With the wedding ceremony complete, everyone was ready to celebrate. While the photographer gathered the extended families for portraits with the bride and groom, guests enjoyed a relaxed cocktail hour on the lawn. Auburn and Josh had selected signature drinks that reflected their personalities—a refreshing margarita for the bride and a classic bourbon Old Fashioned for the groom.
Meanwhile, Chef Nick—whom you may remember as the chef and caterer for several Auburn fraternities—and his talented staff kept guests well-fed with an impressive selection of hors d'oeuvres, including pimento cheese sandwiches, seafood salad dip, and "shotgun shells. A funny tribute to the hunting club wedding venue. It was the perfect opportunity to mingle, reconnect with familiar faces, and meet the many friends and family members who had traveled from near and far to celebrate this joyful occasion together.
Meanwhile, Chef Nick—whom you may remember as the chef and caterer for several Auburn fraternities—and his talented staff kept guests well-fed with an impressive selection of hors d'oeuvres, including pimento cheese sandwiches, seafood salad dip, and "shotgun shells. A funny tribute to the hunting club wedding venue. It was the perfect opportunity to mingle, reconnect with familiar faces, and meet the many friends and family members who had traveled from near and far to celebrate this joyful occasion together.
The venue had been thoughtfully designed to transform seamlessly from ceremony to reception. Floor-to-ceiling drapery framed the ceremony space, concealing the reception tables waiting just beyond. As guests enjoyed cocktail hour around the property, the venue staff worked quickly behind the scenes, completing the impressive flip from chapel to elegant banquet hall.
I remember when Auburn was planning the reception and agonizing over every detail of the tablescape. Should the linens be white, soft pink, or light green? Solid or florals? At the time, I quietly wondered if it was worth so much deliberation when simple white tablecloths would certainly have been lovely.
The moment the curtains were drawn back, however, I understood completely. The tables were stunning. Every choice she had carefully considered came together beautifully, creating a reception space that felt both elegant and whimsical—like something from a fairytale. It was another reminder that the thoughtful details, though easy to overlook during the planning process, often become the very elements that make an event feel truly unforgettable.
I remember when Auburn was planning the reception and agonizing over every detail of the tablescape. Should the linens be white, soft pink, or light green? Solid or florals? At the time, I quietly wondered if it was worth so much deliberation when simple white tablecloths would certainly have been lovely.
The moment the curtains were drawn back, however, I understood completely. The tables were stunning. Every choice she had carefully considered came together beautifully, creating a reception space that felt both elegant and whimsical—like something from a fairytale. It was another reminder that the thoughtful details, though easy to overlook during the planning process, often become the very elements that make an event feel truly unforgettable.
Once everyone had found their seats, DJ Prez of Superior Sounds enthusiastically introduced the newlyweds as they made their grand entrance. Auburn and Josh shared their first dance, performing a routine they had practiced in advance to Beyond by Leon Bridges Their choreography included graceful twirls, a few dramatic dips, and even a lift that earned warm applause from family and friends.
The father-daughter dance was set to Tim McGraw's My Little Girl, while Josh and his mom, Jill, chose Tim McGraw's Humble and Kind for their special dance together. Before the evening continued, the couple was encouraged to cut their wedding cake, as the Alabama humidity was beginning to take its toll on the beautiful three-tiered confection. Using a silver cake knife engraved with my parents' names, from their wedding in 1965, Auburn and Josh shared the traditional first slice, another meaningful family touch woven into the day.
With the formalities complete, DJ Prez invited the wedding party to the buffet first, followed by the guests, table by table.
The father-daughter dance was set to Tim McGraw's My Little Girl, while Josh and his mom, Jill, chose Tim McGraw's Humble and Kind for their special dance together. Before the evening continued, the couple was encouraged to cut their wedding cake, as the Alabama humidity was beginning to take its toll on the beautiful three-tiered confection. Using a silver cake knife engraved with my parents' names, from their wedding in 1965, Auburn and Josh shared the traditional first slice, another meaningful family touch woven into the day.
