Guys, this is classic southern elegance done so, soooo right. From the lush blooms crafted by Branches to the absolutely breathtaking Harlinsdale Farm locale to the stunning stationery designed by Mariko Lamb, the beautiful, beautiful bride. Think traditional beauty with a little side of rustic pretty, all captured perfectly by Brittany Conner. See it all right here in THE VAULT.
From Brittany Conner… One was a humble leader, star athlete and Southern gentleman; the other was an adventurous traveler, outdoor enthusiast and free spirit. Three years ago, both of these Tennessee natives found themselves living in sunny Southern California by way of two very different paths.
Harlin was a captain in the Marine Corps and Mariko was a local newspaper reporter when their paths first crossed. Despite Harlin being scheduled to move back to Nashville a mere three months after meeting the girl of his dreams, he didn’t give up hope that the two could spend the rest of their lives together. Knowing that Mariko was an avid traveler, Harlin asked her to take a leap of faith and spend two weeks with him in New Zealand just a few months after they met. It was there that Mariko realized she had met a man who she could happily embark on the life’s next adventure together. The two moved back to Nashville shortly thereafter, and the rest is history.
Harlin and Mariko were married on June 6, 2015 in a rustic outdoor wedding ceremony at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin, TN. The naturally stunning and historic site was a place where Harlin spent many years during his childhood breaking in colts and bailing hay on his grandfather’s old walking horse farm. It was there that Harlin learned about hard work, the value of a dollar and the importance of teamwork. It was also there that Harlin and Mariko would wed more than a decade later.
A Classic Southern Wedding Featuring Rustic Farm Décor and Timeless Country Club Elegance
Mariko believes that elegant simplicity combined with opportunities to have a rollicking good time is the key to a memorable wedding. The bride designed the textured black and white wedding invitations, program fans and stationery herself, while the groom selected the evening’s hottest entertainment to celebrate the night.
The rustic outdoor wedding ceremony centered on Harlinsdale Farm’s natural beauty with just a few white and champagne floral adornments. Bridesmaids were dressed in simple black strapless floor-length gowns, while groomsmen donned traditional black and white tuxedos. The two wed just as the sun set over the main barn in a beautiful twilight ceremony.
The wedding reception took place at the always stunning and elegant Belle Meade Country Club. White hydrangeas, roses and lilies fused with soft sparkling champagne accents, soft, subtle décor and lots of twinkling lights dressed the venue. The timeless elegance of the venue and décor exuded a classic Southern charm with a hint of modernity – just like the couple themselves.
Photography: Brittany Conner Photography | Cinematography: Cinema House - Alex Defenderfer | Floral Design: Branches- Mike Whitler | Cake: Dessert Designs | Stationery: Mariko Lamb | Ceremony Venue: Harlinsdale Farm | Reception Venue: Belle Meade Country Club | Band: 12South Band
