GSN Bridal Edition 2026

Bridal EDITION 2026

What’s Inside ARTICLES

ADVERTISERS

12 Songs To Consider For A First Dance.............................................................................................10

Fairy Godmother Travel............................................................................................... 3 State Farm Insurance - Lisa Crum....................................................................... 3 Roberts Furniture ......................................................................................................... 5 Q Essentials Medical Spa.......................................................................................... 5 Infinity Jewelers.................................................................................................. 6 & 7 Greeneville Dental Associates................................................................................ 9 Limestone Orchard & Events................................................................................. 9 Brian McAmis, Realtor............................................................................................. 11 Southern Craft BBQ.................................................................................................. 12 The Homeplace at Johnston Farm................................................................... 13 Nolichuckey Bluffs Cabins & Wedding Chapel........................................... 14

The Benefits Of Choosing A Local Wedding Venue..........................................................................12

A READERSHIP SERVICE OF

Congratulations From The Lifestyles Editor!........................................................................................... 2 How Long Is The Average Engagement?................................................................................................... 2 Did You Know?...................................................................................................................................................... 2 Here Comes The Bride...................................................................................................................................... 2 How To Submit Your Engagement Or Wedding News......................................................................... 2 Greene County Couple Says ‘I Do’ Twice In One Week........................................................................ 3 Tips To Streamline A Wedding Day.............................................................................................................. 4 Family And Special Loved Ones Are More Important Wedding Participants........................... 4 Why It Pays To Trust A Pro With Wedding Photography.................................................................. 8 Unique Locations To Tie The Knot............................................................................................................10 How To Maximize Outdoor Wedding Venues.......................................................................................11 Unique Elements To Include At Your Wedding Reception..............................................................13 Tips For Planning A Wedding At A Time Of New Tariffs.................................................................14

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THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION

January 2026

GreenevilleSun.com

Congratulations From The Lifestyles Editor!

BY LISA WARREN | Lifestyles Editor For couples who are planning for your big day, we hope this special section serves as a source of information and inspiration.

This year’s edition provides a host of informative articles to help with the various aspects of wedding planning

as well as a number of beautiful photographs.

Photos used for this edition were submitted from local couples who wed during the past year. It’s my hope that by glimpsing into their big days, other couples planning their own weddings can get helpful ideas.

It was a very difficult task to select just a few photographs from all of the gorgeous photos submitted. There’s a limited amount of space for the print edition!

It was especially hard to select one

photo for the cover photo. After much back and forth, I ultimately decided to use a photo of MaKayla and Eric Cutshall on the front because of their unique wedding story, which they shared with me for the bridal edition. The Greene County couple said their “I do’s” twice in one week!

I invite you to read my article about them and find out why they had two weddings!

Also included in this special section is how you can work with the Lifestyles department of The

Greeneville Sun to share news and photographs about your own engagement and wedding. These announcements are a free service that the Sun provides for the community.

As the Lifestyles Editor at The Greeneville Sun, I congratulate you and look forward to helping you share the happy news about your engagement and wedding with our readers. If you have any questions, please contact me at lisa.warren@ greenevillesun.com or call me at 423359-3114.

Here comes the

Bride

“Faithfully, led, you go…” and referred to the joy of the couple’s new It’s customary for a bride-to-be life together. to make a grand entrance on her After Princess Victoria, the wedding day, and for many that daughter of Queen Victoria of involves the processional song “Bridal England, used the song for her 1858 Chorus,” commonly referred to as wedding procession, the music “Here Comes the Bride.” became a wedding staple across The song is from the 1850 opera “Lohengrin,” which was composed by Europe and America.

While the instrumental version is Richard Wagner. widely used for a bride’s walk down In the opera, the women in the the aisle, some religious institutions wedding party sing the song as they prefer couples choose another song escort the bride, Elsa, to her bridal chamber. The original lyrics included, because of the music’s secular origins.

METRO CREATIVE

METRO CREATIVE

The Knot 2025 Real Weddings Study found that the average engagement length is 15 months.

How Long Is The Average

Engagement?

The Knot, a trusted wedding resource, surveyed nearly 170,000 Getting engaged is a momentous American couples in 2024 to occasion worthy of celebration. gauge how long most were waiting However, soon after the question to wed. The Knot 2025 Real is popped, people in the couple’s lives tend to start asking when the Weddings Study found that the average engagement length is 15 big day might be.

Newly engaged couples may feel months. This number has held steady since 2022. pressured to rush into setting a Event Source in Canada says wedding date, but enjoying one’s the average engagement length engagement for however long it for couples in Canada also is 15 may last is an option for brides months. In general, couples across and grooms.

Some couples want to run to the North America are waiting just over a year to tie the knot after altar in a month, while others are happy to stay engaged indefinitely. getting engaged.

METRO CREATIVE

Did you

know?

METRO CREATIVE Choosing a location to get married requires careful consideration. Some couples prefer to get married in their hometowns while others want to jet off to far-flung destinations.

According to The Knot 2025 Real Weddings Study, 60 percent of couples choose to get married where they currently live, 23 percent opt for a hometown venue, and 18 percent select a destination wedding. The truth is there are many domestic and international spots that are prime locations for weddings. The Knot

says the French Riviera; Punta Mita, Mexico; Spain; Costa Rica; Portugal; and Greece are popular picks for destination weddings. People who want to stay closer to home often opt for the Hudson Valley and the Catskills, New York, for a farm or ranch wedding, and the Rockies in Colorado for a mountain venue.

