An Intimate Brunch Wedding with a Second Line Send-Off
Get a glimpse of this picture-perfect Birmingham wedding filled with meaningful details — complete with an heirloom diamond, donut displays, and the most FABULOUS dress. Image: Lauren Bailey Photography
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!
PinGroom Casey Kear and bride Cody Nall were married at The Farrell in Homewood on June 15, 2024. Image: Lauren Bailey Photography
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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.
PinThe stunning triangle diamond in Cody’s engagement ring is a family heirloom. Image: Lauren Bailey Photography
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.
We are grateful to all our sponsors:
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.
PinWe’d call it a success! Image: Lauren Bailey Photography
“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!”
PinOnly a Mark Kennamer bathroom could suit the elegance of the day. Image: Lauren Bailey PhotographyPinSusan surprised the couple with champagne to complete the impromptu bathroom photo shoot. Image: Lauren Bailey PhotographyPinThis, dear reader, is the correct wedding day vibe. Image: Lauren Bailey Photography
We are grateful to all our sponsors:
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.”
PinIs this dress stunning, or what?! Image: Lauren Bailey PhotographyPinElegance personified. Image: Lauren Bailey Photography
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.
PinNatural light filled the ceremony with an ethereal ambiance. Image: Lauren Bailey PhotographyPin“We entrusted the talented Carol Harris from Lillie Jane with creating a stunning floral design that perfectly complemented our day,” Cody says, “We gave her free creative rein and her talent truly shone through!” Image: Lauren Bailey Photography
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.
PinThe couple took a moment to recognize their guests and all of their love and support. Image: Lauren Bailey Photography
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.
PinThe build-your-own Bloody Mary bar was a hit at the reception. Image: Lauren Bailey Photography
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.”
PinHave you ever seen a more elegant donut display? Image: Lauren Bailey PhotographyPinCody’s uncles are the creators of Bushwacker Spirits, a bottled recipe that’s a favorite along the Florida panhandle. Image: Lauren Bailey Photography
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.
PinThe surprise father-daughter dance set the celebratory tone for the reception. Image: Lauren Bailey Photography
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.
PinThe newlyweds paraded down the street in Homewood. Image: Lauren Bailey Photography
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!”
PinHere’s to happily ever after, Casey and Cody! Image: Lauren Bailey Photography
A Birmingham native, Katie is a lifelong waterfall chaser and is passionate about the outdoors. She also loves connecting with remarkable women in the Birmingham community and bringing their stories to life. Katie has been writing professionally for over six years; you can find more of her work at Moms.com and Islands.com.
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