With the formalities complete, DJ Prez invited the wedding party to the buffet first, followed by the guests, table by table.
As dinner progressed, I could tell Ron was becoming a bit anxious. He had spent months preparing his Father of the Bride speech. While he's known for his quick wit, spontaneous humor, and perfectly timed one-liners, this speech carried a little more weight than usual. He wanted to express his gratitude while also bringing a few laughs.
Never one to miss an opportunity for a prop, Ron had purchased a large Auburn University championship-style bling medallion at the local Walmart as a lighthearted thank-you to the university that brought Auburn and Josh together. It was classic Ron.
His speech was heartfelt, funny, and memorable, but it also taught us two lessons that may help anyone preparing to give a wedding toast.
First, don't underestimate the lighting. The reception room was intentionally dim to create a warm ambiance, and despite printing his speech in what he thought was a large enough font, he quickly realized he needed reading glasses. Fortunately, he had an $8 pair of readers with him, but constantly shifting between reading his notes and looking up to connect with the audience proved more difficult than expected. Looking back, he said either prescription glasses or an extra-large font would have made the experience much easier.
Second, take a moment to practice with the microphone beforehand. This one seemed particularly sensitive. Holding it too close muffled his voice, while holding it too far away made it difficult for guests at the back of the room to hear. A quick sound check would have eliminated the guesswork.
Even with those minor challenges, Ron delivered exactly what everyone hoped for. He expressed heartfelt appreciation to Reverend John Woods for leading such a meaningful ceremony, thanked our family and friends for traveling to celebrate with us, and sprinkled in enough humor to keep everyone smiling. One line in particular drew plenty of laughter: "We're not losing a daughter—we're gaining a handyman."
It was quintessential Ron—warm, sincere, and just funny enough. I have no doubt those words, and the love behind them, will be remembered for years to come.
Never one to miss an opportunity for a prop, Ron had purchased a large Auburn University championship-style bling medallion at the local Walmart as a lighthearted thank-you to the university that brought Auburn and Josh together. It was classic Ron.
His speech was heartfelt, funny, and memorable, but it also taught us two lessons that may help anyone preparing to give a wedding toast.
First, don't underestimate the lighting. The reception room was intentionally dim to create a warm ambiance, and despite printing his speech in what he thought was a large enough font, he quickly realized he needed reading glasses. Fortunately, he had an $8 pair of readers with him, but constantly shifting between reading his notes and looking up to connect with the audience proved more difficult than expected. Looking back, he said either prescription glasses or an extra-large font would have made the experience much easier.
Second, take a moment to practice with the microphone beforehand. This one seemed particularly sensitive. Holding it too close muffled his voice, while holding it too far away made it difficult for guests at the back of the room to hear. A quick sound check would have eliminated the guesswork.
Even with those minor challenges, Ron delivered exactly what everyone hoped for. He expressed heartfelt appreciation to Reverend John Woods for leading such a meaningful ceremony, thanked our family and friends for traveling to celebrate with us, and sprinkled in enough humor to keep everyone smiling. One line in particular drew plenty of laughter: "We're not losing a daughter—we're gaining a handyman."
It was quintessential Ron—warm, sincere, and just funny enough. I have no doubt those words, and the love behind them, will be remembered for years to come.
You can see Josh's grandparents in the background applauding the happy couple. Following heartfelt toasts by Maid of Honor Rachel Gonzales and Best Man Will Wallace, DJ Prez invited all of the married couples to the dance floor for one of the evening's most entertaining traditions—the anniversary dance.
