Lakyn Martin & Derek Newcomb: A Vestavia Hills Wedding

August 29, 2020

Photos by Mary Fehr- Oh Honey Photo Co.

The Proposal: Derek proposed on my birthday. We went to a nice dinner and then walked through the Tinsel Trail in Huntsville’s Big Spring Park. I asked three strangers to take a photo of us in front of one of the trees, and while they were snapping pictures, Derek got down on one knee.

The Dress: I got my dress at Ivory & Birch. I love florals, so the embroidery really sold me on it. I also love that it’s not true white; it’s more of a mauve-grey color.

Favorite Moment: About 10 days before our wedding, I found several caterpillars in our backyard. To spite having a million other things to do, I decided to take them in and make sure they got their wings. The day before the wedding, the caterpillars hatched, and just before our rehearsal in the backyard, Derek and I got to release them into the world. It was magical!

Favorite Details: Getting married during a global pandemic was stressful. We had to let go of what we had originally imagined for the day and decide on what was really important to us. We knew we needed our parents there as well as many people from the wedding party that could safely attend. All the other details could be changed. In the end, Derek’s brother Jared performed our ceremony. We named our signature cocktails after our dogs, Greta and Nessie, and a wonderful artist we found through Etsy was able to make an amazing illustration of our pups for our cocktail menu. Derek’s mom, Sue, also gave me one of his great-grandmother’s handkerchiefs that I wrapped around my bouquet.

What We Are Doing Now: Derek and I are loving newlywed life even in quarantine! Every night is date night, and facing new challenges together is what marriage is all about.