Hamilton Place at Pursell Farms

Wedding Day

Our Wedding

As far as modern romances go, ours began on a dating app. Yes, a Hinge success story. James had written in his profile that he didn't understand the why people liked Taylor Swift. Margaret, never one to let such a statement go unchallenged, sent the first message to defend everyone who loves Taylor Swift. That small exchange quickly turned into something bigger, and soon after, we had our first date.

How we Met

When it came to our first date, James suggested dinner. But Margaret, who has a gluten allergy and finds dinner first dates a bit tricky, proposed an alternative. Instead, we spent the evening driving around Tuscaloosa and finishing the night with a movie. It was easy, natural, and felt like we'd known each other forever. Who would have guessed that an Alabama girl and a boy from New York would have so much in common? To make things even better, we later discovered we had mutual friends.By our second date, James's love for hockey made an early appearance. We watched a hockey documentary together -- something James was clearly passionate about, and Margaret knew absolutely nothing about. Still' it was one of those little moments where we realized how much fun it was to share our worlds with each other. From then on, being together just felt like home. James's calm balances Margaret's energy, and Margaret's warmth balances James's steady nature. Somehow we just fit.

Our First Few Dates

Only a couple months after we met, Margaret moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, for graduate school. Most people would say long distance is tough (and it was, especially on our bank accounts), but for us, it was worth every mile, every flight, and every phone call.

Long Distance

In May 2025, James proposed at Vulcan Park in Birmingham with both of our families there to celebrate. It was so perfectly us. After Margaret finished up her 3 year graduate program, we finally said goodbye to long distance and hello again to life together in Birmingham. Our journey has been filled with laughter, road trips, and plenty of Taylor Swift (much to James's surprise). We couldn't be more excited to begin this chapter and to celebrate our wedding with all of you -- the people who mean the most to us.

Proposal -> Now

Our Story

Photos

Bridal Party

Grace Downey

Sara Grace Baade

Lauren Wright

Halley Roy

Sarah Singley

Cat Rutstein

Groomsmen

John Benedetto

Connor Plamondon

Cody Estremera

Evan Schieber

Alexander Taulien

Nick Kelley

Ushers

Pierce Boggan

Nathan Downey

Lector

Jill Boggan

Officiant

Reverend Mike Holly

Wedding Party

The Inn is on property at Pursell Farms and serves as an excellent option for those of you wishing to make this weekend a fun vacation. To book a room, please contact Mona Atchley at Pursell Farms, and let her know you are booking for the Boggan/Benedetto Wedding.

The Inn at Pursell Farms

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sylacauga by IHG

For those of you wishing to stay in Birmingham and commute to Sylacauga

Valley Hotel Homewood Birmingham, Curio Collection by Hilton

For those of you wishing to stay in Birmingham and commute to Sylacauga

Grand Bohemian Mountain Brook, Autograph Collection

Travel

We're getting married during peak golf season. If you want to golf over the weekend, please book as soon as possible :)

FarmLinks at Pursell Farms

The Spring House Spa at Pursell Farms

Orvis Shooting Grounds at Pursell Farms

Things to Do

Registry

Dress Code

Is there a dress code?

Black Tie Gentlemen are encouraged to wear tuxedos, and ladies are encouraged to wear long evening gowns. We can't wait to celebrate with everyone looking their best!

How do I RSVP?

To RSVP, click the RSVP tab.

What time should I arrive?

The ceremony begins at 6:00PM. Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the ceremony to park and find your seat.

Is the wedding outside?

The ceremony, seated dinner, and reception will take place inside at Hamilton Place at Pursell Farms in Sylacauga, Alabama. There will be a cocktail hour in-between the ceremony and reception that takes place outside.

Can I bring a Guest/Date?

If you received a plus one, your guest's name is listed on your invitation and will appear under your name when you RSVP. Otherwise, we would love to keep the wedding as an intimate event with family and close friends. Thank you for understanding!

Are Kids Invited?

We love your little ones! However, unless your children are listed on your invitation and when you RSVP, this is an adults only event. We encourage you to use this evening as a date night!

Where should I stay?

We have not arranged a hotel block, as the venue is conveniently located near Birmingham, where many excellent accommodations are available. We invite our guests to visit the "Travel" page for a selection of recommended hotels and lodging options both on property at Pursell Farms and off property in Sylacauga or Birmingham. We encourage you to reserve accommodations at your earliest convenience.

Is there parking on site?

Yes! There is designated parking at our venue that will be reserved for guests.

James & Margaret