Birmingham Celebrates a Joyous Wedding at the Historic TJ Tower
On August 10, 2024, Downtown Birmingham transformed into a scene of love and elegance as Emma Wilson and Daniel Ellard exchanged vows at the historic TJ Tower. This classic venue, with its ornate ballroom and stunning architecture, served as the perfect backdrop for the couple’s special day.
A Unique Love Story
The couple’s romance began during their grad school days at Auburn University. Emma reminisced about an early encounter involving a basket of chicken and a 90-minute detour when Daniel took the long way to dinner at Guthrie’s. “It took me months to realize he drove out of his way just to see me,” Emma laughed, highlighting the charming start of their relationship.
An Artistic Proposal
When it came time to propose, Daniel cleverly led Emma on a trip with a twist. He convinced her they were heading to Helen, only to stop just blocks away from the restaurant on Morris Avenue, where he popped the question under the twinkling lampposts. This moment set the stage for their grand celebration at TJ Tower.
Hands-On Planning
Choosing to forgo a wedding planner, Emma and her mother meticulously managed the details themselves. Emma expressed gratitude for the abundance of local wedding vendors that assisted them, saying, “We retained all the help we needed to pull off a glamorous day.” However, she admitted that the effort of decision-making began to take its toll. “Having to make decisions about colors and decor really drained me,” she reflected.
Thoughtful Recommendations
For future brides and grooms, Emma shared valuable advice, emphasizing the importance of taking care of your vendors: “Make sure they have a meal and a place to relax. Vendors make the world go round, and they deserve to be treated as such!” She also recommended hiring a day-of coordinator to help enjoy the day stress-free.
A Personal Touch
Emma infused her wedding with sentimentality by incorporating unique elements for the traditional “something old, new, borrowed, and blue.” She wore Swarovski earrings from her mother as her “something new,” while fabric from her mother and grandmother’s wedding dresses became “old” by wrapping a handkerchief around her bouquet. A friend lent her a handkerchief as “borrowed,” and she invited six friends from different life stages to wear blue, adding heartwarming layers to age-old traditions.
Emotional Moments
The couple chose to write their own vows, sharing them privately before the ceremony to avoid any emotional breakdowns in front of their guests. Following the touching ceremony, the couple celebrated with 250 guests at a cocktail hour featuring a violinist, later transitioning to a buffet dinner by Happy Catering.
Celebrating with Dance
The evening included heartfelt dances; Emma’s first dance with Daniel was set to “Nothing Can Change This Love” by Sam Cooke, while her father requested “Forever Young” by Rod Stewart, a song that holds a special place in their relationship.
Fun and Unexpected Moments
Like any wedding day, things didn’t go entirely according to plan. Emma recounted a few hiccups, including the fire department needing to step in for someone stuck in an elevator—thankfully, not a guest! Additionally, a groomsman faced a wardrobe malfunction right before group photos, and a mishap with red wine left a mark on Emma’s dress. Despite these challenges, Emma commented, “I have the worst luck, but surprisingly, nothing terrible happened.”
A Highlight of the Day
Emma’s favorite moment of the day came during the first look with Daniel. “I had been anxious, but when I saw him, all the jitters went away. I was just so excited and giddy,” she shared. “I knew I was leaving with that man as my husband, and that’s all that mattered.”
As the couple embarks on their new life together, we wish Emma and Daniel a lifetime filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Congratulations!