According to Google data and the travel and lifestyle firm Holidu, Chicago is the most searched urban area for wedding venues over the past year, followed by Long Island, New York and Dallas, Texas. Other popular cities for getting hitched include San Diego, Las Vegas, Atlanta, and New Orleans. Ultimately, wedding city location will depend on the couple’s budget and guests’ convenience.

How To Submit

KATRINA SERENE PHOTOGRAPHY

Greeneville native Allison Chudina Lawson is shown at her April 26, 2025, wedding to Mason Lawson.

On The Cover

Your Engagement Or Wedding News

Are you newly engaged or married? If so, feel free to share your happy news with Greeneville Sun readers.

All engagement and wedding announcements in the Greeneville Sun Lifestyles pages are published free of charge both online and in the print edition of the newspaper.

Announcements can be submitted online at greenevillesun.com under the Lifestyles & Accent link.

Submissions can also be emailed to lisa.warren@greenevillesun.com or dropped off at the Greeneville Sun office, located at 121 W. Summer Street. A drop-off box is located inside the Sun’s Circulation Department.

Color photographs of the couple are encouraged with the free announcements.

For more information about submitting announcements, contact Lifestyles Editor Lisa Warren via email at lisa.warren@greenevillesun.com or by phone at 423-359-3114.

NUNN’S PHOTOGRAPHY

MaKayla and Eric Cutshall are shown at their Aug. 10, 2025, wedding held at a southern Greene County farm in the St. James community. The photo was taken by Nunn’s Photography. The bride’s dress was from David’s Bridal. Please turn to page 3 to read the feature article about this Greene County couple and why they said their “I do’s” twice in once week.

GreenevilleSun.com

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION

January 2026

Eric and MaKayla Cutshall share a kiss following their “second wedding” on Aug. 10, 2025, at the St. James farm in southern Greene County.

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NUNN PHOTOGRAPHY

Greene County Couple Says 'I Do' Twice In One Week 10, 2025. They planned a small, intimate ceremony at the farm Eric When MaKayla Smyth and leases in the St. James community Eric Cutshall were planning their of Greene County. nuptials, they were originally In mid-summer, Mrs. Thomas thinking about a winter wedding in was hospitalized once again and January 2026. her health had reached the point Both Greene County natives, that she was placed on hospice MaKayla works as a social care. On August 2, she was counselor with the Tennessee released from hospitalized care Department of Disability and and returned home to live out her Aging and Eric serves as a deputy remaining days. It was clear that with the Greene County Sheriff’s she would not be able to attend Department.

MaKayla and Eric’s wedding on Eric is a 2004 graduate of South August. 10. She was just too weak Greene High School. MaKayla is a and frail.

2009 graduate of Greeneville High “My grandma was my best School. She received her associate’s friend,” MaKayla said. “She degree in 2013 from Walters State helped raise me and helped mold Community College, and her me into the woman I am today.” bachelor’s degree in sociology from Because of this, MaKayla said she East Tennessee State University couldn’t bear the thought of her in 2015 and her Masters of Arts in grandmother not being present Sociology in 2017. when she married.

The couple met “purely by fate,” She spoke to Eric about her MaKayla said. feelings, and the couple decided “We were both at the right place to essentially “elope” to the living at the right time. It’s a long story, room of her grandmother’s house. but all I can say is God knew MaKayla arranged for her what He was doing in bringing us pastor to come and marry them, together,” she added. and on Aug. 3, 2025, MaKayla The plans for their winter and Eric said “I do” — shortly wedding received a twist last after Eric finished his patrol shift summer, when MaKayla learned at the Greene County Sheriff’s that the health of her beloved Department. grandmother, Pandora “Penny The couple exchanged vows, as Thomas, was rapidly declining.

MaKayla’s grandmother looked on “She was in and out of the crying tears of joy. MaKayla was hospital multiple times ... and my dressed casually in a knee-length mother, aunts and uncles told me gray dress with white polka dots, that she would likely not be with us and Eric was in his sheriff’s deputy

by Christmas,” MaKayla said. uniform, as Pastor Jesse Bible, of When MaKayla learned this Encompass Church, officiated the devastating news, she talked with marriage.

Eric, and the couple decided to See COUPLE on page 5 move up their wedding date to Aug.

BY LISA WARREN | Lifestyles Editor

PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN VIA MAKAYLA CUTSHALL

MaKayla and Eric Cutshall are shown with her grandmother, Pandora “Penny Thomas, at their “first wedding” on Aug. 3, 2025.

I do. I do.

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423-639-5150 2021

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January 2026

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION

NUNN PHOTOGRAPHY

Michael Hardin and Jessica Britton wed May 3, 2025, at The Warehouse at Wilson Hill in Greeneville. The wedding photographer was Nunn Photography.

GreenevilleSun.com

DANIELLE RICKER PHOTOGRAPHY

Daniel Bailey and Landrie Nease Fleming wed June 7, 2025, at Oak Meadows Farm in Greene County. The wedding photographer was Danielle Ricker Photography.

Tips To

Streamline A Wedding Day

METRO CREATIVE Marriage is a social institution that is thousands of years old. Marriage has undergone changes over the years, but plenty of people are still tying the knot and hosting amazing wedding celebrations.

A total of 2,065,905 marriages were recorded in the United States in 2022.

Prospective brides and grooms may be inclined to host more simplified and streamlined weddings in order to save money and time.

Finding ways to streamline a wedding is not necessarily that challenging.

• Keep the ceremony short

— While this may not always be an

option for couples who are having a traditional religious ceremony that is beholden to the rules of the faith, some couples can opt for a shortened ceremony that is more direct and to the point. A streamlined ceremony can stick strictly to the exchange of vows, rather than including readings, musical interludes, candle lighting ceremonies, and more. Couples who want religious ceremonies can speak with their officiants to see how they can stick to tradition, but keep the ceremony more succinct.

save time by moving things along.

