With a gorgeous church ceremony followed by a garden party-inspired reception, this Fairhope wedding was equal parts tradition and whimsy. Take a look!
Southern football game days in the fall have a magic all their own, and one fateful Auburn University tailgate brought Selena Smith and Charles Hartley together forever. Set up by mutual friends, the pair met at the first tailgate of the 2019 season, and the rest was history.
Three years later, the pair tied the knot in a citrus-and-floral-infused affair in Fairhope, AL, and we were lucky enough to get a look inside their big day!
PinSelena and Chad Hartley tied the knot in a May 2023 in front of family and friends in Fairhope, Alabama. Image: Katie Byrd Photography
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“We got engaged at the Grand Hotel in Point Clear, Alabama,” Selena shares. It was a total surprise, and Chad had planned a party with all of our close family and friends at the hotel afterward to celebrate.” The wedding date was set for May 13 the following year, and they were off to the races!
The ceremony location was quickly decided as the St. Francis at the Point Anglican Church, a venue near and dear to Selena’s heart. “When I was in middle school, my cousin got married at St. Francis, and ever since, I’ve said I wanted to get married there,” Selena shares. “It happened to be one of the few spring weekends they still had available, so we were lucky.”
PinSelena long dreamed of having her wedding at St. Francis at the Point Anglican Church. Image: Katie Byrd PhotographyPinThe color scheme included peach, blush, and green flowers. Image: Katie Byrd Photography
We are grateful to all our sponsors:
Selena enlisted the help of a planner, Ashli Pridgen of Ashli Payge Planning and Coordinating, to help the details come together seamlessly. The citrus garden theme incorporated seasonal colors, primarily peach and soft sage.
“First, we had to pick out the bridesmaid’s dresses, and after we found the colored dresses, we were able to narrow down the linens,” Selena shares. “I knew I wanted to go with citrus garden wedding vibes so I could incorporate peach with my florals.”
PinCitrus fruits were added to arrangements to match the theme. Image: Katie Byrd Photography
With bridesmaid’s dresses and a color scheme in place, Selena began searching for her perfect dress — something simple but not too plain. Her sister encouraged her to try on a dress with puffy sleeves just for fun, but Selena fell in love.
“I loved the corset-inspired top with the puff sleeves and buttons down the train,” she adds. “It paired perfectly with the pearl veil.”
PinSelena stumbled upon her dream dress, which featured a simple bodice and puffy sleeves. Image: Katie Byrd PhotographyPinPale pastel bridesmaid dresses perfectly matched the color scheme. Image: Katie Byrd PhotographyPinThe groom arrives at the reception in style! Image: Katie Byrd Photography
We are grateful to all our sponsors:
PinThe wedding party used adorable Southern-inspired trolley transportation for the wedding party, provided by Gulf Coast Tours. Image: Katie Byrd Photography
The soon-to-be Hartleys anticipated an extensive guest list and had a specific style in mind for their post-nuptial reception, which narrowed the list of venues in the Fairhope area. They ultimately selected Rock Creek Golf Club, a stunning venue with a backdrop of manicured fairways and breathtaking sunsets.
PinSelena and Chad exchanged traditional vows during their ceremony. Image: Katie Byrd Photography
Nearly 150 guests gathered to celebrate the Hartleys, watching as the pair took to the floor for their first dance to Ray LaMontagne’s “You Are the Best Thing.” Father-daughter and mother-son dances followed — the former to “My Girl” by The Temptations and the latter to “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts. Entertainment was provided by the local band Fly By Radio.
PinFlower girls made their way down the aisle at St. Francis. Image: Katie Byrd Photography
Guests enjoyed signature cocktail options, including the couple’s favorites (an old fashioned for Chad, a paloma for Selena, and a margarita for the pair), as well as wine and a brew bus with various tap options.
PinGuests could select from different beer options from a rented Brew Bus. Image: Katie Byrd PhotographyPinGuests also had their choice of three citrus-infused cocktails — palomas, margaritas, and old fashioneds were on the menu! Image: Katie Byrd Photography
The citrus-scented garden party vibes continued into the reception, as the space was decked out with hanging greenery, twinkle lights, and rattan lanterns, plus tables lined with even more lush floral arrangements featuring sliced fruit. (We can only imagine how heavenly they must have smelled!)
PinA reception hall draped in greenery and twinkling lights set the scene for a night to remember. Image: Katie Byrd Photography
Rock Creek provided the catering and bar services for the wedding, which included signature cocktails, a taco bar buffet, lemon chicken, a carving station, and beautiful sides. For dessert, Sukar Bakes provided a three-tiered cake painted with matching florals and citrus fruits in strawberry and lemon blueberry flavors.
PinThe three-tiered cake featured floral and citrus detailing. Image: Katie Byrd PhotographyPinA groom’s cake nodding to the Premier League’s Manchester United was also served. Image: Katie Byrd PhotographyPinSpecial touches throughout the evening included a live painting by S.Arias, which was completed during the reception. Image: Katie Byrd PhotographyPinHave you ever seen a prettier bouquet toss?! Image: Katie Byrd Photography
Once dinner, drinks, and traditional dances were had, guests flooded the dance floor to continue the celebration throughout the evening. There was live music, Hawaiian leis, light sabers, and plenty of dancing. Following the reception, the pair shared a private last dance and a sparkler-lined exit.
PinClearly, no fun at all was had on this dance floor … Images: Katie Byrd PhotographyPinGarden party after dark! Image: Katie Byrd PhotographyPinCongratulations, Hartleys! Image: Katie Byrd PhotographyThank you for sharing your beautiful day with us, Selena and Charles!
Kellie Walton is a Tennessee-based travel, food, and beverage writer eating and adventuring her way through life. When she's not in the air, she’s on the ground discovering the hidden gems in small towns and big cities around the world.
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