Maggie is from Russellville, and Patrick is from Tuscumbia. The happy couple now resides in Tuscumbia following their Oct. 8, 2022, wedding.

HOW THEY MET: Patrick and Maggie knew of each other for years, but Maggie’s brother-in-law and Patrick’s distant cousin, Seth Pendergrass, introduced and encouraged the two to date. Maggie was living in Birmingham attending law school when Patrick asked her on the couple’s first true date at Longhorn Steakhouse. Maggie was focused on finishing law school before jumping into a relationship, so the two lost touch until she graduated. When Maggie moved back to the north Alabama area and began her career as an attorney in Decatur, just minutes from Patrick’s work, it was truly fate. Patrick reached back out to Maggie after almost two years, and the two rekindled their relationship at Swamper’s Bar and Grill – the place they always return to now for special occasions. After that, they were almost inseparable. To this day, Maggie often thanks Patrick for being patient and never failing to pursue her and their relationship.

THE PROPOSAL: Patrick and Maggie knew they would marry sooner rather than later, and the two talked about the proposal often. Maggie gave Patrick some hints and requests to follow when planning the proposal. First, she wanted it to be a complete surprise both to her and her very close-knit family. Second, she wanted the two to be alone when the special moment happened. And lastly, she wanted Patrick to pop the question at a place the two could always return.

May 14, 2022, Patrick told Maggie he needed to go to the family cabin on Cedar Lake to turn off the water and check on the progress of the new landing before they went to dinner at Swamper’s that night. The couple arrived at the cabin, where Patrick pretended to turn off the water, and then the two proceeded to the lakefront. After looking at the new landing, Patrick asked Maggie what was on the neighbor’s pier. As she turned to look, there hung a sign reading “Will you marry me?” After Maggie’s tearful “yes,” the couple proceeded to the pier to retrieve the sign. When they arrived at the neighbor’s property, owned by Ron Crow Sr., some of Maggie’s family friends were there, the Kiel family, to assist in taking pictures and to congratulate the couple. Jamie Kiel loved the opportunity to tell Maggie’s mother and aunts that he knew about Maggie’s engagement before any of them.

LET’S CELEBRATE: An intimate engagement celebration, cupcakes and champagne, was held at Maggie’s sister’s home. For pre-wedding celebrations, a Bridal Coffee was held at the home of Addie Harbin, hosted by friends and family; a Bridal Brunch took place at the home of Sherene Wade, hosted by Dana Aycock, Penny Pickett, Samantha Stone, Missy Hargett, Lacy Hargett, Ponda Gordon and Lela Ray; and a Bachelorette Celebration was held at the home of Kara Pendergrass hosted by Addie Harbin, Shelby Stephens Hovator and Shelby Hovator. The rehearsal dinner was a fun, casual event of pizza and drinks hosted at George’s 217.

THE WEDDING: Patrick and Maggie were married in an intimate ceremony at George’s 217 in Sheffield Oct. 8, 2022, surrounded by close friends and family.

The couple chose a ceremony and reception style that mimicked their own personalities, opting for traditional elements that evoked timeless elegance – with a twist, of course. From the unconventional aspects to the bride’s dress, to the timeless classic of filling the space with candlelight, the day was the perfect combination of the couple’s unique styles. Even the signature cocktails spoke to the couple’s personalities – bloody mary for the groom and margarita for the bride.

Most important to the bride was to fill the ceremony and reception with sentimental items to symbolize the true meaning behind the wedding – from wearing her cousin’s veil and sister’s reception jumpsuit, to adorning the cake and donut table with heirloom items from her family, such as her great-grandmother’s tablecloth that each woman in her family had used before her. Stemware for first toast and the vase holding the floral arrangement on the couple’s table at the reception were all treasured heirlooms from Maggie’s great-great grandparents. Maggie and Patrick chose to combine their families as one and celebrate the beginning of their new union.

FAVORITE MOMENT: Patrick and Maggie’s favorite part of the day was riding away after the reception in the groom’s first car, a Jeep Wrangler given to him by his late grandfather.

WHAT THEY LOVE: Patrick’s favorite thing about his bride is her bubbly personality. From dancing while she cooks to getting the couple’s pups riled up, Maggie is always keeping Patrick on his toes. Maggie’s favorite thing about Patrick is his patience and calmness. He always knows just how to calm her when she needs it the most. His ability to turn her mood upward makes them the perfect match.

WEDDING TEAM

• Venue: George’s 217
• Wedding director: Samantha Stone
• Florist: Chase Sparks, Russellville Florist & Gifts
• Catering: George’s 217
• Cake: The Mustard Seed Bakery, Samantha Montgomery and The Donut Shoppe
• Photographer: Right Brain Photography
• Engagement Photos: Cortney Green
• Invitations: Ledgewood Fine Stationery
• Wedding dress: Cherry Tree Lane
• Bridesmaid dresses: Azazie
• Hair and make-up: Salon St. Clair; Sophie Hill and Tara Hill
• Spray Tan: Get Glowing
• Balloon Arch: Trey’s Balloon Bar
• Men’s attire: Cherry Tree Lane and Coats Clothing Co.
• Music: Kinfolk; Michael and Sera Rice and Kassidy McCorkle
• Travel Agent: Cassie Goodwin, Joyous Adventures with Cassie
• Jeweler: Grogan Jewelers by Lon
• Lodging: Stricklin Hotel