June 5, 2021

Photos by Sweet Julep Photography

How We Met: Swede and I (Caroline) met through a mutual friend who was his roommate at the time and a good friend of mine from college. After meeting, Swede asked me out on a date to Bettola. When I told my mom his name, she started laughing. Both of our grandparents grew up in Auburn together and are close friends. Our grandfathers used to eat lunch together every day. My mom and his dad grew up in Auburn together as well, and my dad and Swede’s mom went to Mountain Brook together for a few years. It seemed like fate that after all of these family connections we finally met at the right time!

The Proposal: My mom told me she needed help taking her car to the shop, and when I walked inside the house, Swede was standing in the living room. He took me outside and proposed to me in my backyard. It was very sweet and intimate—no photographers, no family, just us!

Favorite Moment: As we left our reception our getaway driver, a family friend, started playing “Sweet Caroline” from the car, and all of our guests sang along and threw rose petals as we walked to the car. It was a fun surprise and a moment I will never forget. My family always sang it to me as I was growing up.

Favorite Details: I adored our wedding cake. It looked like a fairy tale the way the flowers circled up. It also tasted delicious. I ate it for breakfast the morning after our wedding, and I am having a hard time letting it sit in our freezer a whole year until our anniversary. Kristen lives in Vestavia and does the cake tastings out of her home. It is such an inviting experience tasting and designing the cake with her.

Ceremony Venue: Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church Reception Venue: Vestavia Country Club Wedding Planner: Engaged Wedding Library Florist: Lillie Jane Caterer: Vestavia Country Club Bride’s Cake: Pen and Pastry Groom’s Dessert: Big Spoon Creamery Videographer: Sweet Home Studios Invitations: Fine Paperwork Calligraphy: MHC Calligraphy (bride’s sister) Wedding Dress: Bustle Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie Hair & Makeup: Holly Craft Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Mr. Burch Formal Wear Music: Second Groove Showband Transportation: The Struggle Bus Getaway Car: Event Rides Bham