When a world renowned scientist with a specialty in genetics, neuroscience, and cell biology has a minor lab accident who else would come to her rescue than a knight in shiny, fire resistant Nomex? And so their fairytale began…
And what better setting for the wedding of a whirlwind romance than a breathtaking home on the hill! Nestled among the lush rolling hills of Nashville overlooking paddocks of champion Tennessee Walking Horses and thoroughbreds, Autumn Crest Farms boasts spectacular views of natures beauty. Boasting seven bedrooms in the main house and a separate wing for dorm style accommodations, we ensured that the entire bridal party felt comfortable and welcome with little touches like bowls of personalized M&Ms and a welcome basket customized to their personal tastes in each room.
Of course, we had to have a little bit of fun with Jeff and his groomsmen. They were such a great group of guys…we hope they appreciated our silly sense of humor when we left these socks for them.
Meanwhile, Mary Lynn, her mother Leisa, and bridesmaids had their hair and makeup done by Evolve Salon and Spa Med. Lead by Daina Glisson, they came out to Autumn Crest and gave them the best pampering spa experience they could hope for. While the prettiness commenced, we began our preparations for the big day. Once the tent was erected, our team went to work arranging the tables and decor to ensure that all was exactly how Mary Lynn and Jeff had envisioned their elegant spring garden party.
Flowers were certainly in no shortage! Sheila Hines Floral Design had bedecked every surface with overflowing vases and displays of the most fragrant blossoms scenting the entire home with spring. This theme would carry throughout the day with lavender lipgloss custom made for the guests by the bride and groom from lavender they grew themselves. Featured at the reception was a blueberry lavender signature drink created for them by Nashville Craft Beverage Company. As Mary Lynn and Jeff left for their honeymoon, guests showered them with dried lavender, also grown by the bride and groom, for a scented send off!
Once the mansion and reception area was decorated, we dressed up the ceremony site. With views of horses grazing on the hills, there really was not too much that needed to be done to further beautify the space. Knowing that Jeff was such a fan of trains and Mary Lynn an enthusiast for all things vintage, we dressed up a set of old wooden doors with gorgeous florals and antique train lanterns for them to walk down the aisle through. We then set hand painted signs, that were gifted to the couple by the bride’s very talented cousin, all along the aisle as it spelled out their favorite bible passage from Corinthians.
As the guests were seated and the bridal party entered they were treated to the unique musical stylings of Michael Brown from Amalgam Recordings. Music is something that is very special to the couple and they wanted just the right way to communicate this to all of their guests. Knowing that many were flying in from all over the world, we secured the services of a very talented Nashville studio musician. He carefully recomposed some of their favorite songs, such as “The Music of the Night,” by Andrew Lloyd Webber, specifically for their ceremony.
Prior to the “I Dos” we always like to ensure that the guests have everything taken care of whether it be a polite heads up that the bride and groom prefer to keep their ceremony “unplugged” or making sure that they each receive a program so that they are familiar with the order of ceremony. Most of all, we don’t want anything to distract from the bride and groom’s wedding day. We pride ourselves on ensuring that no detail is overlooked!
We were thrilled to have Emily Lester Photography on hand to capture all the details and every single special moment. The best part of the day, however, was just seeing how in love these two are. They simply could not take their eyes off of each other!
We would be remiss if we didn’t also mention the delicious food provided by CJ’s Fine Dining and Catering as well as the amazing cakes created by Courtney’s Sweet Confections. Her cakes taste as incredible as they look and we couldn’t stop looking at this amazing fireman’s helmet she created for Jeff’s grooms cake!
Everyone had an amazing time dancing the night away thanks to the Jeff Urffer, their amazing DJ. It’s a good thing that Mary Lynn and Jeff surprised the entire bridal party with Converse…a style icon that neither the bride or groom are ever seen without. We’re pretty sure they each own a pair in every color as they were sporting different Chucks every single time we met with them. Now, we would be remiss if we didn’t also boast on our other amazing vendors that helped us make this an amazing day to remember.
Planning & Design: Weddings & Events by Raina
Photography: Emily Lester Photography
Wedding Venue: Autumn Crest Farms
Cake: Courtney’s Sweet Confections
Caterer: CJ’s Fine Dining and Catering
Floral Design: Sheila Hines Floral Design
Bridal Gown: Fabulous Frocks
Bridesmaid Gowns: Bella Bridesmaid
Rentals: Southern Events Party Rental
Mens Formalwear: American Tuxedo
Limousine: Legends Limousine
Tent: Mid State Tent Rentals
Parking & Valet: Mid State Tent Rentals
