Some love stories take years to unfold. Others begin with a swipe and a spark. For Chloe and Haley, it started during the thick of 2020. Texting through lockdowns, followed by a first date at a coffee shop in Haley’s hometown. “We finished our coffees and talked until the streetlights came on,” they shared. Just two weeks later, they were officially a couple. Different in many ways but open from the beginning, they found in each other a love rooted in honesty, vulnerability, and shared joy.

When it came time to plan their Alabama wedding, they knew they wanted it to feel like home. “We really leaned into the ‘vibe’ aspect of things. We wanted something classic, easy, and beautiful. We also wanted our guests to feel relaxed and able to enjoy themselves.” The result was a heartfelt, down-to-earth celebration that honored not just their relationship but also the Florence, Alabama community that shaped them.

What We Love About This Alabama Wedding:

• Chic wedding fashion: a lace-detailed tailored suit and timeless gown
• A sentimental first look and private vows in the rain
• A ring-warming ceremony led by a close friend
• Locally sourced florals and farm-to-table catering
• A karaoke-filled rehearsal night at a favorite local hotel

Featured Vendor:

The Rose Reflective

Why a Flexible Venue Was Key to Pulling Off Their Celebration

For their Alabama wedding venue, the couple chose Pickett Place, a historic home with plenty of personality and space. It offered the perfect mix of character and functionality– especially when it came to last-minute rain plans.

“Because of the rain, our venue had to flip the ceremony space in an hour into our reception dinner,” Chloe shared. “It was honestly magical to walk into the room again and see it transformed into a completely different vibe.” Even with the weather curveball, every space,from photo nooks to dance floors,felt intentionally used.

They kicked off the wedding weekend with a laid-back yet memorable rehearsal at the GunRunner Hotel: cocktails, appetizers, and karaoke that lasted late into the night. “We loved staying there in the past, and knew it was essential for setting the tone of the weekend.”

Bringing Personality Into Their Wedding Fashion

Haley’s wedding look was a standout moment. “She knew she wanted a suit that celebrated her androgynous style. Something bridal but a little Elvis, a little Brandi Carlile,” Chloe explained. She found it in a perfectly tailored Cinq à Sept suit.

Chloe, meanwhile, didn’t start with a vision for a dress, but her mom found the one: a classic and minimal design from Estee’ Couture Bridal at Birch on Main.

Bridesmaids were invited to express themselves in spring greens, blues, florals, and textured styles, resulting in an effortlessly coordinated look. Hair and makeup by Paris Jackson and Audrie Klavas Beauty rounded out the aesthetic, creating a comfortable and radiant vibe for everyone.

A Rainy First Look That Set the Tone

Before the ceremony, Chloe and Haley shared a private first look on the front steps of Pickett Place under a soft rain. “We were on the fence about a first look, but now we look back on it as one of our favorite moments from the day,” they said. “Milly did a great job of really making this time private between the two of us, while still capturing such a special moment.”

Making the Ceremony Personal With Poetry and Tradition

The indoor ceremony space was transformed into a romantic floral setting, with white hydrangeas and greenery framing a brick fireplace. Surrounded by family and friends, Chloe and Haley exchanged vows in a ceremony led by a close friend.

 “We wanted our ceremony to feel reverent, full of love, and true to us.” It opened with a ring-warming ritual and included a surprise poem, Her, Her, Her by Caitlyn Siehl, chosen by Haley and read aloud. A special detail: their mothers handed them the rings, a meaningful gesture that tied the ceremony back to family.

Celebrating Community Through Their Vendor Team

From the start, Chloe and Haley prioritized working with vendors who felt like part of their story, people from Florence who brought their own artistry and heart to the day. “Above the aesthetics of our wedding, we really wanted to pull from all of the reasons we love Florence.” That meant keeping it local, starting with their photographer Junebug vendor Milly Baine of The Rose Reflective.

“Not only is she incredible at what she does, she went above and beyond to help make our day what it was and preserve the feeling of our wedding.” Their engagement session with Milly months prior helped them feel comfortable and confident going into the big day.

They also discovered other LGBTQ-friendlyvendors through a resource on Milly’s site—like their second shooter, Scotty Simpkins Photo, and farm-to-table caterer Odette, one of their go-to spots for birthdays and anniversaries. “They couldn’t have been more of a joy to work with. Especially Brittany Bullion who was always available to answer questions and coordinated details we never would have thought of.”

Florals by Susan Rowe of Flori Design Co. reflected the couple’s love for natural elegance. White hydrangeas, found often in their home, served as the floral anchor. “She even brought in flowers from her own garden, which we loved.”

Ending the Day With Meaning, Music, and Connection

After the ceremony, Chloe and Haley stepped away for a quick moment of peace. “We highly recommend it. We needed a moment to look at each other and say ‘wow, we did it!’” Guests moved into a reception space that was transformed with candlelight, fresh greenery, and local blooms cascading across tabletops and the sweetheart table. The color palette of soft greens and whites kept the vibe airy and welcoming.

Handmade touches, like a welcome sign by a family friend and all the printed materials designed by Haley’s sister, added meaning throughout. After a delicious meal and moving speeches, Haley sabred champagne to kick off the dancing. Their first dance to Brandi Carlile’s I Belong to You wrapped the night in romance.

And of course, they didn’t stop there. Guests returned to the GunRunner for a cozy afterparty, ending the Alabama wedding weekend exactly how Chloe and Haley imagined it: relaxed, joyful, and full of love.

Lessons Learned From a Rainy-Day Alabama Wedding

Rain plans matter. “Unless your wedding is in the middle of the desert, have a rain plan and talk about it with all of your vendors beforehand.”

Make space for connection. “Above all else, make time to have little moments alone with your new spouse. We remember those the most out of the night.”

Do the first look. “You won’t regret it.”