MADISON – People often plan a surprise party, maybe for a birthday or anniversary. At Toyota Field in Town Madison, Tiffany Danica Erika Jordan planned a surprise wedding with Louis ‘Lou’ Dewayne Whitlow for their lives together.

Louis proposed to Tiffany on her birthday, Oct. 30, 2018. They were married on Toyota Field on July 20 at 7:32 p.m.

“I really haven’t had a sense of urgency to get married and was content with our relationship,” Tiffany said. “However, I know Daddy (Louis) really wanted to solidify our relationship ‘the right way.’” As she planned for Louis’ 40th birthday, Tiffany dreamed about merging the events.

Because of COVID-19, Tiffany opted for a joint celebration of Louis’ birthday, engagement and marriage. Lyn Knox, Tiffany’s best friend’s mother, suggested pretending the wedding would be at their lake house, thus allowing the couple to have a wedding registry and discussions on ring sizes.

“Why a baseball field? Because the man of my dreams loves baseball. I wanted him to feel the impact he is making (as baseball coach and hitting/batting instructor) in the lives of so many youth,” Tiffany said. “I think we hit a home run with that.”

Attendees were amazed to experience Toyota Field as the venue. “It does take your breath away,” Tiffany said. Art Nelson drove up with his brother, Louis, from Alabaster to confirm arriving on time “… even though they were 30 minutes late!”

On the field, Louis watched a video, ending with Tiffany asking, “Why not now?” about their wedding. “I turned around … to an absolutely beautiful woman decked out ready to marry me,” Louis said. “It couldn’t have turned out any better. Tiffany really hit it out of the park.”

Chanda Crutcher, a mentor to both Tiffany and Louis, officiated the wedding. Tiffany’s best friends — Chelsea McKinney, Joy Reed, Ashley Davis and Cynthia Parker – assisted with staging and decorating.

Louis, Tiffany, her son David Faulk and his son Lamir Whitlow hit baseballs from a tee to symbolize knocking out generational curses that come against marriage. Simultaneously, the crowd recited The Lord’s Prayer.

Parents, colleagues, friends and youth that Louis trains all enjoyed the reception of Louis’ favorites — chicken wings, hamburger sliders, nacho bar and pasta bar. Sigh Photo Booth played music, along with LaShay B from WEUP radio who kept the party going with deejay services. Jeff White was photographer.

Decor followed a baseball theme, except a tribute table to Louis’ late grandmother who greatly influenced his life. Decorations included baseballs, tealights, signage and bats. “I’m very nontraditional so I didn’t want flowers that would die,” Tiffany said.

“As an attendee, I thought it was such an out-of-the-box idea during this pandemic,” friend Alice Lessmann said. “Tiffany’s invitation told of a surprise birthday party, engagement party and a third surprise. That really intrigued us and made it all the more exciting.”

“Madison now has an alternative wedding venue,” Ashley Davis said. “Tiffany saw a vision for the stadium. This was a grand slam.”