Wedding Date: April 21, 2018
Bridal Prep: Sheraton Four Points
Ceremony Location: The Elms Mansion
Reception Location: The Elms Mansion
Bakery: Bittersweet Confections
Entertainment: Decades Music

How did you meet?
We met through friends 4 1/2 years ago in Tuscaloosa, AL.

Include a little bit about yourselves. What do you do?
Virginia is a Social Worker in Northport, AL with the elderly and disabled. Cody is an Aerospace Engineer in Columbus, MS.

How did the proposal go? 
Cody took me back to The University of Alabama campus where our first date ended. I followed him to the President’s Mansion looking for a department representative for him to apply for Graduate School. I turned around and he was down on one knee popping the question! His sister and one of my closest friends were in the bushes snapping photos.

Where was your ceremony held and why did you pick this site?
We had our ceremony and reception at The Elms Mansion in the Garden District of New Orleans. It is a beautiful older mansion with a whimsical courtyard.

What unique or special things did you do at the reception?
We had photos on both mantels inside the home with family photos of parents/grandparents wedding days, and our own baby photos and engagement photos. We had Jenga and Cornhole in the backyard area for guests to play while at the reception.

Pick one moment in the day that was your favorite thing?
The first look was our favorite. Getting just a few moments alone in all the chaos to enjoy each other.

Did it really go by as quickly as everyone says?
YES! It goes by so quickly – it’s super important to take a breath and look around at family and friends that took time to celebrate with you.

What was the inspiration behind picking the color palette and decor that you picked?
Something soft and simple.

From the Bride – When you first saw the groom, what were you thinking/feeling?
Nervous and excited.

From the groom – When you first saw the bride, what were you thinking/feeling?
Nervous and excited.

Who was your baker, what was the flavor of your cake? Was it delicious?!
Bittersweet Confections. The Bride’s cake with almond cake with almond icing. The Groom’s cake with chocolate cake, chocolate icing with cookies and cream center. They were amazing!

Did you do a first look? If so how did you feel about it? If not, do you wish you had?
Yes, we had a first look and loved it!

Did you have a coordinator or did you plan everything yourself? If you didn’t have a coordinator any advice for brides planning their own wedding?
We planned everything on our own. Virginia’s advice – make a wedding binder and keep track of all the details!

What was your first dance song? Why this song?
Ben Rector – Forever Like That. One of our favorite songs.

Band or DJ? Did they rock it?
DJ – Decades Music. Robert was the best!