Olivia Butler & Blake Copeland

Blake proposed by recreating the couple’s first date. On that fateful evening, they went to dinner and then drove to Aberdeen Road to overlook the city of Birmingham.  They talked for hours, and it truly was love at first sight. On June 25, 2016, after going to dinner at “their” restaurant, Blake knelt down on one knee where it all began – at the same spot on Aberdeen Road. After finally getting to place the beautiful ring (that he had purchased almost six months earlier) onto Olivia’s finger, Blake drove her to a surprise party, where friends and family were waiting to help them celebrate.

Olivia donned an A-line gown from Bridal Bliss, which featured a silk taffeta cummerbund and skirt. Her one-of-a-kind gown included a jacket overlay designed by Pat Williams of Fanci Fit Tailor. The custom Alençon lace long-sleeved overlay featured a high neck which opened to a keyhole back. Olivia’s dress was inspired by the gown worn by Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco, as she wed Prince Rainier III in 1956.

Blake and Olivia say that June 17, 2017 was the best day of their lives, but their favorite moment from that day was their private dinner before the reception. After three years of dating long distance, between the U.S. Naval Academy and Rhodes College, it was a sweet time to reflect on the day together and to realize that they were finally husband and wife.