Wilkerson and Walley

NAMES: Derrick Wayne Walley and Hazel Sarah Wilkerson

LIVE IN: Theodore, AL

OCCUPATION: Derrick teaches and coaches at High School History at Theodore High School. Sarah teaches Elementary Music at Rockwell Elementary School, Daphne East, and Stapleton, as well as the Youth Director at First Baptist Church Mobile.

NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO ATTENDED: 250+

NUMBER OF ATTENDANTS: 9 Groomsmen, 2 Ring Bearers, 6 Bridesmaids, 1 Junior Bridesmaid, 2 Flower Girls

HOW THEY MET: Derrick was in his second year of teaching. Sarah was student-teaching in the Choir Department and first met Derrick when he came to pick up sound equipment. Derrick kept coming to visit every morning after that.

THE ENGAGEMENT: Derrick proposed in August of 2005 at the fifty yard line of the football field at Theodore High School. He tricked Sarah by saying he had lost his class ring during football practice while fixing a sprinkler on the field.

FAVORITE DATE: Derrick researched her favorite restaurant online. The local franchise had closed and he found the next closest one and drove her over an hour to Biloxi just to eat there. After dinner they walked on the beach and then visited the mall. While in the mall, they happened on a jewelry store, where they shopped for engagement rings for the first time.

WHAT SHE LOVES MOST ABOUT HIM: Derrick's big heart. He acts like a big and bad tough guy but he is really a teddy bear. He loves God, his family, and his friends very much.

WHAT HE LOVES THE MOST ABOUT HER: I love the way she loves me and takes care of me. She also loves the Lord.

WEDDING COLORS: Pearl pink and Chambord.

WEDDING THEME: Pink and Music for Sarah's table, Bobcat Pride for Derrick's Table

FAVORITE PARTIES: They had seven parties - First Baptist Church bridal shower; Couples' Showers; Lingerie Shower; Bridal Tea; Family Shower in Mississippi.

THE THING THAT WE WOULD HAVE DONE DIFFERENTLY: We would focus on enjoying each other, our families, and the pre-wedding experiences as they happened, and we would worry less over small details.

WHAT WAS UNIQUE: It was unique that our Youth Group was able to participate in the Wedding. It was also unique to be able to include Derrick's love for football at the reception by decorating his table with items from his high school team. Also, we included the pastors from both of our churches as the ministers for the wedding.

HER ADVICE TO OTHER BRIDES: When I look back on the wedding, I don't imagine the perfectly coordinated flowers or the design of the reception hall. I remember quiet moments between Derrick and I, special roles filled by friends and family that we love, joyful tears during the ceremony, and bright smiles at the reception. Of course you have to spend time on logistics, but make sure to plan time for memorable moments too!

ADJECTIVES TO DESCRIBE THE WEDDING: Joyful, Elegant, Family, Sacred

HONEYMOON: After a night at the Riverview Plaza Hotel, they flew to Bar Harbor, Maine.