Julia Anne Olsson & Stewart Thomas Shelden

May 4, 2024 – Birmingham

Like most modern romances, the future Sheldens met online. Julia wasn’t expecting much from their first date, but she could tell right away that Stewart was a genuinely nice guy. Little did she know that he would become so much more to her. On their second date, they went hiking together. Julia was in the midst of training for a big event and was hoping that he would be up for the challenge. She was pleasantly surprised when he agreed to go on a 14-mile hike with her. As they traversed around Lake Draper, she began to see a different side of Stewart. They started to bond over their shared interests, and she found herself falling for him. Stewart said he knew she was the one when after the hike she whipped out a backpacking chair from her trunk and they shared a celebratory Topo Chico.

The proposal took place on a beautiful, sunny day in late April. Julia had just finished a hot yoga class and came straight over to Stewart’s house, looking radiant as ever. Stewart had asked for her help planting a new tree he’d bought – a magnolia, which just so happened to be her favorite. After some back-and-forth on placement, and even a little replanting, the tree was finally in the ground. As Julia got ready to leave, Stewart quickly dropped to one knee and asked the question with a simple, “Will you marry me?” Their only witnesses were their beloved dogs, and it was absolutely perfect.

Unbeknownst to Julia, Stewart had tried to propose several times before, but she’d somehow foiled his plans each time. This time, he’d had enough and decided to do it in the moment. The ring had been tucked away in his pocket the whole time he was planting (and replanting) the magnolia. Now, that tree stands in their backyard, a living reminder of that joyful, unforgettable day.

Advice From the Bride

“Wedding planning can definitely be as stressful as people say. The big day will arrive, and unexpected things will happen that are beyond your control – you just have to roll with it and laugh. The sense of relief afterward is incredible. So much effort goes into creating that one day, but once it’s over, you get to enjoy the rest of your lives together as a married couple.

Family means the world to me, so I wanted to find meaningful ways to include the important women in my life in my bouquet. One of the special touches was carrying a lace handkerchief that had belonged to my grandmother – it was absolutely beautiful. My mother went the extra mile to have a piece of her dress sewn into the handkerchief, which made it even more personal. I held it while we said our vows. I also carried a rosary that Stewart’s grandmother had gifted to me, another cherished symbol of love and family.” – Julia