REAL WEDDING:: Rachel Weaver + Colton Kelley {Marrying My Best Friend}

Bride and groom smile with their foreheads touching during an intimate portrait framed by soft greenery and the bride’s flowing veil.

::FEATURED IN THE 2026 SPRING PRINT EDITION OF NOW WEDDINGS MAGAZINE::

Photography by Caywood Photography

rachel + colton’s story

Rachel and Colton’s love story began on game day. While Rachel was attending The University of Alabama, the two were introduced through a mutual friend at an Alabama football game. What started as a casual meeting quickly grew into something lasting.

Two years later, Colton proposed during a quiet, private moment at his family’s beach house in Orange Beach, Alabama, a setting that perfectly reflected the sincerity of their relationship.

Bride and groom pose together on a tree-lined path, smiling while holding a lush white and blue wedding bouquet.

Blue and white floral wedding invitation with scalloped edges styled on pale blue fabric alongside lace, stationery, and fresh flowers.

Newlyweds smile as they walk hand in hand through a sparkling send-off, wearing white floral leis and surrounded by cheering guests.

Four-tier white wedding cake decorated with pale blue hydrangeas, white roses, and a custom monogram, displayed on an ornate gold cake stand.

Reception place setting with a pearl-edged charger plate, blue linen napkin, and custom floral menu card.

Their wedding day was deeply meaningful and rich with personal tradition. Two of Rachel’s grandparents played special roles in the ceremony, creating moments that honored both family and heritage. Her grandfather delivered a scripture reading, while her grandmother incorporated their Native American roots by performing Indian sign language to The Lord’s Prayer, a powerful and unforgettable tribute.

Bride and groom pose with their wedding party and family members outside a white chapel, surrounded by bridesmaids in pale blue dresses and groomsmen in black tuxedos.

Mother of the bride adjusts the bride’s cathedral-length veil as they stand before tall sunlit windows in the bridal suite.

Diamond engagement ring, eternity band, and gold wedding band displayed in a pale blue velvet ring box surrounded by white roses and soft white blooms.

Tiered dessert display featuring chocolate-covered strawberries and individual strawberry shortcake parfaits arranged on rustic wooden shelves.

For Rachel, the most meaningful part of the day was simple and profound. “Having the opportunity to marry my best friend,” she says. After months of planning, seeing her vision come together felt like a dream realized. Surrounded by family and friends who love and support them, every moment felt special, from the first look to the final dance, marking the beginning of a beautiful new chapter.

Bride and groom share a dramatic dip kiss during their first dance while family and friends gather around the dance floor.

Newlyweds celebrate their marriage by walking hand in hand down the church aisle beneath a large wooden cross and elegant floral arrangements.

Bride poses with six bridesmaids in matching light blue one-shoulder gowns, each holding white and blue floral bouquets beneath towering oak trees.

Groom walks with his groomsmen along a shaded tree-lined path, all dressed in classic black tuxedos with white rose boutonnieres.

::AS SEEN IN THE 2026 SPRING PRINT EDITION OF

NOW WEDDINGS MAGAZINE::

NOW FEATURED VENDORS:

BRIDAL GOWN: Martina Liana, I Do Bridal and Formal

BAKERY: Designer Cakes by Karissa

ADDITIONAL VENDORS:

GETTING READY LOCATION: VBRO | CEREMONY LOCATION: St. Francis at the Point | OFFICIANT: Reverend Scott Stevens | RECEPTION LOCATION: Apiary Fairhope | REHEARSAL DINNER LOCATION: Wash House Restaurant | BRIDESMAIDS’ GOWNS: Rinna, Azazie | FLOWER GIRL DRESS: French hand sewn heirloom dress created by Margaret Eubanks | ALTERATIONS: Darlene Eddins | GROOM/GROOMSMEN ATTIRE: Providence Tuxedo, Mr. Burch Formal Wear | PHOTOGRAPHER + VIDEOGRAPHER: Caywood Photography | FLORIST: Blooming Fabulous Flower Shop | CEREMONY MUSIC: Pianist, Melanie Brannan + Vocals, Fred Stallworth and Kellie Williford | RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT: DJ Stimulus | TRANSPORTATION: Covenant Elite Charters and Tours | HAIR + MAKEUP: Hair, Britney Hadley + Makeup, Teddi Michael (Glamour by Teddi) | HONEYMOON: Secrets Tides Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic | WEDDING PLANNER/DESIGNER: Ceremony, Leona Blaylock with St. Francis at the Point + Reception, Kate Blubaugh Woodruff with Apiary Fairhope | DECOR RENTALS: Gulf Coast Events and Rentals + DeLacey Design Co. | MARQUEE LIGHTING: Coastal Marquee and Photo Booth Baldwin County | CATERER: Naman’s Catering | BAR SERVICE: Bottles Up Mobile | JEWELER: Diamonds Direct | FAVORS: Online retailer- Glow sticks, heart shaped glasses, and leis | INVITATIONS: Zazzle