Kalah Shockley, a Nashville native, is truly a one-of-a-kind person! Margaret Ellen Bridal had the pleasure of helping Kalah find her perfect dress for her 30A wedding. Kalah married Jeremy Hazen on October 14, 2018, 4 days after Hurricane Michael made landfall on the Florida Panhandle. Originally, the two were to wed at The Meeting House in Carillon Beach. Hurricane Michael threw a wrench in the original plans and the two were married at The Bellamy on 30A. Kalah wore a Martina Liana gown and looked completely breathtaking. Congrats Kalah and Jeremy on your marriage!
How did you meet your groom?
Jeremy and I met on Bumble! Our first date was at Chuy's and the rest is truly history!
Tell us your engagement story:
I was at the beach with my family on vacation. I had asked Jeremy to come but due to vacation days and an upcoming trip planned for him he wasn't able to come. I was bummed to say the least. It was a gloomy day because the tropical storm was making it's way to where we were staying. I think most of us stayed inside that day because the weather was so gross. That night we all went to dinner. The place we went was AWFUL! When we got back to the house that night I was headed upstairs and the front door opened and my mom said, "Look who is here to see you!" I was in shock!!!! Jeremy had just walked through the door! He was not supposed to be here. I teased him about messing up our numbers for game night that was about to start! He and I headed upstairs to put his things away. When we got upstairs we hugged and I could feel his heart beating out of his chest. He went to grab something out of his backpack and before I knew it he was down on one knee asking me to marry him! I couldn't believe it was happening! I of course said yes and asked him a million questions about how all of it came to be. His original plans included proposing on the beach, meeting me in the local bookstore, and several other grand plans. Unfortunately, the tropical storm led to a different proposal! It was perfect and when we walked downstairs his parents were waiting for us along with my family. It was so special to be able to celebrate with both of them right after it happened!
What was your favorite part of the wedding planning process?
Picking out my dress was my favorite! We got engaged on a Sunday, and I was in Maggie's shop that Friday. I had no intentions of buying a dress that day. I truly thought that nothing would fit me, and I would leave feeling defeated. The total opposite happened. Maggie and I hit it off immediately. My mom, sister, and dad all felt the same way. We felt so welcomed by Maggie and her lovely space. The moment when I walked out and we all knew it was the one was one of the best moments of the whole wedding process!
What is your favorite memory from the wedding day?
I have so many!!! Probably taking pictures on the beach after the ceremony! We got to relax and laugh. The day had flown by, and it was nice to pause with him as my husband on the beach!
What is one piece of advice you would give someone preparing for their wedding day?
Make a list of things that are non-negotiable for you and your groom. Jeremy and I had a very small and intimate wedding. It was what we wanted. I had a few things that I said had to happen and so did he. Once we knew what those were, everything else seemed little. Your wedding day is the most magical day. Enjoy it. Choose the people you want to be there and that love you both. Don't worry or stress about napkin colors or if something doesn't work out the way you planned. I can attest to that because we got married after the hurricane hit. It was mass chaos trying to make it all come together. Thankfully Avis is amazing at her job....oh that would probably be my number one advice! If you are in the 30A area and need a planner, Avis Glenister is your gal. She handled everything and our day was more amazing than we had originally envisioned. Seriously though, don't fret over the little things. At the end of the day if you walk away married to a man that loves and adores you that's all that truly matters!
Kalah with her planner, Avis Glenister of Peach and Pearl Events.
Why did you choose Margaret Ellen Bridal? How did you know your dress was "the one"?
I chose Margaret Ellen Bridal because Maggie made me feel right at home. The fact that I had the store to myself was amazing. I never knew something like that was possible. I wasn't comparing myself to anyone else and I had the opportunity to feel like I was the most important one in the room. Maggie made the entire process magical! I knew it was the one when I put it on for the second time and could see myself walking down the aisle to Jeremy!!
