casually hung out that weekend. Technically our first date was that night, but our first formal date was at Cocina Superior a few weeks later. 

He said… She will probably kill me for this, but I do not remember exactly where we went on our first technical date. However, the first time we were together she came up for the weekend. We went out, danced a little downtown, and had a few drinks. She even drug me out shopping at the Summit. I can even remember the outfit she wore, so I think it’s safe to say I liked her a little. That weekend was May of 2015 and we have spent almost every single weekend together since.

Describe your dream date…

She said… My dream date would be more like a dream weekend in which we would stay on a hut over the ocean on an island like Fiji. We would be able to relax, do adventurous activities together, drink, walk the beach, have dinner on the beach, etc. Though this is my dream date, Andrew’s would probably have something to do with hunting animals he never has before and me going to the spa while he hunts. 

He said… Mine will probably be different from Christian’s. I’m sure she would want a beach involved. However, for me (excuse my redneckness), it would involve hunting. Not necessarily just going on a hunt together but more. I have mentioned to her for years how I want to go out West to turkey hunt. My dream date/day would be hunting together in the morning (my happy place) followed by a spa or vineyard in the afternoon (her happy place). As crazy as it seems I know several couples that do this, and it always makes me jealous!

Do you two have a favorite movie or song?

She said… The Notebook has been my favorite movie even at a younger age. I always wanted to find my own version of “Noah” and when I met Andrew I knew I finally found him. He isn’t as in love with the movie as me but I would describe it as our movie. Though we don’t necessarily have a favorite song, “Die a Happy Man” by Thomas Rhett always comes to mind when I think of a song that reminds me of us. When the song first came out, I remember us listening to it nonstop and dancing to it. 

He said… I do not have a favorite but I am sure she will mention The Notebook. Cliché I know. However, she always says I am her “Noah” and I can handle that! I would not say we have a favorite song but we both enjoy country music and several other genres. 

What guilty pleasure do you share?

She said… We are slightly obsessed with craft beers and that may be an understatement. I also am obsessed with Mexican and we eat it at least once a week.

He said… Beer, sour gummies, and sweets. We both love all of these!

Tell us all about the proposal… anything not go as planned or was it completely perfect?

She said… Words cannot express how perfect the proposal was in my opinion. Andrew went over and beyond my expectations so much so that he went to the Botanical Gardens on various days at various times just to figure out the best time of day to have the proposal. He hired the BEST photographers to capture it all and had our family waiting for us at Carrigan’s to celebrate afterwards. He even wrote me a beautiful letter just in case he wasn’t able to get everything out when he proposed (which was great because he wasn’t able to say but a few words since he was so nervous). I knew he had bought the ring and was on high alert so unfortunately I had a strong feeling he was going to propose that night but even with knowing about it, he completely and utterly exceeded my expectations and made the day absolutely perfect.

He said… I would not say it was completely perfect! I think Christian kind of started to catch on what I had planned, and I wanted it to be a complete surprise. I hired our photographers to “hide” in plain sight and photograph the whole thing. It all went as planned until it came time for me to actually talk. I got shaky, started mumbling, and honestly do not even remember what all I said. I instantly got extremely nervous. However, it went amazing and they captured everything. I was more than happy with how it turned out. 

What do the two of you like to do together when you aren’t working?

She said… One of our favorite things to do is go to breweries on a night we are free and try beers. It’s safe to say we have tried just about every beer at every brewery in Birmingham but we still love to go. We also follow all the breweries on social media and when they have small batches we love to go try them before they sell out. Back when we lived in Bluff Park, we would venture to the Piggly Wiggly and select various beers to try that we hadn’t tried before. Andrew would always pick a stout or porter and I would always pick a sour.

He said… We like to tour breweries and try new restaurants. We love to travel and see new places, but we are just always so busy it’s hard to find time. We also like to binge watch Netflix shows while eating sweets and trying different craft beers.

