Feel that? Time seeming to slow down? Your muscles starting to relax? That sudden craving for some sweet tea? It’s all thanks to this ridiculously adorable Tennessee wedding. It’s got Southern Charm popping up in every corner, and not just any Southern Charm. Bright, happy, gorgeous Southern Charm. Chris & Adrienne Scott, Photographers captured this sweet soiree brilliantly, and thanks to them, we’ve got even more in a full image gallery!
David and I had been dating long distance for about a year and a half. We had talked about getting married, but wanted to be sure he would be able to move closer to me before we took the plunge. After searching and waiting, he finally got a promotion within his company that would allow him to move. Shortly after, we went on a weekend trip to the mountains with another couple we are friends with. We spent most of the weekend enjoying the peace and quiet at their cabin.
On Saturday afternoon David (a part time photographer) mentioned that he wanted to take some pictures of the sunset since it had turned out to be a beautiful day. So we bundled up and took off to the top of the mountain. When we arrived to the top, he started taking various pictures and kept walking toward this particular tree that he has always been fascinated with. When we got close enough, he told me to turn around. When I did there was the ring box hanging from one of the branches. I turned back around to find him down on one knee holding the ring! We toasted to our future with the champagne and strawberries he had waiting, then our friends, Madison and Ashley, came up to join us and take some pictures. After calling our family and friends we capped off the night with an amazing dinner that they had cooked. It was perfect!
David and I both have so many friends and family from all over the country, so in the beginning we contemplated having a destination wedding. After a while, it became evident that we did not have enough time to plan like we would want. My parents have a beautiful property and graciously offered to have it there. Ultimately, knowing it was FREE and that I wouldn’t have to travel the week before the wedding helped to make the decision. Plus, I knew it would be special to have it in the small town where I grew up.
Since the engagement, my mom and I had spent quite a lot of time on Style Me Pretty. There were so many great ideas out there, and I just couldn’t decide. Once we decided we were having the wedding at my parents’ home, I knew everything needed to fit into the outdoor/garden/Southern look of the property, but I didn’t want it to look like I had a specific “theme”. This actually seemed to help becuase it gave me so many more options than being limited to one look or set of ideas. I eventually decided that I wanted to use mason jars for the centerpieces. I thought they were the perfect way to add a Southern touch. Luckily, we were able to get enough of the blue mason jars to add some extra color. I knew this would be perfect with the salmon colored bridesmaid dresses I had picked. After that, I just started picking the things I liked and figured out how to make them work, and everything came together perfectly.
I didn’t want our wedding to be just another wedding that people went to. I wanted our guests to really enjoy themselves and share in our happiness, so we tried to add as many personal touches as possible. We did several signs around the ceremony and reception. The main one in the middle of the reception area started out just as a sign to point the way to different areas of the party (dance floor, restrooms, etc). Then we thought it would be cute to make it more personal. David and I love to travel together so there were signs highlighting several of the places we had been or were going to…..Savannah, GA, Cape Cod, and Greece (our honeymoon destination). We also had a station where guests could leave us a note to read on various anniversaries in the future. Just about everything had some sort of personal touch or meaning. I also wanted everything to be unique. I made DIY programs that were completely “out of the box” and non-traditional. We also had a local gospel choir to sing before the ceremony started.
We actually had my dad join the minister and perform parts of the ceremony. It was so special to have him marry us. After he pronounced us man and wife, the gospel choir sang “Oh Happy Day” as we walked back down the aisle.
The mother of one of my bridesmaids volunteered to do a photo booth as a surprise for the two of us. She even made the backdrop and found all the props. This turned out to be a huge hit, and now we have so many great photos of all our guests.
As much as I didn’t want to, I let some of the wedding day stress get to me. So one of the best moments was when David and I had our “first look” before the ceremony. When I saw the look on his face I immediately felt at ease.
Photography: Chris & Adrienne Scott, Photographers / Flowers: Jonathan Kendrick / Ceremony and Reception Location: Bride’s parent’s house / Invitations: Robin E Designs / Shoes: Target / Dress: Martina Liana from Low’s Bridal / Hair: Scott Little from Haute Heads / Makeup: Anna Sellers / Rings & Pearl Earrings: Mednikow Jewelers / Suits: Jos A. Banks / Ceremony Music: United Voices of Anointance Choir / Reception Music: Magi / Cake: Dinah Fewell of Take the Cake / Cupcakes: HaliHannigan’s Cupcakery / Bridesmaid Dresses: Amsale from Bella Bridesmaid