What do you do when you want to keep your original wedding date but have to adjust due to a pandemic? You take your guest list from 100 to 3, which is exactly what Shea and Cody did earlier this summer.
It wasn’t only family, however. Held at the bride’s parents’ home on Lake Jackson, the couple was joined by their pastor as well as all of their lake neighbors attended from a far by boats, docks, and seawall.
“Cody and I are so low-key that we wanted our day to be simple and elegant from day one.,” said bride Shea.
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Walking down the aisle lined with potted flowers that the couple planted the day before as well as little white lanterns, the bride looked gorgeous in a wedding dress from–wait for it—TJ Maxx!! A bride after our own heart!
Captured by Krisandra Evans Photography, see their gorgeous wedding photos below, along with a Q&A with bride Shea!
How did you meet? Tell us about the proposal.
Cody and I knew each other in high school. We started dating eight years later after we started talking on social media. Our relationship turned from friendship shortly after our first date, where we hiked up Blood Mountain through the rain. At the top we sat and ate peanut butter jelly sandwiches and talked about life. It was one of my favorite moments. Fast forward one year and four months, it was Friday, April 12th and we were headed to Augusta, GA for the Augusta National Golf Tournament (aka: The Masters). My grandparents have been patrons since 1952 and my grandmother still continues to receive tickets each year – its a blessing and a way to get all of us together. Beforehand, she had asked me to try on her wedding ring, neither of us knowing what was to come. It fit perfectly! Cody knew I had always wanted a photo in front of the Founders Circle (where you get your photo taken) because out of the years I have gone, that would be my first time ever taking one in front of it. After we took our first photo, he asked the photographer if we could get another with our hats on, then he was on one knee – I was shocked! He surprised me good and I love him for it. It was such a sweet moment as we got to enjoy the day, spending it watching golf, celebrating with egg salad sandwiches and Arnold Palmers. We were the only ones who knew because at the tournament you cannot have your phones with you, so when we got back we got to share our special day with family and friends. It was an amazing day!
What was the inspiration behind your wedding day? Did you have a specific theme or color palette?
Since Cody proposed to me at the 2019 Masters Tournament, we stuck with the golf theme – pastels, green jacket, and flowers.
How did you decorate your space for the ceremony and the reception? Was any part of the decor DIY?
We placed pieces of artwork to hang from two large trees: 1. A puzzle of The Founders Circle (from the Masters Tournament) that Cody’s mom, Mary put together for us. He had it framed so we could incorporate it for our outdoor ceremony. 2. The Augusta Chronicle article that was written the week after Cody proposed “Master-ful Proposal” was hanging across from the tree with the Founders Circle puzzle. The aisle felt like I was walking through the past straight towards my future with my dad on my right making sure I didn’t stumble.
What were some of your favorite parts of your wedding?
Focusing on God first throughout our day, being thankful no matter the circumstances, and knowing we have a partner for life. Hiding from Cody with the same roof over our head the hours before, wearing my mom’s pearl necklace as my borrowed item, surprising my dad with my dress, my dad being able to walk me down the aisle, Reverend Martin marrying us (whose services I grew up attending), the yummy peanut butter cake, the pizza delivery that came just in the knick of time, and photos of our day.
How did you both choose your wedding day look?
My goal was to be a bride-chilla, not a bride-zilla. My wedding dress came from TJ Maxx – it had pockets so I was immediately a fan! I just wanted to add straps and it was pretty much good to go.
Do you have any wedding planning or marriage advice that you’d like to share with other couples planning their day?
1. Take a deep breath.
2. Love those around you while you have them here on Earth. Through the ups and downs – life is so short.
3. Be with the one you love most in this life.
4. Ask yourself – what is the MOST important thing?
5. Then ask yourself, how do you want to feel on your day? How does your spouse want to feel?
6. This not just a day to celebrate, it the first day of intertwining your lives as one – remember to enjoy and have fun.
7. Smile, cry, feel everything and take it in. These moments are sweet and hold them close. <3
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