Following our hair and makeup trial at Torie's Artistry Beauty Bar, Auburn and I grabbed an Uber back to our VRBO near Toomer's Corner. While we were enjoying a little mother-daughter pampering, Ron and several wonderful helpers had been hard at work transporting décor, beverages, luggage, and countless wedding necessities to Auburn Oaks Farm.
The venue features two homes: The Main House and The Lodge. We chose to rent the Main House for both Friday and Saturday nights, even though it is typically included only on the wedding day. The extra investment proved worthwhile, giving our family a comfortable gathering place throughout the weekend and allowing us to be much closer to the venue. It even became the perfect solution for our youngest wedding guests, as my niece Lindsey—an Auburn University graduate—arranged for two friends to babysit several of the little cousins there during the reception.
On the wedding day, the Main House serves as the bridal suite where the bridesmaids prepare, while The Lodge is reserved for the groom and his groomsmen. Although the venue is called Auburn Oaks Farm, it is actually nestled in the rolling countryside of Notasulga, Alabama, about 25 minutes from Auburn. The peaceful drive only adds to its charm.
As practical as our lodging arrangement sounded, it created one small logistical hiccup. I still needed to shower, finish packing up the VRBO, change into my cocktail dress and heels for the rehearsal dinner, and somehow get back to the farm. Since Ron had already driven out with supplies, he made yet another 50-minute round-trip shuttle to retrieve me. Between all the moving pieces, arriving promptly for our 4:00 p.m. rehearsal became a bit of an adventure—a fitting preview of the organized chaos that often accompanies a wedding weekend.
The venue features two homes: The Main House and The Lodge. We chose to rent the Main House for both Friday and Saturday nights, even though it is typically included only on the wedding day. The extra investment proved worthwhile, giving our family a comfortable gathering place throughout the weekend and allowing us to be much closer to the venue. It even became the perfect solution for our youngest wedding guests, as my niece Lindsey—an Auburn University graduate—arranged for two friends to babysit several of the little cousins there during the reception.
On the wedding day, the Main House serves as the bridal suite where the bridesmaids prepare, while The Lodge is reserved for the groom and his groomsmen. Although the venue is called Auburn Oaks Farm, it is actually nestled in the rolling countryside of Notasulga, Alabama, about 25 minutes from Auburn. The peaceful drive only adds to its charm.
As practical as our lodging arrangement sounded, it created one small logistical hiccup. I still needed to shower, finish packing up the VRBO, change into my cocktail dress and heels for the rehearsal dinner, and somehow get back to the farm. Since Ron had already driven out with supplies, he made yet another 50-minute round-trip shuttle to retrieve me. Between all the moving pieces, arriving promptly for our 4:00 p.m. rehearsal became a bit of an adventure—a fitting preview of the organized chaos that often accompanies a wedding weekend.
With Auburn living in Dallas, Texas, our family in Wisconsin, Josh's family in Birmingham, and the wedding taking place in Auburn, Alabama, coordinating all the moving pieces required an incredible amount of planning. One of the smartest decisions Auburn made was investing in a wedding coordinator.
Blaknie had been recommended by one of Auburn's Chi Omega sisters, an event planner in Birmingham. Although she had assisted with many weddings, this was one of her first serving as the lead coordinator. You would never have known it. From the moment we met her, she exuded calm confidence and quiet competence. www.instagram.com/blakniecarlileevents?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
Long before the wedding weekend arrived, Blaknie became an invaluable resource to Auburn, answering questions, offering guidance, and helping navigate countless details over the course of nearly eight months. During the wedding weekend, she seamlessly handled the behind-the-scenes tasks that most guests—and often even the bride and groom—never realize are happening.
For example, the dinner plates and flatware Auburn rented came from a company in Birmingham, so Blaknie personally transported them to Auburn. As a notary public, she was also able to notarize their marriage license. Throughout the rehearsal and wedding day, she kept everyone on schedule, guided the processional and recessional with confidence, and never appeared flustered, even when the unexpected arose.
When it looked as though the wedding cake might not stretch quite as far as anticipated, she quietly cut additional servings without anyone noticing. She made sure the catering staff cleared the tables efficiently, and after the cake cutting, she carefully stored the crystal swans that had adorned my own wedding cake and the sterling silver cake knife my parents had used at their 1965 wedding. Those heirlooms are priceless to our family, and I never once had to wonder if they were being cared for.
Those are just the details I happened to notice. I'm certain there were dozens more that escaped my attention because Blaknie handled them before they ever became problems.
