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MARRIED JULY 16, 2022 at GRANT HILL FARMS, ATHENS, GA FOR THE REHEARSAL

Amy Gail wore her grandmother’s wedding dress and pearls

FAMILY HEIRLOOMS

On the wedding day

AMY GAIL WORE her Aunt Lea’s diamond bracelet given to her by her grandmother, Anne Wooley Dusty, and her mom’s onyx ring given to her on her 16th birthday by her father, Ted Spradley.

JOHN LEX CARRIED the handkerchief of his beloved grandfather, James R. Bland, Jr., who passed away at 93 years old a few weeks before the wedding. later, Amy Gail fell for him too.” One thing John Lex and Amy Gail prayed about leading up to their wedding was that it would glorify the Lord over anything else and that it would feel like the sweetest celebration with so many people that they love. At the end of the wedding celebration, they shared that they were overwhelmed with feelings of love and joy and that it was truly one of the best days of their lives. Amy Gail shares, “The Lord has been gracious surrounding us with family and friends who love us so well and that day was such an example of it.”

Amy Gail’s grandmother, Anne Wooley, had a very special part in their wedding events. She gave Amy Gail her wedding gown to wear on the night of the rehearsal. Anne and her husband, M.C. Wooley, who ran the Lowndes County Paper Mill for over two decades, were married for 52 years before he passed away. One night, the family went over to Anne’s house after wedding dress shopping, and she mentioned that she still had her wedding dress. Amy Gail describes the scene well: “My sweet Grandma then went to the top of her closet and pulled her wedding dress out of a trash bag — top of the line preservation! I tried it on and immediately knew I wanted to find a way to wear it. With alterations, I was able to wear it on our rehearsal night. It was truly one of the most special things. Grandma said later that night, ‘This might be one of the greatest nights of my life.’”

When asked what makes Valdosta special, Amy Gail shares, “This is where I grew up and where most of my family still lives. I think it really is the place that feels like home to me. It was where I met so many of the girls that were standing by my side on my wedding day, women who I know will be lifelong friends that I got to grow up with in Valdosta. Valdosta also provided a genuine community that holds many incredible people who had a major impact on who I am today.”

During her father-daughter dance at their wedding, to bring it all to a close, Amy Gail had the rest of her sisters join her and her dad on the dance floor. It was a complete surprise to her dad and a memory he often brings up. There were tears, laughter and uncoordinated dance moves, but it was so much fun for their family that is finally beyond wedding planning and celebrating all of the joy ahead! | VM weddings@williamshotelgroup.com www.williamshotelgroup.com

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