Here Come the Brides

&Colt Amber Hardin May 2, 2020

Colt and Amber met in 2012 while in high school. Colt was a senior, and Amber was a sophomore. On the first day of school Colt and Amber walked into the same accounting class. They sat close by one another and started talking every day. Amber knew instantly that Colt was someone she wanted to get to know better.

THE FIRST DATE: Colt and his friends rode four-wheelers on the weekends for fun, so Colt had asked Amber to come riding one evening. After the friend group rode four-wheelers, they all went back to Colt’s house to eat and hang out. Amber received a text from her best friend saying she was headed to the hospital because they believed her kidney was shutting down, and Colt did not hesitate to jump in the car and drive Amber an hour away to the hospital so she could be with her best friend. Colt then sat at the hospital for hours with Amber until they knew Amber’s best friend was going to be alright.

THE PROPOSAL: At the time of the proposal Colt and Amber had been dating for seven years. Colt decided to plan a midday date in Florence – or so Amber thought. Colt had some family who camping at a local campground and told Amber they had to go pick something up for his mother at his family’s campsite before heading to Florence. When Colt and Amber arrived at the campground, his aunt said someone had decorated the bridge by the water and wanted to show them. When they arrived at the bridge, it was covered in yellow – Amber’s favorite color – rose petals. When Amber turned around, there was Colt, down on one knee.

THE WEDDING: New Union Missionary

Baptist Church – The church was filled with Colt and Amber’s closest family and friends – 6 feet apart, of course. The pews were lined with eucalyptus leaves, white peonies and ribbon. The aisle had pink and white flower petals leading to the front of the church. At the front of the church was a flower-filled arch with Colt standing there awaiting his bride. At 4:30 p.m. on sunny Saturday afternoon, Colt and Amber became husband and wife, and the rest is history.

FAVORITE MOMENT: Colt and Amber’s favorite wedding moment would have to be when Amber went to toss her bouquet. She pretended to toss it, then she turned around and handed it to her best friend. Amber turned her friend around, and there was her boyfriend on one knee, and he asked her to be his wife. This was so special to Amber and Colt because it was both of their best friends.

THEIR LOVE: What Amber loves most about Colt is how caring and compassionate he is. Colt is the ideal family man; when it comes to the people he loves, he loves with his whole heart, and it shows by his actions. What Colt loves most about Amber is how caring she is toward the couple’s families. Colt also loves how hardworking and independent she is and how she always makes him feel loved and cared for.

FINAL WORD: Colt and Amber had several people discouraging them against getting married in the middle of a pandemic. They went back and forth on changing the date, eloping or other options. After many thoughts and prayers, they both knew nothing was going to stop them from becoming husband and wife that day. Colt and Amber can say 100 percent they have no regrets, and it was the best day ever!

MEET THE WEDDING TEAM

Venue: New Union Missionary Baptist Church Catering: Swamp John’s Wedding planners: Sarah Hardin and Freda Massey Florist: Southern Elegance Florist, Caldwell’s Sola Décor and Jody Humphres Cake: Jessica Petree Photographer: Mandi Nunley Photography Invitations: Vista Print

Wedding dress:

Cherry Tree Lane

Bridesmaid dresses:

Amazon

Hair and make-up:

Bethany Mansell

Men’s attire:

BayTree Gift Company Music: Jarod Massey Favors and gifts: Local boutiques in Red Bay

&Levi Haley Hargett

Oct. 10, 2020

Levi and Haley first met at church. She thought he was really cute and super funny. When Levi first met Haley, he thought her smile was beautiful, and he loved her personality.

THE FIRST DATE: Levi and Haley went out to eat for their first date; Buffalo Wild Wings was the lucky restaurant they chose. They finished off the evening by going to Arx Mortis, the haunted attraction in Killen.

THE PROPOSAL: Levi had always said that he would propose when he felt the time was right. One random evening when Haley was visiting him after work, while they were sitting in the living room, he popped the question. It was a very intimate moment between the two of them they will never forget. at Hurricane Creek Lodge. Unfortunately, the venue of the wedding had to change last minute because of predicted rain on the wedding day. So Levi and Haley rolled with the punches and moved the wedding to Pleasant Hill Church in East Franklin. Everything went spectacularly, and the evening ended with a beautiful sparkler exit.

