Del'Avant Event Center

Wedding & Reception

Ceremony

Our Wedding

From Auburn to Always

Some love stories begin with a first date. Ours began years before we ever realized we were writing one.

Our story has always had a little bit of Auburn woven through it.

We both attended Auburn University, and although we never dated in college, our paths crossed from time to time. Fred remembers seeing Tara around campus and at football games when she was an Auburn Tigerette—and, as he tells the story, he definitely noticed her. Tara knew Fred in passing, but after college, life took us in different directions.

Then came a simple Facebook message.

On July 4, 2016, Fred sent Tara a casual “hello.” She replied, they exchanged a few words…and that was pretty much it.

Apparently, Fred was willing to play the long game.

Seven years later, at the beginning of the 2023 Auburn football season, Fred tried again. Knowing Tara was an Auburn season-ticket holder, he invited her to stop by his tailgate.

Depending on which one of us tells the story, Tara finally appeared at either the second or third tailgate of the season. Fred still jokes that she may have just been tailgate-hopping for free food.

Whatever brought her there, we’re both very glad she showed up.

We began talking, catching up, laughing, and getting to know the people we had become since our Auburn days. What started as a renewed friendship gradually became something neither of us had expected.

And then came the list.

Tara had several projects that needed to be done around her house, and because Fred worked nearby—and happens to be very good at fixing things—he offered to help.

Installations. Repairs. Painting. Minor electrical work. And even repairing the garage door Tara managed to break.

Before long, Fred had probably completed $2,000–$3,000 worth of work around the house. Tara, meanwhile, was becoming increasingly concerned about the bill she assumed was quietly piling up.

“How much are you charging me for all of this?”

Fred admitted that, yes, he normally charged people for this kind of work.

“Don’t worry about it. No charge. I just like helping you.”

And that was the moment Tara thought:

Looking back, Fred describes it a little differently:

“I think I had a honey-do list before I became HONEY.”

But those projects gave us something much more valuable than a repaired house. They gave us time.

Fred would work. Tara would feed him—her unofficial form of payment—and we would talk. Hours passed. Days became evenings. The to-do list kept growing, but so did our friendship.

At the time, Tara was working full-time while pursuing her doctorate. Fred saw firsthand the long days that often went straight from her 9-to-5 into hours of graduate school work.

So he started finding reasons to get her away from it.

At first, they were simply outings between friends—a chance for Tara to step away from school, relax, laugh, and enjoy herself.

But somewhere between the Auburn tailgates, home projects, meals, conversations, and much-needed study breaks, friendship began turning into something else.

Fred showed Tara that he was kind, loving, dependable, and—perhaps most importantly—consistent.

And Tara discovered that she genuinely loved having him around.

In October 2023, while celebrating with some of Fred’s former teammates at a cigar lounge in Auburn, we shared what Fred still remembers as our first kiss. It wasn't dramatic or extravagant. In his words, it was simply “perfect for the time being.”

After that, there was no going backward.

By Tara’s birthday that November, we were officially a couple.

The days became weeks, the weeks became months, and eventually we were inseparable.

Our relationship grew beyond the two of us. Fred met Tara’s family through dinners, church, graduations, and trips to Alabama. When Tara met Fred’s mother, the two connected almost immediately—as though they had known each other much longer.

Our lives began fitting together naturally.

There were Auburn games and bowl games, trips to Florida and Alabama, fish fries, date nights—although Tara will tell you there can always be more date nights—and adventures outside the country.

Somewhere along the way, we stopped simply dating and started building a life.

And then, on November 18, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in Sandy Springs, Georgia, Fred got down on one knee and asked Tara Johnson to become his wife.

Now, all these years after first crossing paths at Auburn, we are preparing to stand together on November 21, 2026, surrounded by the people we love, and begin our next chapter as husband and wife.

Auburn may have been where our paths first crossed, but timing, friendship, faith, family, laughter, patience—and one very long honey-do list—are what brought us here.

