Derek Owens
Veronica Simmons
Derek Owens
Veronica Simmons
December 1, 2024
My first, my last, my everything.
"I have found the one whom my soul loves. I held him and would not let him go." Song of Solomon 3:4 Are you coming to the wedding!!!??? We hope you are:) We thank you all in advance for your support, your prayers, and your intentionality in carving out time from your 2024 Thanksgiving holiday break to celebrate this very special occasion with us. We are so excited that you are interested to know how we met! Well, it was many moons ago when we were both in our 30s and I was a tenderoni (clearly this is being written from the perspective of the bride as I promote myself) and he was Derek, tall, light skinned, handsome and rigid about being on time. We dated. We loved. We grew. We dated some more and now here we are celebrating what happens when you pray first and allow love to grow second. To God be the glory, the honor and power. May HIS word anchor us, support and guide us forward within this new chapter of our lives and may our friends and family be safe shelters for our love to continue to expand. Oh, happy day! Loving, honorable mention: My Mom, Luvenia Simmons, and Auntie Gail, Derek's aunt, we miss you and we wish you were here to celebrate alongside of us. We love you always.
Travel
Hotel
Fort Condé Inn
Schedule
Saturday, November 30, 2024
Bride & Groom Shenannigans
7:00 am - 2:00 pm
Itinerary will be provided in advance. There will be a welcome meet and greet hosted by the parents. There will also be events specific to the bridal and groom parties. All family and friends are invited. No one escapes this madness:)
Sunday, December 1, 2024
Derek & Veronica Wedding Ceremony & Reception
2:00 pm - 8:00 pm
165 Saint Emanuel Street, Mobile, AL 36602
Black tie event, Outdoor Ceremony, Adults only
Things To Do
USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park
$18.00 per person (tickets may be purchased online)
History Museum of Mobile
Per guests: Very cool interactive children area and info on Mardi Gras!
GulfQuest National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico
Per guests: Easy to get to. Great parking. Great displays and info on Mobile Bay
Africatown Historic District
In 1860 the Clotilda, the last known ship to illegally smuggle African captives into the United States, sailed into Mobile. Many descendants of the survivors still live in Africatown, just a few miles north of downtown Mobile. Soon, you will be able to experience the story of resilience and sacrifice of these survivors through the Africatown Experience! Visit mobile.org for more information.
Spot of Tea
The Blind Mule
Casual Southern & cajun-creole style fare in a chill venue with live music, comedy and trivia nights.
The Royal Scam
Steak & Seafood
FAQs
Question
Should I ask Derek if I have any questions about the wedding plans?
Answer
NO! Per Derek, "I don't know and I'm not trying to know." Please consult the bride.
Question
What is the deadline to RSVP for the wedding?
Answer
The bride and groom strongly encourage RSVPs to be submitted by August 30, 2024. This will help support proper and timely planning for events and reception needs.
Question
Where is the wedding registry?
Answer
Oooops! We don't have one on purpose. Thanks for asking:)
Question
What's the closest Airport to Mobile, Alabama?
Answer
(Listed in order of closest to farthest below) 1. Mobile International Airport/ Mobile Downtown Airport (BFM) Airport estimated approximately 4.5 miles, 8 minutes away from venue. 2. Mobile Regional Airport (MOB) estimated approximately 17 Miles, 30 minutes away from venue. 3. Gulf Shores International Airport (JKA) estimated approximately 51 miles, 55 minutes away from venue. 4. Pensacola International AirPort (PNS) estimated approximately 57 miles, 54 minutes away from venue. 5. Gulfport- Biloxi international AirPort (GPT) estimated approximately 72 miles, 62 minutes away from venue.
Question
We're thinking about driving down. How far is the drive to Alabama from Maryland?
Answer
Did you pack your snacks!!??? The drive to Alabama from Maryland is around 15 hours, give or take given traffic and weather. Use your GPS to determine the best route to drive with less congestion. I should know, I passenger ride the entire time, each way, when Derek and I drive down. Gotta' love lazy folks lol. Seriously, though he won't allow me to drive. Will someone please tell him that I'm a great driver!!??
Question
What are my transportation options to the hotel from the airport if I fly into Mobile, Alabama?
Answer
1. Uber 2. Lyft 3. Quickie Taxi (Airport shuttle) **Fees accompany the provided travel options. Please consult the respective company to secure availability and pricing information.
Question
What's the weather like in Alabama during December?
Answer
Glad you asked! Daytime highs average 60F-55F from the start to the end of the month. If you're traveling from Maryland, its safe to bring an overcoat, but you probably won't need your winter jacket! This is not Maryland folks! Thus, it could be sunny with a chance of warm weather...in December.
Question
Is the ceremony indoors or outdoors?
Answer
Great question. This will be an outdoor ceremony.
Question
Are there other places to stay besides Forte Conde Inn that are close to the wedding venue?
Answer
Of course! There are several hotel options nearby (within actual walking distance of Forte Conde) that you can choose from. Google will be your friend to locate them or just contact the bride for more information.
Question
Is parking free at Forte Conde Inn?
Answer
Yes! However, the ceremony is outside so there will be areas that are roped off so that all guests may travel to and from the ceremony site safely.
Question
Are kids allowed at the wedding events?
Answer
Unfortunately, no. The ceremony and reception is adults only. However, kids are allowed to stay on the hotel premises. Please speak with the reservation desk to ensure any additional accommodations needed are obtained for the little people. If you have any further questions or concerns, please consult the Bride (because everyone knows that I might have to make special considerations for my besties, August and Truett).
Question
Is this a black tie wedding?
Answer
Yes indeed! We look forward to seeing you dressed in your finest to celebrate with us. Can you define black tie? Of course! Black tie means that this is a formal affair (suits and dress shoes, dresses and heels!) Let's gooo!!!
Question
What are the wedding colors?
Answer
Yes, we're fancy. The wedding colors are ivory and burgundy. However, guests are free to wear whatever color they choose to wear, but if you arrive in anything neon colored, we will talk about you after the wedding and ask God for forgiveness later.
Question
I noticed that there is a bistro at the hotel site. Do they serve breakfast, lunch or dinner?
Answer
Yes! They do, but the bistro will be CLOSED on Sunday because of our wedding celebration. We think Dad, aka Steve Owens, pulled his connections to make this happen. Please check out our "Things to Do" section of this site for a few tasty options.
Question
What if I can't attend?
Answer
It's okay! We'll party for you and if you are a member of our Maryland framily (that's friends and family combined for my spellcheckers:), we will also be hosting a small celebration in Maryland later in the year for our local family network to attend. More details to follow.
Question
Not a question, just a fun fact.
Answer
The Carnival Cruise ship departure site is located exactly across from where the wedding is being hosted. Thus, one could bribe their spouse/partner to book post wedding ceremony cruise reservations. (Thank me later)