Wedding: Jennifer & Heath – St. Peter’s Episcopal Church & Private Residence Reception – Talladega, Alabama

When most people think of Talladega, they think of NASCAR and Ricky Bobby.  But if you’re Jennifer, it’s just the sweet little Southern town you grew up in.  Before she put on her lace Essense gown at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, I found the perfect place for a ring shot: on top of the tiny pale blue Bible that had belonged to Heath since he was a little boy.

I love this picture because it is SO very Heath.  The way he’s sitting, the smirk, everything.  They didn’t want a stuffy wedding – they wanted nice, but relaxed and fun, just like them.  At one point during the planning process, they had even considered having Heath wear shorts!

You might remember that Heath’s two daughters made an appearance at the engagement session, and of course they were a part of the wedding as two of the flowergirls (the third being a very spunky little niece).  The added bonus?  When the ceremony began in the courtyard at St. Peter’s, they got to walk their dad down the aisle.

There was plenty of laughter during the ceremony: a couple of guests snuck in during the processional to take their seats, and Heath (who was already up front waiting for his bride) announced in his dryly humorous way, “They’re not in the wedding, they’re just here!”  But the biggest laugh of all came when Heath told his best man (who also happened to be Heath’s dad) that he HAD to stop crying before they could continue because all Heath could hear was sniffling and snorting in his ear!

The reception was held nearby at the home of Jennifer’s parents.  The house sits on a corner lot and has a large side yard, which was the perfect size for plenty of tables, and a dance floor surrounded by hay bale seating.  Hanging quilts helped define the space and block traffic noise, and flowers in rustic wood containers added color.  The gift table was decorated with family wedding pictures, and even the tire swing was decked out for the occasion!

While the final touches were placed on dinner, guests dove into cheese straws, ice cold lemonade, pimento cheese, and of course, the bar!  After a welcome and blessing by Jennifer’s mom, a dinner full of Southern favorites was served.  You could find BBQ in a cup (pulled chicken topped with coleslaw and a pickle), watermelon salad, the always popular shrimp and grits, and more.

Jennifer is such a considerate person that I was not at all surprised that she thought of everything for their guests – from fun glow necklaces for the little (and not so little) kids, to a comfort station complete with bug spray and a first aid kit.  As the sun went down and it came time for me to leave, she even had a thank you card ready to give to me!

Jennifer & Heath – even though Ricky Bobby didn’t show up, I am so grateful to have been a part of your day!

Ceremony Venue: St. Peter’s Episcopal Church

Reception Venue: Private Residence

Wedding Gown: Essense