Tender Moments: Sara & Alex’s Dreamy Day at Parents House on Lake Vernon

Love Story

"We met on Tinder in 2016!" Sara exclaims, her eyes twinkling. Their story began with a simple swipe on Tinder, leading to an unforgettable first date amid the scenic beauty of Scarborough Bluffs. "It was the most effortless conversation ever. We have been together ever since!" Sara adds, recalling their instant connection. As they approach their eighth anniversary, their love story continues to flourish.


Leaping ahead to a magical moment in Porto, Portugal, Alex's surprise proposal took Sara's breath away. "I absolutely did not expect it all!" Sara recalls with a joyful laugh. "I knew we would end up getting married one day - but I definitely did not think he would propose on this trip. I always thought I would have a good pulse on when he would buy a ring - but clearly, I was wrong! Alex took me to a beach at golden hour - and no one was there. I was taking photos and turned around and he was on one knee! So magical."

Their wedding, held on the sunny shores of Lake Vernon in Huntsville on June 17, 2023, was a year in the making. Sara and Alex's dream for their wedding day was to celebrate amidst their favorite people and places. "We dreamed of getting married at one of our family cottages as that is where we feel most at home and like ourselves!" Sara shares. "My dad and stepmom really went the extra mile to ensure their house (which I call the cottage as it is on a lake) was wedding ready and could accommodate 100 people. We are so thankful!"

Their wedding style evolved into what Sara describes as an "elevated cottage party" – effortlessly elegant, simple, natural, fun, and intimate. "I think we achieved exactly that!" she beams. The couple drew inspiration from various social media platforms but made a conscious effort to stay true to what felt authentic to them and enjoyable for their guests.

A key moment that stands out for both Sara and Alex was their ceremony. "Our officiant was amazing and she made the ceremony very intimate and personal," Sara recalls fondly. Equally memorable was their first dance to Taylor Acorn's rendition of "First Date." Despite their initial nervousness and lack of practice, the dance turned into a moment of pure joy and fun. "We ended up having so much fun with this and loved every single second!" Sara adds with a smile.

But their wedding journey wasn't without challenges. Sara's unexpected cancer diagnosis six weeks before the wedding turned their world upside down. "I went through many tests, scans, procedures, and even a major surgery," Sara shares, her voice tinged with emotion. Amidst this turmoil, their family and friends rallied to support them, allowing Sara to focus on her health. Miraculously, two days before the wedding, they received the joyous news of Sara being cancer-free. "Words can’t explain how happy we were," Sara says. This experience brought a deeper meaning to their wedding day, emphasizing the importance of health, family, friends, and happiness. "We didn’t stress the little things on our wedding day as we were just so thankful to be healthy and feeling okay that day! We enjoyed every second of our wedding day," Sara concludes, encapsulating the depth and resilience of their love story.

Morning details

The morning of Sara and Alex's wedding was imbued with personal and heartfelt details. Sanja, Sara’s best friend, was the creative force behind the invitations and all the design work. Known for her talent and aesthetic sense, Sanja’s contributions -added a unique and personal touch to their special day, crafting everything from the elegant invitations to the playful crossword puzzle for their guests.

When it came to choosing their wedding rings, the couple infused their choices with deep personal significance. "Alex used his dad’s wedding ring - we had it engraved with the year his parents got married, and the year we got married!" Sara reveals. Sara, on her part, sought simplicity and elegance. "For myself, I was on the hunt for a very thin, simple diamond band. I wasn’t having any luck anywhere until I checked our mejuri! I found the perfect wedding band there - exactly what I was looking for!" she recalls.

Apart from these meaningful rings, Sara opted for minimal jewelry, wearing her engagement ring, some earrings, and a special necklace that Alex had given her a year into their dating, symbolizing their long-standing love and connection.

Bride getting ready

Sara's journey to finding her perfect wedding dress was a tale of second chances and ultimate satisfaction. "My wedding dress was by Enzoani," she shares. "It did take some time to find it - I even said yes to a dress and then had immediate regret! I am so happy I was able to find the one I ended up going with."

The morning of the wedding saw Sara and her bridal party getting ready in a unique setting. "My parents have a really nice “bunky” at their place - it is essentially an apartment across the street from the main house," she explains. This intimate space became a hub of excitement and emotion as Sara, her four best friends, her mom, stepmom, and mother-in-law, along with their family dog, prepared for the big day.

Sara's final bridal look was a harmonious blend of elegance and simplicity. She chose a classic veil, stylish shoes, and carefully selected jewelry to complement her stunning gown. The bridal bouquet was an epitome of understated beauty, consisting solely of calla lilies. "It fit the vibe perfectly!" Sara notes. Remarkably, all the floral arrangements were lovingly created by family members, adding a deeply personal touch to the wedding's aesthetics.

The bridesmaids' dresses were a serendipitous mix of styles and shades of green. "They actually had free rein to pick their own dresses! I asked my maid of honor to wear a green dress, but that was my only request," Sara recalls. By a happy coincidence, they all chose different green dresses, resulting in a beautifully cohesive and unplanned aesthetic. "They looked amazing together!" Sara smiles.

Groom getting ready

For Alex, the choice of attire for their special day was marked by elegance and practicality. "We rented it from Moores!" Sara explains. The morning for Alex was less about the fanfare of photoshoots and more about the significance of the moments leading up to the ceremony. Accompanying Alex during these moments were some of the most important men in his life — his brother and a close-knit group of friends.

First Look

The first look between Sara and Alex was a profoundly emotional and beautiful moment, taking place on the picturesque dock at Sara's parents' house. This serene lakeside setting, surrounded by the natural beauty of the area, provided the perfect backdrop for such an intimate and significant part of their wedding day.

Alex vividly remembers his first glimpse of Sara in her wedding dress. "I was the luckiest man alive," he reflects. "I loved your dress and you looked so beautiful. I was very happy."

For Sara, the first look was a mix of disbelief and overwhelming joy. "I couldn’t believe this was actually happening!" she says, her voice filled with excitement. "I was so excited and so happy."

Photoshoot before the ceremony

Bathed in the warm, radiant glow of the sun, their photographer expertly harnessed the charm of the picturesque cottage property for the photo shoot. Nestled under a clear blue sky, Sara and her partner gave their photographer the creative freedom to choose the most idyllic spots. “We had full trust in her and it turned out!” Sara shares.

Ceremony

It took place on a beautiful patio landing overlooking the picturesque Lake Vernon. "We had our parents sitting, and everyone else was standing around us throughout the property," Sara recalls. "This ended up feeling so intimate! We wanted a casual feel. Guests were also able to have a drink during the ceremony which was nice!"

The music choice for Sara's walk down the aisle was both classic and meaningful. They chose the original 'Here Comes the Sun' by The Beatles.

The most memorable moments of the ceremony, according to the couple, were the personal vows they exchanged and the realization that they were about to embark on a lifelong journey together as husband and wife.

Photoshoot after the ceremony

The family photoshoot, held in the same enchanting setting, seamlessly captured the joy and beauty of their special day.

Wedding Venue & Decor

"We let nature set the color palette!" Sara explains. The lush gardens surrounding the cottage provided a stunning natural backdrop for the cocktail hour. For the reception, they opted for a clear top tent, beautifully incorporating whites and greens to maintain the connection with the surrounding natural beauty.

In terms of personalized items, the couple included a unique and fun element for their guests. "We did a crossword puzzle about us for guests to fill out," Sara says with a smile. This interactive and personal touch added a layer of intimacy and connection between the couple and their guests, making the celebration even more memorable.

Choosing the venue was a journey in itself. "We wanted something that felt like us and was unique!" Sara shares. They explored numerous venues but were drawn to the idea of hosting their wedding in a setting that was both special and personal. "Although hosting your wedding on a private property adds a lot more layers - it was all made possible by my stepmom. She went above and beyond to ensure everything would be absolutely perfect! It wouldn’t have been possible without her - and she was a big reason why we ended up choosing her house!" Sara gratefully acknowledges.

Reception

Their reception was a lively celebration, with their first dance to Taylor Acorn's "First Date" being a standout moment. The evening was further enhanced by their signature drinks, a gin and Aperol spritz, reflecting their zest for life.