Wedding Spotlight: Sophie and Thomas Hardy
Sophie is from Russellville, and Jake is from East Franklin. The happy couple now resides in East Franklin following their wedding Oct. 14, 2023.
HOW THEY MET: Jake and Sophie met in the late summer of 2022 through mutual friends, who decided they should meet. When they first met on Jake’s land in East Franklin, it was love at first sight. From that day forward, they never left each other’s sides.
FIRST DATE: Jake and Sophie’s first date was one they will never forget. Jake took Sophie to ride four-wheelers and to meet his horse, Bella, – who he said had the best judgment of character and would determine if she could hang around or not Turns out Bella loved Sophie.
THE PROPOSAL: Feb. 10, 2023, Jake proposed to Sophie that evening at the same spot where he took her to kill her first deer. It was a complete surprise, as the were supposed to be going to dinner with friends that night and were running late. Jake got a call as they were on their way to “dinner” with the news that “some of their cows had gotten out,” so he went to go and look for the cows – and that’s when he brought Sophie to the proposal spot. It was absolutely perfect. Jake and Sophie’s families were waiting on them afterward to surprise them. The next week they were surprised with a beautiful engagement party to celebrate.
THE WEDDING: Jake and Sophie got married Oct. 14, 2023, in Bon Secour at the historic, French-style Swift-Coles Historic Home, nestled away between Gulf Shores and Fairhope, located just off the bay. The property was covered with beautiful oak trees with Spanish moss. Sophie and Jake felt as if their wedding had an old Southern feel with the beautiful plantation-style home. The ceremony, cocktail hour and reception were all held outside, where the soiree was beautifully illuminated with lights draped from the live oaks and moss, along with chandeliers hung on the porches. Around 200 guests were in attendance.
FAVORITE MOMENT: Jake and Sophie’s favorite moment from the wedding was getting to celebrate and dance the night away with their guests. They truly felt all the guests at the wedding each other’s company, dancing together all night long.
WHAT THEY LOVE: What Sophie loves most about Jake is his drive and determination to always provide for them and how hard he works to make sure she is always taken care of. What Jake loves most about Sophie is her spirit – how she is so determined and strong and loves her people deeply.
FINAL THOUGHTS: Jake and Sophie thought their special day couldn’t have been more perfect. From the ceremony to the reception, the whole day was so much fun. They truly felt like it was a fairytale they didn’t want to end. They honeymooned in the Dominican Republic following the wedding, where they stayed at the beautiful Excellence Punta Cana Resort. They had a blast and are so excited for this new journey in their lives together.
WEDDING TEAM
Venue: Swift-Coles Historic Home
Planners: Tara Hill, Tiffany Cleveland, Sandra Bianco and Kathryn and Kayla from Emerald Coast Events for day-of coordinating and event staff
Florist: Russellville Florist and Gifts, Chase Sparks
Catering: Wolf Bay Catering of Foley/Gulf Shores
Cake: Mustard Seed Bakery, Samantha Montgomery
Photographer: Mandi Nunley
Videographer: Chance Thompson
Bride’s dress: Cherry Tree Lane
Bridesmaid dresses: The Something Blue Shoppe
Hair and make-up: Tara Hill, Tiffany Cleveland and Beautiful Buzz Beauty Bar
Men’s attire: Cherry Tree Lane
Favors and gifts: Artist Jewelry and Repair, Maggie J’s and Drawing Board Homes–Anna Grantham
Rentals and décor: C&A Events for lighting and dance floor and The Corked Horse for mobile bar
Rings: Artistic Jewelry and Repair
Pastor: Todd Carter
Notary: Maggie Coan Witt
Monogrammed sashes: Tamera Lane