What are you looking forward to the most about your wedding day?

She said… Walking down the aisle and finally having the feeling that the man I am heading towards is my husband and that the moment we are about to experience will be a moment we will cherish together forever. The simple thought of seeing him as I take each step down the aisle and knowing that he is the love of my life makes me more than excited for our special day. I also cannot wait to spend the night on the dance floor dancing with Andrew and celebrating the fact that we are FINALLY joined together in marriage.

He said… First look>seeing her walk down the aisle>the reception. I cannot wait to turn around and see her in her dress. I know she is going to look more than stunning, and I am sure I will start crying like a baby. Seeing her walk down the aisle is going to be a close second or maybe even the top. I will probably cry again, and my nerves will be maxed out but I am looking so forward to this. Every step she takes closer to me will be a second closer to marriage and I am looking more than forward to it. Lastly, of course we are looking forward to the reception. It will be a party and I cannot wait to dance and celebrate. 

Anything else fun you want to share about your story?

She said… My favorite thing to talk about is the fact that I always knew Andrew was special even when he turned me down and was clearly not interested in me my freshmen year. There was just this pull he had over me the first night we met and I just couldn’t explain why. Even to the point that when I would see someone who I thought was him during the three years we were not in contact, that I would get so beyond excited and happy just at the thought of it potentially being him. Clearly I know now that these feelings were because he was the man that God created and intended for me to spend the rest of my life with. He was simply “My Noah.”

I also love to talk about two other instances clearly evidencing how Andrew and I were meant to be.

The night we said we loved each other. Andrew and I love to leave each other sweet notes randomly especially when we first started dating. When I decided to tell him I loved him, I wrote him a letter expressing how I was in love with him and how much he meant to me and then gave the letter to him that night. After Andrew had read the letter, he reached into his wallet and pulled out a letter he had written to me professing his love too! We had both written each other letters and both planned to give each other the letters that night!

The first year we were dating, we both planned to surprise each other on the same night at the other person’s apartment/home. Andrew was living in Birmingham and I was living in Tuscaloosa. I had driven an hour to his apartment in Birmingham and he had driven an hour to my house in Tuscaloosa. As I was pulling up to his apartment, he called me asking where I was and that he was at my house. We both laughed and could not believe we had both planned to surprise each other at the same time and on the same night! Andrew ended up driving back to Birmingham but it definitely was a memory we will always laugh about.

He said… We have always done things creepily alike. For instance, when I told her I loved her for the first time I wrote her a note. She had written a note on the same day at the same time to tell me the same thing. When she was still living in Tuscaloosa, I decided to drive down and surprise her. Little did I know, she was driving to Birmingham to surprise me. We showed up at each other’s houses at the same time. 

How did you know he/she was the one?

She said… I’d have to say it was the night that we had an extremely personal talk and his reaction to the conversation was everything I could’ve hoped for and more. Though I had always known there was a deeper connection between the two of us, I knew then that I loved this man and that I always would. 

He said… Well, she is the only person I have ever met that I never wanted to be away from. We have been together for 4 ½ years and I still cannot get enough of her. Ever since we met she has constantly made me strive to be a better person. She quickly became my best friend and always will be. She has been my rock and my everything. I have never had anyone look at me the way the looks at me. She always finds a way to make me feel wanted and desired. I knew a long time ago that I did not want to let her go and wanted to spend the rest of my life with her. When you constantly wish you would have met each other earlier so you could have been together even longer then you know you have found the right one and I definitely have!

We have a beautiful intimate ceremony planned at The Tutwiler Hotel and then a fantastic celebration in store for ALL of their guests at The Florentine afterwards. I can’t wait to share this event in a few weeks.

Until then, take a look at their sweet engagement session with the talented Lyndsey Cunningham and read their sweet Q&A on their relationship. I think you’ll see why I love them so.

How/where did you meet and what did you do on your first date?

