HELEN & ALEC
April 15, 2023
Considered one of Mobile’s sweethearts, Helen Bender Bailey is not only kind, but she is a survivor, too. Young and full of life, Helen underwent a battle with a returning stage 4 metastatic melanoma in 2022 that would try even the strongest among us. When a PET scan revealed tumors throughout her body, Helen began the fight of her life. Surrounded by countless supporters from the community and her Facebook page, Helen Benders Journey, she is now in remission — and newly married.
As for how her journey with Alexander (Alec) Carleton Bailey Jr., began, Helen shares, “We’ve known each other since middle school but we didn’t become friends until we worked together our senior year of college. After graduation, we both moved back to Mobile and started hitting it off. It was like two puzzle pieces fitting together. We couldn’t believe we had known each other for so long without realizing how perfect we are for each other. “
Strong in character and his love for Helen, Alec continuously moved their relationship forward. “Helen is my best friend. I knew she was the one for me because of how much fun we have when we are together,” Alec shares.
As for the proposal, Helen fondly recalls, “Alec proposed on my uncle’s Dog River wharf as my sister hid in the bushes to capture the moment! I also hadn’t seen any of my friends since my diagnosis and Alec did a lot of planning to ensure they were all there to celebrate with us when we arrived at my parent’s, John and Andrea’s, house. Apparently on the way to the river, he accidentally drove past their home where they were all gathered. Luckily, I was looking out the other window! To see them all was truly incredible. Having received my diagnosis about 3 months prior and with no idea what our future would look like, it really meant the world to me that Alec would choose to commit his life to me when my fate was so unclear. He gave me something to look forward to.”
Ready to plan, Helen shares, “We wanted a colorful wedding to exemplify the joy within our relationship and chose light blue, our favorite color, as the main hue. We secured the Ezell House as our venue and Belle Bouquet for our florals, and they did a wonderful job. Port City Rentals supplied the furnishings, linens, and more, which brought everything together. We even put couches close to the dance floor so my older relatives could sit without missing the action! Clifton Morrissette Catering absolutely killed it with the food. They passed tuna tartar, pimento grilled cheese sandwiches, Alec’s favorite, and crispy pork belly. At the end of the reception, they handed out corndogs which were a huge hit. “
Both music fans, Helen and Alec wanted a band that would provide a different and fun experience. “We were so excited to find Blackberry Breeze. A rock band, guests still rave about them. Interestingly, A few weeks before the wedding, I received clear scans from my doctors at MD Anderson showing all 20 tumors were gone. It was truly miraculous and as a wedding surprise my mother hired a choir of four precious women to sing “Oh Happy Day” as we walked out of the church. It was very fitting,” Helen shares.
To their surprise, a storm rolled in just as their wedding started. “We didn’t care as there’s something comforting about being in church with the sound of thunder outside. From there, our incredible wedding planners, Brooke Guesnard and Jeannie Hunt, immediately turned our street party plans into a beautiful, covered patio party. This brought everyone together and made the reception even more fun than we could have imagined. Brooke also came up with the genius idea of doing our sendoff on a party petal bike. This allowed our bridal party to ride out of the reception together!” Helen tells us.
Sitting with the choir women in the balcony as they watched the guests arrive was a memorable moment for Helen. “They prayed over me, shared their wedding memories, and gave me advice on having a long and happy marriage. Each of my bridesmaids hugged Alec when they got to the alter and Father Neski said, “Aw, why not!” I embraced Alec with a big hug too, and everyone laughed. But perhaps the most memorable moment was when I confidently told my husband to chest bump me on stage. It quickly sent me flying to the floor, but I bounced up, crowd surfed, and the party went on!” Helen beams.
Alec’s father, Alexander Sr., was best man, close friends, Millie Piggott, Mary Chason Gunn, and Reece Bell read at the ceremony, and two wedding guests collected rain from outside of the church for the couple to baptize their future children. Adding to the special touches, Helen shares,” In place of a guest book we ordered a recorder disguised as an old-fashioned telephone to pass around the reception. We’ve loved listening to their favorite parts of our wedding, their congratulations, and life advice. We will cherish those messages forever.”
As for her gown, Helen shares, “I tried it on at Bliss Bridal and instantly fell in love. I went to a few other places, but I couldn’t find anything that topped it. It was classic and modern at the same time. I asked my bridesmaids to pick their own dresses as I wanted them to feel as beautiful as possible!”
Ready to enjoy the beach, the couple honeymooned in Miami. “We ate some of the best food we’ve ever had and can’t wait to go back to our favorite spots soon! I’m currently a real estate agent with Sam Winter and Alec is a logistics manager at Navigate. We love living in Spanish Villa and we’re having a blast getting to spend each day together,” a healthy and happy Helen concludes.
