Distinctively Southern Wedding Fall 2020 - Winter 2021

Southern DISTINCTIVELY

WEDDING

for the Middle Tennessee Bride Fall 2020 | Winter 2021

HERE COMES THE BRIDE MARRY ME

i do!

Happily Ever After

TIMELESS TRUE FOREVER SANDESTIN

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD

The memories you make here will last a lifetime. A celebration of the love you share and the beginning of your new life - together. Make the most of it by booking your wedding at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.

OPENING 2.1.21

A new luxury experience, Hotel Effie.

ASHLEY SHIPLEY AND BILLY RUFFIER

Though a Valentine’s Day meeting in college didn’t bring love at first sight, it was the first step that would eventually draw Ashley Shipley and Billy Ruffier together as a couple - and even distance couldn’t keep their hearts apart. After a year and a half of long-distance dating after college graduation, Ashley joined Billy in Hawaii. Then, it was only a matter of time before the two knew that they wanted to spend their lives together.

“I’d just gotten back from catching the bouquet at one of my best friends’ wedding in St. Augustine, FL and my birthday was coming up a few dats later. I kept telling Billy I wanted him to plan something special for my first Hawaiian birthday, and boy, was it special.” Ashley recalls of the day in May 2018. “We set off for a walk on the beach before a nice dinner, and as we were walking we ran into a Hawaiian Monk Seal. Billy told me to keep my eyes on the seal, and don’t turn around until he said.

When I did, he had written “Marry Me?” in the sand and was down on one knee! Nearly two years later on Feb 1, 2020, Ashley wore a sheath-style crepe gown, with lace detailing as she walked down the aisle at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort to meet Billy at the alter. “My parents have been living in the Destin area since 2011 and I would travel there when I lived in Gainsville. With most of our guests being from out of town, we loved the idea of Sandestin being a destination that they wouldn’t necessarily need a car for different events - it was all right there. Once Billy saw The Grand event space with the surronding trees and tall columns, it felt like old Florida, and we knew it was the right place for our wedding.” says Ashley, who now lives in Missouri with her new husband. “Sandestin’s wedding coordinator Jennifer, was very quick to respond to my endless questions via email or text and the whole team worked seamlessly with my wedding planner, which made things so much easier.

WITH 10 DIFFERENT VENUES TO CHOOSE FROM, SANDESTIN GOLF AND BEACH RESORT IS THE IDEAL PLACE FOR THE PERFECT WEDDING.

CONTACT JENNIFER HANKINS SANDESTIN WEDDING COORDINATOR (850)267-6736

contents

TABLE OF MARRY ME

Tips & To Do's Before the I Do’s

14

The Wedding Costs What?!

16

App-Solutely Perfect for Each Other

20

Wedding Checklist

10

Letter From the Publisher

22

Pre-Marital Counseling: To Do, Or Not to Do

66

Did You Know?

Unusual Wedding Laws

26

ULTIMATE COVID WEDDING PLANNING GUIDE

28

Planning A Rehearsal Dinner with Jeff Ruby’s

HERE COMES THE BRIDE

Prepping for the Big Day

inside

DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN WEDDING

38

Making Your Own Traditions

42

Completing the Look for the Special Day with Diamond Cellar

46

Bridal Fashion

56

Interpreting Dress Codes

58

A Southern Gentleman...

Is Going to a Wedding

Middle Tennessee's community magazine bringing you the latest trends, fashion and ideas for your big day!

I Doo! FAIRY TALES COME TRUE

12 24

HAPPILY EVER AFTER Let’s Plan the Honeymoon with Franklin Travel Services a Rejuvia Travel Company

33

Come Fly With Me to the Royalton St. Lucia Resort & Spa

61

Top 10 Wedding Gifts to Give

65

Anniversary Gift Guide

62 Our Fall 2020 - Winter 2021 Edition of Distinctively Southern Wedding features the beautiful newlyweds, Mr. and Mrs. DeVries, at The Farm at East Port Marina.

Photography by: Hailey B Creative

Victoria + Neil Williams

Desiree + Steven Fox

After the Vows

32

Elizabeth + Joshua Salter

30

40 Ashley + Jacob Cole

Lee Ellen + Nathan DeVries

54

features

Come, experience the Luxurious Difference of Haute Couture at Couture By Tess Bridal.

Couture By Tess Bridal is a wedding dress only bridal boutique. Book now to enjoy your champagne consultation and see why we are a 5 star, award winning boutique.

31 W Broad Street Cookeville, Tennessee 931.559.4696 couturebytessbridal.com

Wedding Rentals We can supply your wedding and party rental needs for tables, chairs and tablecloths. Allow us to help make your special day perfect!

staff Shelly Robertson Birdsong

Ron Cheatham Operations

Call us Monday through Friday 8am-5pm to schedule an appointment and to check pricing and availability.

Johnny Birdsong

Publisher | Editor In Chief Publisher | Sales & Development

Anna Robertson Ham

Alli Lee

Marketing & Communications

DSW Director

Paige Atwell Editor

Jen Franks

Graphic Designer

Distinctively Southern Wedding is a publication of:

HARPETH TRUE VALUE RENTAL CENTER 203 DOWNS BLVD. FRANKLIN, TN 37064 615.794.3641 harpethtruevalue.com Monday - Friday 7am-6pm Saturday 8am-6pm

Robertson Media Group, LLC P.O. Box 364 | Franklin, TN 37065 | Office: 615.465.6046 364 bridge street | franklin tn 37064 distinctivelysouthernwedding.com please send all content & coverage requests to : info@distinctivelysouthernwedding.com

Distinctively Southern Wedding is a publication of Robertson Media Group, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction, in part or whole, without written permission from the publisher, is strictly prohibited. Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of Distinctively Southern Wedding or Robertson Media Group, LLC, its employees, and/or it’s representatives. All information printed in this publication or online, is compiled in such a way as to insure accuracy. However, Distinctively Southern Wedding and Robertson Media Group, LLC and its agents, assume no liability and/or responsibility for the accuracy of claims in advertisements, articles, photographs etc. published directly or submitted.

With some of the world’s best love songs born right here in Nashville, there’s no better place to start writing the next verse of your own love ballad than at our hotel in the heart of Music City.

From the initial planning all the way to the final “I Do’s,” Union Station weddings offer all the romance of a classically nostalgic Nashville. Your guests will marvel at the soaring arches, winding staircases, and original 19th-century stained glass windows that serve as the backdrop to a day that is sure to be among your most cherished memories.

1001 Broadway Nashville, TN 37203 (615) 726-1001 www.unionstationhotelnashville.com For 120 years, Union Station Hotel has been one of the most desired wedding venues in downtown Nashville.

Breathtakingly restored, our turn-of-the-century train station hotel offers unparalleled services to help your big day go off without a hitch. Our expert staff will be with you every step of the way in planning your Union Station wedding—from making the big catering decisions to choosing the best room for the reception, you can rest assured that you are in capable hands.

|| Letter from Publisher ||

Love Never Fails Dear Readers, The year that was 2020 will resonate in our hearts and minds, for generations to come. It was a year, when no matter what, no matter who, no matter where, you were impacted by a global pandemic and economic crisis. One beget the other, of course, but neither could be more catastrophic for our world as we knew it. Despite COVID-19, people were going about their normal lives before and throughout; planning, hoping, dreaming and loving. Oh, but we hope all of those NEVER stop! Those thoughts remind me of one of the most often used and quoted scriptures read aloud at wedding ceremonies - 1 Corinthians 13:4-8: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

Perhaps in life, marriage and pandemics, these words can get us through anything. For those who were planning, hoping to plan, and persevered to have your wedding in 2020, congratulations on love, and prayers for getting through. This magazine itself, is a symbol of hope and love and perseverance and we are so proud to be able to showcase businesses who make fairy tales come true and couples whose enduring commitment to one another never faltered.