We met at a friends house for an Alabama football game for the very first time. Our first date was on Valentine’s Day at Flemings. Before we left for our date, Jeffrey gave me a heart shaped box of Chick Fil A chicken nuggets.. best gift ever! We were both SO nervous (just admitted it this past year), but we ended up having one of the best nights ever! We discovered our mutual love for good food, conversation, and wine! 

Describe your dream date…
On a boat in Italy with a private chef and endless wine.

Tell us all about the proposal…

The proposal could not have been more perfect. A week before the proposal took place, Jeffrey had his mom text us while we were vacationing in Key West. She asked us to join her for a Young Living oil party when we got home. I did not think much of it because she loves oils and we agreed to go support her! The day finally came, I was told it would be cocktail attire and I had to wear my best dress. In a rush to get ready, I could not decide on what to wear so I ended up in something I had in my closet forever! (Not too happy about it, but it would do).

We arrived at The Club downtown and Jeffrey led me through the beautiful building to the top floor. Before I had time to think, we were on a gorgeous balcony and Jeffrey was asking me to be with him forever! In SO much shock I just cried and reached for the ring before I could even say yes… but it was the biggest YES of my life! I could not find the words for the overwhelming joy I felt. Jeffrey said the most beautiful words and played it off so smoothly. 

Right after lots of happy tears, pictures, and kisses, he told me he had one more surprise. We were taken to another room that was BEAUTIFULLY decorated with pictures and floral arrangements. I walked in to see all of our family and friends and just kept thinking how in the world did he play this off?! Next thing I knew, I turned the corner and there stood all of my best friends from hours away! He had them fly in without me knowing. I was SO happy. The day could not have been more perfect. To make up for my outfit choice, my friends had a beautiful white outfit waiting for me in the bathroom! Jeffrey made sure I would have the perfect outfit and makeup waiting in case mine faded.  We danced, spent so much time together, and soaked in the rest of the night. It was the most special night we will never forget.

Do you have a favorite movie or song?

Fun fact: I didn’t enjoy movies before I met Jeffrey, but now I’ve seen just about every movie there is to see! Our favorite though is Masterminds!!!

What guilty pleasure do you share?

Indulging in lots of ice cream or frozen yogurt.

What do the two of you like to do together when you aren’t working?

We both enjoy spending time at the lake, watching movies, trying new wine, and playing games like Dominos, Clue, & Heads Up!

What are you looking forward to the most about your wedding day?

We are both looking forward to just being married! We are patiently waiting while practicing our best dance moves! 

Anything else fun you want to share about your story?

Another fun thing about our story is when we first started dating Jeffrey bought me the Golden Retriever I just had to have. We drove two hours to get our first baby, Theodore. We are now a week away from our wedding and have TWO wonderful Golden Retrieves (Theo and Reese). 

How did you know you had found the one?

She said… Jeffrey has my heart for so many reasons. The biggest reason is how he pursues me day in and day out. Every single day, he makes me feel like I am the most special person in the world. No matter what I have to say, he is always ready to listen. Overall, I just love how we can have the best time together no matter what we are doing. He is my best friend in the entire world! 

He said… I knew there was something special about Alexis the first time I met her. After getting to know her it was like there was a gravity pulling me towards her. I went from staying in on week nights to organizing mid week dinners with friends just to see her again. It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with Alexis and it didn’t take any longer for me to know that I’d marry this amazing person. She makes me a better man. She is without a doubt my better half. She is kind, honest, loving, and unapologetically herself. We’d stay up until the sunrise sitting on my front porch just talking. I didn’t care about anything we had to do the next day. All I knew was that I needed every second I could get with her. I knew she was the one. I knew I didn’t want to spend a day without her in my life.

