For some, planning a wedding is one of the most stressful seasons of their lives. But for others, creating the intimate, ethereal wedding of their dreams is as easy and joyful as falling in love. That’s how Cody Nall Kear describes planning her June brunch wedding in Homewood. “Most of our vendors were close friends or family friends, which made everything feel personal and seamless,” Cody shares. Here’s how it all came together!
Cody and Casey’s love story has a sweet, down-home start; they met on a friend’s back porch.
Still, the couple weathered a long-distance romance — Casey in New York and Cody in Birmingham — so when Casey came to the Magic City for a quick visit in December of 2023, Cody planned an itinerary full of get-togethers. Casey managed to hold his girlfriend to one night where it could just be the two of them, and he popped the question as they looked out over Downtown Birmingham.
Even picking out an engagement ring was effortless; the unique triangle diamond belonged to Cody’s grandmother. Cody knew local jewelry designer Shelby Mullins of Studio Mullins could reimagine it into the perfect engagement ring. “Shelby puts so much intention and care into each design — it’s a really personal process,” Cody tells us.
The couple wanted every detail of the day to be filled with meaning, intention, and elegance. With the guidance of their wedding planner, Isam Culver, Cody says the planning process was a joy. “Our whole weekend was sprinkled with intentionality and fun connections,” she shares.
For a meaningful and picture-perfect place to get ready, Cody had a special invitation — from Susan and Hugh Thomas, the parents of her childhood best friend. Their elegant estate offered sentimental value and a breathtaking garden that became the ideal setting for Cody and her groom’s unforgettable first look.
“The Thomas’ bathroom, designed by Mark Kennamer, was so beautiful that we couldn’t resist taking pictures there,” Cody says, “I even jumped into the bathtub for some spontaneous, fun photos!”
Now, we’ve got to talk about the dress. “I fell in love with my LOHO dress online and knew it would embody the elegance we envisioned, despite arriving just in time for the wedding!” Cody says, adding that her seamstress was integral to the process. “Because my dress was so unique — it didn’t have an actual hem — Laura was my angel. She spent hours learning my dress so she could alter it correctly.”
For the venue, Cody followed the advice of her friend and wedding photographer, Lauren Bailey, and chose The Farrell in Homewood. “It stole our hearts instantly for its perfect setting for an intimate brunch wedding,” Cody shares.
During the ceremony, Cody and Casey exchanged traditional vows surrounded by 100 of their dearest loved ones. “We took a moment during the ceremony to turn around and thank everyone who had supported us along the way,” Cody shares, adding that it was one of her most treasured memories of the day.
For the reception, guests enjoyed a buffet-style brunch including frittatas, Conecuh pigs in a blanket, shrimp and grits, and a biscuit bar with buttermilk, white cheddar-chive, and sweet potato biscuits. They also offered a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar, complete with various vodka flavors and fun toppings.
The brunch theme transitioned beautifully into the nontraditional wedding cake featuring the couple’s favorites — Hero Donuts. “To make it even more special, Kathy G Catering incorporated our family’s Bushwacker Spirits into the experience,” Cody explains. Guests enjoyed Bushwacker shots alongside sweet potato beignets for a fun and personal twist.”
After the couple shared their first dance to Marvin Gaye’s “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” Cody and her father took to the dance floor and surprised everyone with a coordinated number to “My Girl” by The Temptations and “Play That Funky Music” by Wild Cherry.
Cody shares that the couple’s send-off was one of her absolute favorite moments. “Isam suggested a second-line parade, and with the help of the Emerald Empire Band, it came to life perfectly. Lauren captured the magic with incredible photos of our unforgettable, non-traditional exit,” she says.
Cody credits her vendors for pulling off the wedding of her dreams and shares her advice for other brides: “Choose vendors and planners who share your vision and allow them creative freedom. Surround yourself with supportive, loving people to enhance your joy on the big day!”
RESOURCES
Venue: The Farrell
Wedding planner: Isam Culver
Photographer: Lauren Bailey
Bride’s gown: LOHO Bride
Bridesmaid’s dress: Jenny Yoo
Hair & Makeup: Celine Russell
Groom’s formalwear: J. Reiss Custom Clothier
Invitations: The Scribbler
Flowers: Carol Harris with Lillie Jane
Catering: Kathy G and Co.
Entertainment: Emerald Empire Band
Cake: Hero Donuts and Bushwacker Spirits
Jewelry: Studio Mullins
Alterations: Dress Doctor
Rehearsal Dinner Look: Rose Room Collection
Rehearsal Dinner: Birmingham Zoo
STYLEBLUEPRINT RESOURCES:
Planning a wedding? Check out StyleBlueprint’s two Wedding Resource Guides. (More to come!):
- StyleBlueprint Nashville’s Wedding Resource Guide
- StyleBlueprint Birmingham’s Wedding Resource Guide
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