“I knew he was the one very early on. He has such a kind heart and his love for the Lord let me know he was a keeper.”

Makenzie and Bailey’s lakeside wedding couldn’t have been more beautiful. The couple married at Douglas Manor, a popular wedding venue, nestled within the sprawling acres of wooded landscape and captured beautifully by photographer Abby Bates Photography. For this sunny outdoor wedding, Makenzie wore the heidi elnora Atelier Laura Lynne gown, an ethereal A-line wedding dress with a plunging illusion neckline and open back. The tulle skirt is made with layers upon layers of English netting accentuated with hand-beaded crystal appliqués that subtly caught the light as Makenzie walked down the lush wedding aisle.

“I feel like the Laura Lynne was made for me--the dress is so unique and beautiful,” says Makenzie. “I went into wedding dress shopping having no idea what I wanted, but the second I put on my dress, I knew this was the one!” Makenzie worked with designer Heidi Elnora herself and calls it “a dream come true” when Heidi knew exactly which gown to pull for Makenzie. Makenzie’s gown was complemented by her gorgeous bridal hair and bridal makeup done by Birminghair and Hallmark Beauty, respectively. The natural beauty of the outdoor venue was accented by the deep blue bridesmaid dresses by Bella Bridesmaids and wedding flowers by Help Me Wed.

Makenzie and Bailey’s favorite memory from their wedding day took place during their ceremony, when together they lit a unity candle at the altar. “We stayed there together for a couple of minutes as Bailey prayed over us and prayed for our future together,” remembers Makenzie. “It was the sweetest moment being surrounded by all of our family and friends.”

The couple was also surrounded by a few extra special guests: their dogs Ellie, Tux, Gracie, and Henry! From the guest sign-in board featuring an illustration of the couple and their four dogs to the groom’s “pup” cake made by local wedding cake designer, Barb’s Cakes, the wedding wouldn’t have felt as personal without their pets. “Our dogs are family, and having them involved in our day made it so special,” Makenzie smiles.

The wedding reception came to life with lighted initial signs by Alpha Lit Tuscaloosa and a fun photo station by Happy Trails Photo Booth.

We are so happy to call Makenzie a #heidibride, and we wish the couple (and their furbabies) all the best as they embark on their life together!