It isn’t too often that our OLAS couples start their love stories completely by chance…normally there is some kind of personal connection, such as growing up together or a mutual friend, that paves the way. This is not the case with Allyson + Joe – they met, as Allyson says, completely randomly, and well, we LOVE the end of this story! Here’s how it all started, in Allyson’s words: “Joe and I met completely randomly at the University of Georgia nearly four years ago. Joe tells the story like this… His roommate was the first to notice me at church and then at the gym. He told Joe about me and said that he was going to introduce himself to me. Day after day, Joe’s roommate never saw the right opportunity. So one day, Joe was in the gym prepping for a personal training session when he saw me on the floor and he decided if his roommate hadn’t worked up the courage yet, he introduced himself! My view point goes a little like this… I am a creature of habit and two days a week I took a fitness class, all too often arriving early. One afternoon I was filling my time with a little studying before class when I saw a pair of red and blue sneakers stop in front of me. A guy knelt down and said something along the lines of “Hey! I’ve seen you at church. I’m Joe Shelley.” He came back nearly every day, then he became my running partner, a fellow LOST watcher, my best friend, my long-distance boyfriend through Physical Therapy and Law Schools, and soon will be my husband.”
Four years later, this chance encounter culminated in an absolutely beautiful wedding that we are so excited to share with you below. Our amazing Nashville photographer, Christine, came to Macon for the big day and beautifully captured Allyson + Joe’s wedding at Mercer University and the Blacksmith Shop. Here are just a few top favorites from the day:
1. We love how Allyson + Joe’s friends and family came together to help these two pull off their wedding. Allyson’s bridesmaids and family made the beautiful bouquets themselves, and other friends pulled together and made a whole spread of Allyson + Joe’s favorite childhood candies and sweets (yum!)
2. We are positively swooning over Allyson’s beautifully simple gown, the Arabelle by J. Crew.
3. Are you leaning towards something more altruistic than traditional favors? Take the lead from Allyson + Joe, and donate to your favorite charity in lieu of guest favors. Allyson + Joe chose Toys for Tots.
4.We are always suckers for anything sentimental, and displaying parents’ and grandparents’ old wedding photos will do the trick! See how Allyson + Joe displayed theirs beautifully below.
5. Will you have little ones attending your event? Keep them busy with the ADORABLE wedding-themed activity book that Allyson + Joe used to keep their munchkin guests entertained. You can download it here.
Allyson + Joe, you are two beautiful, warm people and it was truly an honor to capture your big day! xoxo
Ceremony: Newton Chapel – Mercer University; Reception: The Blacksmith Shop; Florist: family and friends, with Davis Wholesale; Cake Vendor: Publix; Caterer: Two’s Company Custom Catering; Officiant: J. Brian Bergeron; Dress Designer: Arabelle by J. Crew; Shoe Designer: Badgley Mischka; Invitation and/or Program Vendor: designed by groom and printed via Vistaprint
