Wedding Day

Water Oak Manor

Ceremony

Reception

Dress: Dressy casual. Like you’re going to Sund’y church!

Our Wedding

Her Story In March of 2019, Caleb sat beside me in Side Track, our favorite coffee shop near Auburn. We started talking about international missions, and both of our ears perked up (before we met, both of us were planning and preparing to serve and live overseas after we graduated at Auburn). In the fall of 2019, we started sitting with each other and others in the library between classes. One time, he brought up the scent of lavender and the delight it gave him: soon after, I started showing up to the library, conveniently, wearing lavender essential oils. "You always smell so good," he'd say."Oh, do I? I hardly even noticed," I'd reply, half-smirking. Soon, back in Side Track, Caleb asked me on a date, but I said no (what was I thinking??). A few weeks later, I could not keep Caleb's name off of my mind (it became truly frustrating). Weeks later (and many-a-prayers later), I made up my mind to tell him I'd like to go on that date. So, I called Caleb, and the phone didn't even ring for a second before Caleb picked up -- the date was on! Our first date was a surprise to me until I got in the car: a picnic at the campus arboretum, where we ate Greek food, wrote a haiku, and had pops! We made it "officially official" in November of 2019. In the summer of 2020, Caleb told me he loved me after we had a traditional dinner with our Pakistani friends. What a love I had for him, too! (Yes, I told him that, too.)On the way home, I sang the last line of "Do You Love Me" (from Fiddler on the Roof) over and over with a giddy laugh. To this day, Caleb still surprises me for each date. From India-themed dinners to azalea tours, we've had a blast with one another. Caleb is the most God-fearing man that even my imagination could not conjure up (tenderness, protectiveness, and loudness and all.) In July of 2020, Caleb asked me another question: this time, I said yes("yes, definitely," to be exact). Now, I am eagerly awaiting our blessed date in May of 2021 -- and for a lifetime after that!

His Story On March 1, 2019, I was studying with some friends at Sidetrack Coffee in Opelika, AL right outside of Auburn. After being in the shop for a few hours, my laptop needed to be charged. Because Sidetrack is such a bumpin’ place, there were only two seats open near an outlet to charge my computer:one chair sat relatively alone and another was across from a cute girl wearing a denim jacket. I chose the latter. I soon discovered that this girl was not merely cute but beautiful. Her name was Abigail. In an hour or so of conversation (during which I did almost no studying), I learned that she was a fierce woman of God with a sincere passion for the glory of God throughout the Earth and an overwhelming desire to seek justice for the oppressed.&nbsp; I learned that she had a genuine sense of humor and an affection for great cinema, namely, Monty Python and the Holy Grail.&nbsp; I learned that she is part of a wonderful family and is the sister of someone with whom I was only friends-in-passing at the time but nevertheless greatly respected.&nbsp; I learned her phone number. Several months passed after that first meeting during which we saw each other a couple of times in coffee shops and at a graduation party. Each time we talked, sweet conversation ensued, and the foundations of a friendship were laid. At the beginning of the fall semester after we met, I was waiting on a bagel from Panera Bread in the library and I saw an Africa-tanned Abigail Johnston in line and decided that I need to ask that woman on a date. After a few weeks of casually, but definitely not accidentally, spending time with Abigail and her friends, I decided to ask. She said no. Thankfully, though, about two weeks later, she called me and asked if the offer was still on the table. It absolutely was. In October of 2019, we had a great first date, and the greatness hasn’t waned since. I knew very early in our relationship that Abigail could be my wife, but it wasn’t until she had me over to her apartment for a traditional West African tea ceremony -- seeing her serving with joy in vibrantly colored clothes with the warm afternoon sun highlighting her beauty while enjoying such rich conversation -- that I knew, God willing, she would be my wife. In late July I asked her to be my wife, and she said, “Yes, definitely!” Every day that I have been blessed to be a part of Abigail’s life, I’ve grown to love her more and see more of her divine complexities. I believe that I’ve yet to scratch the surface that is the wonder of my wife-to-be. It will be the great joy of my life to explore and love the woman who is the reflection of that wonder.

Our Story

photos by Haley Bouffard 

Photos

Her People Joshua Johnston, Man of Honor Regan Anderson Meagan FullerAmanda HintenCody NolesChelsea Orr Hunter TerrySara-Jessica White

His PeopleGary Hunt, Best Man Cody Hunt, Best Man Casey Hunt, Best Man Jacob Adams Tyler Ellis Seth Fowler Stephen GothardPreston Lapinski Elliot Lawrence Cole Rampy Harrison Wynne

Wedding Party

Things to Do

Abigail is finishing up her undergraduate degree in Global Studies with a minor in Nonprofit Studies and plans to finish in May of 2021 (a week before the wedding!). Caleb graduated with a degree in International Business in May of 2020 and is now working in Opelika at V3 Media Group, a local media marketing company. Since both of us are called overseas, we intend to move in the near future! We plan to live in what is now Abigail's apartment until we launch overseas, so we don't need loads of stuff!You can bless us in other ways than buying us gifts: we ask for your thoughts and prayers as we navigate marriage as well as a new culture soon!

Future Plans 

Registry

Caleb & I are highly aware of the impact of the coronavirus.   We firmly encourage the use of masks at our ceremony and reception, and, if you are not fully vaccinated, we ask that you wear a mask, especially when traveling (to your seat, to the bathroom, in the food line, etc).   Full disclosure: this will be a large wedding with over 250 guests expected. If you are uncomfortable attending, or you'd like to change your RSVP, we completely understand.   Caleb and I are vaccinated, and we ask that if you are feeling sick at all, please, do not attend our wedding! We completely understand.    Our ceremony and reception will be held outside, and tables (but not seats) will be assigned at the reception to ensure as best we can that people who are normally together will be seated together. And hand sanitizer and masks will be set up around the venue.    Our hearts ache for those we've lost to COVID, and our intention is to desist the spread of the virus as it relates to our ceremony.    Our loved ones' health and safety during your time with us is our priority, yet we completely understand if you and yours choose to celebrate us from afar. We know it's asking a lot from our loved ones in Fort Payne and Oneonta to travel to Auburn, so we truly understand if you are unable to attend! ◡̈

Abigail & Caleb

Abigail & Caleb

Registry