They say friendship is the key to any lasting relationship, and that’s precisely how Priscilla Perez and Cody Roberts began. The two met in the fall of 2018 while attending medical school at the University of South Alabama. Priscilla was studying to become a general surgeon, and Cody an OBGYN. “We became friends first, and it progressed from there,” says Priscilla. “I was immediately drawn to his smile.”
Joking and laughing together became the cornerstone of their relationship — not to mention a release from the stressors of med school and sleepless nights spent studying. “We had the exact same schedule, so we spent all our time together,” the bride tells us. “Now, we work opposite schedules at different hospitals, but prioritizing and being intentional about quality time is what has always brought us together.”
Say hello to the bride and groom!
As medical school drew to a close, it soon became apparent that Priscilla and Cody wanted to spend the rest of their lives together, so it wasn’t a total shock when Cody popped the question in April 2021 during a date at Dauphin’s, a seafood restaurant in Mobile. “I knew something was weird because I made a joke with him in the car, and he didn’t laugh,” recalls Priscilla. “Then, it all made sense when he got down on one knee!”
Since some members of Cody’s family could not travel far at the time, the couple decided to get married in his home state of Alabama, where most of his family resides. A Tampa native, Priscilla didn’t know where to start. Luckily, Birmingham-based veteran wedding planner Becky Baker of Becky’s Brides knew exactly what she needed for a timeless Southern wedding.
“I couldn’t have done it without Becky,” Priscilla said. “I was finishing med school and didn’t have time to plan or travel … after we met in person, I knew she was the one who could help me pull this off.”
Pursell Farms provided the perfect backdrop for Priscilla’s vision. Pictured here is a close-up view of the wedding ceremony arch. Does it get any dreamier?
Due to Priscilla’s demanding schedule, she couldn’t tour venues, but when Becky FaceTimed her from Pursell Farms, an outdoor leisure resort located in Sylacauga, AL, she quickly knew it was the place where she wanted to say, “I do.” The venue offered everything they needed, including indoor and outdoor settings, catering packages, and on-site cabins for Priscilla’s family, who were traveling in for the occasion.
As for the dress, the decision was equally easy. Priscilla went to Ivory & White (thanks to the recommendation from a friend) located in Mountain Brook, with the vision of a dress made of sheer tulle material with a deep “v” in the back. They had just the dress for her, and Priscilla went with the first dress she tried on. “It was exactly what I was looking for,” she shares.” I didn’t even need to try on another dress!”
Priscilla went with the first dress she tried on, a light tulle gown with a deep “v” in the back that she found at Ivory & White in Mountain Brook, AL. If only it were always that easy!
Priscilla and her mother share a special moment before the ceremony.
A self-proclaimed fan of “keeping things simple,” Priscilla knew she wanted a classic, all-white look when it came to the flowers and color scheme. She worked with Bryanna Booth at Vera Flora, who became a close friend in the process. The two devised a plan featuring a sophisticated array of white flowers. Then, in an unexpected move, Priscilla changed her mind — two weeks before the wedding. “I saw a photo on Pinterest of a wedding arch made of baby’s breath, and I knew then and there that I wanted it everywhere. I called Bryanna, and she was on it. She changed everything; she’s truly incredible.”
For the color scheme at her Pursell Farms reception, Priscilla knew she wanted a simple, white decor scheme. The baby’s breath was a last-minute addition inspired by Pinterest.
For the florals, Priscilla worked with Bryanna Booth of Vera Flora. They decided to keep it simple and sophisticated with all-white blooms.
The couple exchanged vows on April 8, 2022, in an outdoor ceremony, surrounded by 120 of their closest friends and family members — and baby’s breath, of course. Cody’s father officiated the wedding, and Priscilla remembers that there wasn’t a dry eye in the house as he read from the sentimental script that Priscilla and Cody wrote together.
She laughed as she recalled the happy tears: “I could not stop crying and could see that everyone watching was crying too. I remember hearing my bridesmaids whispering behind me because one of my best friends was crying a little too hard. There were so many emotions.”
Lush arrangements of baby’s breath flocked the aisle for a dreamy, romantic look.
Priscilla was surrounded by her best friends on her big day, who wore matching dresses from Petal & Pup.
Guests reach for champagne after the ceremony before heading indoors for the reception — where they danced the night away!
After the ceremony, the newlyweds spent time together as their guests proceeded to a cocktail hour. They enjoyed champagne and passed appetizers, including mini chicken empanadas and Gulf shrimp.
During the cocktail hour, Priscilla changed into a second look, a chic white number with feather trim along the neckline. Then, she and Cody joined their guests at the reception, where they danced the night away. Priscilla says that the two families coming together on the dance floor was one of her favorite and most-cherished memories from their wedding day. “I have a big Hispanic family, and Cody’s family is from Birmingham. Admittedly, I was worried about how they would mesh.”
After the ceremony, guests enjoyed passed appetizers like mini chicken empanadas and Gulf shrimp.
Baby’s breath made stunning appearances throughout the ceremony space along with other white, gold, and green accents.
Guests were stunned at every turn by subtle yet elegant details, like glass ornaments hanging from the greenery.
Priscilla and Cody kick off the party with champagne!
Seeing both families come together on the dance floor was the highlight of the night for Priscilla. She said that even long after the wedding, Cody’s cousins still listen to and love some of the Latin songs played at the reception.
Priscilla’s worries quickly dissipated as the DJ alternated between Latin, top hits, and country music. “My family was teaching his family how to Salsa, and they were SO into it! Everyone danced to every song, even if they didn’t understand the words.” To fuel all the dancing, guests enjoyed a seated dinner of steak or chicken, along with mashed potatoes and vegetables, which was topped off with a decadent and beautiful vanilla cake by Barb’s Cakes.
Barb’s Cakes in Alabaster, AL, constructed a simple yet stunning vanilla cake — a hit among guests.
Priscilla says the first thing that she noticed about Cody was his smile.
Priscilla and Cody shared their last dance and departed under a flurry of rose petals. The two stayed in a cabin on the property that night before heading to the Gulf Coast of Florida the next day for a low-key honeymoon.
“We just enjoyed being together at the beach. It was amazing not to have to worry about a schedule.”
The two hope to travel more in the future, but long days and nights at the hospital keep them busy for now. When they have downtime, Priscilla and Cody can be found at home in Mobile, AL, spending time with each other and their two beloved dogs, Sadie and Winston.
Cody and Priscilla made their exit under a flurry of white rose petals.
Cody and Priscilla spent their first night in a cabin on the property before taking off for a weeklong honeymoon on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
The newlyweds live in Mobile, AL, with their Australian Shepherd, Sadie, and Pit Bull, Winston.
Thank you, Priscilla and Cody, for sharing your special day with us. And thanks to Eric & Jamie Photography for the fabulous photos.
RESOURCES
Venue: Hamilton Place at Pursell Farms, Sylacauga, AL
Photographer: Eric & Jamie Photography
Videographer: Eric & Jamie Films
Bride’s gown: Ivory & White
Bridesmaids’ dresses: Petal & Pup
Hair & Makeup: Be-Loved Beauty
Invitations, programs & menu cards: Gracefully Made Art
Flowers: Vera Flora
Catering: Hamilton Place at Pursell Farms
Entertainment: Superior Sound Entertainment
Cake: Barb’s Cakes
Wedding Planner: Becky’s Brides
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