ForCooper Alan, marryingHally Williamswas a longtime dream come true.
The country star and his high school crush, both 27, wed on Saturday, Sept. 23 in front of 285 guests at theGrandfather Golf and Country Clubin Linville, North Carolina — something Alan tells PEOPLE he’s wishes for years.
“I’ve wanted to marry Hally since the 10th grade and now it’s official!” says Alan, who was friends with Williams in high school before they started dating in college. “I’m so happy to get to spend the rest of my life with my best friend.”
“Stepping into marriage with Cooper is without a doubt, the joy of my life,” says Williams. “Taking those sacred vows in front of everyone we love — but most importantly, in front of God — was so special to me.”
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“Grandfather is such a special place to us and an escape in so many ways, so the location was always a no brainer for us,” the couple say. “We knew we wanted a traditional wedding that took place in a beautiful, outdoor setting, with all of our closest family and friends. And having Reverend Pollock officiate the wedding was such a holy moment. Taking those sacred vows with her officiating was such a gift.”
Williams looked radiant in a Romona Keveza gown fromNitsa’s Bridalwith a custom lace top. It was a design she says “perfectly” matched her lace veil, which was a sentimental hand-me-down from her mom, who wore the accessory when she married Williams' dad in 1981.
“It’s a classic and timeless look,” Williams says.
The dress also transformed, with Williams removing the lace top after the ceremony for a strapless look for dinner and dancing. She later changed into a second look — a Bronx and Banco mini dress, which she paired with Lucchese Priscilla boots.
Alan, meanwhile, kept it classic all night long in a Notch Lapel tuxedo fromNorman Stockton. He paired the suit with a white button-down shirt and black bowtie.
“We are both born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina so it was super important for us to incorporate local businesses into our special day as much as possible,” the couple say. “We registered withSchiffman’s JewelersandSouthern Home & Kitchen, and found all of our special apparel through local retailers.”
There were special touches throughout the day, too. The duo exchanged handwritten letters before the ceremony. And during, a close friend read scripture from the bride’s late grandmother’s Bible.
“Since our wedding is nestled in the center of Grandfather Mountain, we definitely wanted to incorporate those elements into the weekend,” the couple explain. “The vibe was very traditional, timeless and approachable, with an elevated sense of elegance.”
Guests enjoyed a reception under a sailcloth tent adorned with gathered moss, glass accents, and glimmering candlelight to bring the mountains inside the structure.
A band —The After Party ExperiencefromSam Hill Entertainment— kept guests dancing all night long.Olivia Suriano PhotographyandDallas Wilson Filmsdocumented the fun throughout the event.
Alan and Williams got engaged in May 2022 after five years of dating. Alan popped the question in New York City, where they had their first date. “I’ve been waiting for this moment,” he wrote on Instagram. “It’s always been you 💍 ❤️ Here’s to an incredible life together! I love you forever!”
Asked what they love about each other, Alan and Williams both sang one another’s praises.
“Cooper’s heart is unlike anything I’ve ever known,” says Williams. “He loves his people so so well and is kind to everyone who crosses his path. He is such a light and points people to the heart of Jesus in everything he does. I often find myself wanting to be more like him because he is all things good. I am so thankful I get to do life with him forever.”
The two both agree they’re excited for their future, including their “epic” honeymoon to Curacao.
“We get to navigate all of life’s ups and downs together as a team,” Alan says. “We are going to have so many incredible moments as well as moments that pull us closer and make our love stronger. I’m just happy we get to do it all together as we build our family and create a legacy!”
After their honeymoon, the Nashville-based couple will be traveling together, with Williams joining Alan’s tour, which runs through the end of the year.
“I’m excited to travel the country with my wife and make a ton of memories,” Alan says. “We are planning to really take in each city instead of just showing up and going to the venue. Many fun date nights ahead before some killer shows!”
“We are really looking forward to just being together whatever that looks like,” she says. A lot of our time will be spent on the road so it will be fun to see more of the country together as newlyweds."
source: people.com