THEIR LOVE: From the first kiss on Haley’s front porch on the first night they hung out, to supporting each other in school activities and all the memories from vacations together, it’s hard to pinpoint just one thing Haley and Levi love most about each other. But after two years of dating, they knew they didn’t want to live without each other.

MEET THE WEDDING TEAM

Venue: Pleasant Hill Church Catering: Raw Hide BBQ Make-up: Savana Vison Hair Stylist: Robin Scott Florist: Justin Myrick Cake: Tina Parker Videographer: Rhett Jackson

Photographer:

Shannea Flanagan, Right Brain Photography

&Lindsey Brandon Lane

May 16, 2020

In 2017 Lindsey received a Facebook message from a guy named Brandon. After messaging him a few times, she knew the likelihood of any future relationship was slim to none, though he seemed to have multiple commonalities with her. At the time she was not looking for anything serious due to beginning occupational therapy school. Brandon started asking Lindsey to hang out from the beginning, but she always declined. Fast forward two years later, and after much persistence on Brandon’s part, Lindsey finally decided to hang out with him.

THE FIRST DATE: Brandon and Lindsey’s first date was definitely out of the norm. Because they had never met and started talking online two years prior, Lindsey brought a friend along with her. Brandon, Lindsey and her friend Lakeyn all met at River Bottom Grille March 15, 2019. The night basically consisted of hours of conversation over food. After the date ended and Brandon and Lindsey said bye, Lindsey told Lakeyn he was “husband potential.” Lindsey and Brandon saw each other every day for the next three weeks before Lindsey had to return to occupational therapy school. After the first week, Lindsey knew he was the one for her. Brandon, too, knew after the first couple of weeks he would marry Lindsey.

THE PROPOSAL: Their proposal was a dream come true. Brandon, knowing how much Lindsey loves Christmas, decided to tell Lindsey he had planned them a photography session at Shell’s Christmas Tree Farm. In reality, though, he had planned their proposal at the farm. Brandon and Lindsey walked around with the photographer taking pictures. After a few pictures were made, Brandon got down on one knee in a sea of Christmas trees to pop the question.

THE WEDDING: The Givens House at Glenn

Hill – Lindsey’s favorite wedding moment was walking down the aisle to Brandon. Brandon, with tear-filled eyes, never had looked happier or more in love. Lindsey was so excited to be pronounced Mr. and Mrs. Brandon Lane. Brandon’s favorite wedding moment was the first look. Brandon was so excited to see Lindsey all day, and the moment they were becoming husband and wife to him was so surreal in this moment.

THEIR LOVE: Lindsey loves that Brandon leads their family with a servant heart for God and all people. He serves her as a leader, protector, lover, confidant and best friend. Brandon loves all things about Lindsey. He loves how her smile radiates every room, her personality, her patience with all things and her decision to put him first.

MEET THE WEDDING TEAM

Venue: The Givens House at Glenn Hill

Catering:

Southern Skillet Catering Florist: Russellville Florist and Gifts Cake: Suzanne White

Videographer:

Chandler Smith Films

Photographer:

Rebekah Photography Invitations: Shutterfly

Wedding dress:

Kathleen’s Bridal

Bridesmaid dresses:

Kathleen’s Bridal Hair: Robin Scott Make-up: Faith Ezzell and Holly Renfrow Men’s attire: Coat’s Clothing Company Music: Pianist Robin Akers and DJ, DJ Jammin’ Jeff Gifts: Grogan’s Jewelers

Rentals and décor:

Party Plus Rentals

Bride’s and groom’s rings:

Grogan’s Jewelers

Officiant:

Dr. Scott Delashaw

&Emily Tyler Cook

Sept. 26, 2020

Emily and Tyler were high school sweethearts, but they met for the first time at church during Vacation Bible School. At first Tyler intimidated Emily because she was super shy, and he was so outgoing. He was the life of the party and kept everyone laughing.

THE FIRST DATE: Emily and Tyler’s first date took place at the Blue Moon Drive-In Theater April 17, 2015. They had so much fun and were instantly best friends.

