Lynn Brooks & Joel Dorroh

What seemed to be a purely professional lunch between a Tuscaloosa television news anchor and a local attorney soon led to a more personal dinner invitation. Eventually, it became a beautiful friendship that led Lynn Brooks and Joel Dorroh to cruise Alaska’s Inside Passage together.

Then, lo and behold, he popped the question on the last night of their trip. The two agreed to keep their engagement a secret until they could get everyone together for a big announcement. Neither of them knew just how long they'd have to keep the cat in the bag.

Thinking they'd have a perfect opportunity when they housewarmed Joel's new place, they found themselves delayed three months by unexpected construction problems. They finally unveiled their clandestine romance at Joel’s birthday party in August 2007.

The wedding was held at First Presbyterian Church in Tuscaloosa on May 8, 2008. The ceremony was highlighted by a special performance in honor of the bride and groom’s fathers, who had both passed away. The couple requested that the University of Alabama Afro-American Gospel Choir perform their fathers’ favorite hymns as a prelude, and send them off to "Oh, Happy Day" at the recessional.

The Zone, a 15,000 square foot sprawling skybox high above the historic field at Bryant Denny Stadium was the couple’s emphatic choice for their reception. The celebration was as enthusiastic as any championship football season, with the stadium lit for the occasion.

The decor was beautiful and sophisticated, with the bride's bejeweled five-tier cake resplendent under a floral arbor. There were incredible hors d'oeuvres and lively dancing to music by the Cheesebrokers. And as an especially winning touch, Lynn and Joel chose to have their videographer play live video footage on The Zone's many monitors, giving everyone a birds-eye view of the festivities.

When the couple left by limousine for their honeymoon night at the historic Tutwiler Hotel in Birmingham, they text-messaged Engaging Celebrations, "Thank you for making our wedding day perfect." We couldn’t be happier for them.

Photo provided by Studio G (External Link)

Video provided by Cam Video Productions (External Link) and Solvent (External Link)

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