January of 2009 seems like ages ago; I was just a kid myself. I found myself working long hours into the nights. I found this work schedule stressful and overwhelming at times but looking back on it I’m so glad I did it. After a long day of work I would go to the 24 Hour Fitness location close to my house. At 11:00 at night it’s rare to find someone interesting to talk to. One night I was taken aback by the handsome man behind the counter. In fact, he was the most handsome man I had ever seen in my life. Being unsure of myself I decided to casually check to see when he would be working again so I could also be there.
Little by little I managed to start conversations with him which sparked an incredible friendship. The friendship turned into much, much more. Before I knew it we were building a life together. Our relationship grew quickly from boyfriend/girlfriend to puppy parents. In just three short years after becoming puppy parents we became parents to the most beautiful little girl. Taylor Leigh – or, as I love to call her, T. I had no idea I was capable of such love but here I was overjoyed at my life with both of them. Three years after that he finally popped the question. Sometimes men tend to drag their feet but it was worth the wait. After 15 months of planning and 7 years of being together we stood at the altar on May 13th, 2016 and become husband and wife.
The morning of our wedding I woke up filled with so many emotions. I began to write the last letter I would write Garrett as his fiance’. As I watched T run around my room my eyes filled with tears. Tears of excitement, joy and love. I listed to the playlist of our favorite songs and noticed how content I felt. I wasn’t nervous at all. I kept thinking one thing over and over in my head: GARRETT IS GOING TO BE MY HUSBAND TODAY!
Once my bridesmaids began to arrive everything fell into place perfectly. I found it touching to have my best friends around who had watched my love for Garret bloom into what it was today. I was brought to tears when my brother arrived. His calm presence quickly washed over me and I realized he was exactly the person I needed to see at that moment. Putting on my wedding dress made everything real for me. This was it. This was the beginning of the rest of my life. T helped me put the finishing touches on my look for the day. The moment I was able to share with my mom was so incredibly special to me. Our times together always are but this was different. When I was able to see my daddy it was such a moving moment for me. This was the man who made me the woman I am today. He was my protector. My hero. It was only fitting that I see him before Garrett. After all, he taught me what true love is.
Garrett and I decided to do a ‘first look.’ I’m so happy we did. Spending that quiet moment with him before we said ‘I do’ brought an energy to the day I couldn’t expect. Looking into his eyes I knew this was the best decision I’ve ever made in my life. We had come so far together; experienced so much. I knew without a doubt the best was yet to come.
I want to take a minute and give a huge ‘thank you’ to all of our friends, family and vendors who made this day perfection. Every little girl dreams about what her wedding day will look like and mine far surpassed any dreams I’ve ever had. I would highly recommend every single one of our vendors. They did not disappoint.
Sweet T helping me put on my shoes
These photos of Garrett & T in the morning are some of my favorites.
No cufflink holes… no problem.
By far my favorite photo of T. EVER.
We did a whiskey box ceremony to be opened on our first anniversary with love letters we wrote to each other.
My veil completely wrapped around the pole.
Meet Lindsay, one of my longest friends. We played dinosaurs way back when so I had her reading be “the lovely dinosaur”
Crying grooms are my favorite, especially when he’s mine.
Practicing our first dance
Vendors
Venue: The Sanctuary Golf Club
Planner: Mark Christopher Weddings & Events – I cannot say enough wonderful things about Mark. He is truly a phenomenal friend and a extraordinary wedding planner.
Florist: Bella Calla – Our florals were absolutely stunning. You made every vision I had come to life.
Cake: Kelley Kakes – By far the prettiest cake I’ve ever ever seen! It was unlike anything I’ve seen before, and fit so perfectly with every other aspect of our design.
Calligraphy signs: Katie Rogers – These were such perfect additions to our day. You an amazing artist. I love you.
Dress: Emma & Grace – You ladies were absolutely wonderful in completely re-designing the dress I had purchased. It turned out more beautiful than I could have ever imagined.
Veil: Love Veils – Cori, you made finding the perfect veil absolutely painless.
Bridesmaids Dresses: Vow to Be Chic – The process with these dresses was perfect. And the fact that we were able to rent designer dresses was a huge win!
DJ & Photo Booth: Elite Entertainment – As always you guys blew me away by your incredible talent.
Hair: Hayley Styles – Sweet Hayley. You did such a beautiful job on my hair, making it look exactly how I had wanted it. Even after me changing it post trial. You are a gem.
Makeup: Make-up by Heather B – My makeup was completely flawless throughout the entire day, with 0 touch-ups needed.
Dance Choreography: Erin Fitzgerald – You created the perfect dance to fit Garrett & I’s personalities.
Photography: Gabe McClintock Photography – Our photos are breathtaking and I love looking through them, and re living every second of the most perfect day of our lives.
Videography: Bosha Video – Kim you captured what we needed perfectly! I will cherish our videos forever.
So beautiful Ali!! What a gorgeous day!
Oh Ali, these are beautiful! You are a gorgeous bride. It looks like you had a blast on your wedding day too, yay!!!
Your day looks so amazing and so you! Love the signs for bride groom and baby, your special dance, your crying groom 🙂 and all the wonderful memories captured in these photos! Congratulations!
I’m SO happy for you! So beautiful… I’m so looking forward to you being part of our special day… you totally get it. 🙂
Wow! These are incredible! Your getting ready photos are simply some of the best I’ve ever seen. Gorgeous! So happy for you ❤️❤️
Congratulations!! I love these- especially the ones of your daughter <3 You're a gorgeous family
Beautiful Ali! Thank you for sharing!
Gah! Everything about your special day looked so perfect! ❤️ What a beautiful wedding!
Love it. and you.