Caroline and Ryan Darracott

The love story and proposal

Ryan and I met in September 2013 after his University of North Alabama fishing team tournament. I tried to impress him with bits of fishing terminology I had learned from my dad. Aug. 1, 2015, Ryan proposed in Destin, Florida, with the Rogers and Darracotts by the ocean.

The “I Do”

Our wedding would be a year later, on Aug. 13, 2016.

We wanted a traditional Southern wedding and chose Huntsville First United Methodist Church with the reception nearby at The Early Works Museum. We incorporated vintage elements into the wedding. Ryan’s brother, Russ, shined up his red 1964 Buick Wildcat. I carried my Grandmother’s lace handkerchief. Ryan wore an ivory dinner jacket. My mom searched for antique rhinestone brooches and made me a brooch bouquet – it will be our family heirloom. We served punch from our family cut glass punch bowl. For the wedding cake topper, we found a 1950s ceramic bride and groom with an ivory dinner jacket.

Our wedding day arrived and with it predictions of rain from Hurricane Earl. The ceremony was beautiful, the organ music grand. Groomsmen surprised us with a UNA colored fishing rod arch as we left. “Sweet Caroline” played as we entered the reception, and everyone sang along. We had a Southern dinner buffet featuring fried turkey. Ryan’s mom fixed the cutest fishing-themed groom’s table. My dad surprised everyone as the smoothest emcee.

Bubbles were blown as we left the big red doors and drove away. Twenty seconds later, the rain poured, but it had held off for us all day. With umbrella in hand, we took more pictures in perfect light. Those are my favorite.

The happily-ever-after

While on our honeymoon in Orange Beach, I reflected on how everything in our wedding was done with love and how happy I am to be Ryan’s wife.