Outdoor Mountain Wedding

Beth Bratton and Graham Patterson wanted to incorporate their love for their school in subtle ways in their outdoor wedding at Gorham's Bluff, Alabama.

The Proposal

Beth Bratton knew a wedding proposal from Graham Patterson was imminent, but he still managed to surprise her one Christmas morning. “He spent Christmas Eve with my family for the first time,” she says. The next morning, he saved the best gift for last. After she opened the yellow coat that she had pined over, he insisted she check out the pockets, where she found a ring box. “My entire family knew it was coming, and they were so excited when I pulled out the ring. I immediately started hugging everyone and showing off my new shiny accessory—even before Graham had a chance to get on one knee!” He did finally get the chance to propose, and together they planned a small-town wedding with big-city style.

Photographer: Liz Banfield; 612/824-2465 or lizbanfield.com.