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Vintage Wedding Day at a Wedding Venue Near Birmingham, Alabama: Izzy & Matthew’s Wedding Day at Mistletoe Bough (Part 2)

This is Part 2 of Izzy and Matthew’s real wedding story at Mistletoe Bough Bed & Breakfast. While Part 1 focused on planning, design decisions, and meaningful budget choices, this post captures the wedding day itself—the quiet moments, emotional exchanges, and once-in-a-lifetime memories that brought their vintage vision fully to life.

For engaged couples searching for a vintage wedding venue near Birmingham, Alabama, Izzy and Matthew’s wedding day offers a glimpse into what’s possible when intentional planning meets a historic setting designed for connection, not chaos.


Mistletoe Bough B&B and Wedding Venue near Birmingham, AL Bride and groom dance on an outdoor aisle, surrounded by guests in white chairs. Groomsmen in black suits stand by altar with foliage backdrop.
Izzy and Matthew on their wedding day. Photo by Alyssa Ellie

Seeing the Venue Fully Styled for a Vintage Wedding


The morning of the wedding, Izzy and her sister looked out the window and watched the ceremony space come together in the yard. The experience felt surreal—like waking up to snow on Christmas morning.

Everything looked exactly as Izzy had imagined, and somehow even better. The weather cooperated in the most magical way, and the falling leaves felt choreographed, as if they had been planned all along.

This is one of the reasons couples are drawn to a wedding venue near Birmingham, Alabama with outdoor ceremony options and mature trees. According to the Alabama Tourism Department, fall weddings remain especially popular in Alabama due to mild temperatures and natural scenery that requires little enhancement.

At Mistletoe Bough, the setting did what it does best—it supported the vision without stealing focus from the moment.


A Ceremony Built by Family and Filled with Meaning

Everything about Izzy and Matthew’s ceremony reflected their values.

Izzy’s dad built the ceremony arbor by hand. Rugs were collected over time by family members and layered down the aisle. These details didn’t just decorate the space—they told a story.

One of the most meaningful choices was having Izzy’s brother officiate the ceremony. Standing in the yard, surrounded by close family and friends, the ceremony felt deeply personal and grounded in connection.


Bride in white dress and groom in black suit exchange rings, smiling, with officiant in background. Outdoor wedding setting at Mistletoe Bough B&B and Wedding Venue
Exchanging Rings Photo by Alyssa Ellie Photography

Couples planning vintage weddings often gravitate toward ceremonies that feel intimate and authentic. Wedding planning research consistently shows that personalized ceremonies rank among the most memorable aspects of the day for both couples and guests.


Favorite Moments: Quiet Time Amid a Full Celebration


When Izzy reflects on the wedding day, it’s not just the big moments that stand out—it’s the quiet ones.

Having breakfast together that morning. Reading vows privately. Sharing a private dinner after the ceremony. These pauses allowed Izzy and Matthew to stay present with each other, even as the day unfolded around them.

Of course, the ceremony itself remains one of Izzy’s favorite memories. Being surrounded by everyone they love, in a place that felt like home, made the moment feel complete.

This balance—celebration paired with intentional stillness—is one reason couples seek out Lake Martin wedding venues that allow flexibility in timeline and space.


A Vintage Bridal Look That Felt Exactly Right


Izzy’s wedding-day look came together effortlessly.

The 1963 vintage gown paired with gloves, blue shoes peeking out beneath the hem, and her nana’s necklace felt like a perfect reflection of the vision she had imagined. Izzy chose to do her own makeup, adding another personal layer to the day.

Her hair was styled by a close friend who traveled from Florence, Alabama, making the preparation time feel relaxed and familiar. As the evening cooled, Izzy added a small fur coat gifted by her mom—a final touch that made her feel, in her words, like a limited-edition holiday Barbie.

Vintage bridal looks continue to gain popularity among brides who want individuality over trends. According to bridal fashion features from The Knot, more brides are choosing nontraditional accessories and vintage gowns to create distinctive, personal styles.


