How did you two meet?
Jared: "Rachel and I first met in 2017 at a ribbon cutting for the Auburn Chamber. Little did I know she would be the one. I remember leaving the event and telling someone that I needed her number. It took me a while to ask her on a date, and then I finally had the courage to do it. The first time I met her it felt like she already knew me. If you know Rachel, you know she is a talker so it made the date so much better! (I'm not much of a talker). From there I asked her on a second date, and I'm sure glad she said yes!"
Rachel: "Jared and I technically met at an Auburn Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting at Greystone Mansion back July 2017 (but I don’t really remember!) Supposedly he thought I was cute and then got my number. He didn’t text me for over a year! We officially met on our first date in November 2018. I thought he was so handsome and super sweet! I left the first date thinking, "That was SO fun (because we got dessert and ya know, that means he must be into you!?). I hoped to hear from him again!" Which I did! Thank goodness he finally texted and asked me on a date!"
What are some things you two enjoy doing together?
Rachel: "We love to cook and go on walks! We are both really busy people so every minute of quality time we get together is always the best!"
Jared: "I don't think Rachel knew how big of an Auburn fan I was until we started dating. Living in Auburn, we have the unique ability to make all of the home games for football and basketball. All that being said, Rachel has been a true champ at dealing with my sports-heavy life and being my forever game day date. She understands how much joy it brings me, and it’s really cool that we get to share those moments together now!"
How and when did Jared propose?
Rachel: "Jared told me he had a work event Friday night that we needed to stop by. It was a pretty hectic week, so I really didn’t ask any questions. My boss let me leave work early because he had an event (little did I know Jared had called her to ask if I could leave early haha!) He picked me up, and we drove to the Greystone Mansion – where we first met! I thought it was weird that it was kind of dark inside and no other cars were there. We walked towards the venue and he said, 'We’re not here for a work event.' He said the sweetest, most affirming things-- I cried-- it was beyond perfect! I really had no idea it was going to be that night because my parents weren’t going to be in town, and then they surprised me later and were in Auburn to celebrate!"
What was each yall's favorite part of the wedding day?
Jared: "My favorite part of the wedding was seeing everyone having such a great time, dancing on the stage, and even hearing people to this day talking about how much fun they had. One of the moments I will never forget is getting a picture of my groomsman working so hard to help out before the reception setup in the pouring rain!"
Rachel: "Oh, gosh there are so many! Walking down the aisle to Jared and seeing all of our people in one place there to celebrate us was the most incredible and joyful feeling I've ever experienced! Also, being a wedding planner, so much of my focus tends to be on the reception setup, so getting to walk into that with Melanie, completely in awe of how perfect it all turned out was super special!"
Rachel--what's one of the things you admire most about Jared?
Rachel: "When I think of Jared, I immediately think of James 1:19: 'Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.' He is kind, patient and humble-- all qualities I look up to so much in him."
Jared--what's one of the things you admire most about Rachel?
Jared: "Unlike me, Rachel is so organized, and that is something I admire because I am definitely not! In all seriousness, Rachel is the best person I know. I admire how she loves people and makes everyone feel so welcomed, seen and wanted."
What's next for you two?
Jared: "Well, Rachel wants a dog!"
Rachel: "A DOG!!! And we are getting settled into our new home in Auburn and just excited to start our lives together as the Jordans! (ya know, hopefully with a dog soon haha!)"
Vendors:
Ceremony venues - Auburn United Methodist Church @auburnumc
Reception venue - Moores Mil Club @mooresmillclub
Planning - Melanie Grace Weddings @Melaniegraceweddings
Flowers - Trish Land @trishland
Video - Wakefield Films @Wakefield_films
Hair - Simply Emily Campbell @simplyemilybeauty
Makeup - Beauty by Tori Meijia @beautybytorimeijia
Bride's dress - The White Room @thewhiteroombirmingham
Cakes - Sweet as Cakes @sweetascakes
Monogram & Invitation - Abundant Invitations @abundantinvitations
Earrings - Bone and Arrow @boneandarrowdesigns
Live Painting - Marlee Ledbetter Art @marleeledbetterart
Band - 4 Barrel Funk @musicgardenbands
Tux - The Locker Room @tlr_au
Linens - BBJ @bbjlinen
Send-off outfit - Alexia Maria @alexiamariaofficial
Ring Box - Mrs. Box @the_mrs_box
Bridesmaid dresses - Evening Collective @eveningcollective
Rentals - PRE Event Resources @preeventd
Decor - Prop House @prophousebirmingham
360 Photo Booth - Platinum Entertainment @platinumentnow
Calligraphy - Mary Louise Calligraphy @maryloise_calligraphy
Pajamas - Piyama @piyama
Ring - Dianne's Jewelry @diannesjewlery