It also allows for smooth transitions during parts of the ceremony.

For example, the maid of honor traditionally holds the bride’s bouquet during the ceremony. But other bridesmaids can be enlisted to hold items or fix the bride’s train or veil as well.

• Select one venue — Holding the wedding ceremony and reception in the same place cuts down on travel time • Communicate roles for the and logistical issues for both the guests wedding party — Having designated and those involved in the wedding.

It also reduces necessary costs for people to handle a variety of tasks at the wedding fosters efficiency and can transportation.

• Choose a nearby location

— Asking guests and vendors to travel great distances can add time to the wedding festivities. Selecting a centrally located ceremony site and reception hall will streamline many of the steps people would have to take to attend. It also might remove the need to arrange overnight accommodations for the wedding.

• Hire a wedding coordinator — A professional planner and coordinator will keep the wedding moving along on time and ensure a smooth process. This professional can remain emotionally neutral, solve problems and ensure that everyone is in the right place.

Family And Special Loved Ones

Are Important Wedding Participants

BY LISA WARREN | Lifestyles Editor

A couple vowing to pledge their love and devotion to each other is a central focus of all weddings.

However, most weddings are also family affairs that feature more than the couple saying their “I do’s.” It ‘s also a time for two families to come together as well.

Beloved antique truck takes center stage In addition to their family and friends, one Greene County couple also decided to include another type of “loved one” in their wedding day as well — the groom’s antique truck.

For their wedding on Sept. 13, 2025, Camryn Birdwell and Ian Ring chose Oak Meadows Farm & Venue in southern Greene County.

Among the “guests” at their wedding was a 1941 Chevrolet pickup named Lucy that Ian got for his 17th birthday.

Ian rebuilt the truck during his junior and senior years of high school. Cosmetically, “she was decent, although many parts have been refinished,” he notes.

Originally, Lucy had a 216 inline six cylinder engine, but that engine blew and Ian replaced it with a 1959 235 inline six. It’s still a four speed and mostly original, but she’s been

updated to a 12-volt system as well as electric wipers and a few other little things.

He gave her a fresh coat of paint and gloss to show off her true beauty!

The couple made sure to get photographs with Lucy during their big day.

“Lucy is Ian’s most prized possession, and we were so grateful to have had her a part of our special day,” Camryn says.

Family celebration came later due to snowstorm

Sometimes couples find they have to make unexpected special plans when it comes to including their loved ones in their wedding celebration — even if the wedding occurs days, weeks or months before everyone can attend.

A sudden snowstorm created a driving mess on Jan. 10, 2025, but Albert Lynn Wilmoth Jr and Samantha Jean Britton decided to go ahead with their “I do’s.” The Chuckey couple made plans later in the year, however, for a wedding reception with their family and friends.

Fall festivities were held on Oct. 17, 2025, at Harvey’s Barn on the campus of Allandale Mansion

PHOTO BY HEATHER LANE

Albert Lynn Wilmoth Jr and Samantha Jean Britton, of Chuckey, wed on Jan. 10, 2025, but a sudden snowstorm impacted their winter wedding day. Because of this, the couple held their wedding reception later in the year so family and friends could attend and celebrate with them.

in Kingsport, to make sure that everyone could be on hand and enjoy the Wilmoths’ marriage celebration.

Other ways to celebrate family

There are numerous ways to include family and loved ones when planning a wedding. Perhaps a musical friend can perform or sing during the wedding or reception, or a relative who is a minister can officiate.

Here are a few ideas from Metro Creative: Processional — Couples can let more than just parents and the wedding party strut their stuff down the aisle. Allow other family members to shine, such as grandparents or someone who has been a very close and supportive

person in the couple’s life.

Readings/Speeches — Family members can give readings during religious ceremonies, lead prayers or make certain speeches. It’s also possible to ask a family member to lead certain unity rituals like candle-lighting or sand-combining ceremonies that signal the blending of lives.

Family traditions — Incorporate family traditions into the reception, including cultural dances, special foods, traditional songs or anything that is unique to the family.

Wear special clothing — A couple wear clothing that is meaningful to a loved one, like a grandmother’s wedding gown or a tie that was passed down through

See PARTICIPANTS on page 9

GreenevilleSun.com

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION

January 2026

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NUNN PHOTOGRAPHY

Eric and MaKayla Cutshall are shown Aug. 10, 2025, during their wedding reception with Connie and Ralph Wendling, owners of Cotton’s Country Store in the St. James community.

From COUPLE - page 3 Others present were MaKayla’s mother, Lori Ricker; her aunt, Mary Thomas (who lives next door); and her cousin, Kristen Houser, who was her grandmother’s caregiver.

“It was the best decision ever!”

MaKayla said. “I would do it all over again!”

Eric whole-heartedly agreed, noting that the decision to bring the wedding to MaKayla’s grandmother will be “a core memory we will remember forever.”

On Aug. 10, the couple held their planned wedding at the farm in St. James, with about 10 friends and family in attendance. The notable absence was her grandmother, but MaKayla felt contentment in her heart that she had been present for the “true” wedding.

For the second time in a week, MaKayla and Eric changed vows, standing on a hillside at the farm before a cross arbor that Eric had built for the ceremony. This time, the bride was dressed for the occasion in a floor-length, laceembellished, white gown and a stunning veil that draped elegantly down her back. The groom had traded his police uniform for a handsome hunter green suit, white dress shirt and burnt orange bow tie.