Fred says there isn't a day that goes by without him telling Tara that he loves her.

And perhaps that is the simplest way to describe our story.

It was a love that had time to find us.

And now, after all these years, we finally get to say:

From Auburn to always.

Our Story

Photos

Meet Our Wedding Party

We are incredibly blessed to have an amazing group of family and friends standing beside us as we say “I do.”

These are some of the people who have loved us, supported us, laughed with us, prayed for us, and shared in the moments that brought us here. We couldn't imagine celebrating this day without them.

Mother of the GroomYvonne Quarles

Best ManHarold Morrow

GroomsmenDarryl “Holly” HollandWillie JettCris MihmDevyn SmithChristopher “Ron” Thornton

Mother of the BrideCamilla Johnson

Bridal EscortTiara Houston (Daughter of the Bride)

Matron of HonorKeisha Hayes

Maid of HonorNejer Wilkerson

BridesmaidsAnita JohnsonJennifer BoydTammy KylesJacqueline Waters

Junior BridesmaidAutumn Thompson (Daughter of the Groom)

Our People. Our Village. Our Wedding Party.

Each person standing beside us represents a special part of our lives and our journey. We are grateful for the memories we've already made together—and even more grateful to have you beside us as we make one of our biggest memories yet.

November 21, 2026 — let's celebrate!

Wedding Party

Dress Code

Q + A

For your convenience, we have provided several nearby hotel options for guests wishing to stay overnight. Please book early as November is a popular travel season.

Preferred:Website:&nbsp;<a href="http://marriott.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Marriott.com</a>Booking:&nbsp;Use&nbsp;the&nbsp;following&nbsp;Reservation&nbsp;Link&nbsp;for&nbsp;JOHNSON-SMITH&nbsp;WEDDING:&nbsp;<a href="https://app.marriott.com/resview2?id=1779394920411&amp;key=GRP&amp;app=resvlink" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://app.marriott.com/resview2?id=1779394920411&amp;key=GRP&amp;app=resvlink</a>Special&nbsp;rate-$139+tax&nbsp;available&nbsp;November&nbsp;19,&nbsp;2026-&nbsp;November&nbsp;22,&nbsp;2026,&nbsp;for&nbsp;any&nbsp;date&nbsp;you&nbsp;decide&nbsp;to&nbsp;stay&nbsp;during&nbsp;this&nbsp;interval.Comfortable&nbsp;Accommodations&nbsp;Courtyard&nbsp;by&nbsp;Marriott&nbsp;LaGrange&nbsp;in&nbsp;LaGrange&nbsp;offers&nbsp;comfortable&nbsp;rooms&nbsp;with&nbsp;free&nbsp;WiFi,&nbsp;ensuring&nbsp;a&nbsp;pleasant&nbsp;stay.&nbsp;Exceptional&nbsp;Facilities&nbsp;Guests&nbsp;can&nbsp;enjoy&nbsp;a&nbsp;fitness&nbsp;center,&nbsp;free&nbsp;bicycles,&nbsp;a&nbsp;restaurant,&nbsp;bar,&nbsp;and&nbsp;outdoor&nbsp;fireplace.&nbsp;Additional&nbsp;amenities&nbsp;include&nbsp;a&nbsp;lounge,&nbsp;outdoor&nbsp;seating&nbsp;area,&nbsp;and&nbsp;electric&nbsp;vehicle&nbsp;charging&nbsp;station.&nbsp;Dining&nbsp;Experience&nbsp;The&nbsp;modern&nbsp;restaurant&nbsp;serves&nbsp;American&nbsp;cuisine&nbsp;with&nbsp;breakfast&nbsp;options&nbsp;including&nbsp;warm&nbsp;dishes,&nbsp;fresh&nbsp;pastries,&nbsp;and&nbsp;a&nbsp;variety&nbsp;of&nbsp;beverages.&nbsp;Lunch,&nbsp;dinner,&nbsp;and&nbsp;cocktails&nbsp;are&nbsp;also&nbsp;available.&nbsp;Convenient&nbsp;location.&nbsp;The&nbsp;hotel&nbsp;provides&nbsp;easy&nbsp;access&nbsp;to&nbsp;local&nbsp;attractions.

