“Love and Happiness” by Al Green was Mary Alex and Eric’s first dance song—one look at their photos and you’ll see how perfect it was. These two met at a mutual friend’s party to which they went alone. Eric introduced himself to Mary Alex, and from there the sparks flew!
Eric asked Mary Alex to marry him in the woods on her family’s property outside of Birmingham (more of that sweet story from our bride below). That moment came full circle on their wedding day when the two had their first look on Mary Alex’s parents’ porch.
Fancy, free-spirited, and funky, their wedding day not only reflected their vibe but was also about their guests. As Mary Alex told us, “I wanted our guests to feel like they could chill on the comfy couches/chairs, but also party hard if they wanted to!”
An excellent plan, don’t you think? As was that fab bolero with a Juliet sleeve that Mary Alex paired with her Holly gown!
From Mary Alex:
How did your sweetie propose?
“My parents live on a beautiful piece of property in the outskirts of Birmingham. I had always wanted to get married there, it is really special to me. My dad and I had planned to meet at their house one afternoon, and when I got there, he asked me to hop on the golf cart to go pick up my mom who was on a walk down a trail in the woods that we love. I had a feeling something was going to happen, so I slowly drove down the trail in the woods looking for my mom, but hoping it would be Eric. I finally saw Eric walking towards me holding flowers, and as soon as I saw him I immediately stopped and broke down crying. He came to me, and after saying a few words he knelt down and proposed. There was no one around, it was perfect.”
wedding dress: Lea-Ann Belter Holly via The White Room | photographer: Wesley and Emma Teague| scroll down for full vendor list
How did you choose your gown?
“I chose the dress I wore because it was elegant, it complemented who I am, and I was able to add a cool bolero for sleeves because I always envisioned some sort of funky sleeve as a part of my dress. I loved the fact that I could take the sleeves off for the reception.”
Tell us about your day!
“I had never pictured my wedding day before, so we came up with the style as we planned it. I wanted a cool, bohemian, funky vibe, but also wanted it to be fancy. I wanted our guests to feel like they could chill on the comfy couches/chairs, but also party hard if they wanted to! Since we decided not to have the ceremony at my parents’ home, we had our first look on their porch. We took a lot of pictures out there, and I was also able to get ready there with my family and maids of honor. It was really special to get to spend the first half of the day at the place that I love so much. My dad had given me and my sister rings to wear until we got married, as a special promise from him to us, so on the wedding day, I gave my ring back to my dad when he gave me over to Eric. It was really sweet and special.”
What was your first dance song?
“”Love and Happiness” by Al Green. We fell in love with the song when Lamont Landers covered it at a small show at Zydeco, which was one of our first dates.”
Describe your wedding day in 5 words or less:
“Unique, meaningful, and God’s beautiful answer to our prayers.”
What was the funniest moment of your day?
“Our youngest niece at the time was circling us while we did our first dance, I think she was jealous and wanted to dance with Eric!”
What was your something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue?
“Crazy as it is, we forgot about that stuff! I borrowed my matron of honor’s shoes, though, and I think they were blue on the bottom!”
Three words that best describe your sweetie (you or both of you can answer!):
My words that describe Eric: adventurous, passionate, stud (insert fire and heart eyes emoji).
Eric’s words that describe me: energetic, innocent, beautiful.
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
“Costa Rica – 2 resorts: Nayara Springs in the rainforest, and the Westin at La Playa Conchal at the beach. Both were awesome.”
Any advice for future brides/grooms?
“Don’t get caught up in the planning/stress of the ceremony and reception, focus on getting yourself ready internally and reflecting on the weight of what’s about to happen between the two of you; and when the day comes, let go and have a blast!”
Mary Alex + Eric’s Birmingham Wedding Vendors
wedding dress: Lea-Ann Belter Holly via The White Room | photographer: Wesley and Emma Teague | planner: M. Elizabeth Events | caterer: Cathy G & Co. | wedding cake: Olexa’s | florals + decor: Hothouse and Prophouse | band: City Heat
