Austin and Andy’s special day was a true masterpiece. The couple exchanged vows in a picturesque church before moving on to the stunning Steppingstone Museum in Maryland for their reception. Their focus was on incorporating elements that truly mattered to them, including antique china and lush greenery, which served as the foundation of their décor. They also prioritized three key factors – photographer, food, and DJ – to ensure a day that stayed true to their original vision.
What made this wedding truly unforgettable were the many delightful moments they shared with loved ones. From their chic attire to the unique window seating arrangement, exquisite bouquets, and even a bourbon bar, there was no shortage of memorable touches. The talented L. Hewitt Photography captured these special moments beautifully, and we’re thrilled to share them with you today.
The Proposal
It all started when my boss from my internship, who happened to be a friend of Andy’s from college, decided to play matchmaker and set us up on a blind date. Little did I know that this chance encounter would have a profound impact on my life. As I navigated the uncharted territory of post-grad life in Nashville, Andy became my rock, keeping me grounded while I kept him wild. Our relationship was filled with laughter and adventure, as evidenced by our first weekend together, which involved multiple attempts to plan a perfect date – all foiled by my unintentional meddling. But despite the chaos, Andy had one final surprise up his sleeve. After dinner downtown, he got down on one knee in Bicentennial Park, leaving me completely caught off guard. Our closest friends were waiting nearby, armed with hugs and champagne to celebrate our special moment.
The Vision
As a child of an antique collector, I grew up surrounded by beautiful china. When planning my wedding, I asked my mother if we could incorporate her extensive collection into the table settings. She had already amassed 80 plates and made it her mission to gather 100 more by our special day. My husband Andy and I share a passion for antiques and had recently purchased a home, so we decided to repurpose all the decor from the wedding into our new house. As an East Coast girl marrying a Southern gentleman, we wanted to blend our styles by incorporating some regional elements into the celebration. A bourbon bar was a highlight of the day, but it was the ceremony that truly stole the show. We were most excited for the party, but in hindsight, the moment time stood still during the ceremony will always be our favorite part of the day. It’s an experience we’ll cherish and reflect on for years to come. The marriage prayer read by my godfather/uncle was a special touch, one that had been passed down through generations and read at all family weddings. Hearing it brings back fond memories.
The Flowers
From the onset, I sought a harmonious blend of elegance and simplicity in my wedding arrangements. Without hesitation, I entrusted my florist with the task of crafting a stunning bouquet that would complement the striking black bridesmaid dresses. My sole request was to incorporate anemones, whose delicate beauty would provide a perfect counterbalance to the dark hues.
Your Outfits & Accessories
My grandmother’s words of wisdom, “there are only two moments in the day when all eyes are on you, as you go up the aisle and back down – make a statement!”, had a profound impact on my dress selection process for my big day. As someone who calls the D.C./Baltimore area home, I was thrilled to discover Garnish Boutique, a gem of a store that felt like a fairy godmother come true, thanks to the guidance of Mia herself. The boutique’s extensive collection and personalized service allowed me to create my dream prom dress, which happened to be an Amsale design – what a delightful coincidence! My dress was a masterclass in classic elegance infused with bohemian flair, and I can confidently say it would still look stunning on me even when I’m gray and old. To make sure the evening unfolded without a hitch, I opted for flats that allowed me to dance the night away and frolic around the picturesque Steppingstone grounds. Meanwhile, Andy, ever the practical one, was keen on finding a suit that would also be suitable for work in the future. Our joint quest for the perfect green tie proved to be quite the adventure, as we learned that green can manifest in many different shades. Ultimately, Andy worked with an Etsy designer to craft the ideal tie, and I have to say, it was worth all the effort.
The Details & Decor
As a child, I was fascinated with creating lists about decor and renovations for my future wedding. This curiosity stuck with me, and 20 years later as a bride, I had the opportunity to revisit the childhood church where it all began. The beauty of the space, complete with hanging lanterns and original stain glass windows, left me in awe. As an event planner, I envisioned transforming this rustic backdrop into a natural canvas for our wedding reception. My goal was to create a warm atmosphere by incorporating long tables, lush greenery, and elegant candles. The only pops of color would come from the mismatched china and vibrant greenery. To bring my unique vision to life, my mom gathered a treasure trove of antique accessories, plate ware, and tablescapes. Meanwhile, both of my parents took charge of crafting our custom bar, ensuring that every aspect of our special day was infused with love and personal touches.
Food & Entertainment
Andy and I are fortunate to reside in Nashville, where we’re surrounded by exceptional culinary experiences and talented chefs. Our love for food is evident, and it’s no surprise that our wedding day menu was a top priority. We were thrilled to collaborate with Jon and Eileen from Pairings Bistro, who share our passion for locally sourced ingredients and fine wines. In fact, I run a non-profit organization focused on developing culinary arts programs for high schools, which led us to partner with Jon, as he’s committed to hiring students from ProStart. The midnight snack was an unexpected delight for our guests, and it would have been remiss of us not to showcase Kentucky’s finest bourbons – after all, we’re proud Kentuckians! Andy’s custom bourbon bar remains one of his favorite wedding memories. We’ve had the pleasure of working with Jason Wallace from District Remix on multiple occasions, including my brother’s wedding four years prior. His exceptional DJ skills ensured our party was electric and lively. Given the sweltering heat on our special day, we were grateful to Leah and Jason for expertly relocating the dancing area outside the barn, where we could revel under the stars – a truly unforgettable highlight of our celebration.
Advice For Other Couples
When planning their wedding day, many couples are overwhelmed by the numerous decisions they need to make. A helpful approach is to identify the top three elements that are most important to them. These could be anything from the photographer and food to the DJ or venue. The key is to prioritize these essential aspects and then let the other details fall into place naturally. For instance, if a couple’s top three priorities are a great photographer, delicious food, and an energetic DJ, they can rest assured that the remaining details will take care of themselves. This approach helps to simplify the planning process and ensures that the most important elements are covered.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
The wedding planning process is a whirlwind of decisions, from the photographer (L. Hewitt Photography) capturing the special moments to the jewellery (Avenue 58 Diamond Co & Tiffany) that sparkles on the big day. The veil and headpieces (Veils & Headpieces) add a touch of elegance, while the hair comes together thanks to Hair Comes the Bride. Bridesmaid dresses from BHLDN provide a stylish contrast to the wedding dress itself, which was an Amsale from Garnish Boutique. Shoes from Anthropologie and sunglasses from Rayban Wayfarers keep the groom looking sharp, while ties from Etsy add a personal touch. The caterer for the day was Pairings Bistro, with the honeymoon taking place at the Hilton Garden Inn Aberdeen. The ceremony took place at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, where the hair stylist (Jordan Thomas Salon) worked their magic. Music was provided by DJ District Remix and flowers were designed by Ann’s Garden. The venue itself was Steppingstone Museum, making for a unique and memorable celebration.