Happy Birthday, Shanley Belle!

 

Shanley Belle outside St. Stephen's Episcopal Church

Folks call St Stephen's "God's Treehouse."

All photography by Chrissy Rae photography

Happy Tuesday, My Lovelies!  I want to wish a Happy Birthday to our oldest daughter, Shanley Belle!  I had also promised to write a longer post about her wedding (which occurred on February 15, 2020).  When we received the photos it was at the beginning of the COVID-19 lockdowns, and quite frankly, I didn't know how to handle posting about the wedding because we know brides who had to cancel wedding plans.  But now that things are opening up more in some areas, I wanted to go ahead and share a bit more about Shanley Belle and Christopher's wedding, and what better time than her birthday?

2020 has been a banner year for Shanley Belle.  Not only did she marry the love of her life in February...she also successfully defended her dissertation two weeks ago.  Congratulations, Dr. Treleaven!

I wanted to feature the venders we loved and would HIGHLY RECOMMEND.  The wedding planners, Ally and Jourdan from Grace & Truth Wedding Coordination, are the very best.  We were truly blessed that we found and hired them!  Both ladies made Shanley Belle and Christopher's Pinterest Board dream wedding come to life.  They worked well with all the vendors during the planning process, and they ensured that everything went smoothly the "day of" from make-up and photos early in the morning, until the caterers loaded-up after the reception.  If you live in Central Alabama and you have need for wedding coordinating services, hire them.  It will be the best decision you'll make.  They will definitely plan Shelley's wedding one day!

All floral creations were made by the extremely talented Ricky Whitley.  Shanley Belle wanted a very unique look, and Ricky nailed it.  What a treasure Ricky is!

Engagement ring, Cartier

Opal and diamond brooch, and opal, diamond, and ruby rings, family heirlooms, as were both wedding bands (something old)

Tiffany & Co. Earrings (something new)

Pearl bracelet (something borrowed)

Cufflinks, Brooks Brothers

Shanley's (something blue) shoes, Kate Spade

 (a sixpence in your shoe) pictured, above

"Something Olde, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, A Sixpence in your Shoe"

Shanley's dress, stole, and shoes were purchased at Kay's Kreations in Tupelo, Mississippi.  Their designer selection was remarkable, and they made the wedding dress shopping experience unforgettable in a GOOD WAY.  It was worth the drive to Tupelo!  We highly recommend them.  I also purchased my dress from Kay's Kreations.

Hand-dyed velvet ribbon in cream for the bride and pale sage green for the bridesmaids from Dyeing2MeetU via Etsy, Castres, France

Groom's cake and mini Harry Potter Sorting Hat chocolate ganache cupcakes from Dreamcakes Bakery, Homewood, AL

These were a hit!  Everyone enjoyed being sorted into their Hogwarts houses.

At St. Stephen's, we'd like to thank Marianne Howell, Parish Administrator; Leslie Dunlap, Wedding Coordinator (she worked so well with Ally and Jourdan); and Anise Morris, pianist.  The music was lovely!  Thanks so much to our Rector John Burruss, who preached the sweetest homily that was perfect for them!  He, along with Drew Rollins at St. Alban's Baton Rouge, provided premarital counseling for the happy couple.  Both gave the couple the best advice, and Shanley Belle and Christopher are grateful to them!

The reception DJ was remarkable!  We highly recommend Ellis Entertainment.

Other exemplary vendors:

Custom Wedding Cake Stand:  Jeanette Zeis Pottery

Wedding Registry:  Christine's Mountain Brook, AL

Vintage Car Rental and Driver:  Vintage Auto Wedding Chauffeur 

Until next time...

Blessings!
Ricki Jill