Shelly Robertson Birdsong | Publisher

Shelly & Johnny Birdsong celebrated eight years of marriage in 2020!

Southern Events is your full-service wedding rental company. Our committed team of event professionals are here to inspire you and bring your dream day to life!

distinct rentals. personalized service. happy clients.

Please call our office to schedule your personal consultation!

The Farm at East Port Marina

Your Special Event Venue Near Dale Hollow Lake

The Farm at East Port Marina has a perfect 6,000 square foot climate controlled barn ready for your next event. It is located 1 mile from East Port Marina and Dale Hollow Lake on a 90 Acre Farm. Thirty acres of beautiful hay fields and a pond make this location perfect for Weddings, Proms, Reunions and Corporate Gatherings. If you have questions or need to check availability please give us a call at 931-879-7511.

Wendy E. DeVries, Event Planner WEDDINGS | FAMILY REUNIONS | CORPORATE EVENTS | BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

THEFARMATEASTPORTMARINA.COM | 931.879.7511 | WENDY.DEVRIES679@GMAIL.COM

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HAILEY B CREATIVE

Winnie Couture, a Beverly Hills-based global leader in the bridal and couture fashion industry, is now open in Green Hills.

Conveniently located on Hillsboro Pike near The Bluebird Café, the bridal salon offers a bridal shopping experience like no other. The store showcases over 150 exquisite gowns each season in-store and Winnie Couture designers create 30-40 new gowns each season. Winnie Couture’s Green Hills location includes three spacious bridal suites for the bride's beloved guests and wedding party. The store’s romantic ambiance is illuminated by opulent chandeliers with hints of Swarovski elements radiating from the couture gowns, complete with plush furnishings and glamorous décor.

Winnie Couture gowns are fashioned with the most lavish silks, intricate lace and Swarovski crystal embellishments. Any of Winnie Couture’s gowns can be customized to create the one-of-a-kind wedding dress of a bride’s dreams. The store also offers an expansive selection of crystal belts, delicate veils and statement jewelry to complete the bridal vision. Winnie Couture’s expert stylists ensure every bride has a memorable shopping experience and help each bride identify and create her dream dress.

The store also showcases an exclusive stock of red-carpet pieces for celebrities and fashionistas alike. Winnie Couture gowns have been worn by Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Aniston, Lea Michele and countless other A-listers.

Located at: 4113 Hillsboro Pike Nashville, TN 37215 For more information or to book an appointment, call .615.913.3880 or email nashville@winniecouture.com

MODELS - TOP RIGHT & BOTTOM RIGHT: PAIGE FLETCHER & SHARRA CHAMBERS PHOTOGRAPHER: KATIE CARROLL WITH KATIE DAISY PHOTOGRAPHY

|| I Doo! ||

Rachel Elizabeth Gaw and Joshua Graham Salter July 17, 2020

The wedding of Elizabeth and Joshua was a perfect day, seamlessly knit together with the help of their venue Graystone Quarry. Graystone Quarry, located in Franklin, is a one of a kind venue that does a remarkable job of creating a dream wedding for their clients. Even with the stresses of COVID-19, their venue ensured the bride and groom received a beautiful wedding day regardless of possible adjustments and changes. During the planning process, Graystone Quarry offered a lengthy list of vendors to help make the process easy and enjoyable for their bride and grooms. Once the bride and groom chose their preferred vendors, their wedding planner Alyssa from Graystone Quarry created many options for the wedding of their dreams.

Elizabeth and Joshua had no problem deciding the details of their wedding from the band to their flowers. It was an enjoyable and easy experience with the help of Graystone Quarry.

On the day of the wedding, the vendors did a beautiful job creating a day the happy couple will never forget. The flowers from Enchanted Florist were beautifully created, making the bride's vision of a clean and pure look come to life. The food prepared by Catering by Suzette offered the guests multiple light summery choices and the delicious cake by Dessert Designs topped off the night. The bride and groom felt like their band Music City Sound brought a memorable ring of celebration. The most important aspect of the wedding to the bride and groom, which was the ceremony, was a beautiful representation of Joshua and Elizabeth’s love, promises, and purpose in marriage. Graystone Quarry, along with the other vendors they used, made the day easy, enjoyable, and full of memories they will cherish forever.

One of Elizabeth and Joshua's biggest blessings on and before their wedding day, was their photographer Whitney Woodall. Not only did Whitney take beautiful pictures, but she took an interest in her clients and personally got to know their story so she could retell their love through photography. Photographer Whitney Woodall as well as their videographers Bear Wallows Film Co. captured their day in the most meaningful way. Marriage is truly such a gift and the bride and groom could not have been happier to kick off their life together with the most beautiful and unforgettable day of their lives. Joshua and Elizabeth could not be happier with how the day turned out.

VENDORS Venue // Graystone Quarry | Franklin, Tennessee Wedding Dress // Venus from Suzanne Neville Menswear // Street Tuxedo Hair & Makeup // Kat Gaw Bridesmaids Dresses // Bella Bridesmaids Photographer // Whitney Woodall Videographer // Bear Wallow Film Co. DJ / Band // Music City Sound Catering // Catering by Suzette Floral // Enchanted Florist Cake / Desserts // Dessert Designs Wedding Planner // Alyssa Harrison

|| Here Comes the Bride ||

The Wedding Costs What?! data courtesy of knot.com

This Is How Much a Wedding Costs?!

Don’t let these numbers scare you — they represent an average! The knot.com surveyed over 27,000 couples who got married in 2019 to uncover the average wedding cost in America. Now more than ever, couples are bucking tradition to personalize their nuptials with thoughtful details — changing what weddings look like (and how much they cost). Based on respondents’ answers, they were able to determine the new national average cost of a wedding: $33,900 (that’s including the cost of the engagement ring, but excluding honeymoon expenses).

Before you start hyperventilating, keep in mind that the average wedding cost is just that: an average dollar amount, which has been calculated by combining the total cost of tens of thousands of weddings, then dividing that sum by the number of couples surveyed.

Keep in mind too: these couples come from all over the U.S. and have entirely different wedding budgets, locations, head counts and styles. What they end up spending naturally varies — a lot. Throwing a wedding in a densely populated, expensive destination (a big city like New York or Chicago, for example) costs more than it does in a smaller or less populated location (such as Idaho, West Virginia or Wyoming).

So, what’s all that money going toward? Couples are investing in hyper-personalized events infused with meaningful details, like their go-to movies or their favorite date-night food. Our respondents are also tapping a professional to help them pull it all off, as our study shows that nearly a third of couples hired some form of a wedding planner (whether it be a day-of coordinator or a full-service planner).

Today’s couples want their wedding to be a true expression of their unique love story and for guests to leave saying, “That was so them.”

The average couple hosts 131 guests, and seventy-two percent of those surveyed said their top priority was ensuring their guests were taken care of and had a good time. Besides the expected food, drink and music, nearly half of all couples hire or provide above-and-beyond guest entertainment. We’re talking photo booths, cigar-rolling stations and craft margarita bars, to name a few.

Of course, how much wedding pros charge varies — a lot. It’s always best to research wedding vendors in your area and ask them about their specific rates (and what those rates include). Here are just a few of the average numbers for the larger and most common expenses:

Venue: $10,500 Photographer: $2,400 Event planner: $1,500 Band: $3,700 Flowers: $2,000 Wedding dress: $1,600 Wedding cake: $500 Catering: (price per person): $70 Rehearsal dinner: $1,900 Engagement ring: $5,900 Invitations: $590

|| I Doo! ||

Hannah Grey Tomlin andRobert Edward Lee Davies, Jr.

