ALLYSSA & LANDON
February 6, 2022
As one of four girls, and the third to get married, Allyssa has seen the grand and knew she wanted an intimate wedding where she and Landon could soak up the joy with no fuss. “We knew our wedding would be a deeply personal experience and we were drawn to Fairhope because that’s where we realized we loved each other. After driving down the scenic highway, Little Point Clear stood out to us immediately, and we knew it was the perfect place for us. And, Tricia and her team were lovely from the beginning!” Allyssa beams.
As for how this sweet bride, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Lipham, and her Virginia based groom, Landon Park, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Park met? “I tried a new Christian dating app called United Young. I went on with no romantic expectations and realized I looked at only one profile twice, and it was Landon’s. Letting my shyness get the best of me, I was preparing to delete the app when I got the notification that changed my life— ‘Landon likes your profile’,” Allyssa shares.
Over the next several months, they spent every weekend getting to know each other. “We truly got the measure of each other after speaking about our beliefs, how we had been raised, our love of history, and many more deep conversations I never thought I would have. I fell in love with my best friend, even as the world shut down. By July 2020, we knew this was special and formally began dating,” Allyssa adds.
““It was approaching midnight as we exited the airport, and after much waiting, I couldn’t wait any longer. I knelt on one knee and asked her to marry me. The timing ended up holding even more significance since it was my grandparents’ wedding anniversary.””
Curious, her family asked how she would describe Landon. “One word always came to mind: steady. He has been such an anchor: anchored in his beliefs, who he is, and his approach to all things–big or small, easy or challenging. I’ve always felt incredibly safe with him, and I knew his love would be steadfast,” Allyssa confides. As for Landon? “When I told my friends and family about Allyssa, I said she was a breath of fresh air from the day I met her. I adored her funny, bubbly personality. We always seemed to be laughing wherever we went!”
Not having seriously dated before, Allyssa jokes with Landon that he’s her first and only second date. “We were so in sync from the beginning. Since we lived in two states, Landon in Florida, and me in Alabama, we had to be intentional and creative. On the brink of the pandemic when he couldn’t drive to Mobile, I felt pursued. I received a good morning and good night text from him every day until we were married and he could tell me in person. From FaceTime movie marathons and Zoom calls, he never missed an opportunity to spend time with me,” Allyssa shares.
With a visit planned to see his family in Virginia, Landon was ready to propose. “Circumstances required us to take separate flights, and I knew her flight would arrive after mine. It was approaching midnight as we exited the airport, and after much waiting, I couldn't wait any longer. I knelt on one knee and asked her to marry me. The timing ended up holding even more significance since it was my grandparents’ wedding anniversary,” Landon explains.
After a wide search for the perfect gown, Allyssa’s bridal consultant suggested a beaded Stella York gown at a shop in Gulfport. “I would have never picked that dress, but the moment I put it on, I knew. My mom and I looked at each other with tears in our eyes, and that was the first moment I felt like a bride. Adding our beloved family veil, the look was complete as I joyfully said ‘yes’ to the dress while Going to the Chapel began playing from the speakers,” she beams.
When it came to their big day, Allyssa choose a classic meets coastal theme with shades of white, sage, dusty blue, and sand. “I wanted everything to have as much intention as possible. My something borrowed was our family veil my sisters wore at their weddings, and even the coffee was from Soul Caffeine, where we had our first date.”
Wanting everything to be down-to-earth and fun, the couple chose to enlist their favorite food trucks. “Fairhope’s Tin-tin’s Rock and Roll Food Truck, known for dishes like pork tenderloin teriyaki over signature pancit noodles and crab cakes, as well as Mobile’s Mo’Bay Beignet Co.’s truck offering their famous original hot and fresh beignets, were one of my favorite things about our wedding. The food was fantastic, and they added a wow factor for our guests,” Allyssa recalls.
On an emotional level, Allyssa admits, “I was afraid of crying my way through the ceremony! So we decided to exchange traditional vows during the ceremony and to share our private vows separately. Landon’s vow letter will always be one of my most precious belongings.” Not to be outdone, Landon adds, “I’m not much of a crier, but seeing her walk down the aisle made me tear up. It was also the realization that we were vowing to spend the rest of our lives together before God and in the presence of our closest friends and family. Our entire day was simply perfect.”
From the early days of their relationship, Allyssa and Landon shared a desire to see the world. “During our honeymoon, we visited three countries and six stunning cities in just seven days. We sailed from Barcelona to Cannes, then on to Sorrento, Florence, and Rome before ending our trip on the island of Mallorca, Spain. Perhaps the most surprising hidden gem was the beautiful hilltop town of Valldemossa. Breathtaking views greeted us on our drive as we passed olive and citrus groves along the way to the top of a hidden village with cobblestone streets, artisanal wares, and warm locals. It’s an experience we will always cherish,” she shares.
As for their future? Allyssa concludes, “In September, we decided to relocate to Landon’s hometown of Roanoke, Virginia, where I work remotely as a Multimedia Specialist, and Landon works with UPS and as a contractor for Abeka as a History Editor. We purchased our first home and are thrilled to make it our own while we settle into life in the mountains!”
