Tell us your love story!
I had a hosting job at The Grey Goose in Midway before I began my sophomore year at UK. It was a super busy day because Keeneland was going on, and everyone left the races to come eat lunch. I remember seeing Cody walk in, and he was in a big cowboy hat and a blue sports coat. We locked eyes and I instantly felt weak in the knees! Later that evening I told one of the kitchen guys that there was a super cute cowboy at the bar, and he actually knew Cody and called him over. They talked and he just kept smiling at me; I was SO nervous.
The next time I went to work, Cody was already sitting at the bar. I remember getting super dressed up for work in case I saw him. This was the first time we actually spoke; he asked my name and said something cute. I was still beyond attracted to him.
A few days later, it was just not my day. I didn’t get ready for work, was sweaty, ripped my shirt, and guess who walks in? Cody sat down and I could tell he wanted to talk, but I kept avoiding him, not wanting to let him see me up close. By 9pm that night he was still there, and he finally stopped me. He asked me for my number, a date, and every little detail about myself. He was literally my prince charming.
I never thought I’d be getting married at the age of 20. My life felt so messy before Cody, but that’s because my life centered on my wants and not God’s. I honestly believe that God put Cody into my life because we needed each other. Since meeting one another, we have been baptized, become youth leaders to middle schoolers at our church, and have begun planning for mission trips in the years to come. We even want to start an organization to make mission work a full-time job in our lives. Cody and I have a beautiful story, because we allowed God to always come first.
How did he propose?
On July 26th, 2016, Cody asked me on one knee if he could have my hand in marriage. Everything about how Cody asked was based on things he knew about me. We began our morning camping in Yellowstone and woke up at 4:30am for a “hike.” Soon after, Cody pulled up in front of a giant hot air balloon, and we had a beautiful sunrise Arial tour. When we landed I was shocked he hadn’t proposed. We spent the afternoon in Yellowstone, then went for a ride up the mountain to have dinner at the most amazing restaurant overlooking miles and miles of mountains. After dinner, I was once again shocked he hadn’t proposed. I figured it wasn’t going to happen right then.
Well, after nearing where Cody’s family lives, he told me he needed to stop and pick up his old truck from high school. We got into the truck and headed to the driveway of his childhood home, and they had set up poles lining the driveway with string lights and there was a massive sign that said, “Marry Me?” at the end, surrounded by photos of us, candles, and sunflowers. He got out on one knee and asked me to be his wife!
What elements were most important to you for your wedding day?
Just being present and being surrounded by people you truly love, and people who truly love you. The day went by so fast, and by the end of it, the food had been eaten, the drinks were gone, but the love that surrounded us was still there. Having all our family and friends who travelled from ALL over to be there to show support was priceless, and truly made our day a dream.
What advice would you give other brides?
My advice for brides is to pay a little extra for quality vendors to avoid being stuck doing too much on your big day. Quality is more important than insanely low prices. I’m all about deals, but the few aspects I tried to cut corners with were the ones I struggled with the most.
Photographer: Dana Rogers Photography
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Berry Hill Mansion
Suits: Crittenden Rawlings
Caterer: City Barbecue & Sweet Lilu’s
Wedding Cake: Sweet Lilu’s
Groom’s Cake: Nothing Bundt Cakes
DJ: A To Z Productions Mobile DJ
Florals: Wild Roots
Rentals: Oasis Productions
Hair: Dominique Danielak
Makeup: Morgan Karr
Transportation: Gold Shield Transportation
Videographer: Eppic Films
Hotel Room Block: Capital Plaza Hotel
Rehearsal Dinner Caterer: Gumbo Ya Ya
Bridal Shower Location: Holly Hill Inn
Bridal Show Attended: Bridal Bliss Classic
Registry: Pottery Barn and Bed Bath and Beyond
Lighting: Oasis Productions
