October 15, 2022
Photos by Jennifer Oetting Dooley
How did you two meet?
Matthew and I met in middle school through mutual friends. We became good friends and always stayed in touch. On October 21, 2015, we started dating. Matthew was a sophomore in high school, and I was a junior. We have been together ever since high school!
The Proposal
It was May 2021. I had just graduated college and secured my career job. We planned a date night, going out to eat at P.F. Chang’s to celebrate. When we were on the way to go eat, Matthew got a call from his mom, asking if we wanted to come take pictures with his family since two of them had also graduated college. To throw me off, Matthew sounded uninterested, and I thought I was talking him into going to take family pictures. After dinner we arrived at a church in Vestavia to take pictures, walked around and found his mom, sister and best friend. We turned the corner, and it was decorated with pictures of Matthew and I, along with rose petals. Matthew asked me to marry him, and it was a day I’ll never forget!
Favorite Wedding Moment
My favorite moment during the wedding was our first look. We had our family and friends watching from the balcony of the venue, and we were down by the lake. This was such an intimate and special part of our day. We read our vows and reflected on our relationship and how excited we were for the future.
Favorite Wedding Details
I had my mom’s wedding dress made into a robe that I wore while getting ready. This was so special to me, and something I can keep and wear forever! Our departure was in a beautiful, decorated boat which was a perfect way to end our special day. We had a moment to ourselves to reflect on our big day and ride around on a peaceful lake.
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Oak Island Mansion Florist: Lauren Stovall with Elle Events Caterer: Home Plate Cooking Wedding Planner/Day Of Coordinator: Lauren Stovall with Elle Events Cake: Telia Johnson Wedding Dress: The Something Blue Shoppe Alterations & Seamstress: Laura McGuire with The Dress Doctor Bridal Hair/Makeup: Katherine Barton and Brittney Henderson Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie Groom’s Attire: Mr. Burch Formal Wear DJ/Wedding Band: Twelve Band
