October 2, 2021

Photos by Katherine Morgan Images

How We Met: Tarleton and Tracy both attended Hoover High School together. They knew of one another but didn’t hang out in the same groups. Tarleton likes to joke with Tracy that she was too cool for him. Years later they met up at a mutual friend’s house for an Auburn football game and began talking. They realized they shared a love for some of the same things, and Tarleton says he knew right away that she was the one.

The Proposal: Tarleton and Tracy share a love for the beach, where they have spent many times vacationing. This was where he had planned to propose when COVID-19 hit. Many months passed with no opportunity to travel to the beach, but in September of 2020 they planned a date night at one of their favorite restaurants, Redlands, where Tarleton decided he was going to propose. On their way out the door, he couldn’t wait and asked Tracy to marry him right then and there. The proposal dinner turned into a celebratory dinner instead!

Favorite Moment: One thing that was important to them was to honor Tarleton’s late father Francis Tarleton James III, and have him as a part of their ceremony. They did this by lighting a memorial candle as a part of the service. During the exchanging of rings, Tarleton received his father’s ring in addition to the one Tracy gave him.

Favorite Details: The florals were a mixture of white and blush florals: hydrangeas, roses, ranunculus, dahlias, anemones and greenery. The mothers and bridal party walked in to Pachebel’s Canon in D, and the bridal entrance was a modern version of the original Bridal Chorus by Wagner.

What We Are Doing Now: The groom is a Birmingham firefighter, and the bride works as the assistant manager of the Hoover Senior Center.

Venue: Riverchase Country Club Wedding Planner: Lexie Winkler Watkins, Riverchase Country Club Florist: Birdsong in Bloom Caterer: Riverchase Country Club Cake: Klarissa’s Cupcakes Invitations: Fine Paperwork Wedding Dress: Bella’s Bridal Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie Hair & Makeup: Ashley Vines, Beauty from Ash Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse Ceremony Music: Ethan Bracker Reception Band: The Blake Brock Trio Wedding Rings: Diamonds Direct