Mr. and Mrs. Brown

A Bama-Meets-Florida Love Story

Laney Hughes and Andy Brown were just two coeds having a night out with friends when a chance encounter pushed the pair together quicker than you could say “Roll Tide!”

They met at Rounders, a popular bar and club on The Strip near the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, where Laney was attending classes at the time. Andy, a native of Cullman, Alabama, was visiting from Samford University in Birmingham when that fateful meeting happened. “We dated for five years before our engagement, which happened in Laguna Beach, Florida—just two days before Hurricane Michael hit in 2018,” Laney recalls. “We were on cloud nine and weren’t even paying attention to the weather; then all of a sudden, we had to evacuate to my home in Mobile.”

Before the quick exit from Laguna Beach, the proposal itself was a magical affair, Laney says. “He had planned a perfect sunset proposal—I had no idea what was happening as we walked down to the beach. It was such an amazing surprise when the next thing I knew, he was on one knee asking me to be his wife! My first words were, ‘What? Are you sure?’” Of course, once the initial shock wore off, she said yes!

The surprise proposal was made even more special when Andy revealed that his and Laney’s friends and family were waiting for the newly engaged couple at Louis Louis restaurant in nearby Santa Rosa Beach. “They came from all over the country to celebrate with us,” Laney says. “I was so happy to have the people I love most by my side during such a memorable moment.”

With the date set for December 7, 2019, and about 175 guests in mind, the couple spent about a year preparing for the wedding. While many brides-to-be might stress about finding the perfect venue, Laney says she always knew in her heart that she would be married at the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Mobile, Alabama, where her family attended services as she was growing up. “It is the most beautiful church and so historical,” she shares. “I also knew since I was a child that I wanted to have the reception at Bragg-Mitchell Mansion.” The historic Greek Revival estate in Mobile was built in 1855 and is now a museum of sorts, open for tours and available for special events. “There is something magical about lights glowing beneath those gorgeous live oaks,” Laney gushes. “I remember driving down Springhill Avenue as a kid and seeing these incredible weddings on the lawn. I just knew that I would be dancing on that lawn someday.”

Before the dancing could commence, wedding planner Sandy Duffy helped Laney and Andy with all the details, such as floral arrangements and decor, menu, invitations, music, and more. Because of the December date, Laney says she wanted the celebration to be “the ultimate Christmas party,” and even gave Santa Claus hats and string-light necklaces to guests at the reception. “I wanted it to be so enjoyable for everyone else that they would comment it was the best wedding they’d ever been to!” Laney laughs. “There was incredible food, amazing music, and plenty to drink. I think everyone loved the band; they were fantastic and kept the crowd partying. It was easily the most fun I’ve ever had, and Andy and I just really loved sharing such an amazing moment in our lives with all our loved ones. I am so very grateful to my mother, Sandy, my mother-in-law Janet, and everyone else who helped with making our wedding absolutely perfect!”

After their big day, the newlyweds enjoyed an island honeymoon getaway at Mahogany Bay Resort in San Pedro, Belize. “We loved the people and the natural ambience of every element of the island,” Laney says. “We can’t wait to return for a special anniversary.”

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Special Thanks

Photography: Hannah Roberts Photography
Flowers: Belle Bouquet
Catering and bartending: Naman’s Catering
Rentals: Blue Rents
Lighting: Showbiz Theatrical Services
Music: 2nd Coming Band – Montgomery, Alabama
Planning: Sandy Duffy
Invitations: Soiree Signatures
Hair and makeup: Courtney “Coco” Matthews, Jessica Price
Bridesmaids gowns: Bella Bridesmaids
Tuxedos: Francia’s Formal Affair
Bridal gown and accessories: Carriage House Weddings – Homewood, Alabama