Wedding Day
Saturday, March Twenty-First, Two Thousand Twenty-Six at One O'Clock In The Evening
Our Story
Our Story
Mark and Courtney first met at Sweet Springs Baptist Church in Ardmore, Alabama. Long before either of them imagined a future together, Mark would occasionally visit Courtney’s home to give her brother guitar lessons. Courtney was still very young at the time, and neither of them gave those early encounters much thought.
As the years passed, both Mark and Courtney grew and matured. Mark began noticing Courtney in a new light as she became more involved in church activities and spent time with the married women and young couples. Although he was interested, he wasn’t quite ready to speak up just yet.
Their paths continued to cross at church services, fellowships, and gatherings with friends. One evening at a church fish fry, it became clear that Mark’s interest was deepening. He would join the boys in playing instruments, yet always found moments to ask Courtney questions and learn more about her. From there, their conversations became more frequent, and they grew especially close during VBS fellowship.
In October 2024, their friendship blossomed into something more. They had their first phone call—four hours long, though it felt like only minutes. They shared their testimonies, their dreams, and the stories that shaped who they were. Shortly afterward, Mark respectfully asked Courtney’s father for permission to speak with her regularly. A month later, in November 2024, he asked for permission to court her. Their relationship continued to flourish, growing deeper with each passing day.
After one year, two weeks, and two days of courting, Mark knew the moment had come.
In November 2025, Courtney traveled to Pensacola to spend Thanksgiving with Mark’s family. The next day, she was invited to the beach under the impression that the family was having photos taken. During the photoshoot, Mark asked Courtney to step aside for a picture together—and there,he knelt down and asked her to be his wife. Courtney joyfully said yes.
Mark and Courtney are grateful to the Lord for guiding their steps, bringing them together, and giving them peace and confidence in the future they are about to begin. They are overjoyed and thankful for this next chapter of their lives
Mark and Courtney first met at Sweet Springs Baptist Church in Ardmore, Alabama. Long before either of them imagined a future together, Mark would occasionally visit Courtney’s home to give her brother guitar lessons. Courtney was still very young at the time, and neither of them gave those early encounters much thought.
As the years passed, both Mark and Courtney grew and matured. Mark began noticing Courtney in a new light as she became more involved in church activities and spent time with the married women and young couples. Although he was interested, he wasn’t quite ready to speak up just yet.
Their paths continued to cross at church services, fellowships, and gatherings with friends. One evening at a church fish fry, it became clear that Mark’s interest was deepening. He would join the boys in playing instruments, yet always found moments to ask Courtney questions and learn more about her. From there, their conversations became more frequent, and they grew especially close during VBS fellowship.
In October 2024, their friendship blossomed into something more. They had their first phone call—four hours long, though it felt like only minutes. They shared their testimonies, their dreams, and the stories that shaped who they were. Shortly afterward, Mark respectfully asked Courtney’s father for permission to speak with her regularly. A month later, in November 2024, he asked for permission to court her. Their relationship continued to flourish, growing deeper with each passing day.
After one year, two weeks, and two days of courting, Mark knew the moment had come.
In November 2025, Courtney traveled to Pensacola to spend Thanksgiving with Mark’s family. The next day, she was invited to the beach under the impression that the family was having photos taken. During the photoshoot, Mark asked Courtney to step aside for a picture together—and there,he knelt down and asked her to be his wife. Courtney joyfully said yes.
Mark and Courtney are grateful to the Lord for guiding their steps, bringing them together, and giving them peace and confidence in the future they are about to begin. They are overjoyed and thankful for this next chapter of their lives
Photos
Wedding Party
Lilly Fogg - Matron of honor
A close friend of the bride, who has remained a sister-like presence in her life.
Sierra Justice - Maid of honor
Sister of the bride. Has been there right by the brides side since she was born.
Grace Payton - Bridesmaid
Sister of the groom. She is married and has a daughter, Charlotte, who will serve as the flower girl.
Emily Kendrick - Bridesmaid
Sister of the groom, who lives at home with her family and is pursuing studies in cosmetology.
Jenna Brown - Bridesmaid
A close friend of the bride from her home church, with whom she shares a sister-like bond and many fond memories.
Katelynn Justice - Bridesmaid
A close sister of the bride since a young age. She is currently in school and shares many cherished memories with the bride.
Luke Kendrick - Best man
Groom’s older brother who has worked along side the groom in their sales & marketing businesses.
Mark Payton - Groomsmen
Groom’s Brother-In-Law who serves with his family at Bethel Baptist Church in Walls, Mississippi.
Daniel Kendrick - Groomsmen
Groom’s younger brother who serves at Victory Baptist Church as a printer for Victory Baptist Press and studying flight school in his spare time.
Chandler Fogg - Groomsmen
Friend of the Bride & Groom who opened their home during their Courtship and were examples to follow.
Jay Kendrick - Groomsmen
Groom’s youngest brother who is enjoying flight school while living at Home.
Jacob Whitaker - Groomsmen
The bride’s brother, who is currently in school and shares many fond fishing memories with the groom
Travel
• Fairfield Inn & Suites – Athens
21282 Athens-Limestone Lane, Athens, AL 35613 
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Athens
16074 Athens-Limestone Blvd, Athens, AL 35611 
• Hampton Inn & Suites – Athens
1222 Kelli Drive, Athens, AL 35613
21282 Athens-Limestone Lane, Athens, AL 35613 
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Athens
16074 Athens-Limestone Blvd, Athens, AL 35611 
• Hampton Inn & Suites – Athens
1222 Kelli Drive, Athens, AL 35613
Things to Do
Huntsville Botanical Garden
4747 Bob Wallace Avenue, Huntsville, AL 35805
256-830-4447
A beautiful 100+ acre botanical garden with specialty gardens, a butterfly house, walking trails, and seasonal exhibits — ideal for a relaxing stroll or family-friendly outing.
Monte Sano State Park
5105 Nolen Avenue, Huntsville, AL 35801
256-534-3757
Offers hiking and biking trails, scenic mountain vistas, picnic areas, cabins/camping — perfect for guests who love nature, outdoor adventure, or a peaceful retreat. 
Burritt on the Mountain
3101 Burritt Dr SE, Huntsville, AL 35801
256-536-2882
A historic mountaintop site featuring a mansion and restored 19th-century buildings. Great for visitors interested in regional history, heritage, and scenic views over the Huntsville area.
U.S. Space & Rocket Center
1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805
256-837-3400
It’s known as one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive space-museums, with over 1,500 space-flight artifacts, including historic rockets, astronaut training exhibits, a planetarium, interactive simulators, and more.
Registry
Dress Code
We kindly ask our guests to dress in Sunday Best attire. Please avoid wearing white, as we’d love to keep that color reserved for the bride.
Thank you!
– The Bride & Groom
Thank you!
– The Bride & Groom