MERRYWOOD LEADS TO MARRIAGE

Marriage Merrywood Leads to Marriage

Boy Meets Girl in Elementary School, Marries Her After College

Haley Loggins + Sergio Alvarez

May 15, 2021 Hollow Oaks Farm Event Barn, Cross Hill, SC

By Mundy Price

It’s not very often these days that you come across a newly married couple who has known one another since elementary school.

Sergio Alvarez had recently moved to Greenwood, South Carolina from his native country of Colombia, South

America and was a new student at

Merrywood Elementary School when he attempted to make new friends, including with a girl named Haley Loggins who was in a different class. Both were fifth graders, but only interacted at recess or in the hallway. Haley was a self-described shy pre-teen, while

Sergio was outgoing and eager to meet new classmates.

“He would always seem to find his way next to me in line while coming back for class,” Haley recalls.

“I thought nothing of it, but he sure loves to mention how I would pay him no attention back then.”

Perhaps even as a young fifth grader Sergio could sense a connection between himself and Haley. This

connection wouldn’t resurface until a number of years later, after the two students attended different middle and high schools, but they ended up at the same college–in the same major–taking the same classes at Lander University. While at Lander, both majoring in biology, Sergio finally managed to get Haley to pay attention to him and the two began talking and eventually began dating.

Despite having what they say are completely opposite personalities, Haley began to come out of her shell in college and, as she says, find her true self. Sergio helped bring that out in her and the couple’s rela-

tionship continued to grow over the next four years.

Haley had come to love Sergio’s strong sense and love of family, and she especially admired the close relationship he maintained with his family in South America, namely with his grandmother. The two were able to travel after graduating from Lander in the summer of 2019 to Colombia so Haley could finally meet many of Sergio’s family members in person, including his grandma. Making the trip to his home country even more memorable, Sergio had taken the proper steps beforehand, including speaking to Haley’s parents, to pull off a remarkable proposal, which entailed a horseback ride and breathtaking mountain views overlooking the town where Sergio had grown up. Upon riding back into town, the Alvarez family celebrated the new engagement with the happy couple and welcomed Haley with warm arms into the family.

Wedding plans began swirling around in their heads following that June 2019 trip to Colombia, but not long after their engagement, the world was turned upside by Covid-19. Finally, after having dated for four years and a two-year engagement, Sergio and Haley were able to have a wedding on May 15, 2021.

Those two years allowed the couple to take their time planning, and they utilized close friends and family members to help iron out all the details. Their pre-Covid plan included a larger guest list than the number they finally settled on, but that was the only big thing they had to change due to the pandemic. Like many young couples, Sergio and Haley relied heavily on the internet and websites like theknot.com and Pinterest to glean ideas for their big day. They decided

on a boho, laid-back theme with natural décor and greenery that included succulents and eucalyptus, with touches of color in dusty rose and gold. They each had input in selecting the other’s wedding attire, and they worked together to choose complimentary colors for their groomsmen and bridesmaids.

The wedding location was Hollow Oak Farm Event Barn in Cross Hill, about 15 miles from Greenwood. The property features 60 acres with a newly built 4,200 square foot event barn and 2,300 square feet of outdoor decks. The country setting was especially attractive to the couple.

“Sergio saw the cows out in the pasture and fell in love with the place. He absolutely adores cows,” Haley said.

Sergio’s dear grandma was unable to travel from Colombia to attend the wedding, however Haley worked with Sergio’s family members to help his grandmother create a sweet surprise for her grandson on his wedding day. Haley and Sergio decided to have a “first look” photo session before their nuptials, and it was during this special time that Haley pulled out her cell phone to play a video message from Sergio’s grandmother. In this special message, sent from South America with love, Sergio’s grandma wished the couple all of the best and a happy, long-lasting marriage.

“She is one of the most meaningful people in his life, and he was not expecting the message from her,” Haley said. Knowing how important it was for Sergio to include his grandma in some way on his wedding day, Haley’s mother gifted him with a very special pair of cuff links that were engraved with a sparrow. These were so meaningful to Sergio because it indicated Haley’s family welcomed him and understood the meaning behind his grandma’s nickname for him, which is “little sparrow”.

Another special way Haley and Sergio decided to include family in the ceremony was to ask Haley’s uncle, Tom Cavanaugh, to become an ordained minister so that he could be the one to officiate the ceremony. Although some might consider it to be a tall order, Haley’s uncle obliged and was able to marry the couple.

Displayed on a table at the reception were photos of family members near and dear to the couple’s hearts who had passed. This special touch was comforting to Haley and Sergio to feel as though their loved ones were there in spirit. The couple’s close bond is evident to their families and close friends, and there weren’t many with dry eyes after the ceremony or first dance. A thoughtful touch, the couple had placed a basket of antique handkerchiefs at the venue for guests to use to dry their happy tears.

During the reception after shedding tears during the couple’s first dance and dances with the groom’s mother and bride’s father, the guests were treated to Stump’s BBQ, a strawberry “naked” cake and cupcakes by the Publix bakery, and tunes by Sergio’s high school friend DJ2XS. The wed-

ding party and guests let their hair down and tried to compete with Sergio’s moves on the dance floor. Those moves apparently were quite impressive to Haley’s grandmother, who rewarded Sergio with some big tips!

The couple’s wedding day was a true reflection of their love for one • Wedding Gown – Dimitra Designs • Groom’s Attire – David Lindsey

Clothier • Bridesmaids’ Dresses – Dimitra

Designs • Groomsmen's Attire – David Lindsey

Clothier • Her Rings – Total of 3 rings were bought from Kays and Walmart • His Ring – Walmart • Flowers/florist – Carolina Petals • Catering/Food – Stump’s BBQ and

Catering • Cake/Treats – Publix • Musicians/DJ – DJ2XS • Photographers – Trinity Photography • Bridesmaids' gifts – Etsy • Grooms’ gifts – Etsy and liquor store • Spirits/bar services – Keg truck provided by Hollow Oak Farms and

Event Barn • Hair stylist – Glam by Jessie Hamby • Makeup artist - Glam by Jessie Hamby • Invitations – Etsy • Calligraphy – Handwritten by Sergio • Wedding gift registry – Amazon and the Knot.com

another and the union of two big families with heartfelt, sentimental touches and a celebration full of life. Haley and Sergio’s words of advice to couples planning a wedding are to, “take your time. Trust your photographers, florists, and all vendors that you have chosen and listen to their advice. They have amazing ideas that can make your day extra special.