Alee and Derek: The Stuff of Legends

by Amy Serrago

Alee and Derek met during their first week of college. By their second week, they were dating. Alee says they grew as a couple during their time at Georgia College, supporting each other through countless “all nighters” that would have them heading to Waffle House for sustenance. After graduation, they got engaged and because Alee is a Pinterest pro, she had the wedding “halfway planned” already, but she wanted to make sure Derek had plenty of input as well. Luckily, his “must haves” fit right in with her vision and she got to incorporate little touches that would showcase her groom’s “slightly nerdy” side, like the inscription inside his wedding band. It reads, “it’s dangerous to go alone, take this”, a reference to Derek’s favorite video game, The Legend of Zelda. To further personalize the day, Derek’s grandfather officiated the couple’s outdoor ceremony, since Alee and Derek cite his grandparent’s relationship as their model for a strong marriage. “They are so happily married and have been for many many years”, says Alee.

Alee was glowing in her satin A-line gown with its sweetheart neckline and court train. She added a lace jacket to customize her look and topped it all off with a dramatic cathedral-length veil. Her bridesmaids were pretty in pale pink gowns with high lace necklines. Alee loves flowers, so her bouquet was a gorgeous cascading mix of orchids and roses in white and pale blush and her crew carried delicate pink and white roses with baby’s breath accents. One of Derek’s top wedding priorities was that he and his groomsmen wear black, so they rocked traditional tuxes and looked totally dapper. Derek wore a white tie with a monochromatic stripe pattern and his guys wore black ones.

At the reception, Alee’s vision of a blush pink and gold color story with pearl accents absolutely came to life. Guest tables were set with white linens and pink napkins and a combination of floating candles with gold accents and large potted orchids comprised the centerpieces. Alee and Derek’s sweetheart table was draped in a sparkling rose gold cloth and their wedding cake was dazzling with gold decor. Derek wanted his groom’s cake to be chocolate, but Alee took the personalization a step further and had a Zelda themed cake made for him. It was a perfect replica of the Hylian Shield from the iconic game. Family photos and pics of the couple as kids completed the decor and as the sun set on their wedding day, Alee and Derek exited the reception through a tunnel of sparklers and headed to Waffle House for a quick trip down memory lane. Congratulations Alee and Derek!