Planner: Two Hearts Weddings | Bridesmaids: Koh Koh from Amazon | Bride’s Dress: Independent dressmaker on Amazon | Cakes: Magnificent Cakes | Catering: The Happy Catering Company | Bartending: B&B Bartending | Entertainment: Judah Swilley | Florals + Decor: RD Designs | Hotel: Renaissance Ross Bridge | Menswear: Mr. Burch Formal Wear | Photography: Chrissy Rae Photography | Stationery: Minted | Stylist: Hali Rhea Gurley | Venue (ceremony): St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church | Venue (reception): Vulcan Park & Museum| Video: Zachary Will Weddings

What was the most surprising thing you learned during planning?

She says: Just how many people we know, love, and wanted to share our day with. I thought before that we each kept a pretty conservative circle. When you start planning with the idea that you want to keep it intimate and around “x” number of guests, then weigh that against the names you’ve jotted down on your ideal guest list, things can get uncomfortable. With that said, it was important to us to keep it small and realistic to our budget. We wish we could have hosted all the special people we’ve shared pieces of our lives with, but we had to be honest with ourselves and the vision we shared. Also, I will never delay responding to a formal invitation. I know now how much unnecessary stress and frustration it can cause for the hosts.

He says: how much chairs can cost.

The most important thing to remember on your wedding day is…

She says: Breathe. Most hurdles of the day aren’t worth any stress. The focus of the day is the marriage you’re initiating. As long as the two of you are present and ready, not much else matters. Also, take moments to just stop and look around. Take it all in, because it’s true that it passes so quickly. I love that I remembered to pause and absorb smiling faces, happy tears, my husband’s expression when we shared our first dance, my nanny doing the electric slide, my sister’s putting my shoes on my feet for me, etc. The list goes on. Those little moments become cherished memories.

He says: Slow down and enjoy it.

Give us your most useful day-of beauty trick…

I feel like the amazing girls handling our hair and makeup had all the magic tricks up their sleeves. I’m not sure how they did it, but even with all the tears I shed throughout the day, my make-up was still perfectly in tact by the end of the night. I did find it helpful to carry a hairspray and lip re-touch just in case. This was provided to me by my MUA.

Tell us anything you would have done differently, if you could.

She says: Eaten more of our cake! I only had a sample from the cutting, then I was happily caught up in mixing and mingling. I never grabbed a plate. I’ll just have to wait to enjoy it on our anniversary! This is a silly answer, of course, but I truly feel everything ran so well and smoothly that there’s nothing significant that I would change about the day.

He says: Enjoyed more of that beef tenderloin.

The best gift we received was…

She says: It’s hard to select a favorite. We tried to set up our registry to include small things we’d be sure to have a use for, and succeeded in that. Every little thing gifted to us has been put to use and has found its place in our home. Each is so special and thoughtful. 

He says: My wife

Our honeymoon was the best because… 

She says: Tyler and I had a chance to just be us. The wedding hustle and bustle had ended successfully, then we were able to relax, reflect, and just enjoy each other. We were surrounded by fun and entertainment the entire trip. We sailed to Cozumel for a cooking class and snorkeling, then to Progreso for an easy going beach day at a lovely resort. We loved the experience so much that we are actually planning our anniversary cruise now.

He says: I liked not having to worry about a thing since we were on a ship. All of our food, drinks, and entertainment were just around the corner. 

Our favorite memory from married life so far is…

She says: The wedding and honeymoon, of course! Those vows and celebrations were a special kick-off to marriage, and I am so glad we didn’t elope! Having all of our family and friends in one place doesn’t happen often, so it was just special to be surrounded by them on our day. Not to mention, every day thereafter has been a blessing with Tyler as my husband, as will be all the days to come. He is so easy to love and be with. I am always laughing with him, and I constantly feel his love and support for me. Married life is wonderful.

He says: Heading out for our honeymoon, seeing everything showing Lesley’s new last name matching mine. It felt official. 

If marriage could be summed up in one word, it’d be…

She says: Team

He says: Journey 

Check out their super sweet engagement session with Katie & Alec Photography and Mary Kendrick’s Q&A with us about their courtship.

