September 18, 2021, will be etched in our minds forever. We began the day at the Hudsmith family lake house dancing to 2000's hits as we took turns getting “wedding ready.” After the final touches, the girls attended a lovely bridesmaid luncheon, hosted by my Great Aunt, at Odette’s. Her traditional gift is a sugar bowl from our wedding china to “keep our marriage sweet.” Meanwhile, Ryan and his groomsmen feasted and got ready for the day ahead of them. As they arrived at Turtle Point, it all sank in as the final touches were being made on the hand-carved arch made by Ryan’s father, Jeff McKinney. I could smell the romance in the air as we turned into Turtle Point. The canopy of pine trees glistened with the freshly sprinkled mist from the rain. As I gazed at the beautiful entrance along Wilson Lake, the butterflies hit, as I was about to see the man of my dreams become my husband. As the rain fell, my groom was patiently waiting to see me in my elegant dress. Our “first look” was so special exchanging wedding gifts. Ryan’s gift to me was a Bible with a personal, handwritten note and I gave him a watch engraved with “I love you forever, ‘Em.” As time for the ceremony approached, the rain kept coming with some guests braving the weather with their umbrellas and others watching from the covered balcony. Just as my father and I linked arms to walk down the aisle, the rain subsided. Chris Carter, of Christ Church Memphis, delivered the special sermon. Closing the ceremony, together with our guests, we sang “Bind us Together.” This song is a reminder that we are bonded in love by Jesus and the love of our dear families and friends. We had the time of our lives dancing the night away. Ryan’s family restored a 1969 GTO that carried us away from the glow of the sparklers and a night to remember. Each guest took home “Wedding Sugar" we created from my “Take Off For Good” business. This day was long anticipated and was the start of the ultimate adventure. We may have endured a little rain while “tying the knot” but supposedly a wet knot is hard to untie! - Emilee
Ceremony Location: Turtle Point Yacht and
Country Club, Killen, AL
Photographer: Mary Kate Steele Photography
Caterer: Turtle Point Yacht and Country Club
Wedding Gown: The Barefoot Bride
Wedding Gown Designer: Essence of Australia
Videographer: NSainVideos – Brock Sain
Florist: Heaslett Design Studio –
Ann Marie Heaslett
Band: The Midnighters Band
Cake: Frost Bakery
Hair: Hair By Ellen Banks
Make Up: Pretty By Coco
Day of Wedding Coordinator: Lauren Drennan
Wedding Favors: Take Off For Good
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