As the mother of the bride, one of the greatest gifts I received that weekend was the freedom to simply be present. Instead of answering questions or solving problems, I could soak in every moment with Auburn, our family, and our friends. The rehearsal and wedding unfolded beautifully because Auburn surrounded herself with capable professionals and then trusted them to do what they do best. It was a lesson in wisdom that I hope every future bride considers.
Blaknie had been recommended by one of Auburn's Chi Omega sisters, an event planner in Birmingham. Although she had assisted with many weddings, this was one of her first serving as the lead coordinator. You would never have known it. From the moment we met her, she exuded calm confidence and quiet competence. www.instagram.com/blakniecarlileevents?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
Long before the wedding weekend arrived, Blaknie became an invaluable resource to Auburn, answering questions, offering guidance, and helping navigate countless details over the course of nearly eight months. During the wedding weekend, she seamlessly handled the behind-the-scenes tasks that most guests—and often even the bride and groom—never realize are happening.
For example, the dinner plates and flatware Auburn rented came from a company in Birmingham, so Blaknie personally transported them to Auburn. As a notary public, she was also able to notarize their marriage license. Throughout the rehearsal and wedding day, she kept everyone on schedule, guided the processional and recessional with confidence, and never appeared flustered, even when the unexpected arose.
When it looked as though the wedding cake might not stretch quite as far as anticipated, she quietly cut additional servings without anyone noticing. She made sure the catering staff cleared the tables efficiently, and after the cake cutting, she carefully stored the crystal swans that had adorned my own wedding cake and the sterling silver cake knife my parents had used at their 1965 wedding. Those heirlooms are priceless to our family, and I never once had to wonder if they were being cared for.
Those are just the details I happened to notice. I'm certain there were dozens more that escaped my attention because Blaknie handled them before they ever became problems.
As the mother of the bride, one of the greatest gifts I received that weekend was the freedom to simply be present. Instead of answering questions or solving problems, I could soak in every moment with Auburn, our family, and our friends. The rehearsal and wedding unfolded beautifully because Auburn surrounded herself with capable professionals and then trusted them to do what they do best. It was a lesson in wisdom that I hope every future bride considers.
By 4:00 p.m., everyone had arrived at Auburn Oaks Farm in Notasulga for the wedding rehearsal. Seeing our family and friends gathered together in one place after months of planning was both exciting and surreal.
The bride-to-be looked absolutely radiant in a modern white maxi dress she had ordered from Revolve. It had a whimsical flair that reminded me just a little of something from Whoville—in the very best way! Rather than carrying a traditional bouquet, she proudly held the creative masterpiece she had crafted earlier that week using gift bows, a paper plate, and a hot glue gun. It was delightfully "Auburn"—resourceful, playful, and full of personality.
The bridesmaids arrived in colorful summer sundresses, while the groomsmen wore sport coats, all dressed appropriately for the rehearsal dinner that would follow at the beloved Amsterdam Café in downtown Auburn.
Leading the rehearsal was Rev. John Woods, pastor of music at the Wallace's family church in Pelham, Alabama. Along with his wife, Lindsey, he had spent nearly two months walking the couple through premarital counseling, helping them prepare not just for a wedding day, but for a lifetime of marriage.
Rev. Woods brought a calm presence and genuine joy to the rehearsal and, the following day, to the wedding ceremony itself. One of our friends from Florida later remarked that his message was so thoughtful and Christ-centered that every married couple in attendance left with a stronger appreciation for their own marriage. I couldn't agree more. I'm looking forward to watching the wedding video so I can listen to his message again without all the emotions and distractions that naturally accompany such a memorable day.
The bride-to-be looked absolutely radiant in a modern white maxi dress she had ordered from Revolve. It had a whimsical flair that reminded me just a little of something from Whoville—in the very best way! Rather than carrying a traditional bouquet, she proudly held the creative masterpiece she had crafted earlier that week using gift bows, a paper plate, and a hot glue gun. It was delightfully "Auburn"—resourceful, playful, and full of personality.
The bridesmaids arrived in colorful summer sundresses, while the groomsmen wore sport coats, all dressed appropriately for the rehearsal dinner that would follow at the beloved Amsterdam Café in downtown Auburn.
Leading the rehearsal was Rev. John Woods, pastor of music at the Wallace's family church in Pelham, Alabama. Along with his wife, Lindsey, he had spent nearly two months walking the couple through premarital counseling, helping them prepare not just for a wedding day, but for a lifetime of marriage.
Rev. Woods brought a calm presence and genuine joy to the rehearsal and, the following day, to the wedding ceremony itself. One of our friends from Florida later remarked that his message was so thoughtful and Christ-centered that every married couple in attendance left with a stronger appreciation for their own marriage. I couldn't agree more. I'm looking forward to watching the wedding video so I can listen to his message again without all the emotions and distractions that naturally accompany such a memorable day.
