Yep! Alabama has a statewide mask mandate. You will be required to wear one at all wedding events (and non-wedding related activities) unless eating or drinking. If you happen to forget yours, no worries we will have some there. In addition to wearing masks, our venues are limiting attendance numbers to allow for social distancing. Now, on to the more fun things!
Wade Moran - He is the lead pastor at Emerge Church in Tallahassee, FL where Ellyn and Joey met. He was Joey's youth pastor in Louisiana at Household of Faith. He has been a mentor for Joey ever since. Ellyn met Wade in Tallahassee. Wade figured out Ellyn had some musical talents and roped her into helping lead worship for the youth group and serve on the worship team. That lead to her serving as his administrative assistant for two years and leading the worship team. It was during that time that Joey moved to Tallahassee to serve as the youth pastor. Wade is basically responsible for this whole thing! We couldn't get married without him there to marry us! Glenn Connor - He is the senior pastor at the church where we will be married, that is the church where Ellyn grew up. He has been apart of Ellyn and her family's lives for over 10 years. He helped to develop Ellyn's faith into a personal relationship with Jesus. We are honored to have him there on our special day.
Greg Jones - He is a pastor at Household of Faith (HOF) in Gonzales, LA. He has served as a mentor in Joey's life since he was intern at HOF. One of their favorite things to do together is to watch and attend LSU football game. He has been an ardent supporter of Joey's journey in ministry and friend for Joey to lean on. We are honored to have give a blessing at our rehearsal dinner. Rica McRoy - She was Ellyn's first bible study leader and that was Rica's first group to lead. There bible study group lasted throughout high school. Since then their relationship has continued to grown. Ellyn now considers her a faith and life mentor. Rica has spoken into Ellyn's life ever since and she has always been there with open arms whenever Ellyn has needed anything. We are honored to have her pray over us and read our scripture verses during our ceremony.
Something Old - Ellyn's hairpiece is made from pieces of her mother and maternal grandmother's wedding headpieces. Additionally, Ellyn's wedding band belonged to her great-grandmother Louise, who Ellyn is named after. Something New - Ellyn's dress. Something Borrowed - Ellyn is wearing a pearl necklace that her paternal grandfather gave to her paternal grandmother on their wedding day. She is also wearing her maternal grandmother's earrings. Something Blue - You will have to wait and see! If you know Ellyn or her "aunt" Wendy, then you might be able to guess where they put a pop of color.
Joey and Ellyn both attended, separately of course because they didn't know the other existed yet, the 2011 National Championship Game in New Orleans. Joey went with Greg Jones and Ellyn went with Lindsey Lightsey. Ellyn and Lindsey had Alabama student tickets. Joey's mom won their tickets at a casino. That was as far as their luck went. Alabama won the game! Roll Tide!
Ellyn! She liked Joey for months before he decided he liked her as more than a friend too! Ellyn had actually almost given up hope and moved on. Lucky for Joey she didn't!
Joey took Ellyn to see the Downtown Abbey movie that she mentioned she really wanted to see. She gave him a recap of the whole show on the way to the theater.
It was on our second date, when Ellyn cooked Joey's favorite meal (see question below) and they watched a movie at his place!
Hold hands! :) Our favorite date nights include exploring new restaurants and catching a movie!
He loves when she makes salmon, dirty rice, and asparagus.
Joey makes AWESOME wings!
We are headed to Ochos Rios, Jamaica!