Makayla’s pastor, Jesse Bible, once again officiated for the second ceremony. Standing beside Makayla as maid of honor was Jeannie Morgan. Bridesmaids

PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE SUN VIA MAKAYLA CUTSHALL

MaKayla Cutshall receives a hug from her tearful grandmother after she wed Aug. 3, 2025, in her grandmother’s living room.

were Candace Ward and Jessica Ness, and the junior bridesmaid was Jenna Cutshall. (Jenna is MaKayla’s niece whom she adopted in 2022, after receiving emergency custody of her. On Oct. 7, 2025, Jenna was also adopted by Eric.)

Standing by Eric during the wedding was his best man Brian Church, along with groomsmen Justin Lilly, Matthew McCamey and Mike Fincher.

Family of the bride in attendance included MaKayla’s parents, Lori Ricker and John Smyth, and her stepmother Stephanie Smyth.

Family of the groom in attendance were his parents Bobby and Janet Cutshall, his “Mamaw” Patsy Rice, and his stepson from a previous marriage, Ian Cravens.

The wedding reception was held at the nearby Cotton’s Country Store in St. James, where “we all had their famous BLT sandwiches,” MaKayla said.

NUNN PHOTOGRAPHY

MaKayla and Eric Cutshall are shown standing by the cross arbor that Eric built for their Aug. 10, 2025, wedding.

NUNN PHOTOGRAPHY

Eric and MaKayla Cutshall enjoy a BLT during their wedding reception at Cotton’s Country Store in the St. James community.

The store is owned by Connie and Ralph Wendling. MaKayla’s hair for the wedding was done by Connie Wendling, who operates a beauty salon.

The memory of sharing their wedding day with MaKayla’s grandmother — who died exactly one month following the wedding — will always be a moment they cherish.

“Everything I’ve achieved in my life is because I had grandparents who inspired me and believed in me,” MaKayla said.

She lost her grandfather on June

7, 2015, but not before he was able to watch his first grandchild, MaKayla, walk across the stage and receive her college diploma.

She had taken two extra classes during the spring semester of 2015 in order to graduate early — because she wanted him there to share in that important milestone in her life.

MaKayla said she thanks God for the people He has placed in her life, and for allowing them to share precious moments with her. She is now looking forward to sharing a lifetime of love with her husband.

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January 2026

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GreenevilleSun.com

GreenevilleSun.com

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION

January 2026

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January 2026

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION

GreenevilleSun.com

Why It Pays To Trust A Pro With Wedding Photography will look back on for years to come.

It can be fun and budget-friendly Experienced photographers have to embrace a DIY approach in many cameras capable of far more than those on a smartphone, and these settings, but that strategy is not ideal for every situation — including skilled professionals also possess the knowledge of how to get great the day couples tie the knot.

Couples can find ways to cut costs shots in settings that might not be so conducive to photography. with their wedding budgets. But A dimly lit reception hall dance it’s best to avoid cutting corners floor may prove challenging regarding photography, as there’s for untrained amateurs, but no way to turn back the clock and professional photographers know get better shots if the efforts of amateurs fall short of expectations. what to do to get great shots in such settings. Professionals also A couple’s wedding day is one know how to utilize natural light to to cherish forever, which is why it pays to rely on skilled professionals. their advantage when taking shots That’s particularly so with wedding outdoors. photography, which will serve as • Photographers handle the the official record of a day filled with details. — Couples have enough love and laughs. on their plate when planning Modern technology may compel weddings. Taking on photography some couples to think they can duties requires identifying the go without the services of a right photo locations, knowing professional photographer on their when to take photos to maximize wedding day, but there are many surroundings, ensuring bridal reasons to trust this important job party members are all ready to an experienced pro. to go so photos can be taken • Photographers can get great within tight deadlines, and postshots no matter the conditions. wedding detailing. That’s a lot to — There’s a difference between take on, and it’s work best left to NUNN PHOTOGRAPHY snapping great shots of an idyllic professionals.

Nunn Photography captured this stunning outdoor moment for Greeneville residents setting on a smartphone and taking Kaitlynn Sibary and Cameron Cannon. The couple wed June 8, 2025, at The Oak Meadows wedding day photographs couples See PRO on page 9 Farm & Venue, located on Harrison Road in southern Greene County.

BY METRO CREATIVE

HANNAH NIKOLE PHOTOGRAPHY

This special moment between Ashley Borst and Corsy McCravey at their May 15, wedding was captured by Hannah Watson of Hannah Nikole Photography. The wedding took place at Oak Meadows Farm, in Greeneville.

PHOTO BY BRAD WINEGAR

Photographer Brad Winegar caught this photo of Asher Kasteler and Marlys Hurd on their May 24, 2025, wedding at Oak Meadows Farm & Venue in Greeneville.

BAMBI WINTER PHOTOGRAPHY

Kelci Cantrell and Dakota Seaton wed Oct. 4, 2025, at Greenwood Oaks Venue & Gardens in Afton. This beautiful moment was captured by Bambi Winter Photography.

PHOTO BY NATALIE RUTHERFORD

Austin Newman and Sara Yarber, of Kingsport, chose Oak Meadows Farm & Venue in southern Greene County for their Sept. 1, 2025, wedding. This heart-felt shot was captured by photographer Natalie Rutherford.

KATRINA SERENE PHOTOGRAPHY

Jordon Harris and Tiffany Cutshall wed May 3, 2025, at Hidden Meadows in Afton. Katrina Serene Photography was responsible for capturing the cherished memories from their wedding.

GreenevilleSun.com

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION

From PARTICIPANTS - page 4 the generations. If a family member is a tailor or seamstress, that person might also help tailor a wardrobe for the wedding.

