Photos by Rachel and Noah Ray
April 2, 2022
How did you two meet?
We met in college as a sophomore and a senior but did not start dating until my senior year. When the world shut down for Covid, I came home from school earlier than expected, and we got to spend way more time together. It was the best surprise, and the time we needed to grow our relationship. Fast forward two years, and we were getting married and starting our new lives as husband and wife in Birmingham!
The Proposal
Gaines’ parents bought a house on a road that overlooks the city. He told me we were going up there to look over the new architect plans before heading to dinner with his family. I totally believed him! When we got up there no one else was there, and he proposed on a sweet spot in their front yard. We both shed many, many tears and enjoyed a bottle of champagne together. It was the most special night!
Favorite Wedding Moment
If we had to choose a favorite, the first look was so special to both of us because we felt like we were finally able to breathe and relax and enjoy the moment with just each other before all of the festivities began. We actually got to do it on the exact spot where he proposed, which made for the best pictures and even better memories.
Favorite Details
We really wanted simple but elegant details – whites, blues and other neutrals. The liner on our invitation was actually called ‘The Charlotte’ and kind of served as the mood board for all of our details. It was blue with champagne-colored sprinkles and a floral design. We had roses hanging from white ribbon as our centerpiece over the bar. Everything from the candles on the banquets, to the liner printed on the bar, to the full-room draping played a special part in the design. It was such a dream, and we could not have been more pleased with how everything turned out!
Ceremony Venue: Independent Presbyterian Church Reception Venue: The Country Club of Birmingham Wedding Planner/Day Of Coordinator: Kalee Baker Events Florist: Buffy Hargett Flowers Caterer: The Country Club of Birmingham Cake: Pen and Pastry (Bride’s Cake) and Barb’s Cakes (Groom’s Cake) Wedding Dress: Carriage House Weddings Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids Bridal Hair/Makeup: Abby Moorer Groom’s Attire: Mr. Burch Formal Wear Groomsmen Attire: Mr. Burch Formal Wear Stationery: Ledgewood Fine Stationery Calligraphy: Jennifer Reynolds DJ/Wedding Band: Hi Definition Wedding Transportation: Prideline Transportation Wedding Night Accommodations: The Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook
