Auburn Couple

Meet Michelle and Evan

Hearing the beginning of these two’s love story is a lot like opening the pages of a crisp new Nicholas Sparks book and reading about a sweet southern romance..It involves two naturally good looking people (both totally unaware of how gorgeous they are) meeting in a crowded place with rain falling down around them. One look, and they were hooked. Ol’ Nicky couldn’t have written it better himself, in my opinion. Their wedding at First Baptist Church of Opelika and the Jule Collins Smith Art Museum was just as beautiful as their relationship!

You see, Michelle and Evan first met her sophomore year of college at Auburn. They both attended a spring break mission trip in Port St. Jo, Florida. The last night of the trip, rain caused the evening worship to be moved into a crowded tent. As Evan led the crowd to worship Jesus, Michelle was right there! In fact, she told me that ” I was so close that I was honestly worried my voice might be picked up by the mic. The next day I felt like I should introduce myself since he had essentially serenaded me face-to- face the night before. We had a short conversation and that was it.”

They didn’t speak again for almost a year, but they never forgot about each other. (Again–straight out of a romance novel!)

The next year they went back to the same mission trip and were placed on a construction team together. While working, Michelle overheard Evan telling the story of his favorite Amplify memory: the night when it started raining and everyone had to cram into the tent. He mentioned that there was a girl standing inches from his face and that she introduced herself to him the next day. Michelle can remember turning to a friend and saying “Wait. That was me! I was that girl!” and going over and re-introducing herself. A camp crush began- on both sides- and a month later Evan asked Michelle on a date.

Since then, they’ve been together through a lot–long distances, multiple apartments and cities, new jobs…all along, they knew that the Lord had blessed their relationship.

Homewood Surprise Proposal

From Evan: I proposed to Michelle on my 24th birthday. It was the best birthday of my life, but it was also the most stressful. I was under a lot of pressure because I was determined to give Michelle the perfect surprise proposal that I knew she wanted – and I spent two months lying and scheming to make it happen. I told Michelle dozens of lies about fake projects, papers, and presentations with made-up due dates to convince her that there was no way I’d be able to make the trip from Richmond to Birmingham to see her on my birthday, that I’d just be too busy with school. With help from some of Michelle’s friends and family, I got her to take a walk through Railroad Park, where I was waiting for her, without drawing suspicion. And it all worked out; Michelle was so shocked to see me in Birmingham, and on one knee, that the only words she could say were “You’re a liar. You’re a liar.” It was a great day. Michelle was surprised, we committed to spending the rest of our lives together, and we got a good laugh out of the fact that the first thing she did as my fiancé – before she even answered “Yes” to “Will you marry me?” – was call me a liar.

From Michelle: Evan proposed to me on he’s 24th birthday at Railroad Park in Birmingham. Evan had been telling me for months that he would not be able to come home for his birthday and that he would be too busy with projects and school for me to fly up. Little did I know that was all a lie. We would talk on the phone / facetime at night and he would make up different projects he was working – scary how good at lying he is ;). On Friday October 6th (his birthday) one of my good friends asked me to get coffee with her after work at Red Cat Coffee at Rail Road Park. She picked me up and off we went. After we got our coffee we decided to walk around the park and catch up. As we came up to one of the bridges I noticed a guy standing the the middle of the bridge. I thought “huh that kinda looks like Evan. Omg that is Evan!” I walked up to Evan so shocked all I could say is “you’re a liar”. He asked me to be his wife and I of course said yes! After the proposal we went to SoHo Social in Homewood were we celebrated with friends and family. It was a perfect day!

The Wedding Day

First Baptist Church of Opelika Ceremony

These two models (we jokingly called them Carrie Underwood & Ryan Reynolds all day) had a gorgeous wedding day. The team at Melanie Grace Weddings did a fantastic job of creating Michelle’s vision of a timeless, yet modern wedding style in colors of white, grey, and blush. Tori Brinson Designs did an impeccable job of complimenting the sweeping architecture of First Baptist Church of Opelika, from the greenery flowing over the alter, to the blush and ivory florals on the hand-made wooden cross, created by Michelle’s grandfather.

Michelle and her girls started the day at the Townplace Suites in Auburn, dressed in their matching comfy robes. After getting glammed up by Madeline and her crew at MadStyle, they headed to the church. This church is breath-taking. Wide, white marble columns welcome you as you stroll up to its white doors. Those front doors made for the perfect spot to showcase Michelle’s stunning Lazaro bridal gown from Bella Couture. Glancing upward, you see a tall white steeple. If a movie was made showcasing the perfect southern church, this church would HAVE to be the location.

Michelle’s first looks with her bridesmaids and her Daddy were each so sweet. Everyone was enamored with how stunning she looked!! Evan had to wait until the ceremony to see her, and you could tell from his smile the minute those doors opened that he was ready to marry her!

Jule Collins Smith Art Museum Reception

Jule Collins Smith Art Museum was the perfect place for the reception! As you walk in, there is a glass Chihuly structure hanging from the ceiling. A classic white three tiered cake from Sonshine cakes was perfectly placed underneath the glass. These two had a truly personal service for guests, in the form of custom coffees provided by their favorite Auburn coffee shop. After dancing the night away, these two kissed under a spray of sparklers to end the night.

Michelle & Evan,

Your story is storybook perfect, but the thing about y’all that really stands out is your love for the Lord. I know that whatever life throws your way (moves-new jobs-new adventures!) you two will take it all in stride and following His guidance along the way. I know I will be cheering for y’all as well!!

Congrats Mr. & Mrs. McGee!!

-Megan

Love this film?? You may also love these: Montgomery Wedding | Maegan & Jake

Charleston Wedding | Lowndes Grove Plantation

Want to have us film your day?? Let’s talk! Contact Megan

Vendor Friends

VIDEOGRAPHY | Megan Pettus Videography

VIDEOGRAPHY- Second Shooter | Dylan Vires

VIDEOGRAPHY – Assistant | Kelsey Hubbard

CEREMONY VENUE | First Baptist Church of Opelika

RECEPTION VENUE | Jule Collins Smith Museum

PHOTOGRAPHER | Leslie Hollingsworth Photography