Coordinate dances — The bride, groom, mother and father typically enjoy the spotlight dances during a wedding reception, but couples can expand special dances to honor and include additional family members. A

January 2026

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large group dance that invites several family members onto the dance floor is a great way to get everyone involved.

Photo display — A couple can set aside a table to showcase special people in their lives with a brief description of why these people are so meaningful to them. This also is a place to honor any deceased relatives who are in couples’ hearts.

BECCA JORDAN PHOTOGRAPHY

For their wedding on Sept. 13, 2025, Camryn Birdwell and Ian Ring chose Oak Meadows Farm & Venue in southern Greene County. The couple are shown in this photograph with Ian’s beloved 1941 Chevrolet pickup named Lucy.

WILD AND FREE PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKAIYLA

For this special wedding photo, the bride, Cheyenne Dallas Cox, and groom, Holdon Matthew Gosnell, of Greeneville, wanted to include their son, Asher Wade Gosnell. The couple wed Sept. 6, 2025, in Erwin.

KATRINA SERENE PHOTOGRAPHY

Alexander Maupin and Macy Kidwell, of Afton, wed Dec. 7, 2024, at The Millstone in Limestone. This memorable photo was captured by Katrina Serene Photography.

DANIELLE RICKER PHOTOGRAPHY

Hayden Lee Hinkle and Kiley Dawn Collins, of Greeneville, wed Oct. 11, 2025, at Liberty Free Will Baptist Church, in Chuckey. Photographer Danielle Ricker captured this outdoor photo of the couple on their big day.

From PRO - page 8 • Photographers free up time. — Many newlyweds note

their wedding day seemed to fly by and was over before they knew it. Such sentiments may be even stronger when couples take on too much responsibility come the wedding day.

A professional photographer will coordinate shots and timelines with couples prior to the big day and take over getting bridal party members where they need to be when they need to be there. That frees up time for

couples to spend more time with each other and their guests come the day of the wedding, which in turn can make it feel as though the day didn’t fly by.

• You get a professionally finished product. — Amateur

photographers simply won’t produce as stunning a finished product as professionals who take and touch up photos for a living.

A wedding day photo album is a keepsake couples will look back on for years, so it’s best to ensure its contents include photos taken and touched up by a skilled professional.

Because every

‘I do’

deserves a confident smile!

Limestone Orchard,

home to the 1902 beloved The Old Pilot Hill Store

& Cafe, is a classic barn venue with a spectacular

backdrop of the Smoky Mountains. The venue is heated/air conditioned, seats up to 125 people,

offers a Bridal and Groom Suite, a long bar

on the first floor, with dining and dancing on the second. The overhang to the barn is enormous,

and guests can enjoy the outdoors out of the rain or sun. The Old Pilot Hill Store & Cafe offers

catering, making Limestone Orchard a charming, one-stop venue choice that celebrates simplicity

and convenience for your special day. Come visit

Limestone Orchard and the old-fashioned store and cafe!

1108 Corby Bridge Road, Limestone, TN 1308 Tusculum Blvd., #2 | Greeneville, TN 37745

(423) 639-6120

423-426-8218

limestoneorchardandevents.com Email: limestoneorchard@gmail.com

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THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION

January 2026

GreenevilleSun.com

Unique Locations To Tie The Knot

get married. The Knot reports that Couples must make a multitude of more couples tied the knot in barn decisions when planning a wedding. wedding venues (17 percent) than houses of worship in 2023, making One of the more significant these charming and often scenic decisions concerns where to tie the venues worthy of consideration. knot.

• Historic locales — History The decision of where to get buffs may feel there’s no greater married was once a given. Indeed, place to say “I do” than a location the majority of weddings used to that calls to mind bygone eras and be held in houses of worship. A notable events. Estates dating back 2020 report in the Church Times centuries that feature expansive estimated that 85 percent of all and awe-inspiring landscapes or weddings in the early 20th century mansions built during the Gilded were religious ceremonies.

Age can make for unique settings to Many faiths require those tie the knot and celebrate into the seeking a religious wedding to get wee hours. married in a house of worship, • Oceanfront venues — Perhaps so one can reasonably conclude no backdrop makes for more awethat a significant percentage of inspiring wedding photos than married couples in the early 20th century said “I do” within a house the ocean. Beautiful photos, not of worship. The Church Times to mention pleasant temperatures report indicated that percentage and laid back vibes, undoubtedly dipped to 49 percent by the late contribute to the appeal of 1970s, and a recent report from The oceanfront weddings. Couples Knot indicates that 16 percent of considering oceanfront venues may couples who wed in 2023 did so in be surprised to learn that just 5 a religious institution or house of percent of weddings took place on worship. the sand in 2023, which could make it easier than some think to book Many couples still prefer to get these idyllic locales. married in a house of worship, but those with no such preference can • Botanical gardens — Floral consider a wide range of venues arrangements feature prominently when trying to decide where to tie in many weddings, but what about the knot. saying “I do” in a venue where • Rustic setting — The popularity nature serves as your florist?

Botanical gardens offer numerous of the rustic aesthetic boomed in spots for stunning photographs, home interior design in the early decades of the twenty-first century, and a formal garden can make for an impressive backdrop for the and that appeal also seems to have affected couples deciding where to wedding ceremony.

BY METRO CREATIVE

MELISSA HANKINS PHOTOGRAPHY

Greeneville residents Natasha Harrison and Cameron Hollifield wed Oct. 18, 2025, at Oak Meadows Farm & Venue in Greeneville. Melissa Hankins did the wedding photography.

