Colorful and Modern Wedding in Alabama: Erica + Michael

Today’s feature wedding is vibrant, with a color combo of fuchsia, yellow and orange.  Not your typical wedding colors, but gorgeous nonetheless.  Erica wanted an intimate wedding that would feel more like a family reunion, and it was everything and more, fireworks included. Elle Danielle Photography was there to capture all the beauty.

Quick Facts

It was the first day of school at Midfield High School.  The hallway was a little chaotic, with students greeting each other and figuring out their schedules, while being warned by their teachers to get to class. That’s when Michael “Showtime” Dawson saw Erica.  It was as if all the commotion in the hallway faded away, as he confidently strolled up to her and asked her if he could “move in” her locker. Michael’s smooth move made an impression on Erica and it sparked a friendship between the soon-to-be high school football star and head cheerleader that grew into a teenage love affair.

After graduation, the high-school sweethearts ventured off to separate colleges, Erica to the University of Alabama at Huntsville and Michael to Stillman College. They communicated less but managed to always keep in touch.  In the fall 2006, tragedy struck.  “Showtime,” who was now the star running back for Stillman’s football team, tore his ACL during practice.  He suddenly began to reevaluate his life, and all he could think about was Erica. She was the only one with whom he could share his deepest emotions. He reached out to her on MySpace and opened his heart.  They soon became inseparable, and the next semester, Erica decided to transfer to the University of Alabama to be closer to Michael during his recovery.

After dating for years, both Michael and Erica knew they were ready for the next step. Proposing to the love of your life on a rainy day, while you are recovering from a tooth extraction may not seem like the best of ideas, but it perfect timing for Michael.  The couple decided to bare the rain and go to a local city celebration.  While getting ready, the two laughed at shared memories, and in the spirit of the conversation Erica said, “Today would be perfect, if we were already engaged.”  A lightblub went off in Michael’s head. He called Erica’s mom and their closest friends to share his plan. He slid the ring into his pocket, and they headed out. When they arrived, Michael became nervous.  Erica noticed he was pacing and covering his mouth, but she assumed his tooth was hurting.  Michael, needing a little reassurance asked, “You about ready E?” Erica unsuspecting of Michael’s intentions, assumed he’s ready to leave and responded; “I’m ready when you are.”  A moment later, Michael was on one knee. Swarms of family and friends gathered around them to celebrate!

Since family is so important to this hometown couple, they wanted their wedding to have a glamorous aesthetic and a fun “family reunion” atmosphere.  Erica brought the glamour in her form fitting mermaid gown that accentuated her curves beautifully.  Guests loved the scenic wedding venue, and the delicious popsicles served during the reception helped them stay cool. However, the “cherry on top” of their sweet union of love happened when Erica and Michael surprised their guests with a 15 minute fireworks display. Erica shares, “We always wanted to make a lasting impression on our guests and we knew the fireworks would do it! People are still talking about the fireworks show today!”  Who knew that a spark ignited years ago by a swaggering high school football player, would turn into such a bright and mesmerizing display of love.

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