How did you two meet?
Jacee: "Austin and I initially met this side of a turn-row in the heart of the Mississippi Delta under the smoldering heat of the sun. We were in Leland, MS for a field day surrounded by soybeans, corn and cotton. We shared lunch and a conversation under a big, white tent. After this day, I wouldn’t get to visit with Austin again until a year later.
Fast forward to a Young Farmers meeting in the middle of nowhere, Alabama. I am the speaker for the evening at a camp house with mostly men. Working and being involved in agriculture, this is something I have become used to on a Thursday night. Earlier in the week, one of my customers took me to Austin’s family farm where I met with his brother in the hayfield to visit their cattle operation. My customer had told me about Austin, and how he had just graduated from Auburn and was back on the farm. He also put in a good word about him. At the meeting, I was hoping Austin would show. I remembered how enjoyable he was to be around and the thought provoking conversations we had a year ago in the Delta. As we were getting ready to eat our burgers and start the program, Austin walked into the meeting last minute.
After the meeting, it was late and I still had quite the drive to make home. Starting down highway 80, my phone rang and the number that showed up was not recognized. Typically, I let these numbers go to voicemail, but decided to answer. Low and behold, it was Austin, calling to check on me and make sure I was getting home okay. During our conversation, he politely asked me to spend time with him and some of his family that weekend.
Next thing you know we are spending more and more time together. A few weeks after we had started spending time, Austin and I attended a small-town rodeo. We watched the young cowboys try their hand at calf roping from the tailgate of a truck. Afterward, we danced to a live band and had a great time. The next day, Austin asked me to be his girlfriend. I knew the connection and relationship Austin and I had was special. He is exactly who I’ve been praying for in a partner. The first time I met Austin, I knew he was a genuine and purposeful person. I was captivated by our conversations and his politeness toward me. His character, personality and attitude helped me realize what qualities are important in a future spouse and life partner.”
How and when did Austin propose?
Jacee: "Austin asked me to marry him on March 10, 2018. He asked under my favorite Spanish moss tree in the middle of a pasture on the farm.
For months, Austin had told me to be prepared for his brother’s surprise birthday the day he asked. He had it lined up where I was going to help his sister-in-law with their new baby girl, Ellis, while she prepared for the party. I had the Alabama State Cattlemen’s convention this day, as well. Driving to the farm from the convention, it rained on me the entire way. Once I got to the farm, it was cool and calm and the rain had stopped. I arrived and got dressed to go to his brother’s surprise party. On our way, he asked if I minded going to look at hayfields they had sprayed earlier in the week with a product I manage. I travel most of the time for my job, so this request did not seem out of the ordinary. However, I didn’t want to be late to help with the baby, but he insisted we had a little time.
As we drove through the pastures to the hayfields, he was asking me recommendations on when to spray for weed control and which products to use. Then, he stopped the truck and asked me to get out and look at a typical 'prairie' weed- Cherokee Rose. This species is commonly found throughout the Blackbelt or Prairie region of Alabama, and I think it is the toughest weed producers are faced with! To my pleasant surprise, we weren’t going to look at that species of rose.
We walked up to the big tree covered in Spanish moss and the trunk was covered in a beautiful floral display. Before Austin got down on one knee, he described me using the letters of the name, read the sweetest letter he wrote to me, and we had the most heartfelt conversation. He pulled the ring out of his cowboy boot and the rest in history! I have never felt more overcome by peace and the presence of God until this day. Austin’s brother, sister-in-law and lifelong friend were hiding out in the pasture capturing the candidness of the proposal and we are fortunate to have most of it on camera!
After the proposal, we called family and close friends to share the news. Then, Austin had another surprise in the form of an after proposal party with some of our friends and family! We are truly surrounded by such a great support system who show us love, kindness and Godly direction.”
Jacee--what's one of the things you admire most about Austin?
Jacee: "There are many things I admire about Austin-- it’s hard to pick just one! Overall, I admire Austin for his work ethic, purposeful attitude and sincere thoughtfulness toward others. Austin gets up every morning with a driven spirit that lingers through the day. He will do what is expected of him and then some-- he goes the extra mile. Austin keeps his word and is someone you can count on. He doesn’t just say something to speak-- he truly seeks to listen to understand. You can bet what comes out of his mouth has a purpose. He is the type of person that would do anything for anyone and genuinely cares about people. I am thankful God put him in my life and we get to take on this life as husband and wife!"
Austin-- what's one of the things you admire most about Jacee?
Austin: "There are many things I admire about Jacee to pick just one. I would say Jacee’s determination. She is very motivated. Which can be a difficult thing for many people. She makes it seem easy."
What was each yall's favorite part of the day?
Austin: "Our day as whole was very special. One of my favorite parts was saying our vows in the presence of the Lord and our family and friends."
Jacee: "The whole day couldn’t have been more perfect. It’s hard to pick just one thing out of the day as my favorite part. One of the most special parts for both of us was not only saying our vows under the presence of God, but also in the church we were both baptized in. I have never felt so overwhelmed by the presence of God until this day. His grace over poured on us, literally, as it rained that morning and tornadoes that afternoon. Despite the forecast, there was no worry or concern of the conditions in my mind. It actually turned out nice and sunny that afternoon, and it was 75 degrees that evening for our outdoor tent reception in December! I think that is a perfect example of no matter the circumstances in life, God’s plan for each of our lives will prevail. There is no need to worry because He has it all worked out. I am so grateful for His plan for us! Another favorite part of our day that exemplified God’s glory, was when all of our family and friends joined us to sing a couple verses of “How Great Thou Art” before we said our vows. The worship was moving for both of us to have so many special people in our lives share such a sacred moment with us."
What are some things you two like to do together?
Jacee: "We like to do just about anything together, but here are some of our favorites: check the pivots in the corn and soybean fields, ride through the cows, watch John Wayne westerns, fish for bass and hunt turkeys and deer."
What's next for you two?
Jacee: "We live on a farm in west Alabama (the prairie) and raise crops and cattle. Specifically, we grow corn and soybeans, and Jacee sells agriculture products. We are excited to continue life as one with God leading our life!"
Vendors:
Ceremony: First Baptist Church of Selma, AL
Reception venue: Sturdivant Hall
Florals + planning: Shabby and Chic Events
Videographer: 1717 Wedding Cinema
Hair + makeup: Emily Summerville and Andi Watson
Bride’s dress: Heidi El NoraVeil: Sara Gabriel
Bridesmaid dresses: Bella Bridesmaids
Bridesmaid robes: PJ Harlow
Tux: Mr. Burch Mountain Brook
Jewelry: Steed’s Jewelry
Cakes: Amanda Kiser Cakes
Groom’s cookies: CookieFix
Catering: CafeIZ or EverythingIZ
Invitations: Brooke Lindsey
Napkin and Koozie artwork: Lane Ross Designs
Band: Music Garden, Wes Loper Band
Furniture: PropHouse
Lighting + tent: Encore Designs