Rehearsal Dinner

Bellwether Church

Wedding Day

Our Wedding

We met at Sonic on a Wednesday night in August during Hudson’s sophomore and my senior year. We quickly hit it off, even though I made fun of Hudson’s southern accent the whole night. We became good friends from there, excited that we had so much in common and enjoying a couple of date parties and formals together. Several months later, we had a fateful Facetime call in the middle of the night during spring break. Hudson asked if I was interested in him, and I friendzoned him immediately (total pride move – I was trying to beat him to the punch). Thankfully, Hudson’s not a quitter, and the next day, he asked me on a date!! I was absolutely thrilled and obviously said yes. He and a large ham and pineapple pizza picked me up that afternoon, and we spent five hours at the Overlook eating pizza, talking about our lives, and pretending that we didn’t notice BeReal going off right in the middle of it. It was the best date I had ever been on. A week later, he gave me a bright blue ring from a cupcake and asked me to be his girlfriend. Again, I was thrilled to say yes :) Throughout our relationship, life has thrown curveballs at us individually and challenged us through living in different seasons of life. Hudson, ever gracious, patient, and optimistic, has been a rock through it all. His kindness has pulled me closer than I could have imagined to the gentle Father that molds me with care. I have relished the opportunities to love and honor him as well for two years. We make each other laugh until our sides hurt, and our favorite place to be is right next to each other. We seize opportunities to serve together, making us aware of the calling on our shared life that is so much greater than just mutual happiness. The more we are together, the more we learn, grow, and love. Call us cheesy (well, maybe not Hudson).&nbsp; On November 2, 2024, I got dressed up in a new dress and hopped in the car with my dad so that we could go to a video shoot he was directing. To my amazement, we pulled into the spot where Hudson had taken me for our first date – and there he was, standing on a picnic blanket and surrounded with flowers and pictures and champagne. My heart almost exploded. I ran to him and listened as he told me about his love for me and his desire to continue loving me as the Lord calls us to in marriage. It was the most moving act of love. He got down on one knee, asked me to marry him, and gave to me the most beautiful ring that included his great-grandmother’s precious diamond. It is my most valuable possession, not because it is fancy or expensive, but because there are generations of love behind it – now including our own.&nbsp; We have been honored and blessed to have the most incredible, selfless, Christ-centered community around us for years now. The church we serve in, the friends who surround us, the families that we are part of, and even the coworkers who spend each day by our sides have shown amounts of love, care, and support that we can’t put into words. We are so thankful for the people who have been part of our story, helped to catch us when we fall, hyped us up, and been exceedingly generous with their time, effort, finances, homes, and hearts. We love all of you. We are just so excited that we get to enter into marriage with this support system rallying behind us. Thank you for being part of our story.

The Story Of Us (Shottses' Version)

Our Story

Photos

Bridesmaids

Katie is my sister, bestest friend, and closest confidant. She brings peace and care to everyone she meets, and she has a quiet strength about her. She relies heavily on the Lord and inspires me to do the same. All of our childhood memories are of being together, and it means the world to me that she is a crucial part of this season.

Katie Partridge

Bailey has become one of my closest friends in the last 2 years. We share so many laughs, tears, hobbies, memes, and iced lattes! She is dependable, empathetic, brilliant, and tough. I learn a lot from watching her navigate challenges with grace and composure. She's also a huge fan of Eagles (the band, not the team).

Bailey Bradshaw

Abigail is the life of the party and the easiest person to get along with! We share a church and small group, both of which she leads in with humility and humor. She always keeps it real. She is quick to laugh and helps us not to take life tooooo seriously. I love being her friend and seeing each other grow!

Abigail Richardson

Emma has been like a sister to me since she started dating my cousin a few years ago, and my life is so much brighter and more joyful with her in it! Nobody tells a story or hypes up her people the way she does. If you talk to her, you are guaranteed to smile. She is a beautiful testament to the grace of God, and she is always full of enthusiasm and energy!

Emma Bullock

Claire and I met as freshmen at MC, and we have shared many life changes since then! We started dating our (now husbands!) at the same time, and they just so happened to be besties too. Claire is authentic, firm in her faith and convictions, and a constant encouragement to me. I learn so much from her.

Claire McCord

Mae Mae is my sweet cousin. She can design, invent, and create anything, and she inspires me all the time! She is down to earth and a strong advocate. She has helped immensely with creating a beautiful wedding day, and I am so thankful not only for her help but also for her friendship.

Mae Partridge

Kaylee and I have been friends through some chaotic times in life, and she has remained an anchor through it all. She is kind above all else, and she is always willing to make time for her people. She is also crazy smart, so I get to learn from her! She gets me and consistently cares for me, and I love being her friend.

Kaylee Foster

Kendall is Hudson's sister, and I have had a blast getting to know her! She has the driest humor, and she is quick to make me laugh when we're together. She cares deeply for animals. She is so smart, impressing her family all the time. I'm proud to be joining her family!

Kendall Gordon

Whitney is Hudson's youngest sister. She is full of joy and laughs at everything, which is so refreshing and fun! She's the expert on swimming, wrestling with her siblings, and using her imagination. She cracks me up and has the perfect facial expressions. I'm excited to be her sister in law!

Whitney Gordon

Ellis is a little lady with a huge personality! Her dad, Byron, is on staff at Bellwether, and her mom, Lauren, serves with me on the worship team. Their family is so special, caring, and fun! I love knowing them, and Hudson and I are honored for Miss Ellis to be part of our day. 

