The Downs Residence

Bridesmaid Luncheon

The Forum

Rehearsal Dinner

Calvary Baptist Church

The Uptain Wedding

Pre-Ceremony Worship

Ceremony

Dothan Area Botanical Gardens

Reception

Our Wedding

John Adams and McKenna met a week after John Adams had officially left the University of Alabama to move back home to Dothan (claiming his time in Tuscaloosa was over). In October of 2022, while trying to find mutual friends through UA’s Chi Alpha Student Ministry, McKenna requested to follow JA on Instagram. However, this caught John Adams attention, who wanted to contact her. While clicking through Instagram stories a day later, McKenna liked a story JA uploaded, not noticing the account that posted it. JA consulted a friend on whether this meant she wanted to talk and if he should reach out. His friend advised him to wait a few days, post something else, and see if she likes it. Well, two days later, she did... Thinking it was intentional and this was his chance, JA sent her a DM. From there, occasional little conversations were sparked and common interests were mentioned until he finally got the courage to ask if he could drive the four hours to take her on a coffee date. She said yes, but she had doubts about whether this was a good idea until her Chi Alpha D-group encouraged her to give it a chance and step out of her comfort. “You never know what the Lord has in store.” They met one morning at the Tuscaloosa Riverwalk. They immediately seemed comfortable and felt a sense of normalcy. They walked, talked, and joked like they had been long-time friends, and JA listened and asked questions with intentionality. McKenna immediately knew this was different. After about two hours, what was only supposed to be a morning coffee date, turned into a lunch date that lasted another three hours. Conversation topics flew and typically not the type of questions or conversations you’d bring up on a first date. After the long afternoon, John Adams drove back to Dothan, and McKenna called her mom (as one does to debrief). She had never been more sure of a sentence in her life... “Mom, I met my husband today...” A few weeks later, John Adams came to Tuscaloosa for a whole week. That week was full of LOTS of coffee, Mario Kart, basketball games, walks, music, swing dancing, “Will you be my girlfriend?,” “I love yous,” and ended with a “When will I see you again?” McKenna said it felt like she had known him forever and could not fathom that someone could be so intentional, fun, encouraging, good-looking, and God-honoring. She had peace about everything. The following two years were full of long-distance drives and weekend stays with friends and parents. They grew to love each others family and friends and discovered a few mutual college friends, too. They made long distance work. They traveled to the beach, Disney World, attended many weddings, Kenya, and Alabama football and basketball games. John Adams proposed on May 18th, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. She was convinced she was taking graduation pictures with her roommate. She was utterly unaware that John Adams had driven four hours with his family the night before to surprise her. JA was waiting at the top of the city parking deck where he had taught her to swing dance- proposing in a sentimental spot that meant a lot to them. Afterwards, their families and a few friends were waiting for them at the Riverwalk (their first date spot) to throw them a party, which was more than they could have ever hoped for. A day full of reflection on God’s goodness and provision. McKennas’s mom, Shea, encouraged McKenna to write a list of things she desired in a future spouse as a young girl. Throughout the years, McKenna prayed for someone who matched her list’s small and big traits but often felt like the little ones didn’t matter as much or were too picky. Today, she can testify that the Lord gives you EVERY SINGLE desire of your heart if it honors and brings glory to Him. The proof of that is in the person of John Adams Uptain, the man McKenna prayed to love.

Our Story: The Lord’s Provision 

Our Story

Photos

Parents

Mr. Scott Myrick & Mrs. Shea Myrick

Mr. Charles Uptain & Mrs. Melody Uptain

Bridesmaids

Shelbie Gossett

Carrington Myrick

Hadleigh Myrick

Riley Ginther 

Ellie Uptain

Hallie Bender

Kenzie Kirsh

Caroline Wildzunas

Groomsmen

Carson Tew

Charles Uptain

Charlie Uptain

Braden Ginther

Alex Smith

Brandon Davis

Hagen Seymour

Wedding Party

Q + A

Additionally, you may phone in directly to the hotels: Press 0 when the switchboard prompts begin to reach the front desk. Quote the Myrick Uptain Wedding group rate with the 4/11 - 4/13 dates to take advantage of the discount. 

Courtyard Dothan

Take advantage of this by March 30th Additionally, you may phone in directly to the hotels: Press 0 when the switchboard prompts begin to reach the front desk. Quote the Myrick Uptain Wedding group rate with the 4/11 - 4/13 dates to take advantage of the discount.

Hilton Garden Inn

Comfort Inn & Suites

Holiday Inn Express Dothan North an IHG Hotel

TownePlace Suites Dothan

If you’re coming from out of town and need a place for the weekend, Dothan is only an hour and 30 minutes from Panama City Beach! Consider taking the weekend to enjoy the beach and come celebrate with us on Saturday!

Panama City Beach

Places to Stay

The prettiest coffee shop for work or leisure in the downtown area of Dothan!

Mural City Coffee Company

Nicer dining establishment with steak and seafood in a cozy atmosphere.

The Cellar

Adventureland Theme Park

AMC CLASSIC Dothan Pavilion 12

Great coffee shop with really good donuts!

Wild Honey Coffee

Beautiful place to explore with lots of stores, restaurants, coffee shops, and murals to enjoy. 

McKenna & John Adams

McKenna & John Adams

M&J

The Uptain Wedding

3:30 PM–4:00 PM

Pre-Ceremony Worship

4:00 PM–4:30 PM

Ceremony

5:00 PM–8:30 PM

Reception