Lauren & Ben Johnson

Lauren Conklin and Benjamin Joel Johnson chose Nashville’s Covenant Presbyterian Church for their October 2016 wedding celebration. The bride chose elegant neutrals and gold to set the tone for the event. A reception followed at the Musician’s Hall of Fame in Nashville.

Engagement Story

“In the summer of 2015, Ben’s younger sister was studying abroad in Berlin, and we decided to go visit her. We spent a week before meeting up with her visiting Rome, Paris and a bunch of little towns throughout Germany. The day we were in Paris was our three year anniversary, so of course I thought the proposal would happen then–every photo opp I was ready! But it didn’t happen.

“The last day of our two week trip, we were driving through Austria, headed for a little town called Hallstatt. We hit terrible traffic, and everyone in the car began to get really stressed out. So we got off the highway, and hit traffic again (this time in the form of cows slowly processing down the road). By the time we reached Hallstatt, it was almost sundown. We casually walked past a boat place, and Ben suggested we go out on the lake-but the boats were closed, and everyone’s reaction was a bit extreme.

“Little did I know the proposal was supposed to take place on a little sailboat out on the lake, but now Ben was panicking trying to decide where to go in a foreign country he knew nothing about! So he suggested the two of us take a walk instead, and we eventually wandered into someone’s back yard, which had a gorgeous dock out on the lake, surrounded by the Alps with a huge white castle in the background. It was absolutely perfect, and I couldn’t imagine a better place for a proposal!

“His sisters followed behind us and got pictures, and then we all went out for dinner. Despite all the things that went wrong, it was an absolutely incredible night and I couldn’t have been happier!”

Bride’s Favorite Memory

The last dance of the night–all our friends and family came out on the dance floor and we all danced together to “Shut Up and Dance.” Seeing everyone so happy and having so much fun, and just being surrounded by all these people who were so happy for us, was a magical moment.

Groom’s Favorite Memory

Seeing all our friends and family cheer for us as we walked out of the reception. It meant a lot that they were all there and rooting for us, so many people from so many different areas and times of our lives. It was a really amazing moment!

Planning Tip

Start early – Everything takes longer than you think! I DIY’d almost everything, from centerpieces to invitations to the ceiling draping, and so many things I thought would be quick and easy were just way more time consuming than expected!

Check out music by Lauren and Ben at www.laurenconklin.com

Anna & Ian Draper

Anna Coley and Ian Alexander Draper were wed October 1, 2016 on the bride’s grandparent’s property in Gallatin, Tennessee. The farm, owned by Bud and Mary Coley, boasts a stone barn ideal as a backdrop for the ceremony. A reception was held at Sunken Garden.
The bride chose a garden party theme accented with sage green, dusty rose pink, grey-blue, navy blue and cream.

Engagement Story

“Well, I was clueless of the entire situation! Ian had asked me to go on a hike/picnic one Friday afternoon after work. It was about a four mile hike at Percy Priest Lake. He knew I did not like surprises, so when we got to the spot he had planned to propose he handed me a letter (I was still clueless at this point).

“In the letter, it said, ‘I know you do not like surprises so this is me warning you that I am about to propose,’ and sure enough he did! He got down on one knee with a beautiful sunset and lake shimmering in the background. I do not remember a word that was said because I was standing in complete shock. However, I do know without hesitation, I said, “YES!”

“The sun was setting rather quickly, so we ended up having our wine, cheese, cracker and grape picnic on a blanket in the middle of my apartment floor. It was perfect, and I could not have asked for anything more.

Bride’s Favorite Memory

“My favorite wedding memory was seeing my husband’s face for the first time as I was walking down the aisle. That has always been my favorite part of any wedding, but I just remember feeling such peace when I saw the huge smile on his face. I always imagined myself feeling anxious or nervous before ‘the moment,’ but I felt neither. Instead, I felt calm, content and at peace as I was walking to meet my soon-to-be husband at the altar.”

Groom’s Favorite Memory

“My favorite wedding memory was the moment I saw my glowing bride walking toward me in that beautiful white dress. I remember a fast-paced day being filled with nerves, which resulted in a lot of pacing back and forth, shaking hands/knees, sweaty palms and no sort of appetite. I am not kidding, the moment I finally saw Anna, all those nerves vanished. Time seemed to slow down almost to a stop as if I was going to be lucky enough to look at her like that forever.”