KATRINA SERENE PHOTOGRAPHY

There’s no shortage of stunning locations for couples to tie the knot. Before choosing where to say “I do,” couples can explore a wide range of prospective venues. Tusculum residents Sadie Helton Gosnell and Justin Gosnell decided to get married in Hilton Head, South Carolina. The couple wed on July 20, 2025 and shared this beautiful photo taken by Katrina Serene Photography.

PHOTO BY DESRA RAMEY

Corey Fox and Lillie Skelton tied the knot at Oak Meadows Farm & Venue, which offers a rustic yet elegant setting with a modern barn, pavilion and scenic outdoors spaces in Greene County. The couple wed Sept. 6, 2025. This beautiful photo of the couple was captured by Desra Ramey.

12 Songs To Consider For A

BY METRO CREATIVE Traditions abound during weddings, from wearing something blue to a couple not seeing each other the night before the nuptials to a bride tossing the bouquet to eager singletons in the crowd.

A couple’s first dance is another enduring and popular tradition.

The first dance harkens back to centuries ago when royalty or prestigious families would hold balls and it was customary for the guest of honor to engage in a first dance to start the festivities with a grand opening. Today, lavish balls have all but disappeared, but with weddings are still important events, and the first dance lives on during many of these parties.

Choosing a song for a first dance is among the decisions couples make when planning their weddings. All genres and eras can be considered. Couples who prefer something a little more modern can consider the following songs for their first dance.

First Dance

Special lyrics: Some may have 1. “All of Me,” John Legend their riches, some may have their

feat. Riley Green

Special lyrics: Give your all to me, Special lyrics: Excuse me, you worldly things. As long as I have I’ll give my all to you. You’re my you, I’ll treasure each and every day. look like you love me. You look like end and my beginning. Even when I you want me to want you to come lose, I’m winning. on home.

Special lyrics: Marry me today and every day. Marry me if I ever Special lyrics: Oh, I will keep you get the nerve to say hello in this safe for all my life. And you will café. have my heart for all time.

Special lyrics: And I hold you every night, and that’s a feeling I wanna get used to. But there’s no man as terrified, as the man who Special lyrics: I belong with you, stands to lose you.

Special lyrics: Yeah, I wanna feel you belong with me, you’re my the sunshine shinin’ down on me sweetheart. and you. When you put your arms around me you let me know there’s nothing in this world I can’t do.

Special lyrics: I knew you in another life. You had that same look Special lyrics: What if we rewrite in your eyes. I love you, don’t act so Special lyrics: But darling just the stars? Say you were made to be kiss me slow, your heart is all I own. mine. Nothing could keep us apart. surprised.

And in your eyes you’re holding You’d be the one I was meant to mine. find.

6. “Marry Me,” Train

2. “All My Life,” WILD

3. “Somebody Like You,” Keith Urban

4. “Perfect,” Ed Sheeran

5. “Joy of My Life,” Chris Stapleton

10. “Beautiful Things,” Benson Boone

7. “Ho Hey,” The Lumineers

8. “Rewrite the Stars,” Zac Efron, Zendaya

9. “You Look Like You Love Me,” Ella Langley

11. “Birds of a Feather,” Billie Eilish

12. “Until I Found You,” Stephen Sanchez

Special lyrics: I would never fall in love again until I found her.

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How To Maximize Outdoor

Wedding Venues constrained by the walls of banquet When searching for the right place halls or restaurants — allowing to tie the knot, each couple looks for guests to spread out.

• Include child-friendly elements. their own unique spot.

According to The Knot Worldwide If it would be difficult to exclude children from the festivities, an 2024 Global Wedding Report, outdoor venue can ensure kids couples across the globe identify have something to do. Kids tend cost and venue style/type as to have high energy levels, and an the most important variables to outdoor venue gives them space to consider. Nearly 75 percent of run around without crashing into couples worldwide report getting something or tipping something married within 30 miles of their over. Setting up a separate kids’ play homes. And many couples prefer an area also makes it easy to gather outdoor wedding. the kids in a certain spot, helping to Outdoor weddings peaked in keep children away from adults who popularity in 2020, when the global are dancing. pandemic forced couples to be • Take advantage of the aesthetic. creative as they sought to tie the Most outdoor spaces offer aweknot with friends and family in inspiring features. Those who opt for attendance. Statista reported that spring or summer weddings can take 68 percent of couples hosted their advantage of cultivated, fragrant wedding ceremonies outside or gardens or even fields of natural partially outside in 2020. However, wildflowers. Fall weddings will be Hudson Valley Weddings paints on fire with the natural oranges, a more conservative picture of reds and yellows of the changing outdoor weddings today, with 35 landscape, which makes the perfect percent of weddings now being held photo backdrop for nuptials. Try to outdoors. time the occasion for around sunset Couples hold their ceremonies to make outdoor areas even more and receptions outside for a variety special. A setting sun can cast a of reasons, including the chance to special glow on the festivities. And tie the knot in a naturally beautiful save money on decor by relying landscape. The following are some exclusively on natural features. ways to maximize the benefits of • Get creative with food. Part of outdoor venues. the appeal of being outdoors for • Embrace the opportunity to the wedding is the freedom to offer accommodate more guests. Couples guests less standard fare in regard with large guest lists may opt for to food. A pig roast for a tropical outdoor weddings because venues affair or even wood-fired pizzas or with outdoor space typically barbecue align well with an outdoor can accommodate more people. wedding. Caterers often suggest Outdoor spaces can be vast and not passed appetizers for the cocktail METRO CREATIVE

MAMA DYER PHOTOGRAPHY

Nickisa Jennings is shown in this beautiful outdoor photo on her wedding day. Nickisa wed Donovan Wojtasiak on April 26, 2025, at Rocky Knoll Farm. This photo was taken by Lori Dyer with Mama Dyer Photography.

