Our Wedding Day

Gardendale First Baptist Church

Ceremony

Gardendale's First Baptist Church - South Campus

Reception

Summer

Our Wedding

We went to church together for years, but did not begin our friendship until 2015. We had a big group of friends who always hung out and did things together. One Sunday, we were sitting next to one another in church and our friends asked Jacob after seeing this what he thought about Kaylee. Jacob shrugged this off as Kaylee was just a friend. Then, one friend stated, "Give it a week." Within just a few days, Jacob had fallen pretty hard. During these days, unknown to Kaylee, she had sent Jacob devotionals to encourage him throughout the week because she heard he had been having a hard time. That is when Jacob decided to ask Kaylee out.

How We Met

When thinking about how to ask Kaylee out, Jacob wanted to make it meaningful and special for Kaylee, so he began to think about what would achieve this. He decided on writing her a letter. If you know anything about Kaylee, you know how much she loves writing letters to other people. Jacob wanted to make her feel as loved as she makes other people feel. He gave her the letter before hanging out with friends one night and told her not to open it. Not thinking about getting a letter from a friend, Kaylee simply threw this letter in her car. After arriving at home that night, Kaylee dug the letter out of the backseat of her car and placed in behind the pages she was going to read in her book for the night, Redeeming Love. Kaylee finished reading her pages, having taken an hour since she had arrived home, and then finally opened the letter to read from Jacob. Kaylee was speechless because all she had ever considered Jacob was a friend. She immediately sought the counsel of friends and then realized that Jacob had been waiting for over an hour and a half. She decided that she was not going to make such a hard decision at 11:00 at night, so she responded to Jacob with the cliche response of "I need to pray about it." Kaylee genuinely did want to pray earnestly about it, but Jacob took this as a sign of doom that he had effectively screwed up his friendship with Kaylee. However, it did not take Kaylee more than a day to realize that Jacob was exactly what the Lord had in store for her.

How He Asked Kaylee Out

Kaylee went and hung out with her friend, Katie, the morning of the first date. She helped her with her makeup and hair and made sure she was mentally and spiritually ready for the upcoming date. Meanwhile, Jacob was preparing a notes list of questions he wanted to ask Kaylee on this date. When the time came, Jacob showed up to Kaylee's house, flowers in hand, and unintentionally dressed to match Kaylee. He came in, shook hands with her father, and promised to have her home safely later that night. We then began our date by going to Brixx wood-fired pizza for dinner. Here, Jacob's first question upon settling in was for Kaylee to tell him her testimony. Along the course of these questions, a lot of nervousness was present, but there was a clear peace in the space. After eating tons of pizza and breadsticks, Kaylee and Jacob went to see a very romantic movie. Jurassic World 2. Kaylee could not tell you anything that happened from that movie because of how happy she was. After the movie, Jacob took her home, walked her to her front door, and hugged her goodnight. A perfect gentleman. Kaylee went inside feeling reminded of the goodness of God in her life and giddy for the next chapter she was about to embark on. Jacob drove home excited and feeling blessed of all that the Lord was working in and through him.

