Cooper Alan Is Married! Inside the Country Star’s Wedding to High School Crush Hally Williams Cooper (Exclusive)

For Alan Cooper, marriage to Hally Williams Cooper was the realization of a long-held dream.

The country star and his high school sweetheart, both 27, tied the knot on Saturday, Sept. 23 in front of 285 guests at Grandfather Golf and Country Club in Linville, North Carolina — something Alan tells PEOPLE he’s wanted for years.

“I’ve wanted to marry Hally since 10th grade and now it’s official!” says Alan, who was friends with Williams Cooper in high school before they started dating in college. “I’m so happy to spend the rest of my life with my best friend.”

“Marrying Cooper is without a doubt the joy of my life,” says Williams Cooper. “Saying those sacred vows in front of everyone we love — but most importantly, in front of God — was so special to me.”

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Hally Williams Cooper and Alan Cooper.

Photos by Olivia Suriano Photography | @oliviasuriano

The wedding of Alan and Williams Cooper lasted three days, starting on Thursday night with dinner and drinks at the home of the groom’s parents. The evening with their family and closest friends ended with a silent disco.

Friday consisted of a bridesmaid luncheon for all the girls, while the groomsmen and best men played 18 holes of golf. Then came the rehearsal dinner, followed by a welcome party at the beach pavilion with karaoke for all who came to celebrate.

The main event took place on Saturday, where Alan and Williams Cooper said their “I dos” in a traditional Methodist wedding ceremony officiated by the Rev. Tamara Michelle Pollock, their childhood pastor.

“Grandpa is such a special place for us and an escape in so many ways, so the location has always been a mystery to us,” the couple says. “We knew we wanted a traditional wedding in a beautiful, outdoor setting with all of our closest family and friends. And having Reverend Pollock officiate was such a sacred moment. Saying those sacred vows with her officiating was such a gift .”

Hally Williams Cooper and Alan Cooper.

Photos by Olivia Suriano Photography | @oliviasuriano

Williams Cooper looked radiant in a gown by Romon Kevez of Nitsa’s Bridal with a custom lace top. It was a design she says went “perfectly” with her lace veil, a sentimental gift from her mother, who wore the accessory when she married father Williams Cooper in 1981.

“It’s a classic and timeless look,” says Williams Cooper.

The dress also underwent a transformation, with Williams Cooper removing the lace top after the ceremony for a strapless look for dinner and dancing. She later changed into another look – a Bronx and Banco mini dress which she paired with Lucchese Priscilla boots.

Alan, meanwhile, was classic all night in a Notch Lapel Tuxedo by Norman Stockton. He paired the suit with a white button-down shirt and a black bow tie.

“We were both born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, so it was very important to us to incorporate local businesses into our special day as much as possible,” says the couple. “We registered with Schiffman’s Jewelers and Southern Home & Kitchen, and found all of our special outfits at local retailers.”

Cooper Alan and Hally Williams Cooper.

Photos by Olivia Suriano Photography | @oliviasuriano

After walking down the aisle to Jeremiah Clarke’s classic, “Trumpet Voluntary in D Major” (performed by Deans Duets), the couple exchanged traditional vows and Deva Fine Jewelry rings before cementing their nuptials with a kiss.

There were also special details during the day. The duo exchanged handwritten letters before the ceremony. And during this, a close friend read a verse from the bride’s late grandmother’s Bible.

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The black-tie optional affair was organized by wedding planner Meris Gantt, owner of The Whole Shebang Events. She put together a classic, late-summer, mountain-themed event with a classic, warm aesthetic. The theme even has save the dates and invitations, which are designed using a beautiful green palate.

“Since our wedding is located in the middle of Grandfather Mountain, we definitely wanted to incorporate those elements into the weekend,” explains the couple. “The vibe was very traditional, timeless and accessible, with an elevated sense of elegance.”

Guests enjoyed the reception under a sailcloth tent decorated with ruffled moss, glass detailing and twinkling candlelight brought by the mountains within the structure.

They relied on a colorful palette of late summer blooms (greens, pinks, oranges, yellows and purples) for their flowers, which were put together by Mason Clement Heistand of Millefleurs.

For a sit-down dinner, guests enjoyed a choice of fillet or salmon. Golf and Country Club Deda took care of the classic multi-layered cake.

The band — The After Party Experience from Sam Hill Entertainment — kept guests dancing the night away. Olivia Suriano Photography and Dallas Wilson Films documented the fun throughout the event.

Alan and Williams Cooper got engaged in May 2022 after five years of dating. Alan popped the question in New York, where they had their first date. “I’ve been waiting for this moment,” he wrote on Instagram. “It was always you 💍 ❤️ For an amazing life together! I love you forever!”

When asked what they love about each other, Alan and Williams Cooper praised each other.

“Hally is the most generous, thoughtful and morally sound person I know,” he tells PEOPLE. “I am so confident that our family’s moral compass will always point in the right direction because of her. She loves with all her heart and always thinks about how others feel. Her decisions are guided by her faith. I am honored to be her husband!’

“Cooper’s heart is unlike anything I’ve ever met,” says Williams Cooper. “He loves his people dearly and is kind to everyone who crosses his path. He is such a light and points people to the heart of Jesus in everything he does. . I often find myself wanting to be more like him because he’s all good. I’m so grateful to be able to live with him forever.”

They both agree that they are excited about their future, including their “epic” honeymoon in Curacao.

“We can handle all of life’s ups and downs together as a team,” says Alan. “We will have so many amazing moments, as well as moments that will bring us closer and make our love stronger. I am happy that we can do it all together as we build our family and create a legacy!”

Williams Cooper adds, “I’m most excited to be doing all of this as husband and wife. I know we’re going to have happy moments together and sometimes heartbreaking moments, but I can’t imagine doing all of this without him by my side.”

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After their honeymoon, the Nashville couple will travel together, with Williams Cooper joining Alan on a tour that runs through the end of the year.

“I’m excited to be traveling the country with my wife and making tons of memories,” says Alan. “We plan to really get to know each city instead of just showing up and going to the venue. We have many fun dates ahead of us before some killer shows!”

“We’re really looking forward to being together no matter what that looks like,” she says. We’ll be spending a lot of time on the road so it’ll be fun to see more of the country together as newlyweds.”

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Source: HIS Education