Allison + Jake | The Donnelly House | Birmingham, Alabama | Real Wedding

The first time I met Allison and her family I KNEW they were going to be a dream to work with.  Allison is originally from the midwest, but landed in Birmingham because of residency at UAB.  Allison and her family are sweet, thoughtful, genuine, and honestly just an absolute pleasure to be around.  Much of hers and Jake’s love story took place in Birmingham, so she knew that starting their journey as husband and wife in Birmingham was a must have.  Many of her guests were going to be traveling in from out of town, so she knew that she really wanted to show off Birmingham to her guests and we were happy to oblige!

First up was selecting an epic Birmingham venue.  Funny enough, Allison has spent the last couple of years living in the apartments next to The Donnelly House.  She’s been able to watch many marriages begin at that beautiful venue, and decided it was the perfect mix of Southern charm and iconic Birmingham to be the place to invite her guests to celebrate her own marriage.  After that was nailed down, incorporating fun and unique Birmingham details was easy!

You’ve probably noticed a theme with our weddings – we think it’s important to set the tone of the wedding day with the stationery.  It is the first thing your guests see about your wedding after all.  And Allison’s stationery was one of my absolute favorites of all times.  Designed by Birmingham local, Jessica of Empress Stationery, every piece of paper literally could not have been more perfect.  The save the dates incorporated a beautiful watercolor of the Birmingham skyline, and her invitations featured an envelope liner that showcased a watercolor of The Donnelly House.  Complete with stunning gray letterpress and dove gray envelopes – the stationery incorporated Allison’s neutral color palette of ivory and dove gray as well as featuring the beautiful watercolor elements.  I’ll be starring at these beauties for a LONG time to come!

One of my favorite details was Allison’s wedding day look.  Her dress from Ivory and White was full of beautiful layers (perfect for twirling!), featured spaghetti straps, and was made to fit perfectly by Hollow to Hem was literally show stopping.  Allison legitimately looked liked a model on her wedding day!

It doesn’t happen very often, but sometimes our brides decide to forgo a first look and see their groom for the first time at the end of the aisle, and this is what Allison chose.  We discussed the pros and cons of this in detail, and Allison said that this moment was what she had been dreaming about since she fell in love with Jake.  Sending her down the aisle was such an incredibly special moment.  She teared up while on her father’s arm and the way that Allison and Jake looked at each other when she got to the end of the aisle took my breathe away.  Immediately following the ceremony, watching Allison and Jake take photos together was SO FUN!  These two literally couldn’t wipe the smiles of their faces.  It was PURE JOY!

Regarding the design, Allison liked neutrals of dove gray and ivory complete with LOTS of greenery!  It was the PERFECT compliment to the Donnelly House and the beautiful outdoor ceremony and reception we were planning.  I had a LOT of favorite details from this wedding, but trying to narrow them down I’d say they were: the wedding stationery, Allison’s beautiful dress, her stunning bride’s bouquet designed perfectly by HotHouse Design Studio, the show stopping stage facade and black and white dance floor, and the mix of round and rectangle tables throughout the reception.

After such a heartfelt ceremony, Allison and Jake were so excited to celebrate their new marriage with their family and friends.  And CELEBRATE THEY DID!!  Our dance floor was fairly large for their size wedding and it was packed THE ENTIRE NIGHT.  JAM PACKED!  It was so fun to see Allison and Jake celebrate the start of their new life together with all of their friends and family!

Allison and Jake (and Barbara!), it was an honor to plan your big day with you.  I woke up so excited every day that I got to meet with you because our meetings were always so fun and amazingly productive.  You treated me with such genuine kindness and thoughtfulness that I aim to treat my clients with, and I appreciate that so much!  I’m so thrilled that I got to see you two become husband and wife, and I can’t wait to see all the amazing things you do together in your future.  Thank you so much for trusting me with such an amazing and important day!!  Best wishes to the next few years in Boston and a lifetime of love and adventures together!

Special thanks to this amazing vendor team who made Allison and Jake’s wedding day so perfect!

Planning: Becky’s Brides | Photography: Lauren Bailey Photography | Videography: Kinora Films | Venue: The Donnelly House | Floral Design: HotHouse Design Studio | Brides Dress: Ivory and White Boutique | Alterations: Hollow to Hem | Hair & Make-up: Lynsey Richardson at The Hair and Makeup Collective | Catering: Savoie Catering | Entertainment: Music Garden | Rentals: Event Rentals Unlimited and Decor to Adore | Stationery: Empress Stationery | Calligraphy: The Refined Pen