Wedding Day

A. Hamilton Reid Chapel

Ceremony

The Florentine Building

Reception

Our Wedding

Emily Ann and Will first crossed paths in the fall of 2021 at Samford University—but depending on who you ask, the moment looked a little different.Will remembers seeing Emily Ann walk across Ben Brown Plaza during Pi Kappa Phi’s philanthropy week. She approached his group, asked about their cause (though she already knew it—her dad had told her), and after a quick conversation about the Ability Experience, she smiled and said, “You really know your stuff. I’ll donate tomorrow.” Then she walked away, and that was that—for now.Emily Ann, on the other hand, remembers meeting Will for the first time at a Pi Kapp party later that semester. She walked into the old fraternity house, said hello to a friend—who happened to be Will’s big—and got introduced to Will in passing. It wasn’t a moment she thought twice about. That night, however, she and Will helped walk a mutual friend back to his dorm, and while it didn’t mean much to her then, Will remembers thinking, She’s actually really cool.From there, their stories sync.The next time they saw each other, Will looked at Emily Ann and casually asked her for her number. (Classic move, right?!) They started talking and never really stopped. One night, Emily Ann asked to hang out, and Will left his friends to go to Whataburger with her. They talked for hours—about everything and nothing—until it felt like they’d known each other forever.Over Thanksgiving break, Emily Ann thought the spark might fade. It didn’t. They talked every single day. By the end of the week, Will asked if she’d be back in Birmingham in time for church. She told her parents she was leaving early Sunday morning to go to church—with a boy.That night, after church, he asked her on a real date. And not long after, he asked her to be his girlfriend.From college formals to LSU football games, family vacations, movie nights, and just doing life together, they’ve made countless memories—laughing, growing, and loving every step of the way.On February 22, 2025, over three years since their story first began, Will picked Emily Ann up for what she thought was a late Valentine’s dinner. Instead, he took her to a local park and got down on one knee. Through happy tears, Emily Ann said the easiest and most joy-filled "yes."Now, they’re stepping into a brand new season—grateful beyond words for every moment that brought them here, and for the family and friends who have walked with them every step of the way.

Our Story

Photos

Parents of the Couple

James Smith

Matthew Fox

Tas Smith

Melissa Fox

Bridesmaids

The best sister and friend a girl could ask for! 

Abby Smith

My biggest supporter and friend from Samford!

Anja Smith

Anna Kulczycka

Soon to be sister-in-law! We're Chi O sisters too!

Emily Fox

A Chi O sister from Samford who encourages me always!

Hannah Giles

My sweet cousin who helped design our invitations!

Isabelle Entrekin

Nursing school brought me this sweet friendship!

Kathryn Hartman

A Chi O and friend since the start of Samford!

Lilah Harold

My sweet cousin who helped me sort through many ideas!

Mary Emily Entrekin

First friend in Paris, danced together at DGS, a sister!

Winnie Jones

Groomsmen

My best friend and little brother in Pi Kappa Phi


Mason Zuelzke

Ben Whitmire

Freshman year roommate and Pi Kappa Phi pledge brother

David Miller

Gus Dozier

Jack Carson

Pi Kappa Phi pledge brother and senior year roommate

John Allen Rogers

John Rogone

Lifelong friend since the 2nd grade from Chattanooga, TN

Michael Sizemore

Soon to be brother-in-law and Pi Kappa Phi brother

Sam Smith

Lifelong friend since 9th grade from Chattanooga, TN

Spencer Turner

Flower Girls

Met at St. Stephen's Preschool summer 2024 and have babysat her since then!

Frances Cowart

Was in my class at St. Stephen's Preschool and have babysat her since then!

Virginia Cowart

Wedding Party

We would love to see our friends and family dressed up for our big day! The dress code is formal attire. Ladies, we’d love to see you in your favorite maxi dress, midi dress, or pantsuit in winter tones. Gentlemen, that means suit and tie! No tux required!

Dress Code

Q + A

We’d love for everyone to stay here! My family will be at this hotel, and it would mean so much to have you nearby. A block of rooms has been reserved at Embassy Suites Homewood under the "Smith-Fox Wedding." If you prefer other accommodations, there are additional hotels available in the Birmingham area. We’re also hosting a little welcome party the night of Friday, January 16th, in the hotel lobby—we’d love for you to join us! Copy and paste this link to take you directly to the discounted rates: https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/rooms/?ctyhocn=BHMWCES&amp;arrivalDate=2026-01-16&amp;departureDate=2026-01-18&amp;groupCode=CESFSW&amp;room1NumAdults=1&amp;cid=OM%2CWW%2CHILTONLINK%2CEN%2CDirectLink

Embassy Suites by Hilton Birmingham

Travel

Food

The Original Pancake House in Birmingham, Alabama, offers a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere serving a variety of classic breakfast dishes, including signature pancakes, omelets, and crepes.

