Today, wedding photographer and StyleBlueprint friend Alisha Crossley shares a beautiful wedding:
The Couple:
Winston and Taylor met while she was studying at the University of Alabama and he was at Birmingham Southern. A childhood friend of Taylor’s introduced them at his annual 4th of July cookout in Tuscaloosa, AL. They instantly hit it off and began what became a three year long distance dating relationship.
The pair share a love for the outdoors and particularly enjoy hiking. It was on a leisurely hike during a day trip to Huntsville’s Monte Sano State Park, with their two pups that Winston professed his love and asked Taylor to be his wife. He proposed on a beautiful mountaintop with a 4th generation heirloom ring. The couple now resides in Mobile, AL, where Winston is currently attending medical school and Taylor works in event planning.
The Planning:
Taylor had a clear vision for her big day, as well as a strong background in the event industry, and she was fully prepared for the ups and downs of wedding planning. Knowing that a knowledgeable planner was essential for a flawless day, Taylor enlisted Megan Cease of M. Elizabeth Events to help bring her vision to life.
Winston and Taylor were able to relax and enjoy the day — a big payoff due to their careful planning and research.
Taylor’s bridesmaids squeal with excitement upon seeing her for the first time in the dress!
Taylor’s finished look is timeless.
The Details of the Big Day:
Taylor and Winston were married at First Presbyterian Tuscaloosa on June 7, 2014, and an upbeat reception at The Cypress Inn Pavilion followed the ceremony. Taylor’s emphasis on family and tradition tied the day together beautifully. She wore a remake of her mother’s wedding gown and chose the same church where her parents said “I do” over twenty-six years ago for the ceremony. Also, a close family friend created the floral design for the couple and supplied the lovely bouquets and centerpieces. As you’ll see in the photos below, lush blooms created a romantic landscape in shades of blush and ivory that were the classic feel Taylor wanted.
Taylor’s dress is a composite of her mother’s original gown and her own modern day vision.
Winston and Taylor share a laugh during their “first look.” The couple chose to have a private moment before the ceremony, allowing them more time to talk and casually complete portraits.
The elegant bouquets filled with lush peonies were created by a close family friend.
The couple’s cake table was adorned with a custom linen and coordinating blooms.
Favorite Moments:
Winston wrote and performed a song to sing to Taylor following their first dance … a surprise to her and nearly all the guests. According to the guests, this soon-to-be-doctor also has some serious musical talent! Winston’s love for music was also noted in his groom’s cake … a realistic version of a harmonica!
Here, Winston performs his song for his new bride.
Taylor cheers on Winston after his stellar performance.
The groom’s cake is a realistic version of a harmonica.
Wedding guests see the couple off through a grand sparkler departure.
Bride’s Favorite Detail:
Though Taylor said it was hard to pick one single, favorite moment from such a perfect day, some of the details from the reception were especially memorable: “Our close family friend and florist, Connie Taylor, did an amazing job with the flowers at the reception. They were exquisite — some of the arrangements had hot pink fish and tree frogs in the bottom of the vases! Also, the custom tambourines featuring our monogram were passed out to guests during the middle of the reception and they were a huge hit and so much fun! Lastly, the late night Taco Casa (my favorite hometown joint) burritos that were served at the end of the reception were perfect after a night of dancing and celebrating.”
Monogrammed tambourines were a fitting favor for this harmonious couple!
Guests received Taco Casa burritos at the end of the reception. A perfect late night snack!
Cheers to the happy couple!
Thank you, Taylor and Winston, for sharing your happy day! And thank you, Alisha, for the beautiful photos.
Resources:
Planner- M. Elizabeth Events
Photography- Alisha Crossley Photography
Floral Design- Connie Taylor Designs
Catering- Cypress Inn
Cake Baker- Isa Delgado Cakes
Lighting- AG Lighting
Entertainment- Musical Fantasy
Rentals- ERU
Alisha Crossley
Alisha Crossley love for imagery and story telling stems back to her dual undergraduate studies in Art and English. As a fulltime wedding photographer, she aims to capture rather than create the unique moments forming each couple’s day. Her emphasis is on getting to know each client’s story and retelling it from behind the camera.