September 6, 2020

Hannah and Lee were planning the wedding of their dreams, and then COVID-19 hit. They had made most of the important decisions before quarantine (venue, dress, caterer, DJ, rentals), and hoped that things would improve so that they could continue with the original plan and date of September 6th. In July, they realized that things may not be back to “normal” by then, and also were informed by their venue that there was a state mandate in place for guest count allowance for weddings set at twenty-five. The couple wanted to get married on the scheduled date no matter what, but also didn’t want to cut the original guest list, so they started discussing the options. How do you choose to proceed with your big day, and still have it be special? After careful consideration, the couple decided to forego their rehearsal dinner, and instead have that small group of family and closest friends attend an intimate ceremony and reception at the McConnell House. Their original venue allowed them to reschedule to a date next year, where they can have a big reception and everyone can safely celebrate together in a large group. Even though they had to pivot, both the bride and the groom said, “It turned out to be the most special day ever! We were able to truly enjoy the moment, and it will definitely be a day to remember. We can’t wait to celebrate with everyone next year!

Who else gets to have two wedding parties?! It’s the best of both worlds!”

VENDORS Venue // McConnell House | Franklin, Tennessee Wedding Dress // Melissa Sweet Menswear // Street Tuxedo Hair // Alex Mata, Revive Salon Photographer // Caitlin Steva Videographer // Wild Fern Weddings DJ / Band // Premier Entertainment Catering // McConnell House / Red Pony Catering Floral // New Moods Florals Cake / Desserts // Merridee’s Bakery, The Puffy MuffIN Wedding Planner // Handmade Events

|| Marry Me ||

APPsolutley Perfect for Each Other

By Alli Lee Finding love isn’t always easy. Some of us are lucky and find love in high school. Others of us are introduced to friends of friends. Some of us find our soul mates at a bar. And some of us need the help of dating apps. And you know what, that is okay! Dating these days is hard, and finding love on dating apps can be challenging. It requires patience and perseverance to sift through all of your options.

The first company we looked into was Match. Match pioneered the dating category over twenty years ago in 1995 and redefined the way we meet and fall in love. According to Match, meeting through an app is the #1 way singles meet today. Over 80% of their members access Match through their mobile app and can experience Match is in eight languages, within twenty-five different countries.

Before you can start swiping left or right, you first have to decide which dating app(s) you want to use. There are so many out there now with so many different features that make them unique it can be a little overwhelming. Trust me, I understand how stressful and difficult it can be to date online. I tried just about every dating app out there for over two years. I got to the point where it was almost addicting to keep swiping through profiles, wondering if there was a better match out there. That’s the problem with having too many choices. You start to think that there is always a better option. Overall, dating can be frustrating and leave you feeling hopeless. But don’t give up! We researched some of the top dating apps out there and gathered stories from couples in middle Tennessee to help encourage those still seeking their soul mates to hang in there and to curb the notion that dating apps don’t work.

Another veteran in the dating industry is eharmony. While technology and the way people communicate has changed, eharmony’s mission has remained the same: to create meaningful connections which lead to long-term love. After thirty-five years practicing as a clinical psychologist and counseling thousands of couples, eharmony founder Dr. Neil Clark Warren came to believe there had to be a better way to put two people together for relationship success. From his vast experience, he found that the best relationships involved two highly compatible people. That theory was confirmed following intense scientific research, resulting in eharmony’s famed twenty-nine dimensions of compatibility, which fuel the algorithms behind their patented Compatibility Matching System.® Today, millions of people of all ages, ethnicities, national origins and religious and political beliefs have used eharmony to find long-term love.

Melanie and Seth Landis Match.com

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Sarah and N

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Jason and Ashlee Campbel

PlentyofFish.com

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Cassie and Hinge.com

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Jill and Bri

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Joe and Kelsey Tinder.com

Plenty of Fish was founded in 2003. They offer a less prescriptive, lowpressure user experience where singles can be themselves and connect with other like-minded singles. Plenty of Fish is available in eleven languages and more than twenty countries worldwide.

OkCupid is a dating app that matches people on what matters to them, through thousands of in-app matching questions, which have been answered 450 million times in 2020, and more than 8 billion times since they launched in 2004. These questions cover everything from climate change to marriage equality to racial justice, along with all the dating and relationship questions you want to know about in a partner. Nearly 4 million matches are made each week on OkCupid.

An app I’m sure everyone has heard about by now is Tinder. Tinder was introduced on a college campus in 2012 and is said to be the world’s most popular app for meeting new people. It has been downloaded more than 340 million times and is available in 190 countries and in over forty languages. It’s great for not only forming meaningful connections, but also for meeting new people, expanding your network, and meeting locals when traveling. Tinder is simple and fun - use the Swipe Right™ feature to Like someone, and if someone likes you back, it’s a Match! Just tap through the people you’re interested in meeting to spark something new.

Bumble is the women-first social networking app that helps people make safe and empowering connections across dating (Bumble Date), friend-finding (Bumble BFF), and professional networking (Bumble Bizz). That’s right, you not only can find your forever match on Bumble, but also friends and professional business contacts! In fact, they are the first app of their kind to bring professional networking, friend-finding and dating to one platform. On Bumble, women always make the first move. The Founder and CEO, Whitney Wolfe Herd, saw a need to change the outdated norms of gender dynamics

in dating. It didn’t make sense that after all of the incredible strides that women were making in society, women were still expected to wait for a man to ask them out, exchange phone numbers, or strike up a conversation. With this in mind, Whitney started Bumble as a dating app in 2014, where women make the first move.

The last app we want to mention is Hinge. Hinge uses empathic design to end apathetic dating. It is designed for users to show they are serious about dating through in-depth profiles that allow them to showcase their personalities and utilizes technology that optimizes matches against users’ dating preferences. Moreover, Hinge’s algorithm only introduces members to potential dates they can actually connect with, not an endless sea of options with no criteria for compatibility beyond geographic location. According to Hinge, it is the dating app for people who want to get off dating apps. They believe that in today’s digital world, singles are so busy matching that they are not actually connecting, in person or virtually, where it counts. Hinge is on a mission to change that, so they built an app that is designed to be deleted. Since relaunching in late 2016, Hinge has facilitated over 550 million matches and more than 22 million dates for members around the world.

See? Finding love on dating apps IS possible. Apps are constantly creating new updates and adapting to the times. This year, all of these apps discussed, released a video chat feature that allows singles to get to know each other safely, social distancing, due to Covid-19. And while some apps work better for others, don’t get discouraged. If you don’t like one app, just try another! It’s okay if it takes years, like it did for me and some of our other couples, to find love. It’s okay if you are the friend with an arsenal of entertaining dating stories that is constantly updating. Just be patient and don’t settle because your forever person is worth waiting for and could be just one swipe away.

To read the couples’ personal love match dating app stories go online for complete article at distinctivelysouthernwedding.com.

|| I Doo! ||

Tracie Marie Hitz and Gregory Michael Bauman

With the original wedding date (June 2020) and location (Martha’s Vineyard) in jeopardy because of COVID travel and capacity restrictions in Massachusetts, Tracie asked her fiancéé what he thought about having a doubleheader wedding in two cities in September. Greg laughed. Even though she only had three weeks to pivot with a new plan, Tracie dug into the details and Greg couldn’t’t help but get on board with the idea of a fifteenhour wedding because the idea was just so “Tracie.”