DJ Prez (Robert Fowler) bears a striking resemblance to Carlton Banks from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, complete with the signature bow tie. Beyond his unmistakable style, he is one of Alabama's most sought-after DJs and MCs. Through Superior Sound Entertainment, he provides not only music, but also professional lighting, photo booths, and countless touches that elevate a celebration. He had already played a pivotal role in the day, providing the ceremony music after meeting with Auburn and Josh weeks earlier to carefully plan every song for both the ceremony and reception. share.google/f56aru4AjvyT3cIOK
As the music played, he began narrowing the field of married couples with his trademark humor.
"If you've been married less than two hours...have a seat!"
The room erupted in laughter as the bride and groom were the first to leave the dance floor. Then came the next milestones—10 years, 20 years, 30 years, and beyond—as couples gradually returned to their seats amid cheers and applause.
Eventually, only two couples remained: Ron's sister, Kerry, and her husband, Dan Roskopf, and Josh's beloved grandparents, The Rev. James and Sarah Wallace—better known to everyone as Mawmaw and Pawpaw.
The Wallaces claimed the victory with an incredible 63 years of marriage.
As they danced together, surrounded by generations of family and friends, they became a beautiful reminder of what everyone had gathered to celebrate that evening. Weddings honor the beginning of a marriage, but moments like this quietly remind us of the love, commitment, and faithfulness that carry a couple through the decades.
DJ Prez (Robert Fowler) bears a striking resemblance to Carlton Banks from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, complete with the signature bow tie. Beyond his unmistakable style, he is one of Alabama's most sought-after DJs and MCs. Through Superior Sound Entertainment, he provides not only music, but also professional lighting, photo booths, and countless touches that elevate a celebration. He had already played a pivotal role in the day, providing the ceremony music after meeting with Auburn and Josh weeks earlier to carefully plan every song for both the ceremony and reception. share.google/f56aru4AjvyT3cIOK
As the music played, he began narrowing the field of married couples with his trademark humor.
"If you've been married less than two hours...have a seat!"
The room erupted in laughter as the bride and groom were the first to leave the dance floor. Then came the next milestones—10 years, 20 years, 30 years, and beyond—as couples gradually returned to their seats amid cheers and applause.
Eventually, only two couples remained: Ron's sister, Kerry, and her husband, Dan Roskopf, and Josh's beloved grandparents, The Rev. James and Sarah Wallace—better known to everyone as Mawmaw and Pawpaw.
The Wallaces claimed the victory with an incredible 63 years of marriage.
As they danced together, surrounded by generations of family and friends, they became a beautiful reminder of what everyone had gathered to celebrate that evening. Weddings honor the beginning of a marriage, but moments like this quietly remind us of the love, commitment, and faithfulness that carry a couple through the decades.
From the moment the dance floor opened, it was clear this was a group that loved to dance. The energy was contagious as guests of all ages filled the floor throughout the evening.
Adding to the fun, DJ Prez distributed festive props including heart-shaped sunglasses, glowing white leis, and colorful glow sticks. They may have seemed like simple accessories, but they quickly encouraged even the most reluctant dancers to join the celebration and added a playful spirit to the night.
One of the evening's biggest hits, however, was the photo booth. This was a far cry from the enclosed booths of the 1980s. Instead, it featured a large white backdrop and a computerized camera system that could accommodate nearly a dozen people when everyone squeezed in together. As the evening wore on, the photos became increasingly animated, laughter grew louder, and the poses more creative.
The booth also gave guests an opportunity to capture spontaneous moments with family members, lifelong friends, and coworkers who may not have otherwise been photographed together. Auburn was especially touched that nearly 15 of her colleagues from Torq in Dallas had traveled to Alabama to celebrate with her. Seeing them gathered together in those photos was yet another reminder of the friendships she has built in this season of her life.
Long after the music faded and the dance floor emptied, those candid snapshots would become treasured keepsakes from a night filled with laughter, friendship, and celebration.
Adding to the fun, DJ Prez distributed festive props including heart-shaped sunglasses, glowing white leis, and colorful glow sticks. They may have seemed like simple accessories, but they quickly encouraged even the most reluctant dancers to join the celebration and added a playful spirit to the night.
