Maleah & Bill in Springville, AL

High school sweethearts Maleah Johnson and Bill McMillan brought friends and family together for a wedding full of sweet surprises, including chocolate fountains, scrumptious smoothies, and a “spoonful of kisses” to take home. The Bride Maleah Johnson, 20, elementary school teacher The Groom Bill McMillan, 22, software engineer The Date July 30 Maleah and Bill met in their church youth group while in high school, and immediately began dating. One June day, the long-time sweethearts were on a leisurely stroll through the waterfalls and flower beds of Aldridge Gardens in Hoover when Bill decided to seize the moment. As Maleah recalls, “We were walking around enjoying the summer day -- I was clueless that anything was about to take place.” At a scenic lake overlook, Bill got down on one knee and proposed. For Maleah and Bill, planning a wedding in the Birmingham area while still in school at Auburn University wasn’t always easy. “I looked through countless magazines and all over the Internet to find the perfect dress, cake, and bridesmaid dresses,” Maleah says, “and we made multiple trips home on the weekends.” But all the details gradually came together with a light, delicate color palette of lavender and pink, and summery details to suit the garden setting.