The Original Pancake House

​Edgar's Bakery is a beloved local café offering scratch-made breakfast, lunch, and a variety of Southern-inspired cakes and pastries, including their famous strawberry and caramel cakes.

Edgar's Bakery

​Ladybird Taco offers a vibrant, fast-casual dining experience inspired by the Austin taco scene, serving house-made tortillas filled with inventive breakfast and lunch tacos, complemented by full barista service.

Ladybird Taco

​Urban Cookhouse offers a fresh, farm-to-fire-to-table dining experience with a menu featuring wood-grilled meats, hearty sandwiches, vibrant salads, and their signature orange rolls.

Urban Cookhouse

​Taco Mama is a lively, ultra-casual taco bar in Birmingham known for its build-your-own tacos, fresh ingredients, and fun atmosphere—perfect for a laid-back meal with margaritas and friends.

Taco Mama - Vestavia

Dreamland BBQ is a legendary spot known for its hickory-smoked ribs, tangy vinegar-based sauce, and classic Southern sides like banana pudding and mac &amp; cheese. (The banana pudding is our favorite!)

Dreamland BBQ

​The Pizitz Food Hall in downtown Birmingham is a vibrant culinary destination featuring a diverse array of food stalls, full-service restaurants, and a central bar, all housed within a beautifully restored historic building.

The Pizitz Food Hall

Jack Brown's Beer &amp; Burger Joint in Birmingham serves creative, award-winning burgers made with 100% American Wagyu beef, complemented by a rotating selection of over 100 craft beers in a laid-back, vibrant atmosphere. (This is James Smith's FAVORITE burger place!)

Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint Birmingham

Blue Sushi Sake Grill in Birmingham offers a vibrant dining experience with a diverse menu of creative sushi rolls, specialty cocktails, and an inviting atmosphere, making it a popular choice for both casual meals and special occasions.

Blue Sushi Sake Grill

​Slice Pizza &amp; Brew is a family-owned Birmingham favorite serving creative, locally sourced pizzas and craft beers in a vibrant, community-focused atmosphere.

Slice Pizza & Brew

Dessert

​Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams at Pepper Place in Birmingham offers a vibrant selection of inventive, small-batch flavors in a charming scoop shop with outdoor seating. (Emily Ann's favorite flavor is salty caramel, Will's favorite is bramblecrisp!)

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams

Coffee

​Cala Coffee is a community-focused café and roastery in Cahaba Heights, Birmingham, offering ethically sourced, small-batch specialty coffee in a welcoming, design-forward space.

Cala Coffee Cahaba Heights

O'Henry's Coffees is a beloved Birmingham-based coffeehouse, known for its freshly roasted beans, handcrafted espresso drinks, and warm, community-focused atmosphere.

OHenry's Coffees

Activities for Everyone

The McWane Science Center in downtown Birmingham offers interactive exhibits, including a shark touch tank, dinosaur fossils, and an IMAX® Dome Theater, making it a fun destination for guests of all ages.

McWane Science Center

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is a powerful, immersive museum experience that traces the city’s pivotal role in the fight for justice, featuring compelling exhibits, historical artifacts, and interactive galleries that honor the past and inspire change.

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

Vulcan is the world’s largest cast iron statue and a beloved symbol of Birmingham, standing tall atop Red Mountain with sweeping views of the city and a museum that tells the story of the city’s industrial roots.

Vulcan Park and Museum

Going Out

​Up-Down Arcade Bar in Birmingham's Parkside district is a 21+ hotspot featuring over 60 classic arcade games, skee-ball, pinball, 40 different craft beers, and house-made pizza, all set in a retro-cool atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating.

Up-Down Birmingham

Shopping

The Summit is an outdoor shopping center offering a curated mix of over 100 upscale shops, diverse dining options, entertainment venues, and scenic outdoor spaces, making it a top destination for shopping and leisure in the South.

Emily Ann & Will

Emily Ann & Will

Travel

Embassy Suites by Hilton Birmingham