Sabrina and Clay Hodges first laid eyes on each other at Amici’s in Covington in January of 2020. Clay said they were each there with friends and didn’t even officially meet, “but we locked eyes once, and we smiled.”  

“It didn’t take much work finding her on social media,” Clay said. “I sent her a friend request, and she sent a message, and pretty soon we were planning our first date.” 

The couple started dating just before the world stopped for COVID, “and it didn’t take long for us to become inseparable,” Clay said.  

“I surprised her with a ring in August, and even though neither of us particularly wanted a long engagement, we had a lot of work to do, joining me and my three kids with her and her four [kids].”  

After a lot of remodeling and planning, the couple finally tied the knot Oct. 2, 2021, a little more than 13 months after Clay popped the question.  

The ceremony was held at a family member’s farm near Rutledge. Pictures were taken by Ryan and Morgan Pye of We Tell Stories. Food was provided by Bradley Stewart, and the cake was by Jessicakes.  

Kaci Marks did the flowers, and they were married by Trey Bailey.  

“We all moved into our newly expanded house on the farm that I grew up in eastern Newton County,” Clay said. “Life can be chaotic at times, and we sure get pulled in lots of directions, but I wouldn’t change a thing…  and I hope she wouldn’t either.”