birmingham

Today we are featuring a beautiful engagement shoot of an Alabama bred couple. These high school sweethearts melted our hearts and we are so happy to share their story. Check out their southern romance today!

Bride Name:

Andrea Speights

Groom Name:

Eddie Palmer III

Engagement Location:

Gatlinburg, TN

Engagement Date:

December 24, 2014 (my birthday is Christmas Eve)

Alma Mater of Bride:

I graduated from Xavier University of LA in 2005-undergrad degree, and in 2013 with my PharmD degree. 

Alma Mater of Groom:

Culinary school at Jefferson State of Birmingham, AL in 2009

Current City where you live:

Atlanta, GA

Bride Hometown:

Birmingham, AL

Groom Hometown:

Birmingham, AL

Bride Sorority:

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, INC

How did you meet?

We actually met at John Carroll Catholic High School in Birmingham, AL. We dated in high school briefly…. Puppy love… But Eddie is a year older and a grade ahead of me. After he graduated in 2000, we went our separate ways. In May 2012, I came home and went to a Joel Osteen event at the Birmingham Civic Center. As I was leaving the event, I ran into Eddie….and we have been inseparable ever since!

How long have you dated?

We dated 2 years before he proposed

How did he propose?

He proposed down on one knee on top of a mountain in Gatlinburg, TN. I sent an email with a flipagram of pics from our engagement.

When did you know he was the one?

When I graduated from pharmacy school, we moved to Atlanta together. Even though I had my PharmD degree…it took me awhile to get fully licensed in GA so I could make my full salary. Eddie was very supportive of me emotionally, physically, and spiritually. He encouraged me to keep going even when I wanted to give up. That’s when I knew he was the man I wanted to marry. He accepted my flaws and all. He didn’t give up on me so I didn’t give up on us.

What is the cutest thing he has done for you without you asking?

Oftentimes when I have a hard day at work… He will have a thoughtful card and flowers waiting on me when I get home. He knows that I love fresh flowers!

What is something you love about him that has completely changed your life?

Eddie is very forgiving. When we argue, which isn’t often, he’s always the first to forgive and forget. His easiness to forgive and move on has made me more understanding and willing to let things go. 

What part of wedding planning is making you crazy?

Really nothing because I have an excellent wedding planner.

What part of wedding planning can you not live without?

I can’t live without my wedding planner Alexandria Means! She makes planning my wedding stress free.

What was your first thought the day after your engagement?

I was truly elated that God connected me to a Christian man that wanted to spend his life with me. I’m truly blessed.

What did you love about taking engagement pictures?

I loved displaying the love my fiancé and I feel for each other via photography.

Who did you tell first about your engagement?

My Mom!

Are you used to the ring yet?

Yes of course!

How many times do you accidentally say girlfriend instead of fiance in a day?

All the time when I first got engaged…. Now I rarely say girlfriend. I’m in full fiancé mode.

What do you love about planning a southern wedding?

The love surrounding our wedding ceremony being in our hometown. The actual ceremony will be held down the street from our high school where we met! So many memories and blessings fill my heart and spirit! I’m truly thankful!

What do you love about being engaged in the south?

Being a southern belle and participating in all the events associated with engagement activities.

Who did the photography?

Bryant Price from The Price Approach Photography