Mark + Mary Helen {wedding} Tunnel Springs, Ala.

How did you two meet?
Mary Helen: "It is hard to narrow down exactly when Mark and I first met. We grew up around the corner from each other and attended the same school. Our friendship began when he asked me to a school dance. We’ve been best friends ever since."

What was each yall's favorite part of the day?
Mary Helen: "My favorite part of the day was definitely seeing Mark for the first time. He was so nervous and excited to see me. It was truly a moment I’ll never forget. A close second was dancing with all of our friends and family in a very special to both of us. I rarely left the dance floor the whole night!"

Mark: "Ha as expected, my favorite part of the day was seeing Mary Helen for the first time. I was truly speechless when I turned around to see her."

Mark-- what's one of the things you admire most about Mary Helen?
Mark: "I admire her love of family. Family always comes first in everything she does. Coming from a big family, that means a lot to me. I feel as though we’ve been a part of each other’s family for quite some time now."

Mary Helen-- what's one of the things you admire most about Mark?
Mary Helen: "I admire the way Mark treats others. He is a quick friend and is always willing to help someone out. He is genuinely kind, and I couldn’t respect that more."

How and when did Mark propose?
Mary Helen: "Mark proposed on August 3, 2018. He planned a birthday dinner for me at the Grand Hotel in Point Clear. He invited all of our friends down for a 'surprise birthday party' for me-- which several responded, 'We love Mary Helen, but you want us to fly to Alabama for a birthday party??' They quickly figured out what he had up his sleeve."

I of course was running late to meet him before dinner, so by the time we arrived to the Grand it was right at sunset. He walked me down to the water and handed me a birthday present, which had a tiny box in the bottom. When I pulled the box out of the bag, I quickly handed it back to him knowing what was happening. He got down on one knee, and I said, 'yes,' immediately. He put so much thought into the proposal and the whole weekend. We had the best time celebrating with everyone!!"

What are some things y'all like to do together? 
Mary Helen: "We love to cook and try new foods. We joke that eating is our hobby. We also spend a lot of time on the water here in Mobile. We have six nieces and nephews together that we enjoy watching grow up."

What's next for you two? 
Mary Helen: "We hope to fit in as much traveling as possible in the next few years! We stay busy with endless house projects and our rambunctious golden retriever, Honey."

Vendors:

Ceremony venue: First United Methodist of Monroeville 

Reception venue: Bride’s grandparents 

Hair: Brittany Rowland Whatley 

Makeup: Dodie Peltier 

Dress: Something New Bridal Boutique- Modern Trousseau 

Bridesmaids dresses: Bella Bridesmaids 

Rings: Hutcherson Jewelers 

Flowers: Julia Greer Fobes

Cake: Sharon’s Cakes

Catering: Gail + Melvin Foukal 

Rentals: Brendle Rentals

Invitations: Soiree Signatures 

Programs: Christi Meyer Dunn

Band: Music Garden, 2ndGroove