Romantic and deeply personal, Maelybeth and Bo’s fairytale wedding unfolded like opening a storybook. From watercolor details woven throughout the celebration to custom dresses redesigned from family heirlooms, every element reflected their love story. Set against a romantic French-inspired venue and ending with a surprise exit no one will forget, Maelybeth and Bo’s day was a perfect blend of beauty, romance, and joy.
The Night Before
The night before the big day was as magical as they come, with the celebration being filled with laughter and love to ring in the big weekend for the happy couple. But the real showstopper of the evening?! Maelybeth’s rehearsal dinner dress. Originally being her mother’s wedding gown, worn the day she said “I do” to her dad, it quickly became one of the most meaningful and cherished memories of the evening.
What began as a full ball gown was redesigned and transformed into a modern, princess-worthy look for the evening. From the moment Maelybeth saw it, her eye was drawn to the intricate details and she instantly envisioned a shorter, playful silhouette that felt just right for the night before the wedding. Adding the final touch to this delight, she surprised her mom by choosing the dress for her rehearsal look, and invited her in to be part of the entire redesign process.
The Details
From the earliest stages of wedding planning, Maelybeth knew watercolor would play an integral role in the day, being woven thoughtfully through everything from the save-the-dates to the reception details. Inspired by the venue’s French-influenced architecture, the soft artistry of the watercolor allowed florals and design elements to blend effortlessly, setting an elegant and romantic tone for the celebration.
That vision came to life in the most beautiful way, unfolding during the ceremony and beyond. Guests were welcomed with live watercolor portraits, hand-painted fans that doubled as programs, and vow panels offering a glimpse into the private words of Maelybeth and Bo shared earlier that morning. The storytelling continued with a seating chart reflecting meaningful moments from their love story, complete with personalized card boxes for gifts, and a charming watercolor cameo of their beloved ragdoll kitty at the cocktail hour refreshment station. Every detail was intentionally chosen, creating a celebration that felt both deeply personal and beautifully curated.
The Bride
Married at 24 and from Sparta, Tennessee, Maelybeth is a true creative with an eye for detail. A natural planner and the friend everyone turns to for a celebration, planning her wedding felt like her Super Bowl – an opportunity to channel her creativity and deliver something deeply meaningful.
After serving as a maid of honor three times and a bridesmaid more times than she can count, Maelybeth’s life before Bo mirrored a scene straight out of 27 Dresses. Throughout her own bridal season, her friends showed up for her in the most thoughtful ways, making the experience feel beautifully full-circle as she finally brought her long-held wedding vision to life.
The Groom
To Maelybeth, Bo is the steady grounding presence in her life, continuously surprising her in all the best ways. Being from Spencer, Tennessee and a true country man at heart, Bo doesn’t simply support Maelybeth’s big, imaginative ideas: he embraces them fully, meeting her enthusiasm with quiet confidence and unwavering encouragement.
The two met on a trip to Puerto Rico with mutual friends, and from that first encounter, Bo made an impression that never faded. His calm nature and genuine spirit have been a constant ever since, making him the perfect complement to Maelybeth’s creative, vibrant world.
Their People
The bridal party looks struck a balance chic, romantic, and dreamlike. Pulling inspiration from her ceremony gown, Maelybeth integrated ruffled details into her bridesmaids’ dresses, selecting silhouettes that celebrated each woman’s individuality while still creating a cohesive and fitting image. Together, the look felt whimsical, thoughtful, and entirely intentional.
For the pre-wedding glam, aka “the girls time”, Maelybeth drew inspiration from Sabrina Carpenter and her signature babydoll silhouettes. What might seem like a small detail to some was something she fully committed to, and it became one of the most talked-about elements of the day. Each of the bridesmaid’s pieces were customized with added lining, satin shorts, and delicate ruffled straps. The result?! A timeless yet unexpected getting-ready look with a fresh take on the norm.
For the groomsmen, they embraced a classic approach to complement the romantic styling of the bridesmaid’s looks, complete with black tuxedos and bow ties for an effortlessly polished, romantic finish.
The Couple
Heading into their couple portraits, Maelybeth and Bo fully embraced all things dramatic. They envisioned moments that felt elevated and editorial, while still embracing the joy, ease, and connection that defines the entirety of their relationship. The result was a collection of images that felt true to who they were, balancing refined artistry and genuine emotion.
The Ceremony
Maelybeth envisioned a ceremony that felt like stepping into a dream. As guests entered, they were met with layers of soft white draping, decadent chandeliers, a live ceremony painter, and the gentle sound of a string quartet, creating a romantic and immersive atmosphere. At the center of it all was the true showstopper: the mirrored aisle lined with lush white and periwinkle florals, creating the illusion of floating as each step was taken and setting the tone for a moment that felt both intimate and elegant.
The experience began the moment guests arrived, welcomed by a flowing fountain and grand doors, and concluded with cold lavender towels offered as a thoughtful refresh from the August heat. Every detail was designed to make the ceremony feel as enchanting as it was unforgettable.
The Dress
Maelybeth’s first dress set the tone for nearly every design choice throughout the remainder of the day. She envisioned something light and whimsical – an aesthetic meant to flow seamlessly from morning to night. Ruffles became her signature detail, thoughtfully woven throughout the celebration, from the bridesmaids’ dresses to her getting-ready robe and even the umbrellas, bringing her vision to life in a beautifully cohesive way.
She completed the look with meaningful heirloom touches: a pearl necklace gifted to her as a baby, her mother’s earrings, and classic white Louboutins. As the walked down the aisle, the iconic red soles reflected against the mirrored floor – a striking detail that added to an already unforgettable moment.
The Fashion
For their guests, Maelybeth shared a thoughtfully curated mood board with soft pastels and light, airy spring tones. This vision allowed guests’ attire to blend seamlessly into the day’s romantic palette, adding to the overall sense of softness and cohesion throughout the celebration.
The Second Look
Maelybeth had been dreaming of a Kim Kassas Couture gown from the moment she discovered the designer. The sculpted neckline, cascading pearls, and intricate embellishments felt like everything she had ever imagined for her second look.
She originally planned to style the gown with a cape, but in the magical chaos of a wedding day, it was left behind. It became a quiet reminder that no missed detail, or change in plans, could take away from the moment that mattered most: marrying her person.
The Reception
Carrying the elegance of the ceremony and cocktail hour into the evening, the reception reflected the same refined style through lush white and periwinkle florals, custom menu designs, staging, and linens. As the night unfolded, Maelybeth and Bo opened the second half of the reception space, designed with details that gave a heartfelt nod to Puerto Rico, the place where they first met and fell in love. In place of a traditional champagne tower, they introduced a margarita tower, creating the perfect blend of sophistication and joy, inviting guests to celebrate right alongside them.
The Surprise Exit
Weddings often place so much focus on the bride, but throughout the planning process, Maelybeth was intentional about creating moments that would bring Bo the most joy. She tucked thoughtful surprises into the day just for him, but the helicopter exit was the one she knew would be completely unexpected and unforgettable.
Watching Bo’s reaction, shock and pure happiness, was a fitting and heartfelt way to close out their wedding day, a final moment that reflected the care and love woven into every detail.
Maelybeth and Bo’s wedding was a celebration of love, creativity, and thoughtful details, with every moment reflecting their personalities and story. From the dreamy ceremony to the playful, unforgettable surprise exit, it was a day that will be remembered for years to come. If you loved this romantic fairytale wedding, be sure to read A Romantic Wedding at Pleasantdale Chateau for this NFL Couple for more inspiration and stunning details!