Courtyard by Marriott LaGrange (Preferred)

Comfortable Accommodations Hampton Inn Lagrange near Callaway Gardens in LaGrange offers family rooms with free WiFi, air-conditioning, and modern amenities. Each room includes a tea and coffee maker, refrigerator, microwave, and TV. Leisure Facilities Guests can enjoy a fitness center, outdoor swimming pool, and outdoor seating area. The property features a lounge, fitness room, and child-friendly buffet, ensuring a pleasant stay for all ages. Dining Options A continental breakfast is served daily, including fresh pastries and fruits. Additional amenities include a minimarket, business area, and luggage storage. Convenient Location Located 41 mi from Columbus Airport, the hotel is praised for its convenient location and excellent service.

Hampton Inn Lagrange near Callaway Gardens

Comfortable Accommodations Rooms feature air-conditioning, tea and coffee makers, hairdryers, refrigerators, work desks, microwaves, and TVs. Guests enjoy free WiFi, ensuring connectivity during their stay. Exceptional Facilities The hotel offers a saltwater swimming pool, fitness center, and outdoor fireplace. Additional amenities include a fitness room, elevator, 24-hour front desk, minimarket, daily housekeeping service, business area, outdoor seating area, and barbecue facilities. Delicious Breakfast A complimentary breakfast is served each morning, featuring juice, fresh pastries, cheese, and fruits. Guests appreciate the quality and variety of the morning meal. Convenient Location Located in LaGrange, the hotel is 42 mi from Columbus Airport. Nearby attractions include the LaGrange Museum and the LaGrange College.

Home2 Suites by Hilton Lagrange

A total of 456 units are available for guests' convenience at Great Wolf Lodge Atlanta LaGrange. The establishment's common areas include Wi-Fi internet connection. Travellers will appreciate the 24-hour reception. Common areas are suitable for wheelchair-disabled people. Great Wolf Lodge Atlanta LaGrange provides parking for guests' convenience. Additional fees may apply for some services. 

Great Wolf Lodge Atlanta / LaGrange, GA

Comfortable Accommodations Holiday Inn Express Hotel &amp; Suites Lagrange I-85 by IHG in LaGrange offers comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and free WiFi. Each room includes a bath, hairdryer, coffee machine, sofa bed, refrigerator, work desk, free toiletries, microwave, shower, carpeted floors, and TV. Exceptional Facilities Guests can enjoy an indoor swimming pool, elevator, and 24-hour front desk. The hotel provides free WiFi throughout the property, ensuring connectivity for all visitors. Convenient Location Located 45 mi from Columbus Airport, the hotel is located on Cotton Road. Nearby attractions include LaGrange College and LaGrange Mall. Guest Favorites Guests appreciate the breakfast provided by the property, the attentive staff, and the comfortable beds.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lagrange I-85 by IHG

The Fairfield by Marriott Inn &amp; Suites Lagrange is located off Interstate 85 less than 4 mi from LaGrange city center. Guests can enjoy a daily continental breakfast, free WiFi in all rooms, and an outdoor pool. A cable TV, microwave, and refrigerator are provided in each room of this LaGrange hotel. Fairfield by Marriott Inn &amp; Suites Lagrange also offers suites with additional space for activities. A fitness center, business center, and 24-hour front desk are also featured at this Wyndham hotel. Laundry facilities and free parking are provided as well. This hotel is 5 mi from LaGrange College. Guests will also be less than 10 minutes’ drive from a round of golf at the American Legion Golf Club.

Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites LaGrange

Travel

Please avoid anything boldly contrasting with the wedding colors or the encouraged palette above.

Tara & Fredrick

Tara & Fredrick

Photos