Michael + Cat [12.18.21 wedding] Montgomery, Ala.

How did you two meet?
Michael: "Even though we’re both from Montgomery, we didn’t actually meet until we went to Auburn. During our freshman year at Auburn, we became good friends and remained friends throughout our time in college. Despite just being friends for a while she was always someone I really enjoyed spending time with. From the beginning Cat was also one of the easiest people to talk to and was truly a great friend that I knew was always going to be there for me. During my fifth year at Auburn when I was getting my Masters in Accounting, Cat was fortunately also still in town. We started going to dinner fairly regularly, but still just as friends. The more and more we hung out, the more I realized how stupid I was for not pursuing a relationship sooner. From very early on in our dating relationship I knew she was the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with."

Cat: "I love looking back on Michael and mine’s relationship and seeing how God weaved the most perfect path for us to end up with one another. Even though we’re both from Montgomery, we didn't actually meet until our freshman year at Auburn. Over the next several years, we became great friends. I remember always enjoying spending time with him and how I thought he always gave the best advice. As our friendship progressed so did our care and liking of one another. Ever since our first date, I knew our relationship was something special."

How and when did Michael propose?
Michael: "February 6th. I had told Cat we were going to Montgomery for my grandmother’s birthday party on a Saturday afternoon. Auburn was playing Ole Miss in basketball that day so I asked if we could go to Montgomery early and go to her parents’ house to watch the game before the birthday party. Obviously, the birthday party was just a ploy and instead both of our families were waiting for us at Cat’s house. I think I held it together and didn’t spoil anything on the drive-- blaming any nerves I had on the Auburn basketball game coming up. When we got to her house, I parked in the front which I never did so at this point I think she knew something was going on. It was a slightly rainy day so her mom had left us boots and an umbrella at the front door. I then walked Cat through her backyard to their pier on their pond. Her mom and grandmother had set up the pier with flower arrangements. Everything looked perfect. I honestly don’t remember what all I said but I’m so blessed that Cat said yes. We then went back into the house where we were greeted by family. It was truly the best day of my life."

Cat: "I couldn’t have imagined a more perfect day! Michael is a big planner; so, I had an idea that the engagement would be happening soon (because he told me). But I truly had no idea he was going to propose the weekend that he did. He told me the week before that we would be traveling to our hometown to celebrate his grandmother’s birthday. Michael’s mom even called him when he was with me to tell him about the party and that we needed to pick up a sweet card for her. A couple of days before the proposal weekend, he mentioned that we should go a little early so that we could be in Montgomery in time to watch the Auburn basketball game at my parents’ house. As we pulled into the driveway, I started to sense that something was different about that day. Once we got out of the car, Michael walked us through the back yard to our pier. While at the pier, he shared that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me and asked me to marry him. We then celebrated the rest of the day with our families. February 6th was most perfect day!"

Cat --what's one of the things you admire most about Michael?
Cat: "Michael is so grounded in his faith, and his daily actions are a reflection of the Lord’s love and grace. Michael is one of the most patient people I have ever met. He is patient with me when times are hard and is always the first to cheer me up. Michael is kind. He always has others best interest at heart. Michael is not envious, boastful, or proud. Michael is the humblest person I’ve ever met. He never makes anything about himself or his accomplishments. He has an incredible work ethic, and he is the most loyal person I have ever met. He is the type of friend that is a best friend to all friends and in our relationship, he always counts me more significant than he does himself by his consistent servant’s heart and unconditional love."

Michael--what's one of the things you admire most about Cat?
Michael: "Cat has the most genuine care for others I have ever seen. She is one of the most unselfish people, and she puts others in front of herself by focusing on how to help someone before even counting the cost of her own labor and work. Her love for God is so consistent. Regardless of circumstance, I feel like it’s one of her first thoughts. Whether she is walking through difficulty or receiving great news, Christ is always at the center of her thoughts. She has a consistent desire to grow in her faith."

What was each yal's favorite part of the wedding day?
Cat: "While there were so many moments throughout the wedding day that brought joyful tears to my eyes, my favorite part was seeing Michael for the first time on the wedding day. It brought me so much joy, peace and excitement to see him and for us to share a few minutes alone with one another before we were surrounded by all of our loved ones throughout the ceremony and​ ​reception."
Michael: "Like Cat mentioned, the time we were able to spend together when we had our first look was great. I will say though, my favorite part of the wedding day was seeing Cat walk down the aisle. It was a moment I had been eagerly awaiting, and to say it surpassed my expectations is an understatement. I was overwhelmed with joy seeing her walk toward me as I knew I was so lucky to get to marry her."

What are some things you two enjoy doing together?
Michael: "Attending Auburn athletic events. In general, I think we both really enjoy going to the games together and getting to spend time together with our families and friends. The first time I met Cat’s parents was at an Auburn basketball game when we were still friends. The first time I traveled with Cat we went to Nashville for the SEC Championship. Our first date was the Auburn St. Louis basketball game in Birmingham and coincidentally enough-- Auburn actually played St. Louis again on our wedding date. I knew after our first date if Cat still wanted to date me after seeing me at Auburn athletic events, we had a good shot of making it."

Cat: "Luckily, Michael and I enjoy and are interested in many of the same things! While Auburn athletic events are probably at the top of the list, you can always catch us eating out on pretty much any night of the week! Michael and I are also family oriented, and love spending time with our families."

What's next for you two?
Michael: "We are now enjoying married life in Birmingham, Alabama. We are eager to get plugged into the community and are looking forward to continuing to build friendships in Birmingham."

Vendors:
Planning: Modern Miller Events
Florist: Susan Geddie
Hair + makeup: The Glow App
Print/paper: Cotton & Pine
Wedding dress: Ivory & White
Lighting and drapery: On-Site Production
Band: Music Garden Bands (City Heat)
Linens: BBJ Linen Rentals: PropHouse Birmingham and American Rental & Tent Company
Ceremony location: First Baptist Church Montgomery
Reception venue: Wynlakes Golf & Country Club
Brides cake: Cake Designs
Grooms cakes: McKinney Cakes
Videographer: Hudson Hufham (Hud Production)
Get-A-Way car: Memories In Motion Classics
Bridesmaids dress: Bella Bridesmaids
Bridesmaids earrings: Vivian Drew
Calligrapher: Kim Peters (Calligraphy By Kim)