The Grand Hotel in Point Clear, Alabama is one of our favorite local venues. It offers a gorgeous Oak Tree lined lagoon, a beautiful white beach and long pier over the bay, and the best sunsets around. All of these beautiful elements and the sentimental value it holds for Kayla and her family is why Ross chose this very location for his grand (and we do mean GRAND) proposal and why they decided to bring all their friends and family to Point Clear, Alabama for their romantic wedding.
Photographer: Starling and Sage
Tell us about your story as a couple.
Ross and I first met on December 12th, 2014 at a graduation celebration. I didn’t know who he was, but I knew that I wanted to meet him. As the night progressed this mystery man walked up to me and introduced himself. After our initial "hello," we walked outside and took a seat on the porch swing. We began with small talk and before we knew it, the small talk had turned into a two-hour conversation. Eventually the night came to an end and we went our separate ways. After several long phone conversations and a few dates later, we began officially dating.
For several weeks, my friends had been making plans to celebrate Cinco de Mayo at one of our favorite restaurants. Ross had planned to join us but then called to tell me that his plans had changed and he would be going to his hunting camp to cut down trees that had fallen in a recent storm. Little did I know, his sneaky plan was beginning to unfold. After our Cinco de Mayo celebration, Amelia, one of my best friends and bridesmaids, spent the night at my house like she often does. We had planned to spend the next day by the pool; however, when I woke up the next morning- she was gone and on the pillow next to me was an envelope and a single red rose. I immediately recognized Ross’ handwriting and at that point, I thought..."Could this be the day I had been waiting for?!" With shaking hands I opened the letter and began to read. Instant tears. The first line, “Today is a day we have been talking about for quite some time now.” More tears. Ross had planned a day of my favorite things starting with a massage, followed by my favorite lunch, then a manicure and pedicure. At each stop, there were red roses and a bundle of handwritten letters from my best friends. Their sweet notes were full of memories, encouragement, and most of all excitement for what was to come. I seriously have the best friends in the world! Once I finished my pampering, I was instructed to go home, get ready and be waiting at my front door at 4:15. As the time drew near, I could hardly wait to see Ross. What did he have in store??! But instead of him greeting me at the door, it was a driver that he sent to take me to my destination. My mind was racing and I thought, “A driver?! Where in the world is he taking me?” After getting on the interstate and passing up all of the familiar exits, I couldn't imagine where in the world I was going. What had he planned? After several minutes and a few miles later, we pulled into the Hattiesburg-Laurel airport and made the turn into the gate. At last, Ross was there standing next to an airplane holding a beautiful bouquet of red roses. I could hardly believe this was happening! An airplane?? I could not quit smiling! We ran to each other, hugged, kissed and posed for some pictures. With the sun beginning to set, we boarded the plane and took off. After about 45 minutes of flying, the plane began to descend and then landed. I was still clueless as to our destination until a sign just outside of the airport read: Fairhope, Alabama; one of my favorite cities in the world and a place I grew up visiting every summer with my family. I was shocked! What a wonderful and sweet surprise! We left the airport and before I knew it, we arrived at The Grand Hotel! We began walking around the lagoon talking about this day and reminiscing of memories from the past 2 years we shared together until we reached the cascades. Standing in the very place I dreamed of being proposed to as a little girl, Ross dropped down onto one knee and asked me to spend forever with him! I said "YES!!!" After a flood of tears and a mixture of joy and excitement, there was one more surprise... All of our closest friends and family ran out to join us after watching it all from behind the bushes. More tears, lots of hugs, and a celebration dinner followed. It was truly a fairy tale and the best day of our lives!
What was your favorite detail of your wedding day?
That’s a hard question to answer. There were so many small details that made up the entire event! At the reception, the romantic ambiance was exactly as we envisioned! From the escort card table to the candlelit head table and guest tables paired with the amazing details of my cake created by Tara at Couture Cakes, it was more perfect than we could have ever imagined. To sum it all up... my absolute favorite detail was having a fantastic wedding planner to assure that all details that we had planned for months were carried through... from the rehearsal the afternoon before, until the last vendor loaded up and left well after midnight, having her gave us the opportunity to relax and soak up every minute of the day! We can truthfully say that because of the faith we had in Jenna, we didn’t worry about a thing and can remember every detail!
What was your favorite part of wedding planning?
After stressing about bringing my vision to life, it was a blessing to find Jenna and work with her to secure vendors that could make my dream wedding a reality. Meeting and working the vendors for tastings, decor, floral was definitely a favorite part of the planning process!
What was your vision for your wedding day?
We envisioned our ceremony to be traditional and reverent with beautiful hymns filling the church. Our vision for the reception was sophisticated glamour with candlelight filling the room and creating a feeling of romanticism.
Vendors:
Photographer: Starling and Sage Florist: Wildflowers Fairhope Rentals: SOHO Events and Rentals Videographer: Sixpence Productions Bridal Gown : Lows Bridal and Formal Bridesmaids Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids Candle: Firefly Ambiance Cake: Couture Cakes Lighting/Draping: Willow Bridge, INC Hair and Makeup: Fireflies Salon Venue: The Grand Hotel Marriott Resort and Spa