Planning Tip

Don’t stress! Everything will get finished and turn out better than you could’ve imagined. I promise.

Hillary & Stoney Anthony

The September wedding of Hillary Shanae Graves and Stoney Shawn Anthony was held creekside in Lewis County, Tennessee at the home of her parents, among family and friends.  The bride chose a whimsical rustic wedding by the creek at the house where she grew up and a place “we both called home,” she said. Colors were burgundy, baby pink and beige, with lots of natural greenery.

Engagement Story

“After a very long semester has finally ended at graduate school, we decided to have a date night at the Cheekwood Holiday Lights in Nashville. It was a much needed date night, and we were both very excited to be spending some time together. We had been talking about marriage for awhile now, and I knew that we would be getting engaged soon, but he did surprise me that night!

“After we entered the Cheekwood Holiday Lights, I noticed there was a photographer taking photos. Naturally, I had to get our photo taken. As soon as we were posed and the photographer began to take our picture, Stoney got down on one knee and popped the question! It was a perfect moment and the photographer captured every minute of it. Not only was the moment of the engagement a wonderful experience, but we got to spend the rest of the night celebrating viewing the beautiful Christmas lights.

“Stoney had also surprised me by booking a hotel room at the Opryland Hotel, which is also an amazing sight during the Christmas season. We had been looking forward to this moment for a long time, and it couldn’t have gone any better!”

Bride’s Favorite Memory

“Although there were so many wonderful memories from that day, my favorite wedding memory was definitely the first look with Stoney. After a fun morning getting ready with the girls, I started getting very anxious and nervous as the day went on and knew he was feeling the same way. After finally seeing him for the first time that day, all my nervousness went away and I felt nothing but immense happiness. Knowing that I had been dreaming about that very moment for so long and the fact that it was finally happening seemed unreal. It was an amazing feeling to know that I was going to get to the spend the rest of my life with my absolute best friend and I felt blessed beyond measure.”

Groom’s Favorite Memory

“As I sit here thinking back on our wedding day and all the beautiful memories it held, I think of her. Her softly spoken voice continued to echo in my head as ‘The Time’ slowly approached. I can remember a very intense and overwhelming feeling of nervousness wrenching away at my stomach. It’s a feeling so hard to explain and you only get when you know she is the one. Approaching the time to our first look, I could not breathe knowing she was just behind me on the other side of the tree.

“As my eyes landed on her for the first time that day, all my nervousness went away. Then, it was time. The time I stood beside my friends. But not just my friends, but my best man and groomsmen. I patiently waited, knowing it would be over too soon. She started down that aisle so graciously and beautiful as she held her father’s arm.

“Taking the hand of my now beautiful, precious wife was the greatest of many blessings I have received in my life. I look forward to what our lives hold ahead. May we be blessed with many years of happiness and loyalty, till death do us part.”

Planning Tip

Do not stress over the little things! Your day will be amazing no matter what.

Ann Marie & Keith Walp

Ann Marie and Keith Alan Walp were married October 23, 2016 at Nashville’s Belle Meade Plantation. The bride chose a Tuscan Vineyard theme accented with gold and navy blue.

Engagement Story

Keith and I got engaged on December 22, 2015. I have always been an open Christmas-aholic and since moving to Nashville, I always wanted to go to the Cheekwood Botanical Garden Holiday Lights display. Keith planned for us to go and while walking around the whole exhibit he was acting absolutely bizarre. I could not figure out what was going on. It turns out the he was so nervous looking for the perfect spot to pop the question that we were at the end of the exhibit before he even found one. He was so determined to propose while we were there, that he dropped down to one knee right between the bathrooms and the trash cans at the end of the exhibit. I was so surprised and he presented me with a beautiful diamond that has been passed down from his mother. I couldn’t have asked for anything more perfect.

Bride’s Favorite Memory

My favorite memory from the wedding was walking down the aisle with my dad towards Keith. My father is the type of man that you marvel at. He is impossibly smart, effortlessly kind and first and foremost, a family man. All my life he has been the perfect example of the type of man that I wanted to spend my life with. Seeing the similarities in the spirit of my father and the spirit of my now husband as I walked down the aisle was a type of love and comfort that I had only dreamed of until that moment.

Groom’s Favorite Memory

Keith says his favorite moment was our first look!

