Virginia & Wade

 November 2, 2019

By Caroline Edmondson

 Virginia Inge and Stephen Wade Gordon wed on November 2, 2019 with a reception following at Virginia’s childhood home in Midtown. The pair have known each other for well over 12 years now, having run in the same social circles since their time at the University of Alabama. It wasn’t until Virginia needed a date for The Thalians’ annual party in December of 2017 that the two finally got together. “After sending him a text, he was nice and agreed to go,” Virginia recalls. “We had to dress up for the party’s ‘Tacky Wedding’ theme ­­– ironic! We ended up having a blast together, and I was very impressed with his dance moves,” she jokes. “After Christmas, he asked me out for trivia night at Serda Brewing, and the rest is history.” The pair have been together a little over two years now.

 When asked how she knew Wade was the one after such a short time as a couple, Virginia shares, “I’d never felt so much peace with a man before. Wade amazes me; he is gentle and strong at the same time.” Wade shares his own story of his “aha” moment: “I knew Virginia was the one when she braved the early morning hours and outdoors to go on a turkey hunt with me,” he jokes. “Although we were unsuccessful, it was great to see her excitement in trying out something that means so much to me.”

 Virginia and Wade discussed a timeline of their engagement before the proposal knowing she would rather get excited about a “surprise” than know nothing at all, which is why she expected the proposal when the couple traveled to her sister’s cabin at Forrest Home, Ala. Virginia says Wade got down on one knee at a romantic spot overlooking the lake before dinner, and of course, she said “yes” straight away!

 Virginia’s favorite aspect of planning her whimsical Secret Garden-themed wedding was writing personalized letters to each of her best friends asking them to be her bridesmaids, as well as creating a vision for the reception and the flowers at the church ceremony. The couple’s reception included a delicious almond-flavored cake with vanilla icing from The Pastry Shop, which overflowed with flowers that trickled around to the base and blended into the stairwell banister arrangements. Guests enjoyed coastal favorites such as shrimp and grits and pimento grilled cheeses.

 Virginia’s favorite aspect of her wedding was the decision to have Cooper Trent (who happens to be Virginia’s friend since college) and his five-person ensemble play at the reception, and they “brought on the heat and our guests loved it,” she exclaims. Another special moment from the big day was when one bridesmaid, Christina Blackmon, sang the Aaronic Blessing (Numbers 6:22-27) during the ceremony. “My hope here was for everyone to feel a touch of God’s love, and we heard from several people of their special experience during this anointed moment,” shares Virginia.

 After a honeymoon to Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, the newlyweds have settled into married life and look forward to growing together and enjoying many precious moments to come.

Caterer:

Clifton Morrisette

 Photographer:

Leslie Hollingsworth

 Band/DJ:

Cooper Trent Ensemble

 Wedding Planner:

Blair Gewin

 Rentals:

Port City Rentals

 Gown:

Wedding Belles

 Makeup:

Courtney Mathews

 Hair:

Virginia Sanford

Flowers:

Wildflowers for the reception and Homer McClure for the church

 Transportation:

Trolley, Limo, and a ‘56 Chevy getaway car  

 Officiant:

The Very Reverend Beverly Findley Gibson, Ph.D.