Birmingham Wedding at Samford University | Allison + John

Heartfelt, sweet, and timeless, Allison and John’s wedding took place where their relationship began—at Samford University in Birmingham. Allison told us that because March in Alabama is a notoriously chancy month weather-wise, she planned everything indoors. The morning of, the weather forecast called for tornadoes, hail, and damaging winds. How’s that for a stress inducer? Luckily, nothing but a little drizzle fell during the ceremony. Rain, shine or in-between, Allison just glowed in her custom Lea-Ann Belter Iris gown from The White Room. Her incandescently happy smile says it all!

Wondering what to do with all your flowers post-wedding? Allison had the best idea! She passed on her advice: “Donate your wedding flowers to hospice. Many cities have companies that will pick up florals for free at the end of the night.”

She shares more on-point advice and more about her day (the groomsmen wore U.S. flag socks in honor of her brother who was deployed at the time!) below:

 

How did you guys meet?

“John and I met at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. Although we went to a small college, our paths never really crossed until the spring before John graduated. We were formally introduced by my sorority big sister. Five years later, we had our wedding ceremony in the chapel on Samford’s campus. It was so sweet having all of our friends back together where it all began!”

wedding dress: custom Lea-Ann Belter Bridal gown via The White Room | photographer: Du Castel Photography | full vendor list at bottom

How did your sweetie propose?

 

“The best part is that I was totally clueless, COMPLETELY surprised. John proposed on a quail hunt at Redbone Hunting Preserve. He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him with my great-grandmother’s ring from 1935.”

 

How did you choose your gown?

 

“I wanted a traditional, simple wedding dress. I tried on the Lea-Ann Belter Iris gown at The White Room in Birmingham, AL. I loved the combination of lace and silk. After a few changes, it became the perfect custom gown!”

 

Tell us about your day!

“March is the rainiest month in Alabama. For that reason, I planned absolutely everything indoors. I even ditched the sparkler exit for rose petals that could be used inside…just in case. The forecast for our wedding day called for tornadoes, hail, and damaging winds. It was a miracle because it ended up only drizzling for about 10 minutes during our ceremony.
My brother serves in the army and he was deployed overseas during our wedding. The groomsmen wore American flag socks in honor of him.”

 

What was your something old, something blue, something borrowed and something new?

 

“Something old: My engagement ring, a family heirloom passed down from my great-grandmother. I also wore her wedding band on my right hand.
Something new: My custom Lea-Ann Belter gown and veil.
Something borrowed: I wore my mom’s diamond earrings. They were passed down to her from my grandmother.
Something blue: Baby blue toenail polish.”

 

Advice for future brides/grooms:

 

“If your budget allows, hire a planner. If you’re getting married in a church, use the organ.
Donate your wedding flowers to hospice. Many cities have companies that will pick up florals for free at the end of the night.”

Allison + John’s Birmingham Wedding Vendors

wedding dress: custom Lea-Ann Belter Bridal gown via The White Room | photographer: Du Castel Photography | planner: AK Brides | beauty: Katina Mims Carter | florals: HotHouse Design Studio | ceremony: Reid Chapel | reception venue + catering: B&A Warehouse | wedding cake: Barb’s Cakes | bridesmaid dresses: Bella Bridesmaids | invitations: Annabelle’s | organist: Hunter Goff | soloist + pianist: Mackenzie Wolnski | band: Matt Carroll and the Browncoats | videography: Torrey Rogers | transportation: Rare Transportation and Anthony Clonts |  wedding night accommodations: Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook | guest accommodations: Tutwiler Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Birmingham | rehearsal dinner venue: Clubhouse on Highland | rehearsal dinner catering: Saw’s Soul Kitchen

Were you a Lea-Ann Belter bride? We’d love to see your pictures and share your story! Email [email protected].