Ryan and Taylor Clark

The proposal

Ryan proposed a couple days before Christmas 2014 on the top of Rainbow Mountain with a city full of shining Christmas lights below and a sky full of twinkling stars above us. It was a fun engagement season to share with my brother and his now wife, who were also engaged shortly after us and married within six weeks of our wedding!

The “I Do”

We chose to have our ceremony and reception at Stone Bridge Farms in Cullman. The amazing staff helped us design a rustic yet elegant feel that allowed for a fun and comfortable wedding environment. We began our wedding festivities the Wednesday before our wedding with various bachelor/bachelorette parties planned by an awesome wedding party; an “I Do BBQ” hosted by my parents at their farm; a bridesmaids’ luncheon organized by my brother’s thoughtful now-mother-in-law; the rehearsal led by our pastor, Ryan’s dad; and a wonderful groom’s dinner put on by Ryan’s parents. At each of these events, I had a different white dress to wear. By Saturday morning I could not wait to put on my last white dress and walk down the aisle to my Prince Charming!

The moment finally came, and I was thrilled to walk (Ryan says it sounded like I was running) down a path to tap him on the shoulder for our first look picture. We then had a fun time with our photographers, Josh and Shelly from Smith Squared Photography, as we took pictures with the wedding party and our family. Ryan and many of his groomsmen wore uniforms as newly-commissioned officers from West Point the previous weekend.

For the reception, everyone in uniform changed into suits/dresses to allow for a night of energetic dance moves! Specifically, Ryan got to fulfill a lifelong bet and donned a stellar red suit, complete with a vest and all.

The happily-ever-after

We left the following week for our honeymoon cruise in the Southern Caribbean. Afterwards, it was special to attend another wedding so soon after ours for my big brother, who I look up to, and his beautiful bride.