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or Hannah Erin McLeaish and Tonya Nicole “’Cole” Dean,
first came friendship, then came love, then came marriage.
Technology played a role in the beginning of Hannah and
Nicole’s relationship. They were brought together by mutual friends and
a shared love of music. They were officially introduced through group
skyping with friends, which led to staying up late chatting and getting to
know one another. When they met and hugged each other the next day,
the two knew instantly that this was something special. After Marriage
Equality passed in January 2015, Hannah immediately started planning
a trip to propose. She began scheming and enlisted the help of two
of their best friends, Bitsy and Kyte, to help iron out the location and
details of making the proposal extra special. Hannah knew her bride
to be would want to be completely “camera ready” for the proposal,
so she took it upon herself to secretly schedule time to casually take
Nicole shopping, have her hair done and her favorite makeup restocked.
After many sleepless nights of planning, Hannah decided on City Park in
New Orleans for the big moment and the day had finally come for her
to whisk Nicole away. Hannah began with a mysterious text, followed by
an empty suitcase, and next thing Nicole knew, they were off on a road
trip, doggies in tow. After driving for over an hour, Nicole finally realized
they were headed to Louisiana for what she thought was a pre-birthday
celebration. As they arrived to the hotel where they’d be spending the
weekend, other friends began to show up and Nicole’s’ excitement grew.
The next day was filled with good coffee, delicious drinks, and laughter at
every stop. Finally Hannah and Nicole slipped off to City Park to explore
and enjoy the beautiful scenery together. They made their way to a
majestic oak tree where Hannah popped the question. Bitsy and Kyte had
been following them the whole time and showed up to document the
sweet, tear-filled moment. They met up with the rest of their friends that
night to celebrate the engagement and share in their joy!
The ceremony was held at Coldwater Gardens in Milton, FL on April 9,
2016; the ideal location for two laid back nature loving girls. The brides
wore beautiful ivory dresses that perfectly suited their personalities as
they walked towards each other to promise forever while their tribe of
family and friends gathered around them. Happiness emanated from the
couple as they stood barefooted in the green grass committing their lives
to one another on that perfect spring day. Community is important to
Hannah and Nicole so they celebrated after the wedding at the Terrace
with a potluck-style reception with an assortment of tapas, entrees and
some of their favorite desserts. The family style tables were adorned with
muslin cloths and the simplicity of eucalyptus, baby’s breath, and candles
was perfection. Many friends and family helped to bring together the
details of the stunning event, for which Hannah and Nicole are eternally
grateful. It was the special little details that made the wedding unique and
perfectly catered towards the couple. They decided to forgo having a first
dance, and instead chose to mingle and drink homemade beer prepared
by Hannah’s dad (with a little help from both Hannah and Nicole). The
brides both agree that the wedding weekend was more perfect than they
could have ever dreamed and they ended the event dancing the night
away with their closest people beneath the twinkling market lights. After
the wedding the girls enjoyed breakfast with friends and family and then
headed home to Pensacola to enjoy a staycation. Unfortunate weather
altered their plans to go to the keys, but the newlyweds didn’t let the
rain dampen their spirits! They adventured around Pensacola throughout
the week, eating at their favorite restaurants and trying new ones. They
also enjoyed time with their three fur babies and a few dinner dates with
their close friends. Hannah and Nicole are soaking up every moment of
married life and are even more in love than when they said, “I do,” living
by the motto, “Love is real, love is sufficient, love wins.”
BEHIND THE SCENES
Wedding Planner/Coordinator: Kelsey Seager
Photographer: Meg Burke
Caterer: Friends/Family
Floral Design: Kim Knowles
Bridal Dresses: ASOS
Wedding Cakes: Friends/Family
Venue for Ceremony: Sunset Loop Field
Coldwater Gardens
Venue for Reception: Garden Terrace
Coldwater Gardens
Hair Stylist: Dani Bertram
Makeup Artist: Kasey Pouncey
Tonya Nicole
Dean
Hannah Erin
McLeaish
story by Courtney Murray | photography by Meg Burke
36 VIPPensacola.com
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