When Aubrey and Garrett began envisioning their dream wedding, one place stood out above all others: her parents’ home. Surrounded by love, memories, and sprawling land, it was the perfect choice for hosting their 300+ guests. But as picturesque as the setting was, turning the property into a fully functional wedding venue required creativity, preparation, and teamwork. From the very beginning, I had the joy of partnering with Aubrey and her family to bring their vision to life. We tackled everything from leveling the ground to adding lighting and power, landscaping, restroom placement, and parking logistics. We even developed multiple rain plans—just in case. Little did we know how essential those plans would be to their Southeast Alabama home wedding!
Navigating Hurricane Helene
The wedding weekend brought an unexpected guest: Hurricane Helene. High winds swept through on Friday, followed by unrelenting rain on the wedding day. While this posed challenges like muddy conditions and guest logistics, we worked together to adjust plans and ensure the day went off beautifully. The storm created hurdles for us, however, we were fortunate to avoid major destruction, unlike other areas affected. Between finding creative ways to move guests or adjusting layouts, the overall goal was always to keep the focus on celebrating Aubrey and Garrett. Despite the weather, Aubrey remained calm, graceful, and full of trust. Her resilience was inspiring and made all the effort to overcome challenges worth it.
Sentimental Details That Made the Day Unique
One of the most memorable aspects of Aubrey and Garrett’s wedding was the deeply personal touches woven into their celebration. These sentimental details made the day uniquely theirs:
A Family Legacy
Aubrey’s wedding was filled with meaningful tributes to her family. Her grandmother’s sketch of the family home, featured as the envelope liner for the invitations, perfectly honored the sentimental venue. On her wedding day, Aubrey wore her grandmother’s earrings, a cherished gift from her late grandfather, adding a heartfelt touch to her bridal look. Even her engagement ring carried a piece of her family’s story, crafted with a diamond that once belonged to her great-grandmother.
Auburn Pride
As Auburn graduates, Aubrey and Garrett’s shared history began at their alma mater. For Aubrey, the connection runs deep—her great-grandparents, grandparents, and father all attended Auburn. Her grandfather and brother played basketball, and her father played baseball. Auburn sports have been a lifelong love, adding an extra layer of meaning to their bond.
Aubrey’s Experience
Aubrey recently shared a glowing review about her experience. Hearing such kind words from a bride after a wedding full of unique challenges reaffirms why I love what I do. Building relationships with my clients and helping their dream days come to life—no matter the circumstances—is what makes wedding planning so rewarding!
“Chelsea is the best!! My wedding day was everything I could have possibly wanted, imagined, and more! Her whole team was unbelievable!! From Kaitlin and Kristin scrubbing my muddy dress before walking down the aisle to Kai being my new best friend and life saver. Chelsea truly made my whole engagement season so enjoyable. She took care of everything! My mom and I are so thankful we were about to enjoy the day, stress free, because we knew Chelsea had it handled. I think one thing about the day that stood out the most was through all the chaos with the rain (aka a major hurricane) and changing plans, Chelsea really took the time to see me and check on me. She was present in the day and I admire and appreciate that more than she knows. Chelsea did everything she could to make me the happiest bride and it truly was beautiful. I can’t thank her enough. I will never be over it. We are team Chelsea forever.”
As I reflect on Aubrey and Garrett’s wedding, I am reminded of the power of trust, flexibility, and love. Aubrey’s faith in me throughout the planning process made every pivot and adjustment worthwhile. Even with the stormy skies, the joy and love of the day couldn’t be dimmed. I’m so grateful to have been part of this incredible journey with Aubrey, Garrett, and their families. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness for this wonderful couple!
If you’re dreaming of a wedding that’s just as heartfelt and intentional—rain or shine—I’d love to help bring your vision to life. Let’s work together to make your dream day seamless, intentional, and unforgettable. Click here to connect with me and start planning your perfect celebration!
Southeast Alabama Home Wedding Vendors
- Planning: Chelsea Kennedy Weddings
- Hair and Makeup: Hair and Makeup by Nat
- Florals: Lola’s Flowers
- Cake: Sugar Time
- Catering: Sweet Basil Alabama
- Bartending: Kayla Lee
- Photography: Jay Barr Photography
- Videography: Awaken Films
- Music: The Party Feels Band
- String Trio: Thomas Maternik-Piret
- Officiant: Micah Booth
- Production: Fine Era Productions
- Rentals: Party Pros Rentals / PropHouse Rentals
- Design: JC Graphics
- Golf Cart Drivers: Matt Stewart
- Exit Vehicle: Bill Lovelace
Hi there!
I'm Chelsea
My southern roots inspire my approach to planning.
From fluffing your dress before you walk down the aisle to managing every detail behind the scenes, I find joy in serving you. Every moment, big or small, is handled with care to make your day effortless and unforgettable.