Planning Tip

GET A WEDDING PLANNER and don’t take everything too seriously!

Paige & Cameron

“We met in high school band when I was a sophomore and Cameron was a senior. We dated for six years, before Cameron finally asked the question. Cameron asked me to marry him on a family trip to Cape San Blas, Florida. One afternoon, we went out together (just he and I) to eat dinner and have ice cream. After this, we walked on the beach while the sun was going down. It was just the two of us on the beach when Cameron got down on one knee and asked the big question. I was completely surprised!”

Wedding colors: Traditional theme with blue and pink.

Planning tip: Give yourself plenty of time and start planning early.

Paige and Cameron’s wedding photography was taken by AOC Photography.

 

Hope & Ken

“We were engaged at The Hermitage – Andrew Jackson’s Tennessee home in Hermitage. The reason Ken picked the spot was we are history nuts. We went on a horse and buggy ride, then a tour. Ken got down on one knee behind the home. He had a limo waiting out back and we went to dinner and then met up with family and friends. Our family and friends knew that he was asking. He had previously asked my 13 year old son for permission.”

Planning tip: Get the big things out of the way first, venue, food, etc.

Hope and Ken’s wedding photography was taken by Darcy Ferris Photography.

 

Jessica & Nicolas

“Nic and I were living about two hours apart, so he came down to visit me one weekend, and I didn’t know, but he had traveled to visit my parents that week and asked for their blessing. We had a wonderful weekend, including making a bonfire and eating s’mores. I didn’t suspect a thing because I thought we were just making the most of our short weekend together. We planned a hiking trip and picnic lunch for Sunday to Fall Creek Falls, but when we woke up that morning, it was pouring down rain. Nic was way more disappointed than he should have been, because I am the one who likes hiking, he was just going because I wanted to. We decided to try to salvage the day, but the rain never let up, and we gave up and went back home.

Once we got home, I immediately changed into pjs, because I was still clueless. However, when I returned to the living room, he had set up our picnic on the floor with lots of candles. Nic got down on one knee and said, “Jess, I know this day hasn’t gone according to plan, but our relationship has never really followed a plan. I can’t wait anymore, will you marry me?” All I remember is screaming and jumping up and down. I don’t know if I even said yes, or just kissed him and nodded.

I was thrilled. We had talked about getting married many times, but I didn’t realize he had been saving up for a ring. Let me tell you, it is a beautiful ring that he had custom made, and it’s perfect.

Turns out, Nic had told our families he was going to propose that weekend. So even though things didn’t go the way he had hoped, Nic wanted to do it that day, because someone would spill the beans, and he wanted it to be a surprise.”

Wedding colors: Gold with shades of pink and coral. I didn’t have a particular theme in mind, I just knew what I wanted and it worked. Looking back, I guess you could call it industrial chic with lots of glitter.

Wedding favors: We wanted to keep it simple and had candy and mints that read, “Thanks for sharing our special day.”

Planning tip: Do not stress! Just enjoy the whole process, because at the end of it all, you will be with the person you love and that is all that matters.

Jessica and Nic’s wedding photography was taken by Simply M Photography.

 

Hannah & Jonathan

“Jonathan proposed very unexpectedly at my parents’ house after church one Sunday. It was totally simple and exciting. We were sitting on the couch after lunch just talking as we normally do. Next thing I know, he is on one knee in front of me asking me to be his wife. I loved every second of that moment! After the excitement died down, my mom told us that my dad had proposed the same way to her 26 years ago. It was so special. I’m so grateful God chose Jonathan and I to become one!”

Hannah Faye and Jonathan David Longworth were wed on October 18, 2014 in a teal, mustard yellow and cranberry wedding at Nunnelly Farm in Nunnelly, Tennessee.

Hannah’s favorite wedding memory was “taking pictures with Jonathan after our first look. It was so fun to have pictures taken while wearing my dress and seeing him in his suit. It was so exciting to see all of our ideas and work come together. Jonathan made me feel so beautiful. It really was like a fairytale. I re-live the moments often.”

Jonathan’s favorite wedding memory was “our first look. The anticipation of what was about to happen and my soon-to-be wife walking towards me down the aisle as I stood waiting at the end with my back turned. I turned around and I was in shock at how beautiful she was in her wedding dress. It was a very special moment for me that I will never forget.”

Hannah and Jonathan took their honeymoon in the Bahamas.

Hannah & Jonathan’s wedding photography was taken by Creative Images by Jennifer.

 

Edie & Joey

Jennifer Eden Prosser and Joey Ross Prosser were wed October 18, 2014 in a red and black wedding. They live in Linden, Tennessee.

Edie & Joey’s wedding photography was taken by Sharon McKnight.

 

Tara & Brad

Brad and Tara had talked about getting engaged for several months in the spring of 2013. Brad was finishing school, so Tara figured it would be summer before he proposed. They had talked about rings and looked at several stores for some Tara liked. On Friday night, April 19, Brad took Tara to look at one last store and they found the perfect ring. The jeweler said it would be at least six weeks before the ring could be ready, so Tara counted the days and prepared herself to wait. Two days later, Brad and Tara went to church together and Brad said he had planned a picnic lunch after. Tara was suspicious, but because they had just looked at rings again, she knew he wouldn’t propose. It was a cool day, so Tara tried several different excuses to avoid going on a picnic, but Brad was insistent and they went to the park. After finishing lunch, Brad asked Tara to sit by him and started saying the sweetest things about their relationship. He then pulled a gorgeous ring out of his pocket that he designed and had made for Tara. He asked her to spend the rest of her life with him. After Tara got over the shock, she finally said yes. Brad had a photographer hiding to capture the moment, and both of their families were at a restaurant nearby where they went to celebrate their engagement.

In a rustic chic themed wedding of teal, blush pink and ivory at Brentwood Baptist Church, Tara and Bradley Johnson said their vows. Their marriage was on January 4, 2014.

The bride’s favorite wedding memory is walking down the aisle. “As a little girl, I never dreamed about the details of my wedding day like some girls do. The only moment I imaged was what it would be like to walk down the aisle on my dad’s arm toward the man I would spend the rest of my life with. As I walked down the aisle toward Brad that day, clinging tightly to my dad’s arm, my nerves and anxiety disappeared. It was a special moment and a memory I will never forget.”

The groom’s favorite part of the wedding was the first look. “We got dressed in separate areas at our reception venue for pictures before the ceremony. The anticipation was killing me and I couldn’t wait to see Tara in her dress. For the reveal, we stood back to back holding hands while the photographer took pictures. I was very nervous and excited, but when we turned to face each other for the first time, all the nerves went away. I was overcome with excitement and disbelief that I was looking at my wife to be on our wedding day. She looked incredibly gorgeous and that was the moment I had been waiting on for months.”

Tara and Brad took their honeymoon at Sandals Grande Antigua and now live in Thompson’s Station, Tennessee.

Tara & Brad’s wedding photography was taken by Mac Brown Photographers.

 

Mallory & Robert

“We were in a long distance relationship all throughout college. Robert went to Purdue University in Indiana, and I went to Samford University in Alabama. He came down to Birmingham to visit one weekend and waited for me as I got off work. I walked outside and he handed me a letter. The letter said that he had a fun, special night planned with a few stops and more letters along the way. From there, we went around town, first letting me pick out a new dress to wear and then taking me to our favorite spot that overlooks the city. It was raining outside, so we went to a little gazebo on top of a huge hill, where he handed me the last letter. He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him, and of course I said yes!”

Mallory and Robert said their vows in a classically-themed wedding at First United Methodist Church in Columbia, Tennessee on June 29, 2013.

Bridesmaids wore black with a touch of turquoise in their jewelry. The flowers were cream-colored.

Mallory’s Favorite Memory from their Wedding:
“My favorite memory from our wedding was definitely our first dance! We chose Ray LaMontagne’s “You are the Best Thing” as our first song, and the band played it beautifully. I had learned a few basic swing dance moves in college like the “pretzel,” and I taught Robert these. We had not had time to practice much, so we were both a little nervous dancing with all eyes on us. Robert grabbed my hand and we started twirling and dipping in front of everyone, and I don’t think either of us stopped smiling the whole time. We had so much fun!”

Robert’s Favorite Memory from their Wedding:
“My favorite memory from the wedding was the few minutes right after the ceremony before heading to the reception. Mallory and I ate dinner at the church while everyone else was at the reception. We were able to take a deep breath and relax for a few minutes in the middle of our big day. We let it sink in that we just got married and reflected on the ceremony. The ceremony and the reception were amazing, but getting to hang out and talk with Mallory alone for a few minutes was my favorite memory of the day!”

Robert and Mallory spent their honeymoon in Cancun, Mexico.

Mallory & Robert’s wedding photography was taken by Simply M Photography.

 

Emily & Matthew

Emily and Matthew were living in Tucson, Arizona when Matthew popped the question. After he had the ring made by a jeweler in Dallas, Texas, he waited two whole months until he couldn’t wait any longer. On St. Patrick’s Day, 2013, Matthew found the perfect moment. After having a wonderful dinner on their balcony, they sat and talked about life and the future. Emily took some dishes downstairs, and Matthew grabbed the ring. When he got downstairs, Emily was putting leftovers in the fridge. Matthew turned the lights off because there was a light in the ring box. Just as he opened the box, Emily, confused, turned on the kitchen lights. “Turn off the lights, baby,” Matthew said. Somewhat confused, Emily did and found her way to the light. Matthew, on one knee, asked Emily to marry him. After she said yes, they called friends and family and went out to a favorite local restaurant for wine and desserts.

Emily and Matthew Edwards were married April 12, 2014 in Natchez, Mississippi in a black and white wedding.

The bride’s favorite wedding memory is “Matthew singing ‘Marry Me’ to me at our reception and dancing with all of our family and friends.”

The groom’s favorite wedding memory is, “watching Emily ride up to the drive in the white convertible. She looked like a princess and I knew I was the luckiest man.”

Emily and Matthew are planning a trip to Italy for their one year anniversary.

Emily & Matthew’s wedding photography was taken by Brandon O’Neal Photography.

 

Katie & Jon

Their Proposal Story, from Katie’s Perspective:
“Every Saturday, I meet with my running partners for our long run. It had snowed the night before, making for a really fun snow run. Everyone in my running group knew, except for me, that Jon had a water station set up at the end of the run with a plan to propose. Jon always said he was going to set up a water station for one of our long runs, but he never did, so it was an ongoing joke between us all. When we turned the corner during the last mile of the run, there was Jon on the corner at 6 a.m. with water and champagne, telling us he had come to our aid. I turned around and my running group had disappeared and there Jon on one knee. The group came running back around the corner, celebrating because they knew all along. It was a great morning!”

Jon and Katie tied the knot in Sewanee, Tennessee with a coral, celadon, gold and white wedding. They married on July 26, 2014 and spent the weekend celebrating together in Chattanooga.

Katie’s favorite wedding memory is, “Having all my favorite people, including family and friends I hadn’t seen in years, join together to celebrate such a special day and moment in time for Jon and me. It was an indescribable feeling I’ll never forget.”

Jon’s favorite part of the wedding was “the power in the vows, and adding our own vows after saying the traditional ones.”

Jon and Katie now live in Memphis, Tennessee.

Katie & Jon’s wedding photography was taken by Sara-Lane Baskin Photography.

 

Nicole & Ryan

It was after Ryan’s undergrad college graduation from Belmont University in May of 2012. Since both of their families were in town, they were taking lots of pictures. It was time for Ryan to take some pictures with Nicole, and next thing she knew, Ryan pulled a small box out from behind his degree, got down on one knee and popped the question in the Belmont Gardens. He was still in cap and gown. Nicole was in shock. According to Ryan, her first word was “no,” but she says it was, “No, I can’t believe this is happening…yes, I will absolutely marry you!” Either way, they happily married almost two years later on April 26, 2014.

Nicole and Ryan Baker tied the knot at Belle Meade Plantation in a rustic chic wedding of blush and mint.

Nicole’s favorite wedding memory:
“We wanted to be more traditional and not see each other before the ceremony. In the garden, we had lace-covered curtains that were opened as I walked down the aisle. That moment when I looked up and saw Ryan at the end of the aisle is one I will always remember. It was then that I realized I was about to marry the man of my dreams.”

Ryan’s favorite wedding memory:
“Out first dance. We took dancing lessons at a local dance studio, Blue Suede Ballroom, a couple months before our wedding. We danced to “our” song, “You and Me” by Dave Matthews Band.

Nicole and Ryan took their honeymoon in Cancun, Mexico and now live in Memphis, Tennessee.

Nicole & Ryan’s wedding photography was taken by Creative Images by Jennifer.