For anyone that reads SMP daily, you know that I loooove me some Nashville. I spent four years in the city during college and I still consider the town my home away from home. So most of the Nashville weddings that come across our desks tug at my heartstrings a little bit. And this one, photographed beautifully by Michael Howard with flowers by my favorite nashvegas stylisto (totally made that word up), Chase Rivers, is just about as “Nashville” as they get. Click here to see the full shebang.
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When my husband and I got engaged, we knew immediately we would host our wedding celebration in Nashville, beginning with our Hatch Show Print Save the Dates! We wanted to feature all that Nashville has to offer–great southern food, hospitality, and music. For our venues, we wanted to use Nashville “landmarks.”Our ceremony was held in a chapel at Scarritt-Bennett, with its beautiful 85-year old Collegiate Gothic style architecture. The ceremony was a mix of traditional vows with some of our own written vows and a lovely guitar duet by two local musicians. We also provided our guests an opportunity to help us give back by having donation jars and tokens for the guest to distribute among 3 charities that were meaningful to our families. My husband and I then made donations to each of the charities in honor of our guests. The most memorable moment of the day was when my father and I were waiting at the back of the chapel to walk down the aisle and the doors to the chapel opened and for an instant, before everyone turned around I looked out over all the guests and could see my husband standing at alter waiting for me! It was a magical day.
For the reception we chose the Country Music Hall of Fame, a stunning new building in downtown Nashville, with a glass ceiling that showcases the Nashville skyline. We also highlighted Tennessee products by serving wine from a local vineyard and beer from a local brewery, Jack Daniels inspired drinks, macaroni and cheese in martini glasses, and having our guests sign Spirit of Nashville prints in lieu of a guest book. The food, catered by the Country Music Hall of Fame, was delicious and the epitome of elegant Southern cuisine. The band, Billy Lockridge and Inception, were a big hit as they kept our guests entertained and dancing throughout the night!
Our colors were a deep peacock blue (bridesmaid dresses), lime greens, and warm yellows. My wedding style was what I would refer to as “whimsical Southern elegance.” From the small lanterns hanging from our floral arrangements at the reception and the monogrammed wreaths on the chapel doors to the colorful candy bar and the Lynchburg Lemonades served in mason jars!
The invitations and ceremony programs were designed by a local calligrapher, and foil stamped, white script on sunny yellow paper. We also purchased personalized hand painted cake toppers from Etsy, which we look forward to turning into Christmas ornaments! Our out of town guests received gift boxes with Nashville products, including Moon Pies, Goo Goo Clusters, and a guitar shaped fly swatter. The small details were important to us in personalizing our wedding and many of our guests later told us that they could really see my husband and I personified in these touches. Our farewell at the end of the evening was unique—our guests waved green and blue glow sticks while a trumpeter played “Oh When the Saints Go Marching In.” Such great memories with our loved ones that we will cherish forever!
Wedding Ceremony Site: Wightman Chapel at Scarritt Bennett Center / Ceremony Music: Nashville String Quartet, Wedding Musicians Company / Ceremony Sololist: Michael Kelsh / Save the Dates: Hatch Show Print / Invitations and Programs: Hand Calligraphy Design by Val Cole and The Paper Place / Wedding Dress: Christos from Bridals by Lori / Veil: Toni Frederici / Bridesmaid Dresses: Priscilla of Boston from Bella Bridesmaid / Tuxedos: Street Tuxedo / Handmade Ties: Otis James / Reception Venue: Country Music Hall of Fame / Catering: Two Twenty Two Grill and Catering, Country Music Hall of Fame / Planner: Weddings by Helen / Band: Billy Lockridge & Inception / Flowers: “Chase Rivers Flair” by Chase Rivers / Photographer: Howard Photography, Michael Howard / Videographer: Howard Photography, Andy Duensing / Cake: Dessert Designs / Cupcakes: Gigi’s Cupcakes / Transportation: Matchless Limousine