1. Real Weddings

A Stylish Classic Wedding at Rucker Place in Birmingham, Alabama

High school sweethearts Kimberlyn Granger (23 and a registered nurse) and Timothy Mbogo (23 and a tax accountant) celebrated their newlywed status at

High school sweethearts Kimberlyn Granger (23 and a registered nurse) and Timothy Mbogo (23 and a tax accountant) celebrated their newlywed status at Rucker Place, which overlooks downtown Birmingham, Alabama. “I wanted people who were visiting Birmingham to experience the Southern charm of our up-and-coming city,” the bride says. The couple decked out the manor in vintage decor, bold florals and a color scheme of marsala red and navy. The couple’s 4-year-old son, Aidan Gabriel, was the best man, and sported a navy suit and marsala red bow tie to complement Timothy’s attire. During the ceremony, he held his dad’s hand as his mom walked down the aisle. The couple exchanged vows under a pergola that they embellished with ethereal lace ribbons. After Kimberlyn and Timothy said “I do,” the couple danced in celebration up the aisle. To honor Timothy’s heritage, Kenyan music, dancing and rituals were incorporated into the reception. The couple made their entrance as husband and wife to Kenyan women singing traditional wedding songs, and Kimberlyn was draped in a Kenyan flag and jewelry, symbolizing her acceptance into the Kenyan community. The celebration included a feast of Southern food—Conecuh hickory-smoked sausage with grits and sweet peppers, along with mini pancetta pizzas. DJ Simple Simon, a Kenyan DJ, kept the party going all night, playing a mix of American pop and Kenyan songs. They couple danced to “Get You” by Daniel Caesar for their first song. During Kimberlyn and Timothy's exit, Kenyan women serenaded them with traditional wedding songs as they were escorted away in a white CL300 Mercedes Benz. —Marissa Hermanson

Timothy popped the question with a rose gold ring. To help him, the bride’s sister did some snooping by accessing Kimberlyn's secret Pinterest board.
Deep red blooms were incorporated into floral arrangements to tie into Kimberlyn’s palette, which included marsala red.
Kimberlyn’s nine bridesmaids wore marsala red floor-length gowns in a variety of styles. “Each one has a different personality and body type, and I found it unfair and unjust to make them all wear the same dress,” she says. “I wanted them to be comfortable and enjoy the wedding without complaints of an ugly or tight-fitting dress.”
Timothy’s nine groomsmen sported navy blue suits that they embellished with Marsala red ties and floral lapel pins. The couple’s 4-year-old son was their best man.
The couple celebrated their nuptials at Rucker Place, a manor that overlooks downtown Birmingham, Alabama. “I wanted people who were visiting Birmingham to experience the Southern charm of our up-and-coming city,” Kimberlyn says.
Kimberlyn and Timothy started dating during their senior year of high school, and they've been together ever since.
Kimberlyn and Timothy’s son was the best man, and the bride’s nephew was the ring bearer. The two boys sported navy suits and marsala red bow ties to complement the groom’s attire.
The couple exchanged vows on Manor House's lawn under a pergola that they had draped with ribbons of ethereal lace.
Along with exchanging vows, the couple incorporated prayer and a sand ritual into their ceremony.
To symbolize their union, the couple incorporated a sand ceremony where they each pour in sand from their homes.
Kimberlyn and Timothy brought their reception to life with vintage details, lush florals and a navy and marsala red palette.
To honor Timothy’s heritage, Kenyan songs and traditions were incorporated throughout their nuptials.
Tucked away from the crowd, a sweetheart table gave the newlyweds a private and romantic moment.
The newlyweds served a four-tier cake with layers of red velvet and cream cheese icing and vanilla cake with buttercream icing, which was topped with purple and red blooms.