March 28, 2026
Ceremony at First Baptist Church Fairhope
Reception at Apiary in downtown Fairhope
Molly and Riley’s wedding in Fairhope celebrated eight years of their relationship while highlighting the moments that led to their marriage. The couple met in sixth grade at a Fairhope High School football game and began dating a few years later after Riley asked Molly to be his girlfriend at the top of the Ferris wheel at The Wharf. Their relationship remained strong through high school and nearly five years of long distance as the bride attended college at Auburn University and the groom attended and played college football at Duke University and Notre Dame University. The couple was engaged in Lake Como, Italy, last summer, just a few weeks after Riley was picked by the Indianapolis Colts in the NFL Draft.
Over 400 friends and family from all stages of the couple’s lives traveled from across the country to celebrate. The bride wore a full lace gown with covered buttons down the back and a coordinating lace jacket. After a first look with her dad and bridesmaids, the bride was surprised by her sister, an artist who hand-painted a champagne bottle and a framed wedding invitation to commemorate the occasion. The bride and groom then met at Fairhope Bluff for their own first look, followed by private vows. The bride gifted her groom with the “dear future husband” letters she had started writing at 14 years old, and the groom gave her Bibles engraved with her new last name.
The ceremony at First Baptist Church Fairhope — the same church where the couple attended youth group together in high school — was filled with emotion as the groom’s grandfather officiated. The couple said their vows and, at the conclusion of the ceremony, exited to “Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy.” A trolley ride took them to the Bay for photos, then to The Apiary for the cocktail hour with their guests. A photo wall, made by the groom and his dad, depicted all the married couples in attendance, becoming a highlight and a personal touch full of encouragement for the newlyweds. In a sweet nod to the place where the couple’s story truly began, Ferris wheels appeared in the huggers, cups, napkins and decor. Custom trading cards with fun facts about the bride and groom on the back showcased more of the newlyweds’ personalities and shared history.
After their first dance to “You Are,” the Leonards had a private dinner, soaking in the energy of the day and sharing a much-needed moment together before spending the rest of the night on the dance floor with their guests. The evening ended with a private last dance before their exit through a football shaker tunnel, riding off on a golf cart and officially beginning their lives together as husband and wife.
Family
Parents Of The Bride Sherry and Mike Walding
Grandparents of the Bride Marsha and Fred Walding; The late Sylvia Carr Walding;
Phyllis Gregg Buzbee; Richard Bennett
Parents Of The Groom Heather and Chad Leonard
Grandparents of the Groom Kathleen Wilcox; Joni Binstead; Leigh and Gib Leonard
Vendors
Photographer Lauren Prevatte Photography
Videographer Easton Film Co.
Content Creator Cecile Creative
Wedding Dress Wedding Belles
Hair/Makeup Mary Payne Taylor
Florist Belle Bouquet
Caterer Naman’s Catering
Bar Bottles Up
Bakery Andree’s
Band Block Party Experience
Invitations/Custom Products River Paper Co.
Transportation Sunset Trolley
Art Anna Walding Art