How/where did you meet and what did you do on your first date? Give us all the details.

We met at Auburn in August 2010, a few days before the beginning of our freshman year. We lived in the same honors dorm (aka the “nerd dorm”!). I (Mary Kendrick) was sitting outside the dorm one evening hanging out with some of my friends when he walked up with some of his friends – but I thought he was so cute that I was too nervous to talk to him! Over the next few years, we occasionally saw each other around campus and through mutual friends, but we were really just acquaintances.

Fast forward to the April 2014 (spring semester of my senior year) – it was my sorority’s last social of the year, and I had no idea who I could take as my date. A mutual friend suggested that I could take Taylor, and he texted Taylor to ask if he was available to go with me. Luckily, Taylor said yes, so we attended the “Draft a Date” social together wearing Cam Newton jerseys! The social itself ended up being kind of a bust, but we were having such a great time together that we ended up walking around Auburn’s campus for several hours talking and catching up (as well as climbing trees and doing some random parkour!). 

Over the next week or so, we got together a few more times – going running, checking out a local farmer’s market, and making pancakes together! Shortly after, Taylor asked me on our first “official” date where we went hiking and picnicking at Chewacla State Park and then to dinner at a nice restaurant in Auburn – and the rest is history!

Describe your dream date…

Our dream date would look a whole lot like our first date – doing some active and in nature (like hiking!), followed by some great food at a fun restaurant!

Do you have a favorite movie or song?

We are not huge movie or TV people, and our taste in music is less than cool – however, we love finding happy, upbeat music and listening to it together. Also, we will always treasure the songs on the mix CDs we made for each other when we were long distance!

What guilty pleasure do you share?

We both really, really, really love cookies.

Tell us all about the proposal… anything not go as planned or was it completely perfect?

Taylor and I had planned a post-Christmas trip to Asheville, NC, and I flew up to Greensboro, NC, a couple days before to visit his family. I had a hunch that the engagement could be happening on this trip, especially after his mom and sister suggested getting our nails done together! On our first day in Asheville, we went out for a big breakfast at Biscuit Head before stopping into a grocery store to grab some food for a picnic before going hiking. My suspicions grew as he suggested grabbing some prosecco to along with supplies for a meat and cheese board.!

After hiking around in the gorgeous DePont State Forest for a few hours, Taylor and I walked out of a rock in front of a beautiful waterfall and he asked me if I wanted to stop for a picnic break. In what might be the only time in my life that I’ve turned down some food, I said that I was still full from breakfast (I later realized that the ring was in the bottom of his picnic bag!). Not to be deterred, he sat down, pulled out the food (and the ring!), and told me to turn around. He then proposed, and of course I said “yes!”. Several people witnessed the proposal and came up to us afterwards to share their candid pictures! We hiked around a while longer, then finished up our day by visiting the Biltmore Estate, going to dinner and the local breweries, and just enjoying the city. We drove to Birmingham a couple days later on New Year’s Eve and celebrated with friends and family while ringing in 2018!

What do the two of you like to do together when you aren’t working?

We love running and all things active and being outdoors, cooking, trying new restaurants, and planning our next travel adventure!

What are you looking forward to the most about your wedding day?

I am really excited about our first look – I think in that moment, it will finally feel real! I’m also looking forward to celebrating – first with family and friends on our wedding day, and then together on our honeymoon!

How did you know he was the one?

Honestly, I knew Taylor was the one before we left the social (just ask anyone I talked to in the next 24 hours!). After dating for a few months, I remember listening to the Avett Brothers’ song “January Wedding” and the line ”I understand because my heart and hers are the same” just made complete sense to me. Taylor is conscientious, determined, and dependable, yet goofy, spontaneous, and fun. He has the most unique combination of intelligence and creativity, and he can learn (and achieve) anything he sets his mind to. Taylor is strong and practical, but also sensitive and kind. He can climb a tree faster than anyone I know, has an infinite knowledge of random animal facts, and he makes the best homemade pasta I’ve ever eaten. He’s also incredibly handsome… and I get to marry him! 

