How did you two meet?
Elizabeth: "We met at the end of our senior year on a CRU mission trip to Costa Rica. I was supposed to go on a different mission trip, but my mentor at the time convinced me to go to Costa Rica last minute because she was leading it. I remember being instantly drawn to Will's humor and how he made everyone that he was around feel loved and known. Little did we know, I would be going to Charleston for the summer, and then Will would be leaving for East Asia the week I got back from Charleston for a year."
How and when did Will propose?
Elizabeth: "Will proposed on the most perfect day over a beautiful lookout point in Birmingham on August 28, 2020. I had NO idea he was proposing that day, I was actually 30 minutes late to the proposal because I was getting a new phone at the Verizon store! It was the sweetest moment being able to visibly see the Lord faithfulness throughout the year we had been dating- long distance was not easy, but with the Lords peace, guidance and love we made it!"
Elizabeth--what's one of the things you admire most about Will?
Elizabeth: "I know this sounds cheesy, but Will is the most amazing human being I have ever met, and I am confident that it is because He knows where his value is found. The first time I met Will, I was instantly drawn to him because he had this confidence that I have never seen in anybody-- not the, ‘I'm great’ kind of confidence, but the, ‘I know I am loved by my Father so I want to love everyone that way’ --but then what I truly loved, is that he did not expect anything in return from it. When I got to know Will more, I noticed that he realizes the weight of his sins and knows that he is not perfect, so he is quick to forgive just like Christ forgives us. He is the most patient, loving, kind-hearted man. His strengths are all of my weaknesses, so it is amazing to see Will pick up where I fall short (which is a lot)."
What was each yall's favorite part of the wedding day?
Elizabeth: "It is honestly hard to put a finger on what was my favorite part of the wedding day, but I think the ceremony was it! Ever since I was a little girl, I have dreamed of walking down the aisle with my dad and the doors opening, and I would be staring at the love of my life! I am usually very nervous in front of crowds, but I had this overwhelming peace the entire time! The Lord's love was definitely felt in the room and it was amazing getting to say our vows in front of everyone we love the most. It was definitely everything I have dreamt of and more!"
Will: "I would have to echo Elizabeth in saying that my favorite part of the day was the ceremony! Before it was time for her to walk through the doors, it was such a special moment to look out into the sanctuary and see so many people who have meant so much to us throughout every stage of our lives. Ultimately, however, standing at the altar and staring into Elizabeth's eyes while we said our vows is something that I will never forget. To be standing in that moment and think about how faithful the Lord had been in our relationship to lead us to that moment still and always will leave me in awe of our blessed Redeemer."
Will-- what's one of the things you admire most about Elizabeth?
Will: "There are an innumerable amount of things that I really admire about Elizabeth. She truly knows that she walks in the Spirit and that is evident in so many amazing characteristics that she has. If I had to name a few I would start with how her heart breaks for the things that the Lord’s breaks for as well. She can see all that is going on in our world and can’t help but be stirred up in emotion and pray for this temporary home we all share, ravaged by sin. Through her devotion to the Lord I am sharpened and see that the only thing that we can truly place our hope in is eternity. I can’t begin to describe what an honor it is that I get to share the rest of my life with her. And, if anyone knows Elizabeth, they know that she is absolutely hysterical. She has a tremendous amount of natural wit and humor and can bring a beaming ray of light wherever it is needed."
What are some things you two enjoy doing together?
Elizabeth: "We are definitely foodies, so our favorite thing to do is to find new or hole in the wall restaurants! As embarrassing it is to admit, we LOVE Yelp, so we constantly look at it to find new and fun restaurants that we haven’t tried!"
What's next for you two?
Elizabeth: "We are currently living in Homewood, Alabama where I am working with ARC Realty, and Will is working in wealth management at Southwestern Investment Group. We actually just added the newest member to the family, Charlie Akins, the most perfect golden-doodle in the world! We are so excited to see where the Lord leads us, but we are definitely loving where he has placed us right now."
Vendors:
Planning and flowers- Southern Posies
Calligraphy - Mary Grace Jones
Bride's dress- Ivory and White
Beauty- Abby Moorer
Invitations - Jessica Hinton/Empress Stationery
Video- Hudson Huffman
Cake- Cake Designs
Venue and catering- Montgomery Country Club