PRIME TIME BRIDES
Recently engaged friends on and off the camera, FOX10 anchors Shelby Myers and Jennifer Lambers took a break for some brides-to-be bonding and to try on the latest gowns at Fairhope’s Bliss Bridal. Going from the weather, news, and entertainment reporting to the world of veils, layers of lace, and varying styles from traditional to ultra-feminine, see how they shine as they hunt for their dream gowns and share their I-do details.
By Hayley Hill Photos Amber Jones, JonesAmberMichelle@gmail.com Makeup Courtney Matthews Makeup Artistry, Cocokat1978@gmail.com Hair Jason Chambers, 251.689.7427 Shot On Location at Bliss Bridal, 152 N Section Street, Suite 1, Fairhope, AL , 36532, 251.990.3244, BeABlissBride.com
You’ve probably spent time with Jennifer Lambers and Shelby Myers. From local weather reports to what’s happening around the coast, these newly engaged friends have been in most of our homes. In a special phase of their lives, we thought it would be fun to set up a memorable experience in the bridal fashion department. With the help of local expert, Katie Yellin, owner of Fairhope’s Bliss Bridal, the energetic duo said ‘I do’ to hopping from their set to ours. Boasting beautiful designer gowns, the team at this special boutique knows how to make dreams come true and together, that’s just what we did.
Originally from Thomasville, AL, Shelby graduated from the University of South Alabama and began her broadcasting career in Biloxi, MS. From there she was called back to Mobile. “I’ve been at FOX10 for six years and I anchor weekdays at 3 and 4 p.m. and report for the 5 p.m. show as well. Recently, I helped launch FOX10 Live, a new show with a behind the scenes look at our newsroom and talk about trending topics like Taylor Swift, and share our Netflix picks, weekend activities, latest obsessions, and play trivia games. We also broadcast from cool events happening on the Gulf Coast,” Shelby shares.
Somehow between pitch meetings, filming, editing, and presenting stories, she found time to build a friendship with Jennifer Lambers. Originally from Leawood, KS, Jennifer arrived fresh out of college at FOX10 News in 2019. A meteorologist for almost five years, she shares, “I track the sun, rain, and severe weather on the coast on weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon. It’s exciting as the weather can rapidly swing from one element to another. It keeps us on our toes! Most people are surprised to learn that meteorologists don’t read scripts. We’re given a certain amount of airtime, make our graphics, and adlib for that allotted time,” Jennifer explains.
As for Jennifer’s friendship with Shelby, she shares, “Shelby is amazing. We really got to know each other while working on FOX10 News at 4 p.m. together. We had a lot of fun talking between the segments and on commercial breaks and right before our Christmas break, we talked about the potential of us both becoming engaged.”
Flipping the script, Shelby adds, “Jennifer has been a friend since she first came to FOX10 not long after I did. She’s kind, supportive, and great at her job. Just before our holiday break, we anchored together and had to answer the question ‘would you rather have 10 small gifts or one big gift?’ I answered, ‘one big gift — like an engagement ring’ and we laughed because we really wanted our men to propose. Little did we know, we would both get engaged a day apart!” Shelby confides.
As for their fiancés, Jennifer shares, “I met Cole Watson at the Dauphin Street Beer Festival in 2021 through mutual friends. I knew he was the one a little less than a year into dating. I’ve never felt so happy as he treats me like a princess and has never made me doubt his intentions with our relationship. Plus, he naturally fell into a great father-role with my daughter, Lasyn. From being involved with school activities, sports, and holidays, he’s been exactly what we needed!”
Shelby met Zach Brownell at a mutual friends Super Bowl party in 2019. “I think there was attraction there, but I thought he wouldn’t be interested in me. Later, he told me he thought I was cute, but I had said something about a popular athlete following me on social media and he was turned off. Ha! I said it as a joke since he had quickly unfollowed me. A year later while celebrating that same friend’s birthday, he beat me at cornhole and messaged me later bragging about the win and to ask me on a date. We’ve been together since then, and I knew he was the one when I met his family. I thought since they were great, he had to be, too.”
However, things for Zach and Shelby got serious in 2021. “We were on a boat ride singing to the music when he told my sister he was in love with me. It was the perfect night. Luckily everything was solidified when we got accidently got pregnant a year later. Zach was amazing as he wasn’t outwardly scared and took everything in stride as our son, Baker, now a year old, was born with Down Syndrome and a heart defect. Through every diagnosis, Zach has stayed steady and It’s just part of who he is. We have advocated and watched our son knock on death’s door and I can’t imagine anybody else by my side. He is my rock.”
Also in a solid relationship, Cole proposed to Jennifer on New Year’s Eve. “We had a great day at our favorite park walking our dog, Dixie, along Mobile Bay, and later that night we shot off some fireworks that had belonged to my dad. And in that moment, he popped the question. We don’t remember a word he said, but I was able to say ‘yes,’ through my tears. It was a special moment between us while still incorporating my dad for ‘permission,’ and I get to marry my best friend,” she shares.
Just the day before, Zach proposed to Shelby. “We celebrated a late Christmas with my parents and as we finished opening gifts, Zach aksed me to help him find something in the outdoor refrigerator. When I went to open it, he reached around me, grabbed a black box, and got down on one knee to propose. It was special because he did it around my family so we could all celebrate together. It was perfect,” Shelby beams.
As for the wedding planning? “Having a demanding job and a child with special needs, planning isn’t going great, but I do hope to get married in the spring of 2025. I envision lots of flowers and color. Because my style is sporty chic, I don’t want all the frills, ruffles or too much lace on my wedding gown,” Shelby states.
Sadly, Jennifer, lost her father, Scott, in 2022. “I always imagined he would walk me down the aisle. We had a long discussion, and I know my dad wouldn’t want me to do anything different. We’re having a local wedding and a huge celebratory party next spring with our family and friends. In terms of style, you’ll likely see me rocking leggings, a T-shirt, and sneakers off air. However, I want all the sparkles and lace with a long train for my wedding!”
Naturally we want to know how they feel about being in front of our camera. Shelby shares, “Getting to see that sparkle in Jen’s eyes when she was all dressed up in white was the best part. She deserves this so much! Also, I was also able to get a better picture of what I’ll look like on my big day. It’s just every girl’s dream!” Chiming in, Jennifer adds, “It’s amazing to share this special moment with Shelby as she was one of the first people to befriend me when I moved here. To see how much our lives have changed for the better has been incredible. And now, we are inspired and ready to secure our gowns as we prepare to marry the loves of our lives! Does it get any better than that?”
