After a romantic sunset proposal on the golf course of their country club, Mary Wesley Cade and Bradley Bigler began planning their nuptials in Birmingham, Alabama. Desiring a wedding that best reflected her personality, Mary Wesley knew reflections of grace and Southern hospitality were of great importance. “I had wanted a design that was uncomplicated, classic yet elegant, and graceful,” shares the bride of her vision, which was planned alongside M.Elizabeth Events.

On the fall day of their nuptials, 325 of the couple’s loved ones gathered at their place of worship in Birmingham after being invited by way of invitations designed by Annabelle's Too. Mary Wesley donned a gorgeous gown with long lace sleeves by Martina Liana from Ivory & White Bridal Boutique; her hair was pulled back in an elegant coiffure by hairstylist and makeup artist Madeline Hulsey. Her groom and his groomsmen donned classic Jos. A. Bank tuxedos, while bridesmaids were dressed in soft-toned gowns by Amsale from Bella Bridesmaids.

White hydrangeas, roses, stock, tuberose blooms, and dendrobium orchids accented with greenery, such as salal, variegated pittosporum, and Italian ruscus, dressed the beautiful Cathedral Church of the Advent and complemented the bride's beautiful bouquet of ivory blooms. For the vow exchange, the couple incorporated a beautiful antique needlepoint kneeler made by the bride’s great-grandmother, as well as candlesticks that have been incorporated into other family weddings for many generations. 

After Mary Wesley and Bradley were pronounced husband and wife, loved ones gathered at The Club on top of Red Mountain for the evening festivities as it overlooked the city. Rich with greenery and utilizing luxurious vanilla-toned details designed by AG Event Design, the venue continued the theme of a traditional Southern wedding, which the couple loved most. “While the wedding’s color palette and flowers were classic and elegant, the design and layout of the reception is what made this wedding most unique,” shares the bride. Illuminated with candlelight, glamorous uplighting, and a six-foot-tall crystal chandelier adorned with luxury florals that centered the room, off-white drapery lined the walls and ceilings of the space as friends and family celebrated all night long. 

As guests entered the reception space, they were greeted with trays of petite crab cakes and crostini with pimento cheese and bacon jam, along with a series of savory treats. For dinner, the couple selected a Southern-inspired meal consisting of a beef tenderloin carving station, fried chicken tenders, and a wide range of sides and rolls for all to enjoy. Along with glasses of red and white wine, guests were welcomed to three full-service bars throughout the fête to keep the revelry going, with help from the sounds of a live band, City Heat, and an elegant wedding cake designed by Pastry Art. “We also offered a late-night pass of mini Krispy Kreme doughnuts,” reveals the bride, as they are one of Bradley’s favorite treats. 

Reflecting on their most memorable moments – all photographed by Heather Durham, the bride highlights their first dance as husband and wife to “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers – a favorite song of Bradley and his maternal grandparents. When asked if she would do anything differently, Mary Wesley admits she would not change a thing. “It was my dream wedding,” she muses. “I am so grateful!”