Lit by Fireflies | After seven years of dating, Ryan proposed to Leslie in one of the most magical natural settings imaginable – the Smoky Mountains during the peak of the synchronous fireflies. The rare species lights up the forest in perfect harmony during mating season, creating a breathtaking backdrop.
FEATURED IN THE FALL 2025 PRINT ISSUE OF NOW WEDDINGS MAGAZINE
Photography by Christian Moss Photography
Leslie Bell and Steven Albritton’s Florida wedding was an intimate celebration filled with personal details, meaningful relationships and plenty of personality. Held at Hamilton’s Pond in McDavid, Florida, their wedding day reflected the same authenticity that shaped their love story, from a magical proposal beneath synchronous fireflies to a joyful ceremony surrounded by people they knew and loved.
Leslie & Steven’s Story
After seven years of dating, Ryan proposed to Leslie in one of the most magical natural settings imaginable – the Smoky Mountains during the peak of the synchronous fireflies. The rare species lights up the forest in perfect harmony during mating season, creating a breathtaking backdrop. “Just us and the fireflies lighting up,” Leslie recalls. No photos, just an unforgettable moment shared between the two of them.
Their wedding in McDavid, Florida, reflected that same intimacy and authenticity. Most of their vendors were people they personally knew – an intentional choice that made the day feel even more meaningful. “For us getting married in our thirties, we wanted to use people that were close to us and knew us personally,” Leslie shares.
The ceremony was heartfelt, but one moment stood out above all: walking back down the aisle together as husband and wife to the sound of Dixieland Delight, played by their violinist. It was joyful, celebratory, and uniquely them.
AS SEEN IN THE 2025 FALL ISSUE OF NOW WEDDING MAGAZINE
NOW FEATURED VENDOR:
BRIDAL GOWN: Bliss Bridal
ADDITIONAL VENDORS:
VENUE + REHEARSAL DINNER LOCATION + DECOR RENTALS: Hamilton’s Pond | OFFICIANT: Jason Richardson | BRIDESMAIDS’ GOWNS: Bridesmaid’s Choice | GROOM/GROOMSMEN ATTIRE: Amazon | PHOTOGRAPHER: CM Photography | FLORIST: The Yellow Garden | BAKERY: Cake, Baked by Becky + Cookies, Cakes by Skeff | CEREMONY MUSIC: Rebekah Hicks – Heartstrings | RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT: The Jones Mills Band | HAIR + MAKEUP: Uprooted Salon- Brandy Pezant (Hair) + Gabby McGhee (Makeup) | HONEYMOON: Sandals Royal Caribbean, Montego Bay Jamaica | TRAVEL AGENT: Magical Enchanted Vacations with Anna | WEDDING PLANNER/DESIGNER: The Bride + Hamilton’s Pond | CATERER: Everything & More | JEWELER: Kay’s | FAVORS: Jayla Brown | INVITATIONS: Designed by Camryn Sims Design, Printed through VistaPrint | PAINTED BOURBON BOTTLE: Morgan Wilson Design | BRIDAL BOUQUET WRAP: Stitchfete
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