A Simply Elegant Celebration – Emily Trumbull & Ryan Pons

By Sarah Catherine Trumbull; Photos by Paul Johnson Photography

High school sweethearts, Emily Trumbull and Ryan Pons tied the knot on May 31,2014 . It was a wedding filled with love, laughter, and southern hospitality.

The couple crossed paths the first time in middle school and they became friends through high school. It wasn’t until Ryan graduated, which was Emily’s senior year of high school, that they started to become more than friends. Emily explains, “On February 14, 2010, Ryan asked me to be his girlfriend. I had already decided to move to Birmingham and attend Samford University to achieve my goal of becoming a nurse. Ryan stayed in Panama City to work and attend school at Gulf Coast State College. We had a long distance relationship for three and a half years. It was difficult, but God was so wonderful to make the time that we did have together precious.”

Emily says about Ryan, “Ryan is the perfect man for me. He is faithful, loving, hard working, compassionate, and loves the Lord. He makes me laugh every day and helps me to enjoy life no matter the circumstance. I knew the moment we started dating that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him.”

Ryan states about Emily, “Emily is the love of my life. She always makes me smile and knows exactly what to say when I’m upset. Her personality and character are the two things that attracted me most to her . She is my constant encourager and supporter. I am excited to see what our future holds.”

Almost four years later on September 8, 2013, Ryan decided to propose. Emily recalls “My roommate took me to Samford to meet up with friends to go to dinner. Once I got out of the car, I saw Ryan standing in front of Hodge’s Chapel at Samford University. He had rose petals and candles lining the staircase and surrounding the spot where he was standing. Ryan said many wonderful things and got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife! It was absolutely perfect. Ryan had made reservations at our favorite restaurant in Birmingham and had both of our families waiting to surprise me. They had all driven up to Birmingham to be with us to celebrate our special night.”

The Trumbull/Pons wedding was held at First Presbyterian Church of Panama City where Emily’s parents were married twenty-six years ago. Five hundred guests attended the ceremony, which was accompanied by the sounds of a Scottish bagpiper. Soon after, guests gathered for the reception at the bride’s parents’ residence and were greeted by a spectacle of lights. Chandeliers laced with Spanish moss were hanging in the oak trees that frame the Trumbull residence. A butler passed champagne and guests were greeted by the sounds of a harp as soon as they entered the waterfront home. As the night went on, the guests were served lamb chops in martini glasses, exquisite Tuscan cuisine, ceviche and a dessert bar overflowing with delicious items.

Emily and Ryan agree, “Marriage is the most wonderful blessing. We haven’t been married long but we love getting to spend all our time together and enjoy each other’s presence. What an incredible gift it is to be able to spend the rest of your life with your best friend! We were born and raised in Panama City and are so excited to stay and raise a family here and take advantage of the free babysitters (aka our parents)! We are so thankful that God brought us together and are excited to be able to spend the rest of our lives together and see where the Lord leads us.

“What an incredible gift it is to be able to spend the rest of your life with your best friend!”

”The couple is extending special thanks to the people who made their wedding such a special time. “We are so thankful to everyone who helped with our special day. We are thankful for our bridal party, family, and friends for traveling and celebrating with us. We want to thank our loving parents for giving us the most beautiful and elegant wedding that we could have ever asked for. And a thank you to our wedding planners Rachelle Youd and Barbara Balkcom for their time and effort they put into this wedding.”

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Parents of the Bride

Jay and Tammy Trumbull

Parents of the Groom

John and Pam Pons

Maid of Honor

Sarah Catherine Trumbull

Bridesmaids

Brittany Trumbull, Julie Trumbull, Alex Cowden, Heather Smith, Francie Barnes, Kathryn Walker, Mary Carolyn Neil, Emily Sutton

Best Man

Andrew Pons

Groomsmen

Michael Riley, Andrew Underhill, Austin Rogers, Joel Pineda, Justin Schaefer, Dylan Norris, Jay Trumbull, Clay Cottingham

Vendor List

Wedding Coordinator: Rachelle Youd

Catering: Matt Harbison (Los Antojitos) and George Husum (g. Foleys)

Flowers: Hallmark Flowers

Cake: KaraBoo Bakery

Rings/Jewelry: Maharaja’s

Wedding Gown: Carriage House in Birmingham

Veil: Handmade by the bride’s aunt Kathy Kelly

Tuxedos: Black Tie Formal Wear

Hair Stylist and Makeup: Indulgence Salon

Venue for Reception: The family home of the bride

Venue for Ceremony: First Presbyterian Church

Invitations: Barbara Balkcom (No Regrets)

Band: Creativity Band

[/box] [box type=”info” align=”aligncenter” ]If you would like to have your wedding featured please send an email to wedding@panamacityliving.com.[/box]