Birmingham Couple Ties the Knot at the Birmingham Museum of Art
On a beautiful summer day, the Birmingham Museum of Art played host to the wedding of Elise Cunha and Jackson Hedden. The couple, who found each other through the dating app Hinge in 2020, chose this scenic venue to celebrate their commitment in front of family and friends.
A First Date to Remember
Elise and Jackson’s love story began somewhat unexpectedly. The couple was set to meet for their first date, but Elise arrived an hour late. She hadn’t heard from Jackson in a month, leading her to believe he had ghosted her. As luck would have it, she ended up at Carrigan’s with friends on the night they were supposed to meet. When Elise texted Jackson, he replied that he was there waiting.
Upon her arrival, Jackson had ordered a feast from the menu to make sure Elise felt special. “They still make fun of me for being an hour late,” shared Elise, laughing at the memory. That unusual start didn’t deter their relationship; it set the stage for many more special moments together.
A Memorable Proposal
Fast forward to 2022, Jackson orchestrated another noteworthy milestone in their relationship. During a dinner at Automatic Seafood, he enlisted the help of the restaurant’s surrounding tables to capture the moment he proposed. After pretending to go to the restroom, Jackson got down on one knee right behind Elise, who was caught off guard. “Everyone was clapping. I got so nervous that I could not even stand and move,” Elise recalled, smiling at the memory.
Planning the Big Day
The couple worked with Kindred Weddings to design their dream wedding, and the Birmingham Museum of Art was the clear choice when it came to the venue. “We wanted an outdoor wedding,” Elise noted. “We visited many places, but none felt unique. When we got to the museum, we knew it was the right fit.”
To complement the museum’s vibrant surroundings, CS Floral Design crafted beautiful arrangements that harmonized with the artwork without overshadowing it. “I love flowers and colors,” said Elise, “but we decided to stick with more neutral tones to let the art pop.” Blue was the chosen color for the wedding party, adding a lovely touch to the festivities.
Traditional Ceremony in a Stunning Setting
Elise and Jackson exchanged their vows in the museum’s sculpture gardens, with 80 guests in attendance. With perfect weather and the stunning backdrop of art, the couple’s ceremony was everything they had envisioned. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a cocktail hour in the museum’s 8th Avenue Lobby, where a variety of refreshing drinks, including champagne, margaritas, and whiskey, were served.
A Culinary Experience
The dinner catered by Kathy G & Co. offered a delightful fusion of culinary flavors, including burgers, tacos, chicken, crab, and shrimp to ensure that all taste preferences were satisfied. The lively atmosphere continued with guests dancing late into the evening to a live band while enjoying heartfelt speeches from close family and friends.
Sweet Touches to the Celebration
The couple’s cake, provided by Sugar and Stems, captured their tastes perfectly. Since Jackson is a fan of red velvet, the wedding cake was crafted in that flavor, while Elise opted for strawberry macarons. “We wanted to have something that represented both of us well,” she explained.
Off to Hawaii
After a memorable day filled with love and laughter, Elise and Jackson embarked on their honeymoon to Hawaii. Their beautiful wedding day at the Birmingham Museum of Art truly reflected their unique journey together.
Elise and Jackson’s story is a reminder that love can be found in the most unexpected circumstances and can culminate in life’s most significant milestones.