KATRINA SERENE PHOTOGRAPHY

Outdoor weddings are popular options that can add a special touch newlyweds will remember for years to come. Greeneville native Allison Chudina Lawson and Mason Lawson chose the Waterstone in Johnson City for their outdoor April 26, 2025 wedding. The couple are seen exchanging their vows.

hour and plated meals for dinner to cut down on insects buzzing around a buffet line.

• Design a contingency plan. Every couple wants the wedding to go

off without a hitch (except for the actual getting hitched part), so it’s important to have a tent, pergola or covered area to retreat to in the event of rain or strong sun.

PHOTO BY NATALIE RUTHERFORD

For their wedding, Parker Mayo and Hannah Randolph, of Jonesborough, decided on the Oak Meadows Farm and Venue in southern Greene County. The couple wed Aug. 9, 2025.

Their photographer was Natalie Rutherford.

JUNIPER WOODS PHOTOGRAPHY

Sydney Holter and Bryar Pedersen wed Nov. 9, 2025, at Waterstone Avenue in Johnson City.

This photo was taken by Juniper Woods Photography.

Reg.: 5375 E. Andrew Johnson Hwy., Afton Climate Controlled: 708 E. Church St., Greeneville

www.bamstorage.net

423-588-0222

www.bamstorage.net

423-588-0222

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The Benefits Of Choosing A

Local Wedding Venue METRO CREATIVE

Wedding planning requires coordinating a laundry list of details that ultimately come together to make for a memorable ceremony and reception.

Couples tying the knot have their work cut out for them, and one of the biggest decisions they will have to make involves choosing where to hold the ceremony and reception.

Religious couples often opt for ceremonies at their churches, synagogues and mosques. Secular weddings can occur just about anywhere, with couples sometimes utilizing ceremony spaces adjacent to their reception rooms.

As brides and grooms narrow down their venue options, they may want to give strong consideration to the benefits that sticking close to home can offer. Certainly there are advantages to be had hosting a wedding at venues many miles away or even in international locations, but there are unique perks to keeping festivities local. The Knot 2025 Real Weddings Study indicated six in 10 couples chose to get married in a place where they currently live; 23 percent opted for a hometown venue; and 18 percent decided on a destination wedding. Here’s a look at some of the perks of staying local.

• Convenience — One of the biggest benefits of a local venue is convenience for both the couple and their guests. Local venues tend to be easily accessible for those who live nearby, minimizing travel time and reducing any barriers brought on by a lack of familiarity with distant locales.

• Familiarity — Couples who love their hometowns and close environs may want to get married in a familiar and comfortable atmosphere. Plus,

KATRINA SERENE PHOTOGRAPHY

Mosheim residents Noah Carson and Abigail Brown chose the Warehouse at Wilson Hill in Greeneville for their Aug. 2, 2025, wedding. They also chose a Greeneville-based wedding photographer, Katrina Serene Photography, to capture memories from their big day.

they may already be familiar with venues in the area and what they offer.

• Expertise — Venue staff likely live in the area or are familiar with other services close by. They can offer valuable recommendations and insights on other vendors, including what has worked before and what to avoid.

• Familiarity with clergy

— Couples who get married in a local house of worship likely know the religious leaders there and any support staff. This can add a particularly personal component to the ceremony.

• Easy payments — Many venues require some sort of payment plan

KATIE FRANCE PHOTOGRAPHY

Garrett Collier and Sarah Grubb chose the Historic General Morgan Inn and Conference Center in downtown Greeneville for their Dec. 20, 2025, wedding. This photo was taken by Katie France Photography atop the General Morgan Inn Terrace.

that consists of a deposit at the time of booking and a series of payments culminating with the last installment upon learning the final head count.

Choosing a local venue makes it easy to stop at the reception site in person and provide such payments with ease, while getting confirmation and receipts in real time.

• Reduce delivery fees — If florists and other vendors have to drop off items, they may not

charge the same delivery fees if the reception site is close by.

• Ease returning home — Chances are the couple will arrive at the ceremony and reception by hired car. Once the wedding is over, they’ll have to find transportation back home, especially if there is a gap in time before departing on a honeymoon. Utilizing a local venue can make it easier to get home.

See VENUE on page 13

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From VENUE - page 12 • Support of local businesses — Choosing a local venue keeps dollars in couples’ own communities, which is a great way to support businesses in the town and the people that work for them.

METRO CREATIVE

Couples can embrace various extra special touches to make their wedding receptions more memorable.

Unique Elements To Include At

Your Wedding Reception METRO CREATIVE

KATRINA SERENE PHOTOGRAPHY

Greeneville residents Caleb Ottem and Kamrie Foreman decided on Harvest Acres Farm in Limestone as their wedding venue. The couple wed Oct. 4, 2025. Their wedding photos were taken by Katrina Serene Photography.

RACHEL COX PHOTOGRAPHY

Brianna Kay Kelley and Nathan Ryan Holt wed March 22, 2025, at Providence Ridge Event Venue in Limestone. This beautiful photo of the couple was taken by Rachel Cox Photography.

When searching for the right place to tie the knot, each couple looks for their own unique spot.

Couples who are currently planning their wedding undoubtedly hope the day will one they remember forever.

Weddings will be memorialized in people’s minds and on film and video, and setting an occasion apart from other weddings and big events may come down to some creative touches that truly make it unique.

Here are some interesting elements that merit consideration, many of which involve interactive entertainment.