Ellis Knight

Rosa is a little firecracker, and she has the cutest curls ever. She's brilliant and loves making jokes. She makes us laugh all the time! The D'Alessandro family is dear to us, and Rosa's parents, Bobby and Savannah, have been so caring to us. We can't wait for Rosa to be our flower girl!

Rosa D'Alessandro

Groomsmen

Nick chose me as one of his “littles” my freshman year and has been the closest thing I have to an older brother since then. We share all the same interests (and most of the same opinions) on whatever our current shared obsession is.  I am so blessed that we’ve been able to stay connected as he pastors students in Birmingham!  He’s dependable, selfless, and has been the voice of wisdom for me so many times throughout college and looking forward.

Nick Carraway

This is the sweetest guy you’ll ever meet! Jack and I worked together as RAs and lived together last summer, and now he’s in our small group at Bellwether. He has been a very special friend to Callie and me both. Jack’s friendship has been very encouraging for our relationship; he’s kind, loyal, and supportive. AND he’s helped us fix our cars SO many times. If you wanna meet Jack, just tell him about your favorite car.

Jack Bower

Kade, my roommate and dear friend, is as compassionate as they come. He has always worn his heart on his sleeve and stopped at no expense to serve me and others! Kade is always down for a concert and helps me laugh hysterically even in the hardest times. He’s such a great brother and leader. So sad to be losing Kade for my new forever roommate.

Kade Stegall

Jonathan has been one of my closest friends and an example of faithfulness to me for four years now. We’ve bonded most over music and board games (don’t get him started on board games). He’s been such a generous and considerate brother to me, and I’m so glad that I’ve had a married man like him to look up to in my life!

Jonathan Jones

Mitch and I were inseparable as sophomores (until Claire came along). I've gotten to experience leadership, the mission field, and many many road trips with Mitch! He may seem quiet or stoic at first, but once he gets going, he’s the life of the party! More importantly, I couldn't ask for a more steady and upstanding brother.

Mitch McCord

For the past four years, Lincoln has been a friend that is consistently encouraging and accountable. Don’t be fooled by the muscles and tattoos, he’s really one of the friendliest and loving guys in the world. (And he gives the best hugs) This is a man who thinks and loves very deeply, Because he knows how deeply Christ loves us.

Lincoln Terry

Being my personal mechanic and one of my littles, Wilson and I have had plenty of adventures together in just a couple years. My favorite thing about Wilson is his dependability. He always going out of his way to support and serve others! And even though I’m supposed to be his role model, I’m always learning how to model Christ from him.

Wilson Ethridge

Cooper is my younger, taller, more handsome younger brother. (And I mean my biological brother this time) He’s always impressed me with the initiative and maturity he displays! He is a man who holds firm to his faith and instinctively cares for others before himself.

Cooper Shotts

Callie’s brother Caleb has many notable qualities. The mustache is probably my favorite. But he’s also talented and so disciplined in his walk with God–just like the whole of the Partridge family! Caleb's helped me feel so welcomed as we’ve started to merge families, and I can’t wait to see how we grow closer.

Caleb Partridge

Griffin is the life of any party! His dance moves, contagious energy, and strict moral compass are untouchable – he is truly one of a kind. The Dunbar family is very important to us, as we have looked up to his parents for years now. Watching Griffin's childhood unfold has taught us so much about childlike wonder and the value of good parenting. We love Griff :)

Griffin Dunbar

A musician, an athlete, a pro wrestler in the making... is there anything this 3 year old can't do? Noah may have few words, but his personality is dazzling. Anything is an instrument with this kid! We love seeing how eagerly and quickly Noah learns new things, especially if his teachers are Griffin and his parents, Carleigh and Daniel. Celebrating this family is a gift, and we wouldn't have it any other way at our wedding.

Noah Dunbar

Wedding Party

Q + A

Travel

Things to Do

Registry

if you're hungry...

Aplos Simple Mediterranean

Delicious Mediterranean, big group seating, right across the street! <a href="https://www.eataplos.com/menus/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Check them out!</a>

Newk's Eatery

Our go-to for when we're balling on a budget and want some comfort food :) <a href="https://newks.com/?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiA8q--BhDiARIsAP9tKI05Xy1fcE1AlNBO0wwKFSnDLxs56cuKcQZnVAQl4BAZlTltHU6pkh8aAiloEALw_wcB" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Check them out!</a>

Bravo!

Authentic Italian cuisine for if you're feeling a little fancy! <a href="https://www.bravobuzz.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Check them out!</a>

Papitos

There are about 20 Mexican places around Bellwether that are all delicious! This is a popular one. <a href="https://www.papitos-flowood.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Check them out!</a>

Sal & Mookie's

For a New York slice right here in Jackson (and some five star ice cream!) <a href="https://salandmookies.com/home/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Check them out!</a>

Pig and Pint

BBQ. Enough said <a href="https://pigandpint.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Check them out!</a>

Tuk Tuk Boom

Super close to Bellwether and a very popular choice for Thai and sushi! <a href="https://tuktukboom.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Check them out!</a>

Bonsai Japanese Steakhouse

Delicious Hibachi and a fun, lowkey experience! <a href="https://www.bonsaijxn.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Check them out!</a>

Callie & Hudson

Callie & Hudson

Q + A

Will the event be indoors or outdoors?

What do I wear?

Do I have a Plus One?

Can my kids come?

Will food be served at the reception?

Where do I park?

Will alcohol be served?

What is the wedding day schedule?