3 minute read
Allison Hymel + Todd Nielsen
Allison Hymel & Todd Nielsen AUGUST 27, 2020
Advertisement
WRITTEN BY: Jessica Burke
PHOTOGRAPHER: Your Day Video and Photography, yourdayproduction.com
Allison and Todd’s story begins the way many love stories do today - online. The couple met virtually on Bumble and had their first in-person date at Bayou Wine Garden.
When it came time to propose, Todd chose the perfect location - Popp Fountain in City Park. You see, not only is this historic Art Deco fountain beautiful, it’s also the same place years ago that Allison’s grandfather proposed to her grandmother!
Todd convinced Allison they were doing a normal Sunday afternoon with his kids, Ashton and Blythe, and meeting friends at City Bark, which happens to be across the street from the fountain. When they arrived early, he suggested they walk around the fountain to pass the time.
“As we're walking up, I bring up the story about my grandparents,” shares Allison. “You see, my Grandma's response to my Grandpa's proposal was, ‘I don't know. I'm tired. Ask me tomorrow.’"
Helping to buy time, Ashton asked, ‘Well did he ask again the next day?’ and Allison replied, ‘He sure did! And it's a good thing because I wouldn't be here today if he didn't.’"
As they walked up to the fountain, Blythe announced, "I think my dad should propose to you here!" As Allison walked on ahead, she said, "I think that would be a great idea!" Todd responded, "Will you make me ask you again tomorrow?"
Allsion, completely caught off guard, turned and asked "Whaat?" Todd dropped to one knee and asked her to marry him “I, of course, said yes!” says Allison. “We walked around the fountain a little bit more and then went back to [our] home. My parents, brother, sister-in-law and nieces were waiting next door with champagne to celebrate!”
Todd’s children were their witnesses for the intimate outdoor ceremony at The Crossing in historic Rivertown. Allison’s brother sang “Ave Maria” and to include family and friends who couldn’t attend in person, they had the ceremony live streamed by their photography and video team, Your Day Video and Photography. Allison says the live streaming experience was wonderful. “The best was reading the comments left by those who tuned in and getting messages and pictures of people's celebrations at home,” she says.
Although Allison and Todd originally intended to plan a small, simple ceremony in the park and save a big celebration for later, Allison shares, “I was given the advice to plan this wedding in a way that there would be no regrets if a second larger celebration couldn't happen for one reason or another. Three weeks later, I had a gown; we had a baker, venue, florist, photographer, musicians, decor gurus and were facing 2 hurricanes heading our way. It was insane! In the end, it was a version of my dream wedding I didn't know existed.”
PHOTOGRAPHY, VIDEO + LIVE STREAMING: Your Day Video and Photography, yourdayproduction.com
FLORIST: Beth's Flowers, bethsflowersonline.com
ADDITIONAL CREDITS: GETTING READY LOCATION: Windsor Court Hotel | CEREMONY + RECEPTION LOCATION: The Crossing | OFFICIANT: Kyle Aucoin-Melohn | BRIDE’S GOWN: Willow by Watters | GROOM’S ATTIRE: Michael Kors | BAKERY: 5 Dough 4 Bakery CEREMONY MUSIC: Ashley Tolman Harpist | HAIR + MAKEUP: Flawless Bride | DECOR RENTALS: The Crossing, Chris + Kyle Aucoin-Melohn, Kimberly Norlin | CATERER: La Bella’s Catering (in house at The Crossing) | JEWELRY: Ramsey’s Diamond Jewelers | INVITATIONS: Heidi Nielsen Designs
See more N.O.W. Real Wedding Inspiration at: NOWWeddingMagazine.com
The Rooftop of The Chicory | Photo: Joseph Lin
The Chicory | Photo: Marissa Lambert