• Photo booth — There is a reason why photo booths complete with entertaining props and various backdrops are so popular. A photo booth is a great way for guests to capture the day and take home a memento. Couples can review the photo booth images and enjoy snippets of unscripted and unposed moments from the party.

• Live painter — Hiring an artist to capture the festivities can be a truly unique feature.

While photography packages and wedding albums come with some turn-around time, a painting will be done at the end of the reception and can give couples a glimpse of the evening right away.

• Interesting sweets display — Couples can elevate their wedding receptions by offering guests something that’s a cut above a piece of wedding cake. A “Viennese Hour,” also known as a “Venetian Hour,” is a popular wedding tradition, particularly in the tri-state area on the east coast of the United States. This hour features a lavish dessert buffet presented after the cake cutting. Couples need not have a traditional Venetian Hour, however. They can offer a table filled with various candies, cordials, doughnuts, cupcakes, or whatever special sweet they want to showcase. Serve with monogrammed napkins.

• Entertaining performance — Performers can run the gamut from cultural dancers celebrating a couple’s heritage to magicians to even a specialized singer. In addition to a band or DJ, this performer can engage the audience and provide them with a bona fide show.

• Signature cocktails — Whether a couple chooses an entire open bar or has select alcoholic offerings for guests, a signature cocktail can make the reception even more special. Tie the drink’s ingredients or theme into something that pertains to the couple’s interests or history. For example, if the couple sipped Moscow Mules on their first date, serve a First Date Mule at the wedding reception.

People’s Choice for Best Venue 5 YEARS IN A ROW!

Year round I dos with million dollar views!

START YOUR FOREVER HERE! Brad and Ginia Johnston, Owners For more information call 423-823-0414

The Homeplace at Johnston Farm www.johnstonhomeplace.com www.facebook.com/johnstonhomeplace | www.instagram.com/johnstonhomeplace 240 Joe Johnston Lane, Greeneville, TN 37743

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Tips For Planning A Wedding At A

Time Of New Tariffs

BY LEANNE ITALIE

project manager for an international e-commerce shipping company.

She’s also getting married in June NEW YORK (AP) — Weddings 2026. She has warehouse-size in the United States are often thoughts on getting around tariffs. dependent on goods imported from The best bet to see the full pricing countries hit with new tariffs. picture of an item is to find brands Vendors and engaged couples are that are shipping it from within the navigating higher prices and supply U.S., she said. A company doing worries after President Donald that will most likely have adjusted Trump went to war over trade their prices higher already to include around the globe. Exports from MADI MCGRAW PHOTOGRAPHY VIA AP dozens of countries, including major the tariff cost they incurred upon Wedding vendors and bridal couples of today have been impacted by U.S. tariffs on importing to the warehouse. centers for goods such as cut flowers, countries around the globe.

That means fewer surprises at wedding gowns and decorations, are now subject to extra taxes when they checkout. Transparency is a friend as Canadian government website, but Bite Catering Couture, is among tariff drama plays out. reach the U.S. the calculators hadn’t been updated wedding vendors pointing to Wedding professionals see TIP: Work with existing inventory the need to tweak contracts. He yet. What was estimated to be a $60 potential for pivots to alternative Weddings are often heavy on bill turned into a $500 bill upon recommends booking for rental sources. Some recommendations for rentals of all kinds: tables, chairs, pickup,” she said. goods with a substitution clause. people who are planning a wedding linens, glassware, dinnerware, That would allow a couple to switch Her tip? Bring items with you while the tariff situation remains in dance floors, lighting, tents. And to something else if the price of an when possible and avoid shipping flux: companies special order items all the item rises closer to their wedding altogether. time.

TIP: Rethink how you buy date.

TIP: Not all flowers are created Tariff uncertainty has complicated Buy local. Buy from non-tariff “Maybe Napa sparkling wines equal custom orders because of pricing countries. Buy used. Buy from will make more sense than French Kimberly Sisti, owner, lead florist vendors that promise not to pass on instability a year or more before a Champagne? Select vendors that and wedding planner for Sisti & wedding, said Morgan Montgomery, have a flexible mindset and the the new taxes.

Co. in San Diego, said prices are ability to help you navigate choices,” already out of control. And that Some businesses are breaking out co-owner of the rental company Paisley and Jade in Richmond, Goel said. line items stating what new costs includes U.S. growers who are seeing Virginia. She buys rental items from they’re imposing on consumers.

No crystal ball required. higher demand and may be taking China.

Some are not. Without that TIP: Is it a destination wedding? advantage of tariff chaos by raising “If they wait to make a decision information, it’s harder to gauge Pack it rather than ship it prices. now, we will need to re-quote, as quality by price. Does something Jaime Coast, who designs wedding She has an unusual tip: Look for our suppliers are tweaking prices cost $25 because it’s worth $25 or invitations and other stationary as a florist whose prices already well constantly,” she said. because it’s a $10 item with a huge owner of the online shop Cotton exceed business costs. markup slapped on?

The solution? Work with the and Bow, recently had clients in the “If you have a healthy markup Dig into reviews if buying online. If existing inventory of your vendor, U.S. get married in Canada. They on your labor and goods, then a buying offline, take an up-close look even if it stifles your creative vision. needed paper goods shipped to their 10% tariff shouldn’t break the bank at textiles, candles and other goods.

TIP: Think long and hard about wedding planner before their big and affect your customers at all,” contracts TIP: A warehouse by any other day. she said. “In fact, you can probably name ...

Vijay Goel, co-owner of Los “I tried to estimate what the absorb the cost and keep your clients Katie Sexton in Chicago is a Angeles venue 440 Elm and caterer taxes would be in advance on the confident and happy.”

AP Lifestyles Writer