September 19, 2020

On September 18, 2020, Terry Bear of Premiere Transportation took the VIP wedding party from the couple's house in Nashville to Greg's hometown of Indianapolis for the rehearsal dinner. At 10 am the next day, guests began arriving at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in downtown Indianapolis as platinumselling songwriter, Chancie Neal, performed. Tracie walked down the aisle with her Dad, who had received a new kidney in April, wearing a redesigned version of the dress her Mom wore when she got married fifty-four years ago! After the ceremony, which was live streamed to guests unable to attend in person, came the heart-warming toasts from family and friends followed

by Aaron Villalobos singing the Mother-Son dance - Through the Years, and the Father-Daughter dance - Don’t Worry Be Happy. After lunch was served, platinum-selling songwriter, Joe Denim performed for the sixty-eight guests.

Around 2:30 pm, the couple began to say their goodbyes before heading to the bus with a few additional VIP guests who were joining the road trip for the second half of the reception. The bus made a quick stop at the Haymarket Whiskey Bar in Louisville before pulling into downtown Nashville at 7 pm. Greg and Tracie made their entrance into the reception with fortyone guests greeting them with rally towels and cut out heads of the couple.

After 289 miles of marital bliss, they renewed their vows, heard more heartwarming speeches, had their first dance - This Is It, and cut the cake. Chancie and Joe performed together and separately to close out the fifteen-hour “Wedding on Wheels.”

Even though Tracie and Greg never imagined a wedding road trip when they first started planning back in November 2019, they wouldn’t change a

Distinctivelysouthernwedding.com 18

thing because they found a fun way to (safely) be surrounded by as many of their family and friends possible, for the biggest day of their lives.

Unlike most things in 2020, love was not canceled. It was an unforgettable wedding that they will all be talking about for years to come, and you’ll probably hear them say, “That was just so Tracie and Greg.”

VENDORS Wedding Venue // Crowne Plaza Hotel | Indianapolis, Indiana Wedding Reception // 515 Church Street Building | Nashville, Tennessee Wedding Dress // Music City Sewing The Payton Project Menswear // Ralph Lauren Hair & Makeup // Hair By SY (Stephanie Young) Bridesmaids Dresses // J.J.'s House Rentals // Nashville Smile Bar Photographer // Todd Adams Videographer // Amanda Hale DJ / Band // Chancie Neal, Joe Denim, Aaron Villalobos, Brenna McConaughey Catering // Crowne Plaza, Fly Girl Custom Cookies Floral // Katie Louis, Aaron Villalobos Cake / Desserts // Katy’s Kitchen Wedding Planner // Tracie Hitz, Katie Louis, Kali Denault

|| Marry Me ||

Wedding P lanning Timeline

You are engaged! Now is time to start the planning and it’s never too early to begin. If you have a year before your big day, here is a starter guide for helping you check things off your list, as you prepare to tie the knot!

12 Months Out

6 Months Out

□ □ □ □ □

□

□

Determine your budget.

Make a guest list.

Hire a wedding planner.

Decide formality and overall theme.

Select the venue; while selecting your venue, throw out that pros and cons list and trust your gut—this decision is about how you feel when you’re there.

Select the caterer.

11 Months Out □ □

Choose a color theme and start thinking of overall design.

Hire vendors who book up quickly, including your photographer, band, DJ, and videographer.

10 Months Out □ □ □ □ □

Start shopping for your wedding dress.

Book hotel-room blocks for guests.

Create your wedding website.

Take engagement photos.

Start looking at invitations.

9 Months Out □ □

Buy your wedding dress.

Send save the dates.

8 Months Out □ □ □

Register for gifts.

Select the bridesmaids’ dresses and schedule fittings within the month.

Meet with potential florists.

7 Months Out □ □ □ □

Book the rehearsal dinner venue.

Hire the ceremony musicians.

Order rental items, such as specialty chairs, linens, draping, lounge furniture, white dance floor, etc.

Hire an officiant.

5 Months Out □ □ □ □ □

Book transportation for guests, if needed.

Book the newlyweds’ transportation (limo, specialty car, etc.).

Book the honeymoon.

Buy or rent the groom’s tuxedo.

Begin premarital counseling.

1 Month Out □ □ □ □ □ □ □

Assemble gift bags.

Pay your vendors in full.

Create a seating chart.

Order or make your escort cards and place cards.

Have a final venue walk-through.

Put cash in tip envelopes for your planner/delegate to distribute.

Break in your wedding shoes.

4 Months Out

YAY! Final Week!

□

You made it! Make sure you’re breathing and power through! □ Practice your vows out loud. □ Chase any RSVP stragglers and deliver the final head count. □ Get your eyebrows done. □ Have a manicure/pedicure. □ Pack your bags for the honeymoon; don’t forget your passport if you’re leaving the country and confirm all travel arrangements.

□ □ □ □

Have your final tasting with the caterer.

Choose your cake.

Buy wedding bands.

Select the groomsmen’s attire and schedule fittings within the month.

Do a hair and makeup trial.

3 Months Out □ □ □ □ □ □

Order the invitations and hire a calligrapher.

Create or plan your menu.

Brainstorm guest favors and gift bags.

Write your vows.

Select readings with the officiant.

Start crafting any DIY items if you haven’t already.

2 Months Out □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □

Distinctivelysouthernwedding.com 20

Hire a lighting technician.

Send the wedding invitations; (with RSVPs due one month before the wedding).

Send out rehearsal-dinner invitations.

Have your first dress fitting.

Get your marriage license.

Buy wedding-party gifts.

Do a floral mock-up with your florist.

Give the song selections to your band or DJ. Give the song selections to your ceremony musicians.

...Night Before...

Can you believe it’s here?! It’s going to be a perfect and great day! □ Eat a healthy meal. □ Pack a clutch or small bag of personal items. □ Drink plenty of water! □ Get a good night’s sleep. □ Put any boxes, suitcases, bags, and survival kits to bring to the ceremony or reception in the car! Prep for next day madness!

YOUR BIG DAY IS HERE! □ □ □ □ □ □

Eat breakfast.

Drink even more water.

Take your dress and veil out of the bag early on and have someone steam them if needed.

Lay out all the items that you want your photographer to capture.

Exchange notes with your partner.

Say thank you to everyone around you.

|| I Doo! ||

Brittany Dawn Aubra Baima and Jeremy Michael Johnson

September 26, 2020

On a perfect, rescheduled day in September, Brittany and Jeremy finally were able to tie the knot! With their original scheduled date as June 6th, this couple decided it would be best for the health of their friends and family to push to the fall. September 26th could not have been a more exquisite day for these two to dedicate their lives to each other with their friends and family in attendance.

Cedarmont Farm delivered the stunning, elegant and southern feel that Brittany and Jeremy envisioned! From Brittany’s timeless silk gown, to the muted, moody florals, everything fell into place beautifully. The couple shared their vows in front of a glorious, green oak tree, after walking down the aisle from the porch of a 1800’s historic home.

Once rings were exchanged, the guests were guided into a newly renovated barn where the party followed! Brittany and Jeremy shared their first dance to Stand by Me, and enjoyed a buffet dinner that included braised short rib, mashed potatoes, lemony broccoli and, of course, a classic and delicious, tiered wedding cake! The evening ended with a bright sparkler exit, and they both left the event with full and happy hearts. To say the day was perfectly wonderful in every detail is an understatement!