Our First Date

The story of our engagement begins on Thanksgiving of 2022. Jacob knew that he wanted to marry Kaylee for a while, but he wanted it to be as perfect as it could be for her. Jacob began talking to his family about the ring and his Grammy got in touch with him about her engagement ring. She wanted Jacob to have the ring so he could propose to Kaylee. Jacob began to try and find out Kaylee's ring size inconspicuously. Needless to say, he was successful. Once the ring was re-sized, Jacob began trying to find the best time to propose. He knew that it would probably have to wait until after they both graduated as to not stress either of them out. He decided on May 19th, 2023. In preparation of this day, he asked several of her friends to write letters to Kaylee for her to read on the months leading up to the wedding. He then, created a diagram of where everyone would stand and what month til the wedding they would write. Jacob invited both of their families and friends to a small party to be held after the proposal. He talked with some of Kaylee's friends and got them to convince her she needed a girls night. Then, the day came. Kaylee spent the whole day with Jacob eating a great breakfast at Biscuit Belly in Hoover, painting mugs at Do It Yourself Crafts in Homewood, and then going for a walk around Star Lake in Bluff Park. Jacob then told Kaylee to go on home and start getting ready for her girls night. Jacob then immediately drove to Gardendale First Baptist Church's South Campus to begin setting up. Kaylee began getting ready and having some free time, she read 1 Corinthians 12-13. It just reminded her that our giftings that we receive in life are counted as nothing without the way of love. The last verse in the chapter is what stuck with her as it said, "And I will show you a still more excellent way." Then, she left for "girls night." Her friend, Katie, called her on the way just to throw her off the trail and really to make sure she didn't check anyone's location. When she arrived, her friend Morgan asked her to come inside to look at something for the student ministry. They went and talked with their friend, Julia, and then went to find their other friends, Hope and Aaliyah. Morgan informed Kaylee that they were over in the Sanctuary getting something and that they needed to go find them. When they opened the doors to the hallway of the Sanctuary, Kaylee saw her friends lining the hallway with letters and was confused at first, but as soon as she saw her friends standing there crying, she knew what was going on and began crying. As she made her way down the hallway, she hugged each friend, and met Jacob who was holding a "Day of Our Wedding" letter. We entered into the Sanctuary where Jacob read Proverbs 31, told Kaylee how long he had waited for this day, and how perfect of a wife she was going to be as he bent down on one knee and asked Kaylee to marry him. They shared a dance to "Forever Like That" by Ben Rector and then joined their friends and family for a small party to celebrate their next chapter. After almost 12 years of knowing one another, 8 years of friendship, and almost 5 years of dating, Kaylee and Jacob were getting married!

Engagement

To listen to the song we danced to after we got engaged, click here: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iPrKvrWS3k" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iPrKvrWS3k</a>

Our Story

Botanical Gardens

Jeni's Ice Cream

Golden Hour Pictures🤩🌅

Photos

I met Kaylee my junior year of high school in AP Biology. I’m not sure what made us decide to hang out for the first time, aside from school purposes, but man am I thankful that curly-haired girl smiled her way into my life!

What started as “Taco Bell dates” (never complete without a Baha Blast, and conversations about Kaylee’s crush, Jacob) turned into many adventures together throughout our college years. Kaylee is one of the most genuine and intentional people I’ve ever met. How lucky I am to have her as a friend! 

Recently, I had the honor of photographing Kaylee and Jacob’s proposal. When I’m not busy hanging out with Kaylee or working at my big girl job, you can find me writing, trail running, and playing with my dog Piper (better known as Taco’s cousin). I’m recently engaged as well, to a stranger Kaylee helped me write letters to over four years ago (whose name is ALSO Jacob)!!

Cheers to soon-to-be Mr. & Mrs. Odle!!

Katie Barksdale

I’m the groom’s little brother, and currently attend Auburn University. I am studying finance and plan to hopefully be able to use that someday. Jacob and I met when I was very young, and Kaylee and I met around the 5th or 6th grade. I’ve seen both of them grow up from when all of us were kids to the man and woman they’ve become. I have had the pleasure of witnessing their relationship from the very beginning when they went on their first date. I’ve been blessed with a front row seat to watch them go from like, to love, to spending the rest of their lives together. Three great questions to ask when when dating are; 1) does she make you happy? 2) do you like spending time with her? 3) does she point you to Jesus? Jacob has always been my big bro and I am so glad that he found someone that he can confidently claim “yes!” to those questions. To Kaylee and Jacob: My prayer for you is that you find happiness, peace, joy, hardship, growth, and love. Also, I want a nephew/niece.
 I do NOT object to this union!

Jaron Odle

I met Kaylee at church after my best friend (also named Kali) met Jacob at a place called Generate Camp. Kali had invited Jacob many times to come to our college ministry called Sub25, and once Jacob came, his sweet girlfriend Kaylee soon followed. Me and Kaylee were similar in many ways and we clicked relatively quickly. I truly believe our relationship was a gift given by God. I have loved watching Kaylee and Jacob grow as a couple and I cannot wait to stand by Kaylee’s side as they get married! 