Following the rehearsal, our group made the drive back to downtown Auburn for the rehearsal dinner at the Amsterdam Café. Open since 1991, it has long been one of my favorite restaurants in Auburn. The warm, low lighting, rich mahogany booths, and timeless atmosphere make it feel both elegant and inviting—a place that naturally encourages lingering conversations.
The rehearsal dinner was held in the downstairs wine cellar and bar, where seating for nearly 70 guests had been thoughtfully arranged. It was no small feat to accommodate that many people in such an intimate space, but it came together beautifully. Gorgeous floral arrangements adorned the tables, while the entryway welcomed guests with framed photographs capturing some of Josh and Auburn's most treasured memories together. Josh's mother, Jill, also created a wonderful slideshow that followed each of them from childhood through the many milestones that ultimately led them to one another.
As delicious as the meal was—and it truly was exceptional—the evening belonged to the speeches.
Like many mothers, I found myself wishing I had recorded every word, especially my son Trey's heartfelt tribute to his sister. He spoke about Auburn's incredible work ethic, the funny confusion around a scratch on the car (who was guilty?), and how grateful he was that Josh had welcomed him to Auburn University, treating him like a younger brother from the very beginning.
One story, Trey recalled visiting Auburn and Josh in Dallas, where he noticed Josh intentionally positioning his vehicle behind Auburn's on a busy highway, shielding her from an aggressive driver who had been tailgating. It wasn't a grand gesture or a dramatic moment—it was simply an instinctive act of love and protection. Trey shared that it was in that ordinary moment he realized Josh loved his sister every bit as much as he did. As her brother, he said, he could ask for nothing more than a man who would cherish and protect her for the rest of her life. Trey said it all with his dry wit and low-key affability with the occasional pause to move through the emotion.
Then came one of the evening's funniest moments. Family friend Megan Lemke began her toast by turning to Trey and saying, "Trey, I was really hoping you would bomb your speech to make my job easier, but I've got to say...you absolutely nailed it!" The room erupted in laughter, instantly lightening the emotions while perfectly capturing the affection everyone felt for the couple.
It was an evening filled with heartfelt words, joyful laughter, delicious food, and the unmistakable warmth of family and lifelong friends gathered to celebrate two remarkable people. Tim and Jill were gracious hosts, and their hospitality helped create a night that none of us will soon forget. Looking around that room, I couldn't help but think how richly blessed Auburn and Josh are to be surrounded by so many people who genuinely love them.
The rehearsal dinner was held in the downstairs wine cellar and bar, where seating for nearly 70 guests had been thoughtfully arranged. It was no small feat to accommodate that many people in such an intimate space, but it came together beautifully. Gorgeous floral arrangements adorned the tables, while the entryway welcomed guests with framed photographs capturing some of Josh and Auburn's most treasured memories together. Josh's mother, Jill, also created a wonderful slideshow that followed each of them from childhood through the many milestones that ultimately led them to one another.
As delicious as the meal was—and it truly was exceptional—the evening belonged to the speeches.
Like many mothers, I found myself wishing I had recorded every word, especially my son Trey's heartfelt tribute to his sister. He spoke about Auburn's incredible work ethic, the funny confusion around a scratch on the car (who was guilty?), and how grateful he was that Josh had welcomed him to Auburn University, treating him like a younger brother from the very beginning.
One story, Trey recalled visiting Auburn and Josh in Dallas, where he noticed Josh intentionally positioning his vehicle behind Auburn's on a busy highway, shielding her from an aggressive driver who had been tailgating. It wasn't a grand gesture or a dramatic moment—it was simply an instinctive act of love and protection. Trey shared that it was in that ordinary moment he realized Josh loved his sister every bit as much as he did. As her brother, he said, he could ask for nothing more than a man who would cherish and protect her for the rest of her life. Trey said it all with his dry wit and low-key affability with the occasional pause to move through the emotion.
Then came one of the evening's funniest moments. Family friend Megan Lemke began her toast by turning to Trey and saying, "Trey, I was really hoping you would bomb your speech to make my job easier, but I've got to say...you absolutely nailed it!" The room erupted in laughter, instantly lightening the emotions while perfectly capturing the affection everyone felt for the couple.
It was an evening filled with heartfelt words, joyful laughter, delicious food, and the unmistakable warmth of family and lifelong friends gathered to celebrate two remarkable people. Tim and Jill were gracious hosts, and their hospitality helped create a night that none of us will soon forget. Looking around that room, I couldn't help but think how richly blessed Auburn and Josh are to be surrounded by so many people who genuinely love them.
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