VENDORS Venue // Cedarmont Farm | Franklin, Tennessee Wedding Dress // Fabulous Frocks Menswear // Street Tuxedo Hair & Makeup // MHD Beauty Bridesmaids // Brides by Glitz Rentals // Southern Events Party Rental Photographer // Ashton Brooke Photography Videographer // Jon Myers Photography DJ / Band // Premiere Entertainment, DJ JR Catering // Dream Events & Catering Floral // Larson Floral Co. Cake / Desserts // Katelin Hayes Desserts Wedding Planner // Colleen Kelly

|| Marry MeMe || Marry

Pre-Marital Counseling: To Do, Or Not To Do

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Whether as recommended and in many cases, required, by your pastor or church, or just as something you personally feel would be helpful as you align your life with someone else – for life; pre-marital counseling can be very beneficial.

What Is Premarital Counseling?

Premarital counseling is a form a therapy that occurs before marriage.

Typically, premarital counselors will ask couples to dig deep and revisit previous impressions they’ve formed about marriage prior to tying the knot. Here are a few subjects that will be a part of most premarital counseling: 1. You’ll define your marriage expectations and role beliefs.

You may have one idea of what marriage looks like and what it means to be a partner, and yet be blissfully unaware that your soon-to-be spouse feels very differently.

2. You’ll analyze how your past affects your future.

To some degree, we’re all products of our environment and experiences.

3. You’ll come up with a plan for resolving conflicts.

In marriage counseling, you’ll work with a therapist to foster communication and conflict resolution skills you can carry with you.

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4. You’ll get real about money.

We all know that money has a way of ruining marriages. So, to prevent future financial fights, you’ll lay out all your money thoughts in premarital counseling. There should be no secrets or shame around money in a healthy marriage.

5. You’ll speak about sex.

While it might be uncomfortable to discuss your sex life in front of a total stranger, helping understand the general physiological and emotional gender differences, as well as the ones specific to [you], opens the door to be able to develop a healthy physical relationship.

6. You’ll talk about talking.

Open and direct communication are key ingredients in any union, especially if you and your partner have different ways of communicating. Premarital counseling will be advantageous in helping you discover your styles and how they could affect your marriage.

7. You’ll discuss your feelings on children.

Amazingly, many couples never really talk about having children.

Not only could you uncover a potential deal-breaker in counseling, but it’s also important to talk about how many [children you want], parenting styles, extended family involvement, and more.

Just remember, helping couples understand and define the issues leaves them, and their marriage, better prepared.

|| I Doo! ||

Caitlin Elizabeth Bauman and Seth Trenton Haley

September 19, 2020

In the year of 2020, planning a wedding is nothing short of a miracle. Everything, however, came together perfectly including the gorgeous sunshine and seventy-degree weather for Seth Haley and Caitlin Bauman who got married on September 19, 2020, at Copper Ridge Events Venue in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The ceremony took place outside the venue which was decorated with a cedar window, beautiful greenery, white roses and baby’s breath. The couple was married by the same preacher that married the groom’s mother and stepfather. Sentimental touches were all throughout the ceremony as Seth and Caitlin held special items from each of their parents such as an old coin, grandmother’s jewelry, an old wedding dress piece, and lamb’s ear. The bridal bouquet and bridesmaids’ bouquets were filled with large white roses, eucalyptus, and baby’s breath. The Bride’s dress was Boho style from The Last Minute Bride and made with custom v-style neckline and scalloped train. The couple snuck away after the ceremony for a bride and groom photoshoot. A horse nuzzled up to the bride and made for some great photos.

The reception was held in a cedar barn on a seventeen-acre horse farm filled with twinkly lights and lanterns. Guests enjoyed the southern cooking of Rowdy Ranchers along with cupcakes for dessert. The couple along with the guests enjoyed dancing the night away with beer or wine in hand. A sparkler exit with sweet kisses ended the night and Mr. and Mrs. Haley enjoyed a mini-moon in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

VENDORS Venue // Copper Ridge Events Murfreesboro, Tennessee Wedding Dress // The Last Minute Bride Menswear // Street Tuxedo Hair // Lauren Blair Makeup // Brandy Henderson Bush Photographer // Fox & Fig Photography DJ / Band // Daxton Patrick Catering // Rowdy Ranch Catering Floral // Anthony’s Florist & Costco Cake / Desserts // Publix

Distinctively Southern Wedding

Fall - Winter // issue five 23

|| I Doo! ||

Neil and Victoria booked the Keith Glen at Burdoc Farms for their wedding ceremony and reception the day after they got engaged. It was the first and last venue that they looked at. Victoria was sold the moment she saw the completely glass back wall of the Keith Glen. Their wedding colors of burgundy, navy, and gold were present throughout the wedding in the bridal party’s attire and florals.

It was important to them that their wedding was simple, sentimental, and the best get together of 2020. They wanted it small enough to be intimate, but big enough for everyone to have fun. It was most important that all of their favorite people were in the same place. The table décor consisted of olive branches, a symbol of peace and harmony, representing the joining of their families and friends. Each setting included a preset glass of water, mini hand sanitizer, and customized napkin that listed five fun facts about the bride and groom, all to ensure the comfortability of every guest. Victoria’s dress was a long illusion sleeve, Galina Signature ball gown with a crystal-beaded waistband, long train, jeweled button illusion back, and sparkling lace appliques on the skirt. Her train length veil included matching lace appliques. The bridal bouquet included a beautiful array of eucalyptus, red and white roses, sunflowers, lilies, and a charm honoring Victoria’s late grandfather. Their cake was a simple two tier, naked vanilla cake made by Sonya Castagna Catering that sat on a marble and antique gold magnolia cake stand. Jessica Travis Photography and Southern Raw Photos beautifully captured every important aspect of the wedding from Victoria’s first look with her dad, Neil’s reaction when seeing Victoria walk down the isle, to their family and friends having a dance party. Victoria and Neil’s best advice for soon-to-be wed couples is to make your wedding a representation of you as a couple. Stick to what you want and what is important to you. It is your day!

Distinctivelysouthernwedding.com 24

Victoria Marie Minton and Neil Thomas Williams III

October 24, 2020

VENDORS Venue // Burdoc Farms | Crofton, Kentucky Wedding Dress // Galina Signature - David's Bridal Menswear // Calvin Klein - Men's Warehouse Hair & Makeup // Morgan Robertson (Blush Bridal Team) Photographer // Jessica Travis Photography / Southern Raw Photos DJ / Band // Sean Fawkes - DJ Sound Services Catering // Sonya Castagna Catering Floral // Hannah Hinze (hanmadebyhinze) Cake / Desserts // Sonya Castagna Catering

|| Here Comes the Bride ||

Ultimate Covid-Friendly Wedding Guide Of all the content ideas we’ve passed around over the years, never did we ever think we’d be running an article about having a wedding during a pandemic (thank you, 2020). But, alas, here we are! With everything this year has brought, we would be amiss if we didn’t talk about this unprecedented hurdle facing brides and grooms today. Although it may not be exactly how you imagined planning your big day, don’t stress! We’re here to help. Here is everything you need to know about planning, moving or attending a Covid-friendly wedding.

Changing Your Date

It’s probably easier said than done, but we still should say first and foremost, don’t panic! By now, plenty of people will have had to move their wedding due to Covid, but this is good news for you. Why? Because now, vendors, couples and guests alike have become accustomed to pivoting. Moving your date isn’t an easy decision, but given the current circumstances, it’s likely people will be more than understanding. The first step in changing your date would be to contact your wedding planner. They have the relationship with your vendors already established and will be able to reach out to them to move things around if possible. If you don’t have a wedding planner, then you should contact your vendors directly.

