A Classic, DIY Wedding at Mathews Manor in Springville, Alabama

It took months of messages and phone calls between Shelley Barrett (25 and a photographer) and Matthew Barrett (26 and in management) before the two would finally meet each other in person. When they finally got together, the two hit it off immediately and began dating soon after. One Easter weekend, Shelley and Matt were preparing to celebrate the holiday at her parents' house when her parents mentioned they'd seen a bluebird building a nest in their birdhouse, suggesting that the couple go see it. Shelley, oblivious to what was waiting for her, said they would see it later. Hours after that conversation, the pair finally visited the birdhouse, where a yellow egg lay inside. When Shelley opened it, she found a token with her and Matt's names and the day's date on it, along with a small wrapped present. Matt opened the gift to reveal a ring and got down on one knee to ask Shelley to marry him. The pair decided to have their wedding at Mathews Manor in Springville, Alabama, for its beautiful scenery and exceptional service. "I also loved that almost everything was included with the venue," Shelley says, "so we didn't have to search for outside vendors." Because Shelley always had a fondness for black and white and sunflowers, those shades became the basis for the wedding's color palette. "I wanted to go with a classy scheme, but also a bit of a country look since we are in the South," Shelley says. The reception was decorated with black tables and sunflower centerpieces with black ribbon and lace to add to the country feel.