ashlyn jackson

AUGUST 27, 2022

PHOTOS BY LESLIE HOLLINGSWORTH

The Details

Ceremony Venue: Vestavia Hills Methodist Church

Reception Venue: Vestavia Country Club Florist: Carol B. Harris with Lillie Janes Florals Caterer: Vestavia Country Club Wedding Planner/Day Of Coordinator: Lauryn Schilleci with Lauryn E. Weddings Cake: Telia Johnson Cakes Wedding Dress: Carriage House Weddings Bridal Hair/Makeup: Hair & Makeup by Nat Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie Groom’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse DJ/Wedding Band: The City Party Band with Music Gardens Wedding Transportation: Rare Transportation & Event Rides BHM Wedding Night Accommodations: The Valley Hotel

HOW DID YOU TWO MEET?

We met the summer before our sophomore year at Auburn University and were introduced through a mutual friend. We actually then went a couple of months without meeting again until we ran into each other and were introduced yet again by another mutual friend. After spending time getting to know each other, we realized our relationship was special.

The Proposal

Jackson had planned a special date for us that night to celebrate the last day of my finals week (I was in Physician Assistant School at Samford University). He picked me up earlier than expected, saying he wanted to catch the sunset before going to dinner. He took me to Vestavia Drive, which is one of my favorite places. He had two chairs set up on the top of the mountain to sit in and watch the sunset. Before we even sat down, Jackson told me he wanted to tell me something important and that is when he proposed! He even gifted me a beautiful Bible with my new name, Ashlyn McCrary, engraved on the front cover.

Favorite Wedding Moment

We got married at Vestavia Hills Methodist Church and had our reception in the ballroom of Vestavia Country Club. Once the reception came to a close, we had planned with the band to send our guests out to the front of VCC to get ready for the sendoff and have the ballroom empty for one last dance–just Jackson and me.

Favorite Wedding Details

One detail I loved was the entrance table to the ballroom. My mom had framed wedding photos of both Jackson’s parents and grandparents and mine on our families’ individual wedding days. Lillie Janes Florals added greenery and small flowers around the photos, and the table sat right in front of our wedding cake.

The Details

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Hamilton Place at Pursell Farms Florist: Hothouse Design Studio Caterer: Hamilton Place at Pursell Farms Wedding Planner/ Day Of Coordinator: Anita Kanellis with AK Brides

Cake: Barb’s Cakes Wedding Dress: Carriage House Weddings Bridesmaid Dresses : Bella Bridesmaids

Bridal Makeup: Rachel Griffin with BeLoved Beauty

Bridal Hair: Halee Brooke with Beauty by Halee Brooke & Courtney Jones Groom’s Attire: The Black Tux

Videography: Lance Holloway Productions Stationery: Ink Sugar Co. DJ/Wedding Band: Creativity Band Wedding Transportation: Coats Classic Cars

HOW DID YOU TWO MEET?

Ryan and I met through mutual friends in Birmingham. I lived in Birmingham, and he lived in Montgomery at the time. We got to know each other more by texting and FaceTiming before he finally asked me out. We went on our first official date to a Montgomery Biscuits game and spent the whole game talking and laughing.

The Proposal

I was visiting Ryan in Montgomery, and we were planning on going to our favorite restaurant with friends to celebrate my law school graduation. Ryan is also an attorney and said he needed to drop something off at the Alabama State Capitol before dinner. He asked me to come with him, and I agreed. He proposed in front of the beautiful capitol building, and I was so surprised! I was so excited to go celebrate with our Montgomery friends, but little did I know, Ryan also figured out how to get all of our friends and family from all over the Southeast to Montgomery to celebrate our engagement.

Favorite Wedding Moment

Our favorite moment was walking into the reception tent for the first time as the band introduced us as husband and wife. It was magical, seeing the tent lit up with twinkling lights under the night sky as our dearest family and friends greeted us underneath.

Favorite Wedding Details

Our favorite wedding detail was the live event painting that my parents and sister gifted us. All of the guests enjoyed watching the watercolor come to life throughout the course of the night, and it is the most special keepsake of the best day of our lives. The artist who painted our portrait live, Sherri Arias, was my art teacher at Vestavia Hills Elementary Liberty Park. It was a full-circle moment for all of us!