Location: Nashville, TN, USA
Setting: Resort
Wedding season: Spring
How long did the couple plan the event: 10 months
The number of guests: 175
Wedding theme/style: Timeless garden party
Hayes and Emma, two hearts that had been destined to intertwine, hailed from the vibrant city of Nashville, Tennessee. Despite their paths crossing within the hallowed halls of the University of Alabama, it was an unexpected virtual connection that ignited their romantic journey. As the world grappled with the onset of a global pandemic, fate played its hand through the digital realm of Bumble, uniting them in a serendipitous encounter.
Their connection flourished over two enchanting years, with shared laughter, adventures, and dreams. It was during a sun-kissed family excursion to Pass Christian, Mississippi, that Hayes decided to etch their love story in the golden sands of the Gulf Coast. In a moment that would forever define their love, he knelt on one knee atop the crow’s nest of a boat just as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, rosy glow on the vast expanse of water.
Offshore for a night of fishing, the sea whispered its blessings as they celebrated their commitment to one another. That magical evening became a cherished memory in Emma’s heart, forever painting their love in the most romantic hues.
The decision to choose Southall Farm & Inn as their wedding venue was profoundly influenced by a special sign from Emma’s late grandmother, Penny. With Penny’s memory close to their hearts, her family had a unique tradition of sending pictures whenever they found pennies on the ground, recognizing that these small, rare encounters held special meaning.
During a tour of Southall Farm & Inn in Franklin, Tennessee, a remarkable moment occurred. As they made their way towards the ceremony and reception area, a solitary penny lay at Emma’s mother’s feet, a serendipitous find that filled the air with emotion. Emma’s mother, touched by this symbol, whispered, “I think Penny agrees with this being the spot.”
In that instant, the decision to choose this venue was sealed, their hearts convinced that it was the perfect place to celebrate their love. The penny, as if guided by Penny’s spirit, became a treasured sign that ensured her presence would grace their special day, creating a connection to the past and a bridge to the future as they embarked on their new journey together.
The custom stationery by Raise Your Words Design was a work of art, with elegant designs and a monogram that echoed the garden party theme. Soft blue and green hues flowed throughout, setting a serene and natural tone. The custom watercolor envelope liners added an artistic touch, making each piece a beautiful work of art.
For the bridal party’s hair and makeup, Emma chose the talented Deborah Dover Hall for herself and the ever-stylish Hunter Paige Bridal for her bridesmaids. Emma, a timeless and radiant bride, exuded elegance and beauty in her stunning dress. It was a simple yet exquisitely elegant choice that perfectly complemented her grace.
As the evening unfolded, Emma had a delightful surprise in store – a captivating party dress that allowed her to dance the night away, adding a touch of fun to her already flawless look. Finding the perfect dress had been more challenging than expected, as she never experienced that typical “moment” when choosing her gown. However, she knew exactly what she wanted: a simple and classic dress for her first look and a fun mini skirt for her second.
Among all her wedding preparations, shopping for the veil held a special place in Emma’s heart. Trying on different veils made everything feel real and complete for her. She opted for a custom Toni Ferici veil, which added the perfect finishing touch to her bridal ensemble.
To complete her bridal look, Emma donned a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes, adding a touch of luxury to her attire.
Her bridesmaids, on the other hand, donned a delightful assortment of sage green and dusky blue Jenny Yoo dresses, creating a harmonious blend of colors, textures, and patterns that beautifully complemented the bride’s vision for her special day.
Amidst the anticipation and excitement of the wedding day, the groom and his groomsmen had their own unique and meaningful moments as they prepared to join the celebration. In a room filled with camaraderie and laughter, they shared stories, exchanged heartfelt advice, and helped one another adjust their ties and don their suits.
The groom, who had chosen a sharp and sophisticated ensemble, was surrounded by his closest friends, forming a bond that extended beyond friendship into brotherhood. As they got ready, they reminisced about the journey that had led the groom to this pivotal day, relishing in the cherished memories of their friendship.