Again, most vendors are going to understand your predicament and will be happy to discuss booking another day with you. If you’re worried about your preferred vendors not being available on your new date, call them before you officially change it and work the day around when they are available.

After your vendors are rebooked and you’ve set a new date, be sure to inform your guests as soon as possible. Remember that they’ve also set aside the time to be there for your big day, so give them as much as a heads up as you can so they too can rearrange their plans. If you have a little extra money in your budget to spend, you could consider sending out “Change the Date” cards. Or, for something more time-friendly, you could also send a digital one via email to your guests and update your wedding website if you have one.

Planning a Covid-Friendly Wedding

If you’re just getting engaged this year, congrats! While it’s probably not how you imagined planning a wedding, consider yourself lucky that there are plenty of resources available to help you by now. When you start researching vendors and booking venues, keep in mind that there might not be as much flexibility as there typically would be. Vendors are now dealing with not only new brides, but an influx of re-booking’s as well. That being said, have more than a few dates in mind as ideas. The more you have, the better the chance that one will be available! To increase your chances, you could also have a couple of non-traditional wedding dates on your list, such as Sunday’s or weekdays.

It’s hard to know what the status of the pandemic will be a year from now, or even a few months from now! However, erring on the side of caution never hurt. In fact, there are a lot of precautions you can plan for that wouldn’t make a significant difference if you ended up not needing them.

For example, plan the wedding outdoors or in a larger indoor space to allow guests to spread out. If Covid isn’t as much as a concern by the day of, then you can just move the chairs closer together and no one will ever know the difference. Things like masks and hand sanitizing stations are easy to get coordinated closer to time.

For the most part, any restrictions you may have, should be communicated to you by your vendors. You should anticipate venues potentially having capacity limitations, caterers working with a smaller staff and that things such as wedding invites, alterations or shipping might take a little longer than they normally would. To alleviate stress, give yourself plenty of time to plan and be prepared.

Attending or Not Attending A Wedding During Covid As a wedding guest, RSVPing in a timely fashion is always important. But in the midst of a pandemic, it’s even more crucial. While it might be tempting to put it off due to not knowing what the future may hold, it’s important out of respect for the bride and groom, to let them know as soon as possible. You should know that if you don’t feel comfortable going to a wedding now, that’s totally okay.

You have to do what’s best for you and your family. But if that’s the case, be sure to communicate that in a timely fashion. If you do feel comfortable going, be sure to keep an eye on the wedding website and invitations for updates.

You should be prepared to take any extra precautions that the bride and groom are requesting, such as wearing a mask, gloves, social distancing, extra sanitizing, etc.

Despite how much it’s been said, these are truly unprecedented times, and everyone is just doing the best they can. Cut yourself some slack, take a deep breath and just remember that everything is going to be okay!

Distinctivelysouthernwedding.com 26

Happily Ever After Starts Here.

ENGAGEMENT PARTIES | REHEARSAL DINNERS | BRIDAL LUNCHEONS

For more infor mation on hosting the event of a lifetime at Jeff Ruby ’s Steakhouse, please contact Trisha Turklay at trisha.turklay@JeffRuby.com or at the number below.

Jeff Ruby ’s Steakhouse • 300 4th Avenue North • Nashville, TN 37219 • 615.465.0275

|| Marry Me ||

The Rehearsal Dinner

with Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse Nashville

A private rehearsal dinner at Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse exudes style and sophistication. Tastefully appointed with Art Deco details, our three luxurious private spaces provide the perfect backdrop for everything from intimate gatherings to large dinner celebrations.

The Speakeasy Room is ideal for gatherings of up to ten guests. As its name implies, you’ll be transported back in time as you enter the room through an authentic Speakeasy door – don’t worry, no secret knocks needed here!

Featured inside the room are a century-old antique apothecary cabinet housing our premium liquor selection and a round glass tabletop with an iron base made of Roman numerals from a London clocktower.

Our namesake Jeff Ruby Room, rich with burgundy tones and velvet accents, features a long, wooden antique table suitable for fourteen guests. A white marble fireplace anchors this space as a true focal point providing the perfect background for photographs.

The Music City Room features soaring ceilings with glistening chandeliers and décor that celebrates what the Music City is all about. One-of-a-kind items like Al Capone’s fireplace facade, and artifacts from country music’s biggest stars like Conway Twitty and Tammy Wynette create a setting rich with history

MUSIC CITY ROOM

and elegance. Spacious at approximately 1,300 square feet, parties of up to sixty-six guests may celebrate in this room. (Note: current gathering guidelines limit this space to twenty-five guests.)

Each of these spaces have an attached semi-private patio that can be added to your package for enjoying the occasional cigar, breath of fresh air, or colorful Nashville sunset.

Our professional Sales & Relationship Manager will expertly guide you through the entire planning process to make it effortless for you. Prix-fixe menus include everything from hors d’oeuvres to dessert and can be customized to fit your tastes, needs and theme.

Our Beverage team is blessed to be guided by our very own Advanced Sommelier and will provide you with wonderful wine selections from our wine list. We’re proud of our achievement of being honored with Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence for 2020. We recommend choosing two red and two white wine varietals to complement your menu choices and offer your guests variety. Many brides and grooms choose to feature a specialty cocktail for the evening and our team can

Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse Nashville

JEFF RUBY ROOM

300 4th Avenue North Nashville, TN 37219 615.465.0275 jeffruby.com

customize a cocktail named just for your event.

Next, a rehearsal dinner cannot be perfect without our amazing service team. Our Servers and Servers Assistants take pride in providing the pinnacle of Nashville dining: The Jeff Ruby Experience.

We’ve long believed that live entertainment is essential to the ambiance of every dinner; so much so that we have our very own piano man playing live music while perched on the stage above our bar. In addition, we have extensive playlists curated by our Director of Hospitality creating the perfect mood and keeping the vibe lively for your night on the town. Additionally, guests in all of our Private Rooms have the option of connecting to Bluetooth speakers to stream your very own playlist. Each room also has either a flat screen or drop-down screen with laptop connection to play a photograph slideshow of you and your loved ones through the years.

Finally, we want you to feel as if our spaces were created just for you and your guests we will happily customize the floorplan to your party size. We often recommend round tables topped with fine white table linen for a neutral palate to showcase your special colors. You may bring personalized décor and we are happy to assist with place-cards, flowers, candles and more to complete your perfect setting.

When you are looking for the perfect rehearsal dinner, look no further than Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse in downtown Nashville. We would be honored to host you and your guests for the Jeff Ruby Experience.

SPEAKEASY ROOM

|| I Doo! ||

Desiree Alexandria Collier and Steven Michael Fox September 7, 2019

It was the winter of 2014 at the University of Chattanooga, where fate brought Desiree Collier and Steven Fox together. Both were from Hendersonville, Tennessee but did not met until college. What had started as a great friendship of four years, blossomed into romance after graduation, when their careers brought them back together in Nashville. Steven invited Desiree to attend a professional golf event with him, hoping to become more than just friends, as he was looking for her to be his wife in the future. Romance blossomed and on May 19, 2018 Steven popped the question. Right away, Desiree knew she wanted to have her dream wedding at the beautiful Bluegrass Yacht & Country Club in Hendersonville. The wedding was timeless, classic

and romantic with all the feels, as they were surrounded by their family and friends. They spared no time planning the wedding they had dreamed of with the assistance of Jennifer Turrill, Private Event Director at Bluegrass Country Club.

Desiree purchased her stunning gown at Posh Bridal Boutique and could not wait to be photographed with the “yes to the dress” sign.