THE PROPOSAL: Emily knows Tyler like the back of her hand, and he isn’t the best at keeping secrets. So Emily pretty much figured out Tyler was planning on proposing, so she came right out with it and asked him if he was. Tyler told her no, he wasn’t – and he could immediately tell how disappointed Emily was because she thought she had it figured out. He felt so bad about the whole situation that he ended up proposing to her the next day.

THE WEDDING: The Barn at Shady Grove

– Sept. 26, 2020, rolls around, and it’s a beautiful day. Emily and Tyler couldn’t have asked for better weather. It was beyond what they could have expected. Everything went really well. COVID guidelines made for a smaller ceremony, but Emily and Tyler were really glad to be able to spend the day together surrounded by their closest friends and family.

FAVORITE MOMENT: Emily and Tyler’s favorite wedding moment was their first look. In Emily’s words, “It was so special because it was in private away from everyone, so we got to really enjoy the moment.”

THEIR LOVE: Tyler loves most that Emily is supportive, loving and always happy no matter what. What Emily loves most about Tyler is that he is such a caring person – “the type to give you the shirt off his back. He has such a big heart.”

MEET THE WEDDING TEAM

Venue: The Barn at Shady Grove Catering: Kenneth and Barbara Cooper Florist: Brittni’s Florist and Gifts Cake: Gateway Foodland

Videographer:

Poppy Leaf Weddings

Photographer:

Shannea Flanagan, Right Brain Photography

Wedding dress:

Kay’s Creations

Bridesmaid dresses:

David’s Bridal Hair: Kandy Carlton and Katie Purser Make-up: Kandy Carlton Men’s attire: Solid Gold Jewelry

&Ashlyn Austin James Aug. 1, 2020

Ashlyn and Austin’s fairytale began in 2013. They had attended the same school for years, but they didn’t meet until, by fate, a mutual best friend introduced them. After Austin’s persistence, he managed to finally acquire Ashlyn’s phone number. They will always tell you it was love at first sight.

THE FIRST DATE: Ashlyn and Austin’s first official date was to OH! Bryan’s for a romantic candlelit Valentine’s Day dinner.

THE PROPOSAL: May 7, 2019, while on a beach trip with Austin’s family, Austin told Ashlyn they were going on a romantic dinner together; however, Austin had really hired a photographer and led Ashlyn to a private beach. Ashlyn thought they were just taking some professional photos together, but in reality, Austin got down on one knee and proposed to the love of his life.

THE WEDDING: Harvest Hollow Venue

and Farm – Ashlyn and Austin’s perfect day was Aug. 1, 2020, at Harvest Hollow Venue and Farm. This venue was absolutely perfect for their dream wedding.

FAVORITE MOMENT: Both Ashlyn and Austin’s favorite moment of their wedding was the first look. Not only was it an emotional, yet intimate, moment between two people in love, but it was a moment they both will look back on and cherish forever.

THEIR LOVE: What Ashlyn loves most about Austin is his huge heart that cares most about the people closest to him and his passion and determination to always live their relationship to the fullest. What Austin loves most about Ashlyn is her commitment to always put others first and how she stays motivated and works hard to achieve their relationship goals.

FINAL WORD: Ashlyn is the daughter of Timothy and Kimberly Sanders. Austin is the son of Chris and Stephanie James.

MEET THE WEDDING TEAM

Officiant: Jason Swinney

Maid of honor:

Mary Beth Nichols Bridesmaids: Haley Hargett, Lindsay Balentine, Ashley Swinney and Gabby Cook Best man: Jacob Devaney Groomsmen: Hunter Winstead, Jake Dill, Dillan Swinney and Nathan Hulsey Venue: Harvest Hollow Venue and Farm Catering: Rawhide BBQ Wedding Director: Lauren Boston Florist: Carmalita Coan Cake: Bellaria Wedding Cakes by Tina Parker

Videographer:

Woodnote Media Photographer: CREATE by Heather Sherrill

Invitations:

Minted Weddings

Wedding dress:

Kay’s Kreations

Bridesmaids’ dresses:

Promenade Hair: Ashley Watson Make-up: Savana Vinson

Men’s Attire:

Coats Clothing Co. Music: Universal Events Favors and gifts: Etsy.com Rentals: Party Pros Draping: Kris Clark Designs