Real Weddings Brandi Carroll and Nathan Clark March 15, 2008 Ceremony: First United Methodist Church of Tuscaloosa Reception: North River Yacht Club
Nathan Clark was so busy getting a ring for coaching his high school football team to their second straight state championship, he didn’t have time to get to Birmingham to pick up the engagement ring he would need that weekend for his planned proposal to girlfriend Brandi Carroll. Like any smart coach, he had a back-up plan. Nathan sent in the A-team to take care of the situation--- namely, his mom--- who was more than happy to help out. Hours later, Nathan told Brandi he wanted to show her his state championship ring and handed her the ring box. Inside was the fantastic brilliant cut solitaire set in platinum he’d purchased from Terri Moore at Bromberg’s at the Summit. In a very romantic gesture, he dropped to one knee and proposed. The result was an incredible wedding and party in Tuscaloosa--- during the off season, of course!
The Menu
Traditional elegance with the emphasis on tradition best describes the magical celebration that started with a walk down the long aisle at First United Methodist Church of Tuscaloosa and ended in a shower of rose petals as the couple made their grand getaway in an antique car. Their menu was full of southern favorites: North River Grits and Sautéed Shrimp, Carved Top Round of Beef, Artichoke Parmesan Dip and Melba Rounds, Maple Cheddar Cheese and Crackers, Sundried Tomato, Herbs, and Feta Cheese Bruschetta; Pineapple and Sweet Cream Cheese Tartlets, Brie, Apricot and Walnuts in Phyllo Cups; Marinated and Grilled Vegetables, a Mashed Potato Bar, and a massive assortment of fruit.
The Cakes
The wedding cakes reflected their personalities. Hers, seven tiers of all white perfection, sophisticated, and simply adorned with lilies of the valley; his, a tribute to his alma mater in chocolate. The Gowns
The bride loved her silk organza and ivory re-embroidered French Alencon lace couture Christos gown from Saks Fifth Avenue in Atlanta. The strapless bodice featured a sweetheart neckline with three layers of silk organza finished with pearl stitching. The same technique was used on the triple tiered hem that swept to a chapel train. The gown had an hour glass silhouette and was heavily appliquéd with the lace. The chapel length tulle veil had matching lace appliquéd on the oval border of the veil creating a stunningly modern yet classic silhouette.
Brandi’s six bridesmaids wore strapless, ivory, tea length, with organza detail on the top/bottom of the dress. The Flowers
Renowned University of Alabama event designer Ray Taylor of Tuscaloosa handled design duties for the event including the massive arrangements of white and ivory with subtle peach and pink undertones. Brandi’s bouquet was a simple yet stunning arrangement of lilies of the valley, a theme she carried throughout the entire wedding.
After a magnificent honeymoon trip around the islands of Hawaii, the couple splits their time between Brandi’s graduate program in Birmingham and Nathan’s coaching job in Georgia but they still have time to enjoy all of their Bromberg’s registry items:
