Haley and Logan’s story started long before they began dating in January 2021. Although they were from different hometowns in Alabama, they had seen one another in passing for years. “Logan grew up in Corner, Alabama, a small town where my dad’s family is from,” says Haley. “I grew up going there for holidays and family events, and my cousins were the same age as his four nieces. They went to school together, so our paths were always crossing.”
The two saw each other frequently at birthday parties or school events over the years and followed each other on social media, but with Haley attending Auburn and Logan at Samford, distance stood in the way. But as fate would have it, they both ended up in Birmingham after college — Haley in nursing school and Logan working as a pharmacist. He finally reached out to ask her on a date, and the rest was history.
Although Haley and Logan had seen each other in passing for years, it wasn’t until they both ended up in Birmingham after college that they started dating. They each knew immediately that they had found “the one!”
“He checked all my boxes,” Haley says. “Family is super important to me, and I already knew Logan came from a great family; he was always so sweet and kind.”
The couple’s shared love for dancing brought them even closer. Haley grew up dancing, so Logan caught Haley’s eye when he posted videos of himself dancing on social media, proving that he didn’t take himself too seriously. “I wanted a husband who would be fun and silly and dance with me forever,” Haley said. “There was no questioning it. It fell into place and immediately felt perfect for both of us.”
Haley and Logan’s black and white invitation suite by Annabelle’s was a taste of even more elegant details to come!
Logan popped the question in August of that year while the lovebirds were on vacation with their families, celebrating Haley’s nursing school graduation. It was a surprise to Haley, who wasn’t expecting to come home with a fiancé! “I was expecting it to happen after I passed the exam you’re required to take after graduating from nursing school, and since our parents often spend time together, I didn’t think this trip was anything out of the ordinary,” she tells us.
The proposal took place at a beautiful church on Florida’s scenic 30A Highway. “It was really sweet, and it’s a special place that we can go back to time and time again.”
After the vacation, it was off to the races. Haley passed her exam and began a new job working at Children’s of Alabama, all while planning the wedding. She knew she couldn’t take all of it on by herself, so she enlisted the help of Becky Baker of Becky’s Brides, a highly sought-after wedding planner based in Birmingham. After seeing social media images of previous weddings Becky had planned, Haley knew she’d found the right collaborator to bring her vision of a big, beautiful Southern wedding to life.
Haley and Logan selected Reid Chapel (on Samford University’s campus) for the ceremony and Regions Field (Birmingham’s minor league baseball stadium) for the reception. Regions Field was a sentimental choice; it is in the middle of the city where the couple began dating, and it even boasts a view of Children’s of Alabama.
Haley and Logan said, “I do” at Reid Chapel on Samford’s campus, where Logan attended college.
Birmingham’s Regions Field acted as the couple’s reception venue.
When it came to dress shopping, finding Haley’s perfect wedding gown wasn’t quite as easy as securing a venue. Though she knew what she wanted from the get-go, she couldn’t find exactly what she had in mind — even after visiting several places. She turned to Heidi Elnora, an upscale bridal boutique, to help her design the dress of her dreams. Aligning with her vision, it possessed a sweetheart neckline, bow, and tulle.
“Since I grew up dancing, I think people expected something flashy with sequins,” says Haley, “but I just wanted a classic Southern bridal look.” The classic approach was also reflected in the florals, as Haley opted for neutrals and champagne hues with pops of pink. “I wanted something I wouldn’t look back on and hate in 10 years!” she tells us.
Haley collaborated with Birmingham designer Heidi Elnora to create the dress of her dreams. As a life-long dancer, Haley’s friend expected sequins — but she surprised them all with a classically elegant gown.
The bride had 11 bridesmaids, including two maids of honor! She kept it simple with elegant black gowns.
Haley was joined by four junior bridesmaids and four flower girls, including her cousins and Logan’s nieces.
Haley and Logan exchanged vows on October 1, 2022, in front of approximately 450 guests. The couple enjoyed a first look before the ceremony, thanks to some trusted advice from Logan’s older sister.
“I wanted to spend the whole day with him, and I didn’t want us to be rushed after the ceremony and not get the photos that we would look back on and love for years to come,” said Haley. “I knew he was going to cry during the first look — he was a ball of tears!”
The pair opted for an early first look so they could spend the whole day together. Here, Logan grins in anticipation — but smiles quickly turned to happy tears, the couple recalls.
The couple exchanged vows in front of approximately 450 people on October 1, 2022.
After the ceremony, the couple enjoyed a private dinner together as guests filled the reception space and took in the stunning display of white florals, shimmering disco balls, and elegant black-and-white details.
Large windows, crisp white florals, and sparkling disco balls set the scene for a stunning reception!
Disco balls and chandeliers lit up the entire event space.
Guests were invited to mingle in the venue’s outdoor spaces, featuring a beautiful backdrop of the Birmingham skyline.
After they enjoyed some time alone, the couple made their dance floor debut as husband and wife to Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance with Somebody. “It’s a fun and meaningful song for us,” Haley explains. “Logan and I, with the help of my maid of honor, choreographed our first dance.”
The guests joined in the fun, dancing the night away under a ceiling adorned with disco balls — a special touch that Haley knew she wanted from the beginning. “My number one priority when we started planning the wedding was disco balls,” she says. “Since Logan and I are both dancers, we had to have them!”
Haley and Logan’s shared love for dancing was evident as they made their dance floor debut to “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.” (Yes, their first dance was complete with pyrotechnics!)
Haley jokes that she did not inherit her dancing abilities from her dad!
Haley chose a traditional white bridal cake made by local baker Telia Johnson.
The couple and their guests danced the night away under a spectacular array of disco balls.
Haley says she wanted a husband who would dance with her forever. She certainly found that in Logan!
As the night came to a close, the couple made their grand exit in a Rolls-Royce. With plans to leave for their honeymoon early the following morning., the newlyweds spent their first night as husband and wife in a house they rented in downtown Birmingham. The next day, the two jetted off to the Dominican Republic, where they spent the week lounging on the beach, riding horses, and zip lining — the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.
The new Mr. and Mrs. Chappell happily reside close to relatives in Birmingham, where they hope to one day start a family of their own.
Sparks flew as the new Chappells made their grand exit!
Thank you for sharing your day with us, Haley and Logan! And thanks to Eric & Jamie Photography for the beautiful photos.
RESOURCES
Ceremony Venue: Samford University Reid Chapel
Reception Venue: Regions Field
Photographer: Eric & Jamie Photography
Videographer: Careah Bailey Films
Bride’s Gown: Heidi Elnora
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Alfred Sung from Bella’s Bridesmaids
Hair and Makeup: Melissa Bogardus
Groom’s and Groomsmen’s Formal Wear: Jos. A. Banks
Invitations and Programs: Annabelle’s
Flowers: HotHouse Productions
Catering: Parkview Catering (within Regions Field)
Entertainment: Superior Sound Entertainment
Cake: Telia Johnson
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