Planner: Two Hearts Weddings | Bridesmaids: Azazie | Bride’s Dress: The White Magnolia Bridal Collection | Cakes: Barb’s Cakes | Catering: The Happy Catering Company | Entertainment: WellDunn Entertainment | Florals + Decor: Hothouse Design Studio | Menswear: Mr. Burch Formal Wear | Photography: Appear Photography | Stationery: Minted | Stylist: The Atlanta Hair Lounge | Stylist: GLOW | Transportation: Rare Transportation + Apex Valet | Venue (ceremony): Mountain View Gardens & Ballroom | Venue (reception): Bridgestreet Gallery & Loft | Video: Holloway Productions

I hope you enjoy how Rylo Creative Photography captured these sweet love birds’ day and the feedback and advice that Kelsey provides below.

Planner: Two Hearts Weddings | Bridesmaids:  Bella Bridesmaids | Bride’s Dress: Wildflower Bridal | Cake:  Pastry Art | Catering: Corretti Catering | Florals: Hothouse Design Studio | Lighting & Draping: Design Productions | Menswear: Jos. A Bank | Musicians (ceremony): Cahaba River Strings | Musicians (reception): Papa Sol | Photography: Rylo Creative Photograpy | Rentals: Decor to Adore + Prophouse Birmingham | Stationery: Annabelle’s | Stylist:  The Hair & Makeup Collective | Transportation:  Rare Transportation | Venue: Redeemer Community Church | Venue: Events at Haven

If I could have done something differently, I would have…

Slowed down during the planning process. We had a specific date we wanted to get married on so finding a venue proved to be tough. I thought that because finding a place for the reception was so hard that booking every other vendor would be equally hard so if I found someone who was available I just instantly booked rather than doing all my research first. I eventually learned it’s okay to ask questions, taste food, compare prices, and look at other options. 

The best gift we received was…

All of our dishes! We registered with a local potter from Jack’s hometown and I just love getting to use plates, cups, and bowls that are handmade so beautifully. Register for the best of the best on the things you will use every day. 

The most surprising thing I learned during planning was…

You NEED a wedding planner! Seriously, I know so many people who planned a wedding on their own so I thought it wasn’t that big of a deal to not hire a planner/coordinator. It wasn’t until I started in on it that I realized I wanted some help. Having Racheal on the day of our wedding made me as a bride and my husband as a groom able to relax and enjoy the day wile being fully present with all of our people. I never realized just how many details went into planning a wedding so having an expert on my team was the best decision my mom and I made during the planning process. 

The most important thing to remember on your wedding day is…

To relax and do whatever you need to do before hand in order to enjoy the day. There will be things that don’t go as planned but at the end of the day you just married the love of your life and that is the most important thing to remember! It’s not about the flowers, or the cake, or the dress, it’s about starting the next chapter of life with your best friend. 

My most useful day-of beauty trick was…

Having an emergency kit with you at all times. Rachael and my matron of honor had one on them and it proved to be very useful throughout the day. 

Our favorite memory from married life so far is…

This is a tough one because we’ve had so many fun memories over the last couple of months but I think I would have to go with our honeymoon because that is hard to top. What a fun thing that you get to take a once in a lifetime trip with your spouse right after you get married! It was so fun to simply travel together for the firs time as a married couple and to feel so celebrated throughout the week. I definitely recommend going somewhere relaxing after all that goes into planning a wedding. 

If marriage could be summed up in one word, it’d be…

Grace. Two people coming together takes a lot of grace. Grace for each other and grace for yourself. Marriage is about trust, loving one another unconditionally, learning from mistakes, and extending grace to each other even when its undeserved.