Terrell Anne Anderson

Micah Odle

I met Kaylee through sub25 our college ministry at church. All it took was one coffee hang at Seeds with Kaylee to know this would be a life long friendship. Jacob and Kaylee are two of the most intentional, personable, and encouraging people. So thankful to have them as close friends in mine and my husbands corner. I cannot wait to see how the Lord uses Jacob and Kaylee’s marriage to glorify the kingdom! Love you both so dearly🤍

Maribeth Stewart

Hey my name is Jake! I met Kaylee and Jacob about three years ago at SUB25 at GFBC. We have become great friends over the years and I am so grateful to be apart of their lives. It’s an honor to share this special day with Kaylee and Jacob and pray that the Lord will bless their marriage! 

Jake Stewart

Hi everyone, my name is Morgan and I am the (future) Odles #1 fan! I met Jacob at Passion Conferences in 2022, and I’ve known sweet kaylee through our church for the past couple of years. I’ve been blessed by their friendship in more ways than I can count, as kaylee has encouraged me through her joy and the prompting of the Holy Spirit, and by Jacob’s loyal and intentional spirit!  I consider it a privilege to be able to stand by them, pray for them, and cheer them on in this next season of life!

Morgan Ramsey

“What’s up! My name is Toby! I live in Gardendale, AL. I am a grad of UAB. I teach math and coach for a living. In my spare time I love serving my church and spending time with friends! Two of the best a guy could ask for in Jacob and Kaylee! So blessed to call them friends and be part of their big day!”

Toby Blackwood

I met Kaylee at the college/young adult ministry at our church. Soon after, we found ourselves leading a Bible study together every Sunday night! At Bible study, we would all laugh and giggle as we learned stories of Jacob and Kaylee’s relationship! They truly are a well-matched couple, and I can’t wait to see how God will use them! Kaylee, you’re one of the most intentional people I know. You have provided me with the encouragement I have needed on countless occasions. Today and every day I stand by you!

Julia Wood

“I first met Jacob when he hustled me out of a win in a Trivia Crack Tournament through our college ministry, Sub25. I met Kaylee a little later and have had the honor to serve alongside them leading Bible studies. Jacob and Kaylee have both been huge supports for me in my ministry and will always be my “bRoOoS”

Mike Harper

Kaylee and I met on the serve team at SUB25 and I was instantly drawn to her sweet heart and willing spirit! She has always been so encouraging to me with her notes and hugs and not to mention so patient while Jacob and I would talk sports before every SUB25 service! Serving alongside them has been some of my best memories. I am so blessed to know these two people and I’m excited to celebrate this new season of life with them. To God be the glory!

Hope Hill

Hey everyone, my name is Ryan! I live in Gardendale, AL. I work at Gardendale First Baptist Church with the Student Ministry. I got married to my wonderful wife Tristin on May 6th, 2023. I enjoy spending time with friends and playing a variety of sports. Jacob and Kaylee have been so encouraging and such great friends! I cannot wait to celebrate on June 15th!!

Ryan Pugh

Sons of our college pastor, Madison, and his wife, Angela!

Hudson & Haddon Terry

Daughter of our college pastor, Madison, and his wife, Angela!

Madi Claire Terry

Wedding Party

Q + A

SpringHill Suites

Travel

If you wanted to get together with some buddies and check out Mount Olive's amazing disc golf course, it is only 7 minutes from the Fieldstown Road exit.

Magnolia Links Disc Golf Course

Looking to get in a few games of pickle ball? No need to search further! Gardendale has it's own courts just 6 minutes from the Fieldstown Road exit.

Jacob & Kaylee

Jacob & Kaylee

Photos

Botanical Gardens

Jeni's Ice Cream

Golden Hour Pictures🤩🌅