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he whirlwind romance of Kaylee Spivey from Tallassee and Trey Gothard from Millbrook began in August of 2018. In December of the same year, Gothard proposed, rather dramatically, surrounded by Christmas lights at Lanark, home of the Alabama Wildlife Federation.

“I had no idea it was coming. We had been planning a party for Trey’s graduation from Troy University for months. After the dinner with both families and our friends, Trey’s father suggested we go to the Lanark offices for dessert. Trey told me I needed to come out to the trail to see the lights at the gazebo, which were beautiful. We talked about what we meant to each other, we prayed together; and then, he flipped a switch, and the lights spelled out Marry Me. Everyone was there, and it was so special,” Spivey said.

The couple changed their wedding date several times, but they knew they wanted it in the spring and on a weekend when Gothard’s best friend Alex Dettmar could come home from his Air Force training. They finally landed on April 20, 2019, just five months away from the proposal.

Gothard’s father, Tim, is the executive director of the Alabama Wildlife Federation, and Gothard’s mother, April, suggested that one of the many scenic locations at Lanark might prove to be perfect. “April showed me all the different options, but when I saw the pavilion that opens to the back, I fell in love with it. I knew that’s where I wanted to be married. Alex’s mom, Leah Berkstresser, is a wedding planner, and the three of us stayed up late many nights planning. They all had a big part in helping,” Spivey said.

Thanks to her sister, who suggested she try on a specific dress first, Spivey found the perfect gown at David’s Bridals. Delicate lace covered the sleeveless, high-neck bodice and gown while tiny buttons adorned the sheer back. Bridesmaids wore dusty blue dresses of their own choosing. Dana’s Floral Designs in Prattville arranged the flowers – lots T

Trey Gothard and Kaylee Spivey married at Alabama Wildlife Federation

Whirlwind Romance

Story by Lonna Upton Photos by Betsy Lee Photography

of baby’s breath and light pink and white roses in the bride’s bouquet. Baby’s Breath, Spivey’s favorite, also made up the bridesmaids’ bouquets and groomsmen’s boutonnieres.

“The most special part of our ceremony was the arch and cross. I had seen one on Pinterest, so Trey’s dad decided to build it for us. I love that we got married in front of something his dad built; that is so special,” Spivey said.

About 150 wedding guests sat in white chairs outside the pavilion for the ceremony; and then, everyone moved underneath for the reception. The bride’s

preferred bloom appeared often amongst the decorations, including the tables and mantle. Among the decorative ferns, tables and chairs were set up with table decorations of dusty blue runners, lanterns and Baby’s Breath. A fire burned in the fireplace with the mantel adorned in greenery, pictures of the couple and of course, additional Baby’s Breath.

“Our DJ Steve Haynes played the music for the ceremony and the reception – all the songs that meant so much to us. I walked in to I Choose You by Sara Bareilles. The memory of the long walk to that song and seeing Trey at the end of the aisle is the memory I love the most. And, our first dance was to My Side of the Fence by Dan and Shay, a song Trey has sung to me since we met,” Spivey said.

Gothard and his mother danced to A Mother Like Mine by The Band Perry, and he also danced with his sister to Whenever You Remember by Carrie Underwood. Spivey’s stepfather walked her down the aisle, and as a special honor she chose to dance with her mother to Mama’s Song by

Carrie Underwood.

Chef Don Johnson, co-owner of Woodcraft Café in Wetumpka, with the help of his son Dillon, catered the meal. Both are friends with Gothard, and they made certain the food was perfect for the outdoor setting – fried chicken, a potato bar and green beans. The librarian from Stanhope Elmore High School designed the wedding cakes.

“The food was so great, and the cakes were amazing made by Miranda Morrison. We had a buttercream wedding cake, but the groom’s cake was an Oreo cake. We wish so much that we had been able to have more than one piece,” Spivey said. The bride and groom both encountered wardrobe problems but were able to find the humor in the situations.

“Not long before the wedding, I got a little food and some orange juice, which I ended up knocking over onto my dress from top to bottom. My bridesmaids helped me in the bathroom and with soap and water, scrubbing until you couldn’t even tell it had happened. Then Trey ripped his tuxedo pants at the reception. Both were so funny though,” Spivey said. A couple of glitches perhaps, but the couple said they could not have asked for a more perfect day to celebrate the joining together of their lives.

Clockwise from far left: The bride's bouquet was an arrangement of light pink and white roses; Groomsmen donned Baby's Breath boutonnieres; Miranda Morris from Stanhope Elmore High School made the Oreo groom's cake (left) and the buttercream wedding cake; Gothard's father hand built the wooden cross used in the ceremony; Gothard and Spivey also got engaged at AWF; Dusty blue bridesmaids dresses complemented the décor; The flower girls tossed white and pink rose petals.