Ceremony: Kendrick Park in Flagstaff
Feb. 29, 2020
Photography by Genie Vogelsang, Birdsong Wedding Photography, birdsongweddingphotography.com
HOW THEY MET:
William “Zach” Sebring and Courtney Truett met in February of 2017 through mutual friends who opened a bar in Wetumpka, Alabama. The pair bartended and helped with the opening. Their work friendship eventually blossomed into a romance. “We worked very well together. We got along well. I don’t think I’ve really had a friendship before I’ve dated someone. That has been the biggest thing that we both are appreciative of: that we had that foundation before any sort of romantic relationship happened. That was the building block we started on,” says Courtney, who’s in the military and is stationed in southern California. “When we first met, we both had big goals and dreams. And I think that’s one thing that was we were attracted to each other about: We were passionate. We were driven for more than where we were at.”
THE PROPOSAL:
Zach, who is working on his MBA and lives outside of Montgomery, Alabama, carried the ring around in his pocket for weeks waiting for the perfect moment to pop the question. That time arrived when the pair were visiting Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula, California – their first visit to a winery ever. The couple was out alone in the vineyard filled with ripe vines when he proposed in October of 2019. “The weather was absolutely stunning. The meals were amazing. The wine was delicious,” says Zach. “It was perfect.”
THE CEREMONY:
The couple arrived five minutes late to their ceremony that started in the early evening. An acoustic guitarist started playing as soon as they stepped out of the car. He played classic rock and a Sam Cooke tune throughout the entire ceremony and photos. The bride wore a black dress with a leather jacket over her gown since they wed on a chilly February day. When the officiant was speaking, Courtney came down with a case of the giggles. The couple laughed throughout the entire ceremony. “We had so much fun that entire day,” says Courtney. “We had a good time like we do anywhere else.”
POST-CEREMONY:
After they exchanged vows, the couple headed to a nearby chapel to cut the cake. Courtney gifted Zach with His and Hers flasks (pictured below). They popped a bottle of Veuve Clicquot and toasted with the Champagne – the same beverage they drank on their very first date. “It was perfect. Her and I both are religious in a way, and I think it capped it all off,” says Zach. They finished their day with dinner at Black Bart’s Steakhouse, Saloon & Musical Revue in Flagstaff.
WHY FLAGSTAFF:
Originally the couple planned to have their wedding in Alabama. But with Courtney living out in California, that proved to be too stressful. When Zach was visiting Courtney one weekend, they knew they were going to get married. “We were losing sight of what was most important with our wedding,” says Zach. Courtney was searching for pine trees and forests, and Flagstaff popped up in her search results. And the stars aligned. The couple hadn’t visited Flagstaff yet. It just happened to be Leap Day. A forest setting combined with the mountains and the fresh air made sense for the outdoorsy, adventurous couple. “It was exactly what I had envisioned of what I had wanted my wedding to be like. I couldn’t find that back home,” says Courtney. “The outdoors are where we find peace and solitude. And we’re able to focus on what really matters. And we’re not distracted by everything else that’s going on in the world or society.”
WHAT WE LEARNED:
Their advice for other couples is to enjoy their wedding day and focus on what really matters. “Don’t so get so caught up in what everyone wants your wedding to be. Everyone has all these expectations, and how it should be, you’re supposed to do this and that. Don’t forget, it’s about you and the person you’re marrying. And what’s most important, it’s about your marriage and about what you’re saying to each other, and the lifelong commitment that you’re making. People get so caught up in the entire planning process, and they don’t even get to enjoy their actual wedding,” says Courtney. “It’s our day. It is about our future, our marriage. Let’s focus on me and you, and be in the moment.”
THE HONEYMOON:
Once it’s safe to travel again, the couple plans on visiting Greece or South America.
VENDORS:
Wedding Venue: Kendrick Park / Flagstaff Forest Weddings, flagstaffweddingpackages.com
Wedding Planner: Flagstaff Forest Weddings
Bride’s Gown: Fashion Nova
Bride’s Leather Jacket: Forever 21
Bride’s Shoes: Sperry Duck Boots in grey
Groom’s Tux: H&M, trousers/shoes/vest/button up shirt
Groom’s Shoes: H&M
Rings: J.C. Penney
Flasks: Claire’s jewelry store
Florals: A dark and dramatic bouquet by Flagstaff Forest Weddings
Catering: Flagstaff Forest Weddings
Cake: Flagstaff Forest Weddings
Officiant: Zsuzsi Kovacs, Flagstaff Forest Weddings
Entertainment: Brian David, Flagstaff Forest Weddings
Photographer: Genie Vogelsang, Flagstaff Forest Weddings
Getaway Car: Ford F-150 pickup truck
