Victoria “Tori” and Casey Dunn met at Jacksonville University in 2013, where Tori was a cheerleader and Casey was an offensive lineman. Casey later transferred to play for Auburn and eventually signed with the Washington Redskins as a center, but before his career took off, Casey treated Tori to a fateful first date over none other than Olive Garden.
Although their first date did not initially bring the two together, Tori and Casey, with a group of friends, met again to spend a weekend at the Talladega Superspeedway in 2015, and sparks flew. Soon after, they saw Nicholas Sparks’ The Longest Ride (Casey’s pick — this pro football player loves a good chick flick) together in an empty movie theater and had their first kiss, amid those ever-present first kiss butterflies and stumbles. That Thanksgiving, Casey asked Tori to officially be his girlfriend to which she quickly replied “yes” because “he is the most amazing person I’ve ever met.”
After three years of dating bliss, Casey proposed on July 6, Tori’s 23rd birthday. Like many proposals, things did not go as planned. Casey had three potential proposals in mind, but at the end of the day, went with a sweet, simple and dreamy “Will you?” along a bank near an old oak tree. Casey laughs recalling that Tori’s initial response to the big questions was “Are you sure?!”, to which he says, “I had been sure since we started dating and could not wait to marry this girl.”
Tori’s dress was everything she ever wanted. From Heidi Elnora’s build-a-bride line, the ballroom-style gown features a classic silhouette with a low v neckline and stunning low back. Tori loved the idea of adding an elegant bow to the back of the dress, which Heidi Elnora made perfect. Best part? It had pockets! Her “borrowed” item was her mother’s veil, and her grandmother’s ring, which was given to her grandmother by Tori’s grandfather on their wedding day, acted as the “old” item. A beautiful pin that brought both glamour and sophistication to her hair rounded out the accessories as both her “new” and “blue” addition.
Casey stood out among his groomsmen in a navy tuxedo with black lapels, black Magnanni velvet loafers and a Brackish bowtie. The groomsmen, many of whom were Casey’s teammates, each donned colorful, patterned socks to nod to Casey’s fun-loving personality.
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After meeting with expert wedding planner, Kendal Perry, Tori and Casey knew they wanted to say “I do” among the sprawling greens and tranquility of Pursell Farms. Not only were they drawn to the farms’ rehearsal dinner space, outdoor ceremony area, beautiful reception room in Hamilton Place and charming suites for both the bridal party and groomsmen to spend their morning, they also adored the idea of hosting all of their family and friends in the accompanying rooms and cottages on the property.
Before 300 of the couple’s loved ones, Tori and Casey shared their vows. The pastor, Jacky, who also married Tori’s parents years ago, led a tear-inducing family prayer overflowing with love and hope. Doves symbolizing the couple’s undying devotion to each other (doves mate for life) and an “I do” accidentally said in unison, which sent laughter through the crowd, highlighted the romantic, outdoor ceremony. Tori describes the ceremony as “perfectly us,” and Pursell Farms’ gorgeous greenery accented by HotHouse Design Studio’s simple, yet striking floral arrangements framed the couple.
Following the ceremony, the couple and their guests headed inside Hamilton Place, which felt dreamy and romantic sparkling with twinkling lights, striking in its all-white decor. Kendal Perry and her team thought of every last detail, and it surely showed through both the timeless decor and overall feeling of the night.
The food was catered by Pursell Farms, and the cake, by Dreamcakes in Homewood, was a four-layer almond and strawberry cake classic in its design and accented by an expertly crafted cascading flower. The groom’s cake included chocolate, strawberry and red velvet layers covered in dripping chocolate, sweet strawberries and crunchy treats.
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The couple ended the night with a petal toss send-off and quick kiss in the rain before hopping in a black stretch limo and riding off to their happily ever after. It was a quintessential Southern wedding in one of Birmingham’s most sought-after venues. Congratulations, Tori and Casey!
Thank you, Tori and Casey, for sharing your special day with us!
RESOURCES
Wedding planner: Kendal Perry
Photography: Katie and Alec Photography
Invitations: Designed by Tori and her mother, printed by Gilreath Printing
Florist: HotHouse Design Studio
Props: Prophouse
Venue: Pursell Farms
Videography: Main Street Productions
Wedding gown: Heidi Elnora
Calligraphy: Gracefully Made Art
Groom’s attire: Jos. A. Bank
Wedding cake: Dreamcakes
Band: Even & Odd’s Band
Transportation: Accent Limo
Bridesmaids’ dresses: Bella’s Bridal
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