See How This Olympian Bride’s Fairytale Wedding Dreams Came True

By Lydia Brooks

Tara Davis & Hunter Woodhall
October 16, 2022

While competing in a 2017 track meet, future Olympian Tara Davis had her eyes on the prize: decorated Paralympian Hunter Woodhall. “I had no idea who he was, but I got this overwhelming sense to go up and give him a hug,” says Tara. “It was history from there.” While most brides-to-be cry when saying yes to a dress, Tara shed tears when touring D’Vine Grace Vineyard. “I just knew it was the right fit,” she remembers. The next step was to infuse every detail of the big day with a bit of pink—Tara’s signature color. From the bounty of blush-colored baby’s breath to the muted-rose stationery suite, their October 16, 2022, celebration was a perfect manifestation of Tara’s “princess fairy-tale” wedding dreams.

Let’s Put a Pin in That

Bride Tara Davis tasked her wedding planner, Alexa Kay of Alexa Kay Events, with creating a romantic fairy-tale wedding that packed a pink punch, and the Dallas planner praised Tara’s firm stand on her day-of design. “Brides tend to Pinterest themselves out,” says Alexa. “Tara’s vision stayed true throughout the planning process. She knew what she wanted, and it still felt fresh.” While inspiration sources like Pinterest can provide a wealth of wedding knowledge, they can also lead to matrimonial sensory overload. Alexa advises couples to make a list of a few key details they want their wedding design to revolve around—whether that be colors, styles, destinations, etc.—and stick to it. And it doesn’t hurt to have professional help, too. “Weddings work best when a bride trusts me to design with their style in mind,” she says. “I’ve been in the industry long enough to know what works and what doesn’t.”

Love at First Sight

Tara’s Galia Lahav gown was the first one she tried on. “Not only did I keep going back to that one, I realized that I was trying to emulate it with the other dresses I was trying on,” she says. The gown’s floral appliqués and mesh sleeves fit with Tara’s visions for her day-of look. “I’m pretty muscular, but for our wedding, I just wanted to feel pretty and feminine,” she says.

Tara Davis & Hunter Woodhall's Wedding, Bride's Wedding Dress — **Megan Kay Photography**

Guests: 170

Cake Flavor: Strawberry and lemon

First Dance: “Biblical” by Calum Scott

Signature Cocktails: “Winnie-rita” (strawberry margarita) and “Milo-mule” (Mexican mule), named after the couple's dogs