The moment had finally arrived when the world seemed to hush in reverence for the love shared between Emma and Hayes. It was time for their much-anticipated first look, a moment that had been filled with anticipation and excitement.
Then, as they met, time stood still. Their eyes locked, and in that shared gaze, words were unnecessary. It was like the universe conspired to create this intimate moment where their love radiated brighter than the sun. The world faded into the background as they drew closer, capturing the essence of their connection.
In that moment, emotions swirled like a beautiful symphony, and as they held each other, tears of joy mingled with radiant smiles. Their love story had reached this unforgettable chapter, where two souls became one, and the first look encapsulated the depth of their love and the promise of a lifetime together.
And don’t forget about the most important and adorable guests. Emma surprised Hayes with their cute dogs during the first look. They ran over with floral neckpieces, and it was just the cutest thing to have the family all together! Their dogs continued to play a role throughout the wedding, with cute bar signage and cocktails named after them.
The bridesmaids and groomsmen added an extra layer of elegance to the wedding.
The ceremony was a breathtaking affair, with an enchanting arch that served as the focal point. The arch, adorned with exquisite florals by The Florista, radiated elegance and natural beauty. The floral design was a harmonious blend of colors and textures, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere.
As guests gathered for the ceremony, the live music by Strings from Viva la Strings added an extra layer of emotion and beauty to the occasion. The melodious tunes filled the air with a sense of enchantment, enhancing the magical ambiance of the day.
Photographer Haley Birdsey was a true artist behind the lens at this wedding. Her photography style was a harmonious blend of elegance and regal charm, perfectly complemented by her keen ability to capture every heartfelt smile and the depth of raw emotions.
Haley’s photographs were like exquisite portraits, each frame exuding a timeless and royal quality. Her artistry painted a vivid picture of the day’s splendor while preserving the genuine emotions that made every moment so precious.
In her capable hands, ordinary moments became extraordinary, and every smile, every tear, and every heartfelt gesture were immortalized with a touch of magic. Her photographs were not mere snapshots but windows to the soul, revealing the innermost feelings of those she captured.
Haley Birdsey’s work at this wedding was a testament to her unique talent, seamlessly weaving together elegance and emotions into a tapestry of visual storytelling, one that would be cherished for a lifetime.
The reception was transformed into a vision of splendor thanks to the extraordinary work of The Florista and White Door Event teams. Their exceptional flower arrangements and the strategic placement of candles added a touch of enchantment that made the atmosphere even more special.
Emma approached her trusted planner, Kelsey Rae Designs, with a dream in her heart, one that bloomed like the most enchanting garden. She envisioned a magical garden party set against the backdrop of the breathtaking Southall Farm & Inn. In her mind’s eye, she saw a round bar, a centerpiece of elegance adorned with lush greenery, a sight that had captured her imagination.
Determined to turn her vision into reality, Emma shared her passion for creating a captivating “bar moment,” and the team at Kelsey Rae Designs was more than ready to bring this dream to life. With unwavering dedication and creativity, they fashioned a splendid wooden round bar, a masterpiece that seemed like a portal to a secret garden. The exquisite greenery wrapped around the bar, forming a mesmerizing contrast against the serene lake and the rolling hills that sprawled before them.
At that moment, Emma’s dream had been woven into the very fabric of the Southall Farm & Inn. This ethereal garden party transcended expectations and left everyone in awe of the beauty and magic they had created.
Advice from the couple:
• The weekend flies by so have fun and be present. Take moments for yourself to step back and soak it all in!
PHOTOGRAPHER Erich McVey | PLANNER & DESIGNER Lea Stafford Events | FLORALS Max Gill Design | TABLETOP & LINENS Hensley Event Resources | CATERING Presidio Social Club, The Red Door Catering | ENTERTAINMENT Honey and Vinyl | MAKEUP Artists by Sherri Long
