Location: Maryville, Tennessee, USA
Setting: Forest lodge
Wedding season: Fall
The number of guests: 150
How long did the couple plan the event: 1 year
Wedding theme/style: Lots of fun touches of color, mainly through the floral designs.
The heartwarming tale of Katrina and Nick, two aeronautical engineers whose love story is the perfect blend of passion, commitment, and a touch of destiny. Originally hailing from different corners of the United States, Katrina from Indiana and Nick from the Sunshine State of Florida crossed paths during an internship that would shape their lives forever.
Katrina’s career beckoned her to Ohio, and without hesitation, Nick followed, reinforcing the adage that love knows no boundaries. Now residing in Indiana, the couple has seamlessly integrated into each other’s lives, working side by side in the family business as engineers.
Their love story reached new heights at the enchanting RT Lodge in Maryville, Tennessee, in the picturesque Knoxville area. The ceremony unfolded on a charming winding road, exclusive to the venue, while the cocktail hour unfolded in a breathtaking outdoor space. The celebration culminated in a tented reception, adding an element of magic to the autumn air.
Before the wedding bells chimed, Katrina and Nick’s engagement unfolded against the breathtaking backdrop of the Utah mountains and the expansive Salt Flats. A testament to their adventurous spirits, the couple flew their photographer, Grace Torres, to Salt Lake City to capture this chapter of their love story.
The RT Lodge was not merely a venue but an immersive experience for the couple and their guests. Renting out the entire lodge for the wedding weekend, Katrina and Nick treated their loved ones to a journey of celebration. A welcome party and an after-party in the cocktail bar added layers to the festivities, making it a truly unforgettable wedding weekend.
The wedding concept was born from a shared vision that transformed into a reality. Drawing inspiration from the season’s beauty, the couple envisioned a celebration reminiscent of a garden soiree. Movie-worthy in its charm, the wedding seamlessly blended elegance with the natural allure of the surroundings. The wedding stationery is seamlessly integrated into the overall wedding concept. The delicate peach tones and intricate font added a unique charm, setting the tone for a warm and cozy autumn wedding.
Katrina embraced this wonderful day surrounded by her close friends, whose heartfelt support meant the world to the bride. Together, they prepared for this significant event in Katrina’s life—her wedding—creating cherished memories in the process.
Katrina wore a delicate wedding gown with intricate floral embroidery, perfectly tailored to her figure as if custom-made. The dress exuded elegance and refinement, enhancing Katrina’s overall presence. Accompanied by a bouquet in autumnal hues, her ensemble added enchantment to her look.
Nick, too, began his wedding day surrounded by friends. They assisted him in donning his wedding suit, and the morning was filled with joyful camaraderie. Opting for a classic three-piece suit paired with a bowtie, Nick’s wedding attire exuded elegance and sophistication. His friends, attired in matching black suits, complemented the groom’s ensemble, creating a refined and cohesive look.
The first look between Nick and Katrina was a poignant moment captured by photographer Grace Torres, who beautifully documented their wedding. Grace skillfully captured and conveyed this instant’s emotions — the admiration in Nick’s eyes and the charming blush on the bride’s face. Through her lens, Grace managed to encapsulate the heartfelt essence of that moment.
The couple’s fall wedding infused magic into every detail, especially the floral design. Guided by the bride’s discerning vision, the floral designer Wither and Bloom Designs crafted a timeless masterpiece. Initially opting for an all-white palette with a touch of blush, Katrina’s vision transformed into a tasteful burst of fall colors—peach, apricot, blush, and a hint of blue—harmonizing with autumn foliage. The couple’s love for candlelight and greenery took center stage. A fully lined aisle, aglow with flickering candles, added warmth to the ceremony.
The wedding ceremony was incredibly touching, soulful, and heartfelt. Nick walked down the aisle accompanied by dear ones close to his heart, with his mother, grandmother, and father by his side. The most emotional moment unfolded when the radiant Katrina walked down the aisle towards her beloved, accompanied by her father. Leading his daughter to the altar, his eyes gleamed with happiness and love. At that moment, overwhelmed with emotions, Nick couldn’t hold back tears.
Grace Torres captured exquisite photographs of Nick and Katrina with their friends and family. Her talent extended beyond traditional shots, as she artfully crafted emotional images that will continue to evoke smiles for the couple in the future.
The portraits of the couple, skillfully crafted by the talented photographer Grace Torres, radiate the warm emotions of this enchanting pair. Their love becomes palpable when gazing upon these photos.
The cocktail hour provided the perfect opportunity for friendly gatherings right after the ceremony. Guests assembled to engage in heartfelt conversations with the couple and share the joyous emotions from the ceremony. The champagne tower was a highlight of the cocktail hour, a captivating moment where the couple could fill the glasses, creating a celebratory atmosphere.
The reception unfolded like a dream under the grand sperry tent, adorned with a spectacular floral entrance and a custom neon sign. The tented reception, a vision of elegance, embraced an abundance of greenery gracefully strung from the ceiling, bringing the outdoors inside and creating a seamless transition from the venue’s natural beauty. Local dahlias and the delicate dance of ranunculus, garden roses, delphinium, and Jackson vine were carefully curated to embody the essence of the couple’s vision.
The wedding reception kicked off with the beautiful first dance of the bride and groom. Their tenderness and love shone through every movement, leaving no one untouched by the magic of their dance.
The evening was filled with warm conversations as friends and family congratulated the couple. The air was infused with happiness, laughter, and love.
The heartfelt dances between the groom and his mother and the bride with her father were truly unforgettable, moments that will forever linger in their hearts.
A vintage-style multi-tiered cake stole the show, becoming one of the couple’s cherished highlights of the evening.
In the evening, Katrina changed into a shorter cocktail dress. Adorned with strands of pearls, this dress perfectly complemented the bride’s look, adding an evening sparkle and sophistication to her appearance. Now, the couple could dance the night away!
The evening concluded magically as guests formed a tunnel, each holding a sparkler. Katrina and Nick walked through this symbolic passage, a brilliant finale to this beautiful wedding.
PHOTOGRAPHY Grace Torres | PLANNING & DESIGN Ali_Johnson | MUAH The Effortless beauty | CAKE Caitlyn Cox | BRIDAL DRESS MGC wedding dress boutique | FLORAL DESIGN Wither and Bloom designs | RENTALS McCabe rentals, All Occasions Party Rentals | DRAPING Luma designs | STATIONERY The Happy Envelope | VENUE RT lodge
