:: the date
Friday, October 7, 2005
seven o'clock in the evening

Getting married in October symbolizes something significant for both of us. It's a time of year that is marked by dramatic change. As God prompts the green leaves of summer to turn to autumn red and gold, He has also brings us to a new season in our lives. A ten-year friendship has given way to a whirlwind courtship, and the transformation is spectacular. As one writer put it our "love is friendship set on fire."

We originally considered the 15th of the month, but we were offered a week at beach for our honeymoon. Sean's grandmother had a timeshare in Panama City starting on the 8th, so we chose the 7th specifically to take advantage of such a generous offer. (Thanks, again, Mama!)

Plus, as it turns out, the date happens to fall on a weekend where neither Alabama nor Auburn play ball. We're lucky to have found a place to get married at all, because every bride in Birmingham who wants her guests to actually show up for the ceremony is vying for Saturday the 8th!

:: the style
With two unique and creative individuals getting married, it's no wonder that we're throwing convention out the window. For both of us, our wedding will truly be an expression of who we are, not the traditions many expect us to keep.

wedding party. Carolyn's desire to incorporate family and friends has played a huge role in the development of the ceremony. With that in mind, we will not have a traditional wedding party--no bridesmaids or groomsmen, maid of honor or best man. Instead, our close family and friends will help us celebrate our relationship and our love of Christ with readings, prayers, stories, and songs.

wedding favors. Many couples give something special to their wedding guests as a personalized remembrance or favor. We've elected to put our own special twist on this by making a donation to Operation Christmas Child. This division of Samaritan's Purse sends shoeboxes filled with goodies to children around the world, sharing the love of Christ with so many who would not have a gift to open otherwise. Sean and I have enjoyed filling shoeboxes in the past, so we'll be donating approximately $2.00 for every invited guest to this wonderful ministry.

:: the place
The Virginia Samford Theater

History
The Virginia Samford Theater, formerly known as The Little Theatre, The Clark Memorial Theatre and Town & Gown Theatre, is the origin of Birmingham's theatrical legacy. Since 1927, the theatre on South Twenty-Sixth Street at Caldwell Park has had an interesting life.

Through the Depression and early days of World War II, the Birmingham Little Theatre presented hundreds of first-rate performances and played a starring role in the cultural life of Birmingham. As the war effort escalated, its casting pool depleted and the theatre closed.

In 1950, a group of individuals with ties to the University of Alabama at Birmingham and an itch to act, began looking for a place to perform. Their efforts led to the development of Town & Gown Theatre. Over the next 45 years, Town & Gown Theatre presented plays to enthusiastic Birmingham audiences in Clark Theatre.

In 1999, UAB announced plans to close and sell the theatre, and a beloved Birmingham landmark was about to disappear. However, the Metroplitan Arts Council stepped forward to restore the landmark building. The theatre has now been given a new name, Virginia Samford Theatre, in honor of their generous donor Virginia Samford Donovan, who provided the funds to Metropolitan Arts Center for the purchase.

Directions
1116 26th Street South :: map
Birmingham, AL 35205

from the South...
Take Highway 280 West and merge right onto Highway 31 North (Red Mountain Expressway). Take the Highland/Arlington Avenue exit. Keep to the left until you reach the end of the exit ramp. Turn right onto Highland Avenue, rounding several curves to arrive at a traffic light. Turn left onto 26th Street. The theatre is on the left, just past Caldwell Park.

from the North...
Take Interstate 59 South and exit onto Highway 31 North (Red Mountain Expressway). Take the 8th Avenue South exit. Turn right at the end of the off ramp, away from St. Vincent's Hospital. Take a left a the first traffic light onto 24th Street. Veer left at the fork and go straight through the traffic light. The road becomes 26th Street. Go 2/10 of a mile. The theatre will be on your right.

:: the cast

bride: Carolyn Murry

groom: Sean Walsh

officiant: Tom Casolaro

story tellers: Kristi Howell and her son Wesly

prayers: Jon Mitchell, and Roger & Sara Isbell

reader: Jane Walsh

ring bearers: Melodi Isbell, and John Woodruff

musicians: Donald Butler, and Leigh Ann Moore

blessings: Tom Walsh and Kaye Farrow

coordinator: Beverly Andrews

candles:
Diane Murry for Ed Murry, father of the bride
Carolyn Murry for Jackie Murry, mother of the bride
Jennifer Donahue for Janice Donahue, aunt of the bride
Jessica Buzachero for John Buzachero, grandfather of the groom

copyright 2005 sean and carolyn walsh