How did you two meet?
Dawson: “We met our freshman year of college at Auburn. Charlie went to my sorority formal with one of my great friends. I remember asking my friend if she was interested in her date and was disappointed when she said, ‘yes.’ Charlie and I became fast friends and even tried to set each other up on dates with our friends. After this failed, we realized over Little Italy pizza that maybe we did not need to look much farther. We went on our first date at Amsterdam’s Cafe in Auburn and have not looked back since.”
How and when did Charlie propose?
Dawson: “Charlie went ABOVE and BEYOND. Dawson's family took a summer vacation to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Dawson’s family invited Charlie along for the vacation. On the last night of the trip, Charlie told Dawson he wanted to drive her to one of his favorite fishing spots from the summer in college he had lived in Jackson Hole. He insisted they stop by on the way to dinner because it was near the restaurant. Charlie rushed Dawson into the car after the two got ready for an Italian dinner with the family. Charlie and Dawson’s 20-minute drive to the lake turned into a 45-minute drive thanks to several moose crossings. Despite Charlie’s road rage, Dawson stayed oblivious to the plans. Once we got to the lake, we got out and started walking to the fishing spot, next thing I knew, Charlie was on one knee and a photographer was snapping pictures. He proposed in front of the Teton Mountains and had hired a photographer in Jackson Hole to be there (undercover) for the special moment! After many tears, laughs and pictures, we went back to the house where my whole family and Charlie’s mom were waiting to celebrate. A day I will never forget :)”
Charlie--what's one of the things you admire most about Dawson?
Charlie: “I admire Dawson’s intentional kindness. Dawson always ensures to make every person in a room feel welcomed, comfortable and valued. Her kindness is like a people magnet that draws people in.”
What are some things you two enjoy doing together?
Dawson: “We absolutely love to cook together. It is time to turn off the TV and enjoy one another. On Saturday mornings, we love to go to our favorite coffee shop then walk to the farmer’s market. This has become a Saturday tradition that we look forward to each week. Our most recent activity we are loving has been decorating our new house together. Each night, we look forward to coming home and moving things around to get them just right. Cooking, coffee, and decorating--what could be wrong with that?”
Dawson--what's one of the things you admire most about Charlie?
Dawson: “I admire Charlie’s consistency so much. Charlie is always true to himself and his values. He is a constant in every situation and never wavers-- regardless of the situation.”
What was each yall's favorite part of the wedding day?
Dawson: “Our first look was so incredibly special. We stood back-to-back and read notes that we had written to one another. We then got to turn to look at each other for the first time that day and it was so special. I will never forget that moment of feeling so thankful. We were both able to take a deep breath and take in the special day.”
Charlie: “At our wedding reception, we took a step back to watch our guests. At Iron City, we went up to the balcony and took a second to take in our guests celebrating. We were watching friends and family dance, laugh, eat, chat and meet! It was very cool to sit back and watch the people we love celebrate our special day.”
What's next for you two?
Dawson: “We have moved to Pensacola, Florida. This has been such a fun start to our marriage. Creating a life in a new place together is such a unique experience and a really cool way to start a marriage. We moved here because Charlie is on a team that is building the new Baptist Hospital in Pensacola while I’m teaching in Pensacola. We are excited about this chapter!”
Vendors:
Ceremony: Canterbury United Methodist Church
Reception venue: Iron City Bham
Hair + makeup: Abby Moorer Hair and Makeup
Wedding dress: The White Room
Bridesmaids dresses: Bella Bridesmaids
Flowers: Lauren Ladner Designs
Bridescake: Olexa’s
Grooms' cookies: Olexa's
Invitations and programs: Please Reply
Catering: Iron City Bham
Band: Funkytown
Lighting and linens: Decor to Adore