WELCOME PARTY

REHEARSAL DINNER

Ara Rooftop at Hotel Effie

POST TOAST

The Alice

Wedding Day

Our Wedding

Some love stories begin with a grand gesture. Ours began in a hospital.Tess was covering for Franklin at work so he could attend his sister’s graduation (we would not be here without you Chapel). While she was very much in work mode, she does remember thinking he was handsome—and had a really great head of hair.Over the next few months, Franklin became a familiar face in Tess’s Instagram notifications, checking in and liking her stories. Eventually, Tess decided to make the first move and asked him to dinner. Their first date on October 23, 2023, was the beginning of everything.By December, they were officially dating and quickly learned that even distance, busy careers, and living in different cities couldn’t keep them apart. Through career changes, countless miles on the road, and lots of weekend trips, their relationship continued to grow.For Tess, one of the things that made Franklin different from the very beginning was how safe he made her feel. He never left her wondering where she stood, never made her anxious, and always showed up exactly as himself. He is a true gentleman, never meets a stranger, and has never given her a reason to question how much he loves her.On Valentine’s Day 2026, Franklin proposed in Montgomery, Alabama. While Tess was surprised, she later discovered that just about everyone else already knew it was happening. Franklin was so nervous that he spent the afternoon pacing outside before she arrived.Today, they split their time between Destin and Montgomery, spending weekends on the boat, at the beach, on the golf course, or simply enjoying time together with their labs, Ranger and Miller. They can’t wait to finally live in the same city, start this next chapter, and celebrate with all of their favorite people on April 10, 2027.

Tess and Franklin

Our Story

Photos

BRIDESMAIDS

Miss Isabella Leigh Walker 

Miss Edison Mae Walker

Ms. Preslee Michelle Williams

Mrs. Gracee Mae Carroll

Ms. Kirsten Brooks Hicks

Ms. Madeline Bailey Adams

Mrs. Caroline Evans Van Hooser 

Miss Kendall Renea Martin 

Ms. Lea Ann Winterstein

Ms. Ella Catherine Hart

Miss Ann Chapel Evans

Mrs. Hannah Rebecca Smith 

GROOMSMEN

Mr. David Franklin Evans Jr. 

Mr. Zachary Ryan Griffin

Mr. Elijah Berry Owen

Mr. Richard Brown Thomas

Mr. John Windsor Amthor III

Mr. Jacob Wilson Barkley 

Mr. Jeffery Keith Cavaliere

Mr. James H. Johnson

Mr. Jerret Frank McElwain

Dr. Jeffrey Monroe Grantham Jr. 

Mr. William George Reis 

Mr. Walker Lloyd Van Hooser

Mr. Wyatt Joshua Lerner 

Mr. Tyler Carson Simmons

Mr. Loyd Russell Daniel IV

Wedding Party

To complement the formality of our celebration, we invite guests to wear formal evening attire. Tuxedos or dark suites and floor-length gowns are welcomed.

Dress Code

Q + A

Thursday, April 8, 2027 

WELCOME PARTY Thursday, April 8, 2027 The Alice Pool

Friday, April 9, 2027 

BRIDESMAIDS LUNCHEON *invitation only

REHEARSAL DINNER*invitation only

POST TOAST*invitation only

Saturday, April 10, 2027 

WEDDING DAY

Schedule

For guests flying in, Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) is the closest airport to Destin.

Hotel Effie offers a beautiful blend of modern luxury and coastal charm. Guests can enjoy elegant accommodations, exceptional dining, a rooftop pool with stunning bay views, and easy access to the shops and restaurants of Baytowne Wharf. We are delighted to recommend Hotel Effie as one of our preferred accommodations for guests joining us in celebration.

Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection

Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard 

Travel & Lodging

Enjoy a day on the white sand! The website will take you to a map of the different public beach access locations in Destin!

The Beach

A favorite gathering place along the bay, The Village of Baytowne Wharf offers a wonderful mix of waterfront dining, boutique shopping, and coastal charm. Guests can enjoy a leisurely afternoon exploring the village, an evening cocktail overlooking the water, or a sunset stroll through the marina. For those hoping to spend time on the course, several exceptional golf courses are located just moments away, making Baytowne Wharf a perfect destination to enjoy the best of the Emerald Coast.

Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Beach Resort

An afternoon on the water, not much can beat that! Rent a boat or take a private charter to Crab Island.

Crab Island

HarborWalk Village has activities for all ages. Zip-line, face painting, and crafts for your little ones. Several restaurants, bars (including a speakeasy) and live music for the big ones.

HarborWalk Village

Things to Do

ARA ROOFTOP POOL &amp; LOUNGE Perched atop Hotel Effie, Ara Rooftop Pool &amp; Lounge is one of our favorite places to enjoy handcrafted cocktails, light bites, and panoramic views of Choctawhatchee Bay. Open to the public, it’s the perfect spot to gather before the wedding celebrations. With its sophisticated atmosphere and stunning rooftop setting, Ara offers a memorable way to experience the beauty of the coast—whether you’re staying at Hotel Effie or simply stopping by. *The pool is available for hotel guests and day passes are available for those who are not guests of hotel effie!

HARBOR DOCKSThe Bride's favorite local restaurant! Grab lunch on the back patio over looking the Destin Harbor and try her favorite sushi roll (Summer Roll) or dinner with a fresh local catch - you can't go wrong picking Harbor Docks for a meal! You might even catch the Bride &amp; Groom here once (or twice) during wedding week!

RUM RUNNERSRum Runners is a Baytowne Wharf favorite, known for its energetic dueling piano performances. Whether you’re stopping in for cocktails or spending the evening with family and friends, it’s a fun way to experience the vibrant nightlife of the Emerald Coast.

THE ROOFTOP BARlocated at The Henderson Resort this is a perfect spot to meet your friends and grab afternoon &amp; pre-ceremony cocktails!

MCGUIRES SUSHI One of the BEST sushi restaurants in town with typically no wait time! Try the off-menu Ultimate 2.0 Roll - you won't regret it!

LOUISIANA LAGNIAPPEOne of the Bride &amp; Grooms favorite date night spots! Located in Sandpiper Cove, just tell the front gate you are headed to the restaurant!

MIMMOS DESTINIf seafood is not your thing then Mimmo's is a must! House made pasta &amp; brick oven pizza's (and the best cocktails) PLUS they take reservations!

THE ORIGINAL DEWEY DESTIN'SThe ORIGINAL Dewey Destin's and by far the BEST! The Bride and her families favorite lunch spot in Destin. Grab a fried grouper sandwich, sit under the iconic umbrellas overlooking Crab Island! (Located beside our Wedding Venue)

THE CRAFT BAR Locals favorite gastropub. The BEST place to post up to watch The Masters. A bar and restaurant that serves craft beer, hand crafted cocktails, and chef-inspired food--all with a focus on local &amp; regional sources.

Restaurants & Bars

Registry

Please mail your pre stamped and addressed reply card to the return address listed on the envelope by the twelth of March. For guests who prefer not to respond by mail, a text message to Tess or Franklin or their parents is also welcome. We are simply grateful to receive your reply in whatever manner is most convenient for you.

Tess & Franklin

Tess & Franklin

Restaurants & Bars