She felt like a princess as she wore the beautiful ballroom gown with cathedral train, designed with a subtle, timeless soft lace and a tiny silk bow around her waist. Her bouquet was a gorgeous arrangement of vibrant colors with pink and white garden roses. Desiree and Steven

VENDORS Venue // Bluegrass Yacht & Country Club | Hendersonville, Tennessee Wedding Dress // Posh Bridal, Nashville Menswear // Street Tuxedo Hair & Makeup // Hannah Calton Beauty Photographer // Amy Collier - Dream a Little Dream Catering // Bluegrass Yacht & Country Club Floral // Malone Legacy Cake / Desserts // Publix

Distinctivelysouthernwedding.com 30

were married under a spectacular arch of flowers also designed by Malone Legacy.

The outdoor ceremony took place on September 7, 2019 on the grounds by the seventh green, overlooking the beautiful course of Bluegrass Yacht & Country Club.

Desiree was overjoyed with excitement to finally marry the man she loved. They exchanged vows and after photos with their families, they were off with their photographer to have their romantic portraits taken while the family and guests enjoyed the delicious hors d’oeuvres and drinks on the back patio overlooking a beautiful sunset on the eighteenth green.

They were photographed at many of their favorite locations, as the course provided dreamy backdrops to include the lush, romantic willow trees, a sparkling pond and luxurious greens at sunset with a clubhouse view in the background. It was gorgeous and was a fun and romantic experience.

After photos, the bride and groom joined the family for an honorary toast to their loved ones who could not attend their special day. The bride and groom enjoyed a private dinner prepared by BGCC before joining friends and family in the reception ballroom. Finally, the wedding party joined family and friends at the reception for a grand celebration to include a buffet style pasta bar, first dance, cake cutting and dancing. It was an unforgettable evening filled with love, joy and fun!

|| Happily Ever After ||

Let’s Plan the Honeymoon! with Franklin Travel Services – A Rejuvia Travel Company

Our travel experts specialize in honeymoons all over the world.

What is your honeymoon style? Relax in an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora, or do you want to embark on an adventure exploring the beaches and jungle of Costa Rica? Some couples enjoy a romantic villa stay in Tuscany and others have always dreamed of an African safari. From an all-inclusive Caribbean resort or a cruise sailing the Caribbean Sea, we can take you there.

Here are some tips for couples dreaming of their perfect honeymoon: • Be sure to communicate about your dream destination. This should be the most exciting time of your life and the most relaxing and fun vacation as you start your married life.

• Plan ahead and budget. Decide what you will splurge on and where you will save. Our travel advisors can help you get the most value for your honeymoon package. Pamper yourself when possible • Finalize and book the nine - twelve months in advance. Shop and pack at least one to two weeks before the trip.

• Leave at least one day off between the wedding and the honeymoon.

• Bride should verify the name used on all travel documents is the same.

• Apply for passports when you start planning your trip.

If you already have passports, be sure to check for the expiration date when you start planning.

• Register your honeymoon with Rejuvia Travel so family and friends can shop for gifts conveniently from home 24/7.

• For stress-free planning, consult with a travel professional. We are looking forward to meeting with you to create the honeymoon of your dreams.

Franklin Travel Services – A Rejuvia Travel Company 1284 West Main Street Franklin, TN 37064 615.791.4690 rejuviatravel.com

|| Happily Marry Me Ever || After ||

WARM UP YOUR WINTER IN THE CARIBBEAN Nestled in the lush landscapes set upon one of the most picturesque islands in the Caribbean, Royalton Saint Lucia welcomes each guest on a vacation in upscale style and comfort. Discover modern facilities, warm staff and an exhilarating locale, rich with culture and world-class cuisine, which creates the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable All-In Luxury® escape.

Designed for travelers of all ages, this modern resort features three distinct sections offering a family friendly vacation experience in the general resort, Diamond ClubTM for premium butler service as well as exclusive pool, beach and dining areas and Hideaway, an adults-only oasis.

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Fall - Winter // issue five 33

WHAT IS ALL- IN LUXURY: All-in Luxury® features include elegantly styled suites with a balcony of terrace in every room, world class reservation free dining and exceptional amenities within this luxury property. Royalton St Lucia’s All-in Luxury® concept includes 352 modern luxury rooms and suites boasting twenty-four-hour room service with Royalton signature DreamBedTM with high thread count sheets, All-In ConnectivityTM with free high-speed Wi-Fi resort wide for all your devices, in-room Bluetooth speakers, USB charging stations, and free calls to North America and most of Europe, the Royalton signature rain shower, satellite television with specialty channels, and Sports Event GuaranteeTM. The All-in Luxury® concept includes daily entertainment and nightly shows, non-motorized watersports, and a fitness center with modern equipment.

The resort includes unlimited reservation-free dining, premium drinks and handcrafted cocktails, non-motorized watersports, fitness center with modern equipment, and daily entertainment and nightly shows.

Distinctivelysouthernwedding.com 34

While on your All-in Luxury® vacation, enjoy the many included daily activities and nightly entertainment as well as non-motorized watersports such as snorkeling, kayaking and an introductory scuba diving lesson. Families will also appreciate the on-site splash park.

RELAX WITH FAMILY: Royalton St Lucia’s Kids Adventure Program includes the Clubhouse Kids Club where children ages four to twelve can enjoy innovative daily activities at the supervised kids’ clubs, featuring games, cartoons and a playground. The Hangout Teens Club offers teens ages thirteenseventeen, the opportunity to enjoy their own space in a lounge with video games, billiards, table tennis, and free Wi-Fi. MAKE IT A BUSINESS TRIP WITH PERKS: If you’re planning a business meeting or incentive trip, their professional event planners will be on-site to ensure no detail is overlooked. Air-conditioned conference and banquet facilities can comfortably host meetings, events, private dinners and functions.

IT’S TIME TO SPA: The Royal Spa is the ideal place to relax and rejuvenate while on vacation. Spend a few hours getting pampered with their comprehensive spa packages or drop in for a thirty-minute express treatment. The Royal Spa has a hydrotherapy circuit and a full range of massage, body and facial treatments. The beauty center offers luxurious manicure, pedicure, waxing, make-up and hairstyling services.

Or get ROYALTON FIT TM Royalton Saint Lucia enhanced their All-in Luxury® concept to include Royalton FitTM, a program that brings guests a variety of fitness and wellness classes taught by professional and certified instructors.

Royalton FitTM offers nearly 120 classes a week, through fitness programming tailored to all levels of fitness, guests can look forward to classes that include Aqua Fit to Cross Fit, TRX, cycling, yoga, Zumba and so much more. Royalton Saint Lucia offers guests a host of inclusions to support wellness that ranges from a dedicated gluten-free area in the buffet, to smoothie stations and insuite wellness features.

LUXURY DINING: Treat your taste buds to a flavor sensation as you feast on eclectic cuisines from around the world at their eight restaurants.

HIDEAWAY AT ROYALTON ST LUCIA: Discover Hideaway at Royalton Saint Lucia, the perfect place to open yourself up to an elegant adults only vacation experience. Savor gourmet cuisine, artfully prepared cocktails and enjoy the impossibly blue ocean, doing as much or as little as you’d like. Delight in the freedom of spontaneity with the perfect mix of daily water sports, fitness programs, yoga on the beach, or mixology classes beside the pool and unforgettable evenings of sunset champagne toasts, worldclass dining and incomparable entertainment. All-in Luxury® features 166 elegantly styled luxury suites, world class reservation free dining and exceptional amenities within this luxury property.

