Cassidy and Wesley’s May wedding at Stonewood Farms in Tuscaloosa, Alabama was the picture of Southern charm and timeless romance—even with a twist in the forecast. What was planned as an outdoor ceremony by the lake turned into an indoor celebration after a morning of steady rain. But thanks to a talented vendor team and Cassidy’s unwavering grace, the day was every bit as magical as envisioned.
Cassidy, who had long admired the European-inspired elegance of Stonewood, chose the venue not just for its architectural beauty, but for the way the lake reminded her of home and family. “I’ve always loved the Italian and French style of the house—and the lake has a lot of meaning for us,” she shared. The emotional pull of the setting became even more profound when the couple exchanged vows inside, surrounded by their friends and family — a setting they hadn’t planned for but one that felt surprisingly intimate and serene.
The bride wore a timeless gown from Something Blue Shoppe, paired with a cathedral-length veil that caught the light in all the right ways—especially during a quiet veil shot Cassidy had dreamed of. Her hair and makeup, by Asia Nicole, carried a fresh, effortless glow. In keeping with the soft, organic aesthetic of the day, bridesmaids wore muted neutrals from Dessy Group via Bella Bridesmaids, and the florals by Southern Posies struck a balance between refined and wild, with soft greens and airy blooms echoing the landscape.
Following the ceremony, guests made their way to Northriver Yacht Club, where the reception was styled to perfection. Textural linens from Nuage Designs and BBJ La Tavola, elegant rentals from Events with Soho and PropHouse Birmingham, and planning by Tara Skinner Events and Taylor Burkhalter came together to create a warm and welcoming space filled with candlelight, soft florals, and personal touches.
One especially meaningful detail: Cassidy’s wedding band was crafted using diamonds from her grandmother’s engagement ring—a tribute to love that spans generations. “That was so important to me,” she said. “It felt like she was with me the whole day.”
After emotional first dances—including a father-daughter dance to “There Goes My Life” and a joyful mother-son moment set to “How Sweet It Is to Be Loved by You”—the energy picked up when a surprise guest arrived: Big Al, the University of Alabama’s beloved mascot. Cassidy and her bridesmaids, all but one of whom are Alabama alumni, gathered for photos and a few spirited cheers.
The celebration ended with cold sparks lighting the night, capturing the joyful energy of a day that turned out even more meaningful than anyone could have planned. As Cassidy described it: “Airy, happy, and creative.”
A wedding day full of heart, flexibility, and beauty—the kind of Southern celebration that rain couldn’t dampen, and no one will soon forget.
“Airy, happy, and creative.” — Cassidy
How did you two meet? What were your first impressions of one another?
Wesley and I met on May 31, 2018 right after my freshman year and immediately hit it off. We have been inseparable ever since. Our relationship has always been built on the love we have for each other but at the end of the day it’s our friendship within our relationship that makes it even more special.
Tell us a funny story relating to your wedding day or relationship!
Our proposal is probably my favorite. Wesley proposed at his parent’s house on Thanksgiving Day in 2023. I knew he was planning to do it, and he was so nervous that he waited so long to finally propose. Both of our families were being so awkward because they were all thinking “when is he going to do this.”
Describe a hurdle you had to overcome in your relationship or during your wedding planning.
Our wedding planning was a whirlwind. We had a whole outdoor wedding planned and it ended up raining all day. We got tents last minute, didn’t even use them, and ended up switching our whole wedding plan the night before.
Any special ways you incorporated your family or family history into your wedding day?
My aunt was my wedding planner, which was so special. We have been talking about her planning my wedding since she first became a wedding planner. I also wore my meme’s tennis bracelet, which was one of my “something old” items.
What part of your wedding day was/is most important to you?
There are so many things: Abby being my photographer was perfect for us, my aunt planning our wedding, my amazing best friends being there and all together for the first time since college, Asia and her team making all of us feel and look even more beautiful, all of mine and Wesley’s family being there, and finally at the end of the day: finally being Wesley’s wife.
What is the best thing you’ve learned from one another?
Family always comes first, and we are both so blessed to have two amazing families. We have also learned that we are better together on things.
What is your favorite thing about each other?
Our humor and our inside jokes are always our favorite.
What was your favorite part about planning your wedding?
Seeing it all come together in the end and be the best day of my life will forever be the best. I also love looking at our beautiful photos.
If you had one piece of advice for other couples, what would it be?
The wedding planning process is stressful. My biggest tip is to enjoy it and accept that something will go wrong but at the end of the day, it won’t matter and it will still be the best day of your life.
What is the most honest thing you can say about love?
Love is truly patient and kind.
Wedding Planning and Design: Tara Skinner Events / @taraskinnerevents
Day of Coordinating: Taylor Burkhalter / @t_burk1
Rentals: Soho Event Rentals / @eventswithsoho
Rentals: PropHouse / @prophousebirmingham
Florals: Southern Posies / @southernposies
Linens: Nuage Designs / @nuagedesignsinc
Linens: BBJ La Tavola / @nuagedesignsinc
Hair and Makeup: Asia Nicole / @hmbyasianicole
Ceremony Venue: Stonewood Farms / @stonewoodfarmsvenue
Reception Venue & Catering: NorthRiver Yacht Club / @northriveryachtclub
Band: Lance Price Music / @lancepricemusic
Lighting and Photo Booth: Elite Productions Events
Videographer: Sweet Home Studios / @sweethomestudios
Ceremony & Cocktail Hour Music: @haydenmmills
Cake: Cakes by Ally
Stationery: Ledgewood Fine Stationery / @ledgewoodfinestationery
Exit Car: Coats Classic Cars / @coatscars
Clean Up: Chair Chic / @chair_chic
Photography: Abby Bates Photography / @abbybatesphotography
Second Photographer: Mary Pugh
Publisher at The White Wren and Bajan Wed, Award Winning Photography + Videographer at Live View Studios, Dad, 80s music lover, crunchy health advocate
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