Abbott Jones (L) and Deidre Downs Gunn. | Photo: Kelli & Daniel Taylor Photography
The winner of Miss America 2005 has just married her long-term girlfriend in a beautiful Alabama ceremony.
Dr Deidre Downs Gunn married Abbott Jones in a ‘modern Southern romance’ themed wedding at the Birmingham Museum of Art.
‘Saying our vows in front of our family and friends and making that commitment to the love of my life was the most meaningful part of the day for me,’
‘I feel overjoyed to have found someone to share life’s adventures.’
The 37-year-old Downs Gunn campaigned for childhood cancer prevention during her reign as Miss America.
She now works as as reproductive endocrinologist at the University of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB) Medical Center.
The couple used the hashtag DrandMrsAmerica for their wedding and are honeymooning in Ireland.
Congratulations to Miss America 2005 @deidredowns! Wishing you and @abbottjones all the happiness in the world! https://t.co/yoVrckCdmf
— Miss America Org (@MissAmericaOrg) April 16, 2018
‘When we turned to recess down the aisle after the ceremony and really took notice of all of the family and friends who had gathered to celebrate our marriage, we felt so blessed to be surrounded by so much love and support,’ the couple said in a statement.
Abbott Jones (L) and Deidre Downs Gunn. | Photo: Kelli & Daniel Taylor Photography
Downs Gunn’ eight-year-old son walked her down the aisle and acted as her best man for the wedding.
‘I feel overjoyed to have found someone to share life’s adventures,’ Downs Gunn said.
‘The wedding was beautiful and special, but it was really just the beginning of our life together. I’m so lucky to have a wife who fills even small, everyday moments with great joy.’
The proposal
Downs Gunn first proposed to Jones during a family holiday to the UK over Christmas, but then Jones prepared her own proposal. Jones recreated their first date entirely out of legos and included a box with an engagement ring.
Bot Downs Gunn and her son love legos with the boy giving his approval to the proposal, calling it ‘cool’.
‘Deidre is the most beautiful person I’ve ever met, both inside and out,’ Jones said in a statement. ”
‘I have no doubt she will continue to be a role model to so many, especially to young women who can look to her and see that regardless of who they love, they can be beautiful, intelligent, and confident in their own skin.’