Unwind in your preferential accommodations where suites feature aromatherapy to greet you each time you enter, a spacious Jacuzzi tub for two to enjoy, Royalton premium DreamBedTM, high thread count sheets, twenty-fourhour room service and a selection of in room premium spirits. Hideaway guests are promised elevated privacy and a premium butler service plus extras which include afternoon hors d’oeuvres, exclusive á la carte restaurants, and personalized beach bags.

Some luxury additions offered exclusively to all Hideaway guests are personalized check-in and check-out, in room aromatherapy, custom hideaway beach bag, upgraded room service menu, afternoon hors d’oeuvres served poolside and exclusive bar and beach area with waiter service. While relaxing poolside or by the beach, enjoy complimentary five-minute shiatsu/thai massages, fresh towels and water spritzers.

Exclusive to Hideaway is the Dorado Seafood & Grill, where you can watch the sun rise over the ocean in the morning or relax in the cool evening ambiance of this elevated beach- front restaurant. Specialties are fresh smoothies, light ceviche and garden salads with fresh seafood and grilled items.

ROYALTON WEDDINGS: Royalton Saint Lucia offers multiple wedding packages each tailored for a couples’ taste and budget. Royalton offers six wedding packages: Free, Love, Dream, Paradise, Just the Two of Us and a Vow Renewal.

The Royalton Wedding team is experienced in coordinating religious ceremonies from planning to execution. Royalton offers special

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Fall - Winter // issue five 35

Hindu ceremonies, Jewish ceremonies and Catholic ceremonies. A couple can add different experiences to truly customize their special day. Additions such as the Bridal Party Spa Experience, Grooms Experience, Romantic Dinner for Two, Late Night Food Station, Welcome Party Experience and Candy Bar Experience are available at an additional cost.

Royalton Luxury Resorts also offers a romantic honeymoon package for any couple that has been married within the past six months. This package includes a VIP welcome, newlywed room upgrade, couples’ massage and private dinner with a butler.

SAFETY ASSURED VACATIONS: Advanced sanitation measures, new physical distancing guidelines, a 360º Clean Approach and an International Safety Assurance Team are in place to prioritize well-being across every area and touchpoint of Royalton Luxury Resort properties. To help protect both guests and staff members, the new and enhanced Safety-Assured Vacations protocols will adhere to the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO), as well as the local and national Ministries of Health.

BEAUTIFUL ST LUCIA: Saint Lucia is a sovereign island country in the eastern Caribbean Sea on the boundary with the Atlantic Ocean, boasting beautiful Caribbean blue waters and a lush inland featuring towering mountains, rain forests, and fertile valleys, filled with acres of banana plantations. The Pitons—twin peaks that soar high above the ocean floor on the southwest coast; distinguish St. Lucia from the other islands in the Caribbean.

Saint Lucia has a relatively large and lucrative tourism industry, attracting an estimated 350,000 visitors per year.

Epitomizing modern elegance, award-winning Royalton Luxury Resorts offer All-In Luxury® vacations in some of the world’s most popular tropical destinations including Antigua, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Saint Lucia, Mexico, Grenada and Cuba. Boasting an array of world-class all-inclusive features including the premium, handcrafted DreamBed™, unlimited reservation-free luxury dining, a Sports Event Guarantee™ and more. Many of the resorts cater equally to families and couples alike, with industry-leading supervised kids and teen activities offered at no additional cost combined with family-friendly accommodation and dining options

Distinctivelysouthernwedding.com 36

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit royaltonresorts.com/royalton-saint-lucia or call 758.731.1000.

|| I Doo! ||

Elizabeth Morton Isaacs and Charles Baker Woodall, Jr. January 11, 2020

Both natives of Williamson County, Lizzy and Baker’s story began in 2010 when they met through mutual friends. After being friends for many years, Baker and Lizzy finally began dating in 2017. In June 2019, Baker took Lizzy to their favorite park with their dog, and this is where he proposed. They were married on January 11, 2020 at Clementine in Nashville. It started as a rainy day, but the weather cleared up right in time for the beautiful photos taken by Molly Peach Photography. It ended up being a seventy degree day in January.

The guests were welcomed to the ceremony with a warm Apple Cider Bourbon drink prepared by South Fork Catering. Dr. Judy Skeen, a longtime family friend of the Woodall’s, officiated the wedding. After the ceremony, the guests were treated to station-style buffets and live music by Erik Blue Band. The dance floor was full all evening! It was a magical day.

VENDORS Venue // Clementine | Nashville, Tennessee Wedding Dress // Olia Zovazina Menswear // Menguin Hair // One 10 Beauty Makeup // Jessica Vaughn / Primp This Rentals // Please Be Seated Photographer // Molly Peach DJ / Band // Erik Blue Band Catering // South Fork Catering Floral // Garden Delights Cake / Desserts // Dessert Designs By Leland Wedding Planner // Summer Sheldon

Distinctively Southern Wedding

Fall - Winter // issue five 37

|| Here Comes the Bride ||

Making Your Own Traditions From the ceremony and reception, to the presence of friends and family, your wedding day will, no doubt, be one of the most memorable of your life. But even more exciting, you have the rest of your life with your partner to look forward to. When thinking of ways to make your big day more personalized, consider using it as an opportunity to start one of these traditions that you can look forward to every year!

Write Letters

It’s common for brides and grooms to write each other a letter to read before meeting at the altar. However, you could easily turn this into a tradition by pre-writing letters to open in the future. Consider writing letters to your future selves to open on your first anniversary, bigger celebrations or even words of encouragement to open when times get tough. The words you write will serve as a great reminder of why you chose to get married in the first place and how far you’ve come as a couple.

Meaningful Music

You’ll be shocked at the little details you’ll remember most about your wedding day, and one of them is definitely music! While you may be thinking that the only important song selection is for your first dances, that’s not the case! Take time to consider the songs you select to play throughout the day. When you hear them ten years down the road, they’ll be surprise reminders of those special moments!

Create a Keepsake Box

A lot of work goes into a wedding, and for a lot of couples, it starts the day you get engaged. To help remember those exciting times, try creating a keepsake box. You can fill it with things such as an invitation, your save-the-dates, engagement photos, your garter, dried flowers or even a napkin from your place settings. Not only is it something you and your spouse can use to reminisce in years to come, but it’ll also be something you can share with your future children and grandchildren.

Photos

There are several ways to use photos to create traditions. First and most obviously, you can fill a photo album with your wedding photos.

This would be great to pull out on anniversaries or when you just want to reminisce. In addition, you can also take a new picture of yourselves on each anniversary. It could be a session with a photographer, but it could also be as simple as snapping a picture on your phone. Over the years, it’ll be fun to look back on photos from previous anniversaries to see how you’ve evolved as a couple.

Honeymoon Destination

After the stress of making sure everything was perfect on you big day, you’ll probably be looking forward to your honeymoon! From foreign beaches to cruise ships, your options are pretty much endless! While it can be tempting to choose somewhere pricey and exotic to treat yourself, consider choosing somewhere more practical. Why? Because, if it’s somewhere that’s more accessible (both physically and financially), it would be a great tradition to go back there on your anniversary each year. Or, if that’s not feasible, you can always go back for the big ones! Revisiting that destination every year will be a great reminder of your big day and a special treat to look forward to.

Save a Bottle

If you’re looking for another way to treat your future self while celebrating your anniversary, nothing says celebration like a cocktail! On your wedding, tuck a bottle of you and your partner’s favorite wine, champagne, liquor, etc. away. You can even add a little note in there if you want.

On your anniversary, whether it be your first, fifth or tenth, pull it out and make a special toast to yourselves for making it so far. You deserve it!

Distinctivelysouthernwedding.com 38

Love