One of the evening's biggest hits, however, was the photo booth. This was a far cry from the enclosed booths of the 1980s. Instead, it featured a large white backdrop and a computerized camera system that could accommodate nearly a dozen people when everyone squeezed in together. As the evening wore on, the photos became increasingly animated, laughter grew louder, and the poses more creative.
The booth also gave guests an opportunity to capture spontaneous moments with family members, lifelong friends, and coworkers who may not have otherwise been photographed together. Auburn was especially touched that nearly 15 of her colleagues from Torq in Dallas had traveled to Alabama to celebrate with her. Seeing them gathered together in those photos was yet another reminder of the friendships she has built in this season of her life.
Long after the music faded and the dance floor emptied, those candid snapshots would become treasured keepsakes from a night filled with laughter, friendship, and celebration.
One of the more expensive, but immensely appreciated, additions to the wedding was the shuttle service. Auburn had thought carefully about transportation logistics from the beginning. That morning, she arranged a shuttle to bring all 10 bridesmaids to the house, and later that afternoon, three shuttles transported guests from The Graduate Hotel to Auburn Oaks Farm in Notasulga—the charming countryside community just outside Auburn known for its rolling landscape and horse farms.
The timing was coordinated down to the minute, with shuttles departing The Graduate at 4:00, 4:10, and 4:20 p.m. Following the celebration, return shuttles began around 8:45 p.m., with additional shuttles at 10:30 p.m.—what we affectionately referred to as "closing time!"
Yes, the venue did have a relatively early ending for a wedding reception, but those who know me understand I was perfectly content not to be celebrating until midnight! More importantly, the shuttle service allowed everyone to enjoy the evening safely and without worrying about navigating the country roads back to town.
As guests prepared to leave, we handed out Auburn University shakers purchased from J&M Bookstore, and friends and family lined the outdoor exit to send the newlyweds off in true Auburn fashion. Before their departure, Auburn and Josh shared one final private moment inside the venue with a "last dance" while guests gathered outside.
Then came the traditional cheers—plenty of "War Eagles" and even the beloved "Bodda Getta"" chant—as the newlyweds made their exit in an Oaks golf cart.
The timing was coordinated down to the minute, with shuttles departing The Graduate at 4:00, 4:10, and 4:20 p.m. Following the celebration, return shuttles began around 8:45 p.m., with additional shuttles at 10:30 p.m.—what we affectionately referred to as "closing time!"
Yes, the venue did have a relatively early ending for a wedding reception, but those who know me understand I was perfectly content not to be celebrating until midnight! More importantly, the shuttle service allowed everyone to enjoy the evening safely and without worrying about navigating the country roads back to town.
As guests prepared to leave, we handed out Auburn University shakers purchased from J&M Bookstore, and friends and family lined the outdoor exit to send the newlyweds off in true Auburn fashion. Before their departure, Auburn and Josh shared one final private moment inside the venue with a "last dance" while guests gathered outside.
Then came the traditional cheers—plenty of "War Eagles" and even the beloved "Bodda Getta"" chant—as the newlyweds made their exit in an Oaks golf cart.
In typical Auburn and Josh fashion, the two did not leave quietly, privately, or in a special antique vehicle. Instead they decided that since they had invested in the shuttle service, they might as well enjoy it themselves! They boarded shuttle number three with their entire wedding party and about a dozen additional guests for the ride back to The Graduate.
While the older generation headed back to rest after a full day of celebration, the younger crowd—including the bride and groom—continued the festivities on campus at The Skybar. It was the perfect ending: a little practicality, a little tradition, and a whole lot of Auburn spirit.
While the older generation headed back to rest after a full day of celebration, the younger crowd—including the bride and groom—continued the festivities on campus at The Skybar. It was the perfect ending: a little practicality, a little tradition, and a whole lot of Auburn spirit.
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