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Photo credits: Eyes on Photography
Corey and Mel
September 16, 2000
ABOUT THE BRIDE: Corey is originally from Auburn, Alabama. She works in product marketing in the
wireless industry.
ABOUT THE GROOM: Mel is originally from Farmville, a small town in the eastern part of North Carolina.
He is a finance manager.
HOW WE MET: A happenchance meeting at a cocktail party in Boston. Sparks flew that night!
ENGAGEMENT: In July of 1999, Mel and Corey took at weekend trip to Newport, Rhode Island to visit
the historic, oceanside mansions. It was a misty, overcast Saturday and after their tour of the historic
Rosecliff Mansion, Corey suggested they toss pennies into the backyard fountain and make wishes. They did,
and Mel repeatedly asked Corey what she wished for. After much teasing, he volunteered his wish, "I wished
that you'd say yes," he said. "I wish that you'd ask," she said. And with that, Mel slid the ring on Corey's
finger and asked her to share his life.
PLANNING: Corey's dream was to have an intimate gathering of close family and friends in a beautiful
outdoor setting. The details were very important to her, and so couple decided on a long engagement to give
them the time to create a unique and personal event.
ATTIRE: Corey choose a simple, strapless gown with elegant pearl beading on the bodice. She chose
a chapel length veil with a broad satin ribbon trim.
The bridesmaid's dresses were one of the most difficult choices of the affair. Because her bridesmaids
ranged widely in size and height – from under 5 foot to over 6 feet, Corey choose a tailored two piece satin
gown, with the sleeveless top edged in a delicate row of beads. Paired with classic black tuxedos for the
gentlemen, the candlelight-colored gowns struck the desired chord of understated elegance.
The flower girls also varied widely in age and size, and so Corey asked that they choose their own white dresses,
and hand-made mini-sunflower covered baskets to harmonize their look.
THE CEREMONY: The ceremony took place outdoors on the lawn of the Sibley Horticultural Center,
at Callaway Gardens. In a personal, emotional moment, the bride and her father walked down the aisle of
vibrant crimson, sherbet and gold hued flowers with teary eyes. A classical guitar and flute softly
played in the background, as Corey's father placed her hands in those of her new husband.
THE RECEPTION: After the ceremony, guests walked across the lawn and champagne and hors d'ouvres
were butler passed as dusk began to fall. A buffet of new southern cuisine was offered to adult guests and
a buffet of childhood favorites was offered to the younger guests. As the night progressed, guests danced
the evening away to jazz and swing standards from Swing Factory. At the close of the evening, guests wished
Corey and Mel well as they departed directly for their Costa Rican honeymoon.
HOW WE PERSONALIZED THE WEDDING: Corey wanted her wedding to be personal and unique, and so she
chose to use her new initial "W" as a subtle design element throughout the wedding. She monogrammed
vellum programs with a vibrant golden W. She monogrammed the plush hand towels in both restrooms. She made
golden-tone glycerin soap for the restrooms with a gold beaded "W" suspended inside. She also added other
touches to make each guest feel involved – she designed and printed coloring books for the children telling
the story of Mel and Corey's courtship. She created galvanized pails filled with wine, water, snacks, and a
hand-written note for all of their overnight guests.
Credits
Photography by Eyes on Photography (www.eyesonphotography.com) (Denver, CO)
Cake by Ursula Higgings (Auburn, AL)
Attire by The Clothes Rack (Auburn, AL)
Flowers by Stanley Sistrunk at the Flower Store (Auburn, AL)
Entertainment by Swing Factory (www.swingfactory.net) (Atlanta, GA)
Venue was Callaway Garden's Sibley Horticultural Center (www.callawaygardens.com) (Pine Mountain, GA)
If you have questions or comments for Corey and Mel, please e-mail them to coreywilliams@nc.rr.com.
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