Bride in white dress and veil sits on grass, smiling softly. Sunlight filters through trees, casting dappled shadows around her at Mistletoe Bough B&B near Birmingham, Alabama
Beautiful Bride Izzy photo by Alyssa Ellie Photography

Décor Details Guests Couldn’t Stop Talking About


While the overall aesthetic—lace, candles, and flowers—earned plenty of compliments, a few details stood out.

The rug aisle was a favorite among guests, offering texture, warmth, and visual interest. The mismatched glassware also drew attention, especially since guests were invited to take their glasses home at the end of the night.

For Izzy, one of the most powerful moments came earlier that morning. Seeing the ceremony arch fully assembled—with lace draped just right—through the window confirmed that everything had come together exactly as she hoped.

These are the kinds of moments that happen when couples choose a vintage wedding venue near Birmingham, Alabama that allows creative freedom and hands-on involvement.

An Unexpected Moment That Became a Favorite Memory


Some of the most meaningful moments are the ones you never plan.

Before the ceremony, Izzy and her dad hid upstairs together, away from the guests and the bustle below. This quiet, unplanned moment—just the two of them talking before the ceremony—became one of Izzy’s most cherished memories of the day.

It’s a reminder that not every meaningful moment appears on a timeline. Sometimes, the magic happens in the in-between.


The Speeches That Tied Everything Together


Looking back, the speeches stand out as one of the most meaningful parts of Izzy and Matthew’s wedding day.

Hearing from Matthew’s dad and Izzy’s dad brought emotion and perspective to the celebration. Izzy had debated whether to give a speech herself, and ultimately decided it mattered.

Standing in front of the people who helped build, plan, support, and celebrate the day, Izzy shared her gratitude openly. Thanking family and friends for their presence—whether through hands-on help or simply showing up—felt essential.

Those moments of acknowledgment tied the entire experience together, reinforcing why intentional planning matters.


Why Their Planning Choices Made the Day So Meaningful

Izzy and Matthew’s wedding day felt meaningful because it reflected the choices they made from the beginning.

  • Choosing a venue with built-in character

  • Allowing time for quiet, private moments

  • Involving family in tangible ways

  • Prioritizing connection

For couples exploring wedding venues near Birmingham, Alabama, their story shows how thoughtful planning can transform a wedding day into something deeply personal.

If you’re still in the planning phase, you may enjoy reading Part 1 of Izzy and Matthew’s wedding story, as well as other real weddings and planning guides that highlight vintage-inspired celebrations, elopements, and intimate weddings at Mistletoe Bough.


A happy couple at the end of their wedding reception at Mistletoe Bough B&B and wedding venue near Birmingham, alabama

FAQ: What Couples Ask About Vintage Wedding Days


What makes a vintage wedding ceremony feel personal?

Involving family, using heirlooms, and choosing meaningful roles—such as having a sibling officiate—can make the ceremony feel deeply personal.

Are outdoor vintage weddings practical in Alabama?

Yes. Fall weddings are especially popular due to mild weather and natural scenery that enhances vintage aesthetics.

How can couples stay present on their wedding day?

Building in quiet moments, such as private meals or vow readings, helps couples stay grounded amid a busy day.

Do vintage weddings require more planning?

They often involve more intentional sourcing, but choosing a flexible venue with character simplifies many design decisions.

Is Mistletoe Bough a good fit for intimate weddings?

Absolutely. As a Lake Martin wedding venue and wedding venue near Birmingham, Alabama, Mistletoe Bough is designed for intimate, weekend-long celebrations with flexibility and warmth.


Helpful Resources (for Planning & Inspiration)



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Mistletoe Bough is a locally owned and operated business. We sincerely hope to encourage couples to learn more about the value and importance of choosing a locally owned business when it’s time to book your wedding venue & vendors. With locally owned venues you will often see a higher level of hospitality, better communication and a greater desire to truly ensure your wedding exceeds expectations. We are thrilled to support wedding venue owners from around the country with a weekly shout out in our blog. you can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.




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