Even though they were just kids at the time, Madisyn Van Ham made an impactful impression on her older sister’s friend, Corey Seager, who would later become the Los Angeles Dodgers’ star shortstop and 2020 World Series MVP. “The most memorable part of meeting her was how nice she was,” he recollects. “Even back then it was easy to hangout and talk with her. Also, she was pretty cute!” The pair went on to date in high school and attended Corey’s senior prom together. “Then, Corey was drafted to the Dodgers out of high school,” Madisyn explains. “We tried long distance, but being so young, we just weren’t ready for that.” 

A few years later, the couple reconnected, and Madisyn found herself visiting Corey while he was in the minor leagues. “I saw he still had a picture frame I gave him of us, and it just melted me,” she confides. The pair continued spending time together, developing their now-adult romance. “I think I always knew I would propose one day. It’s not very often you meet someone and have an instant connection,” reveals Corey. “It really hit me one night when we were dancing in the kitchen together making dinner… I knew in that moment I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her.” 

After securing her parents’ blessing, Corey proposed to his beloved while in Boston to attend a NFL New England Patriots’ game to see Tom Brady play – checking off one of Corey’s bucket-list items. “He said he proposed to me while there because marrying me was another one of his bucket-list items,” gushes Madisyn remembering the wonderful weekend. “I totally expected him to propose in our hometown… It was so special because I truly was surprised, and he put so much thought into every detail.” 

The North Carolina couple settled on Nashville, Tennessee, as the destination for their nuptials simply because it’s a city they love. Wedding planning was pretty seamless, as Madisyn had a good handle on her vision for the celebration, plus Corey was extremely helpful and involved, and they enlisted the guidance of esteemed event planner and designer Sara Fried of Fête Nashville Luxury Weddings. Luckily, the bride enjoyed dress shopping alongside her mom, sister, and mother-in-law before the pandemic hit. “In March during spring training, the whole world closed down,” remembers Madisyn. 

“We created a gorgeous combination of string lights and greenery throughout the entire venue… it literally felt like the starry night I had imagined.”

Months later, the couple decided to continue their plans with only their closest friends and family in attendance, while following guidelines to ensure everyone’s safety. The picturesque farm Madisyn and Corey selected was beautiful on its own, requiring little decoration. An eye-catching round arch comprised of florals and foliage marked the spot for the sentimental “I dos,” which were led by the groom’s father. Soft vanilla-hued customized blankets were laid over the back of each attendee’s chair to help keep them warm in the crisp December climate. 

Madisyn wore an exquisite long-sleeved lace gown and carried a lush bouquet of toffee roses, white anemones, and Quicksand roses paired with a variety of verdure. Though the couple had exchanged private vows prior to the service, the groom watched proudly as his bride made her grand entrance. “I’ll never forget how she looked walking down the aisle!” confirms Corey. “Never.” 

The reception was equally romantic: “I’ve always dreamed of a beautiful reception in nature and under the stars – but when you get married in winter, being outside is almost not an option,” describes the bride. “We created a gorgeous combination of string lights and greenery throughout the entire venue, but especially over the head table, and it literally felt like the starry night I had imagined.” 

The fare for the evening was perfectly curated by the couple – even their signature drinks were highly personalized, particularly the groom’s. “Mine was a Sun Drop slushy with an Airheads® candy as a garnish,” he illustrates of the slushees the two drank during their childhood. “The coolest part was the custom cup design with our dog, Hazel, on them!” 

The newlyweds opted for a “last dance” to end their fairy-tale night. “Corey and I danced and laughed and just thought about how lucky we were to be married to each other and to spend that night with our closest friends and family,” muses the new Mrs. Seager. Corey agrees with that sentiment. “I wouldn’t do anything differently… being able to spend time with the most important people in our lives made the whole weekend even more amazing.”