Douglas and Caroline met in September of 2022 and were immediately drawn to each other's easy-going and fun-loving personalities.

They planned their first official date for after Labor Day Weekend, which happened to be the weekend Caroline got in a fight with a boat while trying to dock it, and lost. She came hobbling into Slice Pizza with a bruise the size of a pepperoni pie thinking well, if things don’t go great, at least I got dinner. Instead, they talked for hours.

On their third date, Douglas asked Caroline out to her favorite restaurant in Birmingham, Five Points Public House. They were sitting at the bar when, all of a sudden, Caroline’s parents—Bobby and Susan—walked in. Earlier that night, Caroline had told them she was meeting up with some teacher friends, and Bobby and Susan thought they’d stop in and buy everybody a round of drinks.

Caroline saw them about to walk in on her third date with Douglas and her face went white. She told Douglas she’d “be right back” and ran to the door. She hugged her parents while saying “I lied, I’m on a date, I love you, and you need to leave right now.”

Susan tried to rush them out of the bar, but Bobby wasn’t ready to go just yet. They snuck into the back so Bobby could get a better look at the man who would become his daughter’s husband. Before leaving, he made sure to send over two of Caroline’s very favorite drink, the French 75.

This sweetly embarrassing story took on much deeper significance when, just two weeks later, Bobby suddenly passed away. Even though she and Douglas were just getting to know each other, he was Caroline’s rock. He showed up. Never overbearing, he understood the things that needed to be done and did them—whether it was taking Wilby out for walks, setting up Caroline’s TV in her apartment, or being there whenever she needed to talk. He was patient, steady and kind. He was happy to meet every single member of Caroline’s extended family before going on a fourth date. And if you know The Driggers, some would say that made Douglas a very brave man.

Their relationship was tested early and proved strong—one filled with love, support and joy. And Alabama Football. And nachos. And dogs. Looots of dogs.

Douglas and Caroline are thrilled to start their life together and are grateful to both of their parents, Bobby and Susan and Doug Jr. and Bradley, who’ve modeled marriages built on faith, commitment, respect and fun.

They cannot wait to get married and celebrate with you all!

Q + A

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Can we take pictures during the service with our phone?