In the lush, vibrant gardens of Cheekwood Estate in Nashville, Tennessee, Rebekah and Nate Elgin celebrated their wedding surrounded by their closest friends and family. The couple had envisioned a day reminiscent of an Italian garden, and Cheekwood’s historic estate and sprawling grounds provided the perfect backdrop. With a timeless aesthetic and personalized touches, their wedding was a beautiful reflection of their journey together.
Location: Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Style: Lush, Italian-style, timeless
Time of planning: 11 months
Number of guests: 232
Setting: Estate
Season: Fall
Rebekah and Nate’s love story began unexpectedly, when they both happened to be in Nashville. Despite living miles apart—Rebekah in Tennessee and Nate in Florida—their connection was instant. They spent the next few months flying back and forth, exploring each other’s hometowns and forming unforgettable memories, such as placing a love lock on a bridge in Pittsburgh. Their bond grew stronger, leading them to take the next step by building a home together in Tennessee. After Nate moved in, they adopted their dog Josie and began dreaming of their wedding day, almost a year after their engagement on that same Pittsburgh bridge.
Bridal Morning
Rebekah began her day surrounded by her bridesmaids in a beautiful suite at Cheekwood. She wore a stunning white A-line gown, complemented by a pearl-studded veil and elegant pearl earrings.
Her hair, styled in soft Hollywood waves by Jessica Miller Hair, added a touch of vintage glamour to her look. It was a morning filled with laughter, anticipation, and the serene beauty of the estate.
Groom's Fashion
Nate, looking sharp in a custom suit from Richards Bespoke, prepared for the day with his groomsmen. They wore suits from The Black Tux, perfectly coordinating with the bridesmaids’ colors.
First Look
Under the shade of Cheekwood Estate’s majestic trees, Rebekah and Nate shared their first look, a moment filled with deep emotion and anticipation. As they exchanged private vows, their happiness radiated, and Haley Birdsey captured every nuance of their expressions and gestures. The lush greenery provided a serene backdrop, enhancing the intimacy of the scene and highlighting the couple’s connection. The way Nate gazed at Rebekah and the soft laughter they shared made it clear this was a moment they would cherish forever.
Haley’s skill in photography truly shone through these tender moments. Her ability to use the natural light and beautiful backdrops of the estate showcased her keen eye for detail. From capturing Rebekah’s radiant smile as she looked back at Nate, to the couple’s intimate embrace under a gorgeous ivy-adorned archway, Haley’s photographs not only documented the day but also elevated the emotions and beauty of each scene.
Ceremony
The ceremony was a breathtaking display of nature and elegance. The aisle was lined with abundant arrangements of white roses, delicate blue delphiniums, and lush greenery, creating a stunning path for the bride to walk down. The soft, romantic color palette of whites and blues complemented the garden setting perfectly, making the entire scene feel like a dream. The ceremony’s floral design by Mary Love Richardson was truly a masterpiece, transforming the space into a serene, garden-inspired oasis.
The bridesmaids were dressed in elegant light blue gowns that harmonized with the soft hues of the florals. They held delicate bouquets that mirrored the floral arrangements, adding a touch of whimsy to their sophisticated looks.
The atmosphere was filled with soft melodies from the string quartet, whose graceful performance set a romantic tone for the ceremony. Their presence under the shade of the trees added a classical element to the celebration, making the entire scene feel like a moment out of a fairytale. The guests were given fans to keep cool under the warm sun, a thoughtful detail that added to the day’s comfort and charm.
The setting sun highlighted the love and excitement on Rebekah and Nate’s faces as they stood hand in hand, framed by the lush greenery and floral arrangements. Their love story reached a cinematic peak with a dramatic kiss, Nate dipping Rebekah as their guests erupted in cheers.
It was a picture-perfect moment that felt like a scene from a movie. This grand finale, with the golden light, the joyful crowd, and the couple’s energy, made for an unforgettable ending to their heartfelt ceremony.
Cocktail Hour
After the ceremony, guests were invited to a cocktail hour set in the estate’s picturesque gardens. The ambiance was both lively and sophisticated, with custom drink charms adding a unique touch. The soft sounds of live music filled the air, creating a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere as guests mingled and enjoyed the beautiful setting.
Moment Alone
As Rebekah and Nate took a quiet moment to walk through the garden paths of Cheekwood Estate, the sun began to dip below the treetops, casting a soft, golden light around them. Haley Birdsey’s photography beautifully captured this serene moment, artfully playing with the rays of sunlight filtering through the leaves.
The gentle glow enveloped the couple, highlighting Rebekah’s delicate veil adorned with tiny pearls and the subtle blue hues in her bouquet. Each photograph feels like a painting, with the sunlight enhancing the romantic atmosphere, making their moment alone together feel even more magical and intimate.
Decor & Setting
The reception space was a breathtaking display of timeless elegance and thoughtful design. Set in a charming courtyard adorned with ivy-covered brick walls, the tables were beautifully arranged with crisp white linens and delicate floral centerpieces. The blooms, featuring white roses, hydrangeas, and soft blue delphiniums, created a lush and romantic atmosphere that perfectly complemented the garden setting. Gold flatware and crystal glassware added a touch of sophistication, while the custom napkins and menu cards showcased the couple’s wedding crest, tying in their personal touches throughout the décor.
Above the tables, strings of twinkling lights intertwined with greenery created a canopy of soft, warm light that added a magical ambiance as the evening progressed. The custom dance floor, adorned with the couple’s initials, became a focal point of the space, surrounded by rows of elegantly set tables. The entire setting exuded a feeling of understated luxury and charm, making guests feel as if they were dining in a picturesque European courtyard, creating a truly unforgettable dining experience under the stars.
Reception
The evening began with Rebekah and Nate’s first dance, creating an enchanting atmosphere that felt straight out of a fairytale. Their dance was filled with smiles, setting the tone for a night of joy and celebration. Following their dance, Rebekah shared a touching dance with her father, and Nate had a heartfelt moment with his mother. The scene was intimate and emotional, with guests applauding and sharing in these special family moments.
Dinner was a delightful affair with beautifully plated dishes served at elegantly set tables adorned with candlelight and florals. Heartfelt toasts followed, bringing laughter and tears as family and friends shared their love and best wishes for the couple.
The celebration continued with the cutting of a stunning white-tiered cake adorned with fresh flowers, a sweet precious moment.
Rebekah changed into a sleek satin dress, perfect for dancing and enjoying the festivities. The evening was filled with laughter, dances, and unforgettable memories, perfectly reflecting the love story of Rebekah and Nate.
The night concluded with a spectacular farewell under a canopy of fireworks, captured in a stunning photograph that beautifully highlighted the joy and excitement of the moment. As they made their exit, the couple shared a romantic kiss in the back of a car, sealing their unforgettable day with a tender moment as they were driven away into their new life together.
PHOTOGRAPHER Haley Birdsey | VIDEOGRAPHER Wild Fern Weddings | PLANNER Elevents | VENUE Cheekwood Estate and Gardens | FLORALS Mary Love Richardson | HAIR Jessica Miller Hair | MAKEUP Kris Miller Artistry | DRESS Ila Bridal | SUIT Richards Bespoke | DRESSES & TIES Show Me Your Mumu | GROOMSMEN SUITS The Black Tux | CAKE Dessert Designs by Leland | CATERING G Catering | RENTALS Please Be Seated BBJ Latavola | DANCE FLOOR It’s a Wrap | ENTERTAINMENT Request Premier Mockingbird Musicians
