How did you two meet?
Maggie: "Connor and I met one summer in Auburn when we were at 1716 with mutual friends. Connor worked at home during the summers, but had made a trip down to visit for the weekend. We immediately hit it off as friends. I found Connor to be really fun and laid back. He was almost a little too goofy sometimes-- definitely too goofy to date so I thought-- but I knew there was just something different about him from the get go. It didn't take long to realize that Connor was different that anyone else I'd ever met, and we definitely connected on a different level. All that to say, sometimes you do marry the guy you meet in a bar!"
Connor: "We met at 1716-- a bar in Auburn. We were sitting across the bar from each other. A few friends I was with knew her, so when she looked over at us, I winked at her. She smiled and then I knew I had to go talk to her."
What are some things y'all like to do together?
Maggie: "Living in North Carolina with no close friends or family here, Connor and I have A LOT of time to spend together. We both love being outside and have a shared passion for hunting. We have two yellow labs, and spend a lot of time with them between riding in our '97 Jeep and taking our duck boat out on the river."
Connor: "Literally everything. Well, atleast I like to do everything with Maggie-- I don’t know if she likes to do everything with me (lol). Specifically some of my favorites are: cooking, taking the boat out, going hunting, going to the beach, riding around in our jeep, teaching and learning from each other."
How and when did Connor propose?
Maggie: "Connor proposed at my parents’ farm on September 8, 2018. It was such a special weekend because my dad had planned this huge opening day dove hunt, and we had many friends and family coming down for the 'hunt.' All day, Connor seemed nervous and spent most of the day avoiding me, hanging out with my dad and finding things to do on the farm. Living in North Carolina, we don't see family much so I did appreciate the opportunity to spend some much needed time with my momma. We were all sitting around my kitchen chatting when Con suddenly pops up, grabs my hand and says come on I need to talk to you. He dragged me around the corner of the house, and I knew what was about to happen (mind you - my dad, mom and brother had all spilled the beans at some point that day). Connor proposed with the kindest words under the most gorgeous large shade tree. It was the most heartfelt and 'us' proposal I could imagine. Within minutes, my best friends pulled up the driveway after traveling in from Atlanta and Connor's family drove down from Huntsville to celebrate. We ended the day with a successful dove hunt surrounded by our closest family and friends!"
Connor: "It was the morning of opening day of dove season at the Coosa Rise Farm annual dove shoot (aka The Barlow’s farm). Before guests started arriving, I asked Maggie to come outside real quick. We walked around to the side of the house under a big shade tree that overlooked the front of their farm, and that where I asked Maggie if she would marry me."
Connor--what's one of the things you admire most about Maggie?
Connor: "I admire her personality. She is very compassionate, loyal and encouraging."
Maggie-- what's one of the things you admire most about Connor?
Maggie: "Connor is the most hardworking person I have ever met, and he always follows through on his word. His passion and drive for everything he sets his mind to is unmatched, and this translates to both his work and hobbies. He loves his job, and never says 'no' to the challenges he faces working in the agriculture industry. He comes home even after the longest days and makes sure we have everything we need at home. He works hard to spoil me with all my 'wants' and (rarely) says 'no' to my wildest dreams. His hardworking nature drives me to be abetter version of myself."
What was each yall's favorite part of the day?
Connor: Our first look. I had talked to Maggie on the phone multiple times that morning. I could not wait to see her and be alone for a few minutes. It was such a relief to be able to sit together, relax and laugh about how nervous and excited we were for the rest of the day."
Maggie: "My favorite part of the day was our first look and the time we had together prior to the ceremony. I was so against it when we first started planning, but knew it would settle my nerves to see Con first, and he really advocated for this time together. His reaction was so 'Connor,' and was the best feeling seeing him sigh a breath of relief when we were finally able to hug. Prior to the ceremony, we were able to pull away to my parent’s room and just take a few minutes to ourselves to talk. We giggled about the morning, talked about our nerves of the day, and just took the time to let everything seep in. All this time together before the ceremony didn't take away from the emotions I felt walking down the aisle and that we both felt standing at the altar (and Connor still teared up)!"
What's next for you two?
Maggie: "Our hope is to one day move back south to be closer to our families! We'd like to travel some, and eventually settle down with a family!!"
Vendors:
Venue + planning: Crooked Oaks Farm
Planning: Melanie Grace Weddings & Events
Video: 1717 Wedding Cinema
HMU: Kaylee Jones
Dress: Carriage House Weddings
BM dresses: Show Me Your Mumu
Tuxes: Jos. A. Bank
Rings: Alan & Co.
Flowers: Kim Nelson with Bloomwoods Flowers
Groom's cake and white bride's cake: Cakeapotamus
Bride's cakes: Edgar's Bakery
Catering: Kelsey Clark with KBC
Linens (with crests): French Table
Invitations: Ink Sugar Co.
Band: 4 Barrel Funk with Music Garden
Ceremony music: Auburn Quartet