FRANKLIN LIVING JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2024

Lauren Mae and Gabe are both from Russellville, and they reside in Russellville following their wedding June 10, 2023.

HOW THEY MET: Lauren Mae and Gabe met on a youth retreat with Calvary Baptist Church in Panama City Beach. They were introduced through mutual friends and became high school sweethearts.

SPECIAL DATE: One of Lauren Mae and Gabe’s most memorable dates was when they spent the evening cooking with Gabe’s grandmother, Hilda Nichelson. The couple made homemade biscuits and chocolate gravy with her and shared lots of laughs. Hilda and Lauren only knew each other for a short time before Hilda passed away, but they were instant friends. That special evening spent together is one Gabe and Lauren Mae will always cherish.

THE PROPOSAL: Gabe spent a lot of time at Artistic Jewelry in Russellville choosing the perfect ring to propose. He finally settled on the perfect oval shaped stone, and the secret proposal planning began. Gabe wanted the proposal to be a complete surprise, so with help from their friends and family, they arranged a proposal at Shell’s Christmas Tree Farm in November 2021. With Lauren under the impression they were taking family photos, and with her family and friends hidden away, Gabe proposed. Next, family and friends hosted a surprise engagement party for the couple at the Lenox Room at Calvary Baptist Church.

LET’S CELEBRATE: Pre-wedding celebrations included a Christmas shower hosted at the home of Brenda Oliver by friends and family; a Honey-Do shower hosted at the home of Melissa Greenhill; a bridal tea hosted in the Lenox Room at Calvary Baptist Church by family and friends; a bachelorette trip to Panama City Beach hosted by the maid of honor, Ava Oliver, and bridesmaids; a pajama party hosted at the home of Alissa Wallace by Stephanie Mayfield and Caitlin Swinney;  a bridal luncheon hosted at the home of Addie Harbin by family and friends; and an intimate Final Fiesta hosted at the home of Jamie Oliver. The rehearsal dinner was held at Calvary Baptist Church.

THE WEDDING: The couple were married June 10, 2023, at Calvary Baptist Church. They were surrounded by a host of family and friends. They chose an elegant color scheme of blush pink, black, white and gold.

The invitations were created by Laura Oliver Agee, cousin of the bride and owner of Swag, based in Tuscaloosa. The invitations were adorned with the couple’s gold wedding crest on a blush pink paper tied with a silk ribbon. Guests were greeted with music provided by harpist, Victoria Anderson Greer from Huntsville. The bride chose a full floral wedding arch created by Chase Sparks as the backdrop to her nuptials. The couple left the ceremony in a red Mustang borrowed from the late Stacy Cantrell.

The wedding reception was held at George’s 217 in Sheffield. The bride and her brother Jake did a choreographed dance, and the brother of the groom, Jacob Wallace, serenaded the couple with a country melody. Following the ceremony, the couple spent their honeymoon at Sandals, Royal Barbados.

FAVORITE MOMENT: One of Gabe and Lauren Mae’s favorite wedding moments was when they did their grand entrance at the reception. It was so fun and set the tone for the reception to come. Gabe and Lauren danced in as they were announced, and all of their loved ones cheered. The couple enjoyed getting to see everyone who had come to celebrate them and their marriage.

WHAT THEY LOVE: Lauren Mae loves how caring Gabe is for everyone around him. Gabe inspires her every day to be a true servant and to love others. Gabe loves how thoughtful Lauren Mae is – how she always goes above and beyond for the people she loves and is constantly thinking of others.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Gabe and Lauren Mae are so thankful for everyone who attended their dream wedding and made the night so special.

WEDDING TEAM

Venue: Calvary Baptist Church

Reception venue: George’s 217

Planners: Cindy Coan and Maggie Coan Witt

Florist: Chase Sparks, Russellville Florist

Catering: Southern Skillet

Cake: Samantha Montgomery, The Mustard Seed Bakery

Groom’s cake: Donna Wallace, grandmother of the groom

Photographer: Keelan Walker Photographer

Videographer: Elliot Gordon

Invitations: Laura Oliver Agee, Swag, Tuscaloosa

Bride’s dress: Cherry Tree Lane

Bridesmaid dresses: Birdie Grey

Hair: Dana Aycock and Samantha Stone at Kameo Salon

Make-up: Sadie Hood

Men’s attire: Cherry Tree Lane

Music: Chris Boatwright with DJ Boat

Rentals and décor: Inflated Dreams