How did you guys meet?
Katy: We both work for Lowe’s! I joined in 2020 and am coming up on 5 years, Jay will wrap up 27 years this winter. When we met we were both in serious relationships — either engaged or planning a wedding. A year of working for him as an Operations Manager and I got promoted. Several months go by, I leave my husband and he splits with his fiancé and I had to call him about work one day. We just hit it off so fast. He jokes that I never left after the first date. We actually both grew up in east TN. He’s from Hudson and I’m from Benton.
Tell us about your engagement!
Katy: We kind of skipped this part…oops! It was December of 2023 and we were at Sandals in South Coast for the first time and he says “You wanna elope today?” We walk to the wedding office and they looked at us very strange and said “we don’t do that here…” A few months go by and one night in April we are sitting on the couch watching tv and he says “if we get married this Saturday it will be 4+20=2024. You want to?” And we did, and it was our little secret. Our public date shared will be 10/23/24.
Who was a part of your wedding team?
Katy: Off site, Carlie Finch worked her magic to plan and secure the chapel over the water. Sandals provided a planner who contacts the bride 3 times prior to your arrival and once onsite, the day before the wedding you meet with a day of planner who coordinates the photographer, videographer, person for the reception.
Where did you splurge? Where did you save/DIY?
Katy: The splurge was the chapel! We kept it very simple. Orchids were included, no extra decor.
What words of advice do you have for couples in the midst of their planning?
Katy: Seriously, don’t stress. It’s not worth it! Enjoy this new phase of life and the new phase you are about to enter.
Can you share any special moments or highlights from your wedding day?
Katy: The best part was as the doors opened back up after we were announced husband and wife, several handfuls of folks had been watching and cheered as we walked back towards our reception. We teared up all over again. It was the sweetest thing.
What was the vision for your wedding?
Katy: We have both been married and wanted something extremely simple and intimate and it couldn’t have been more perfect. My sister is 30+ weeks pregnant so they couldn’t travel. My best friend Jorie walked me down the aisle to Better Together by Luke Combs.
What was your theme and what inspired it?
Katy: It was in Jamaica — beachy! Dress from Lulu’s, my shoes were Reefs from Amazon. Jay wore a white linen shirt and khaki shorts with sperrys.
What details were used to create your theme?
Katy: I wore a sixpence tucked into my dress — worn by mom and sister at their weddings! Jorie and I had gold and light blue jewelry from Altar’d state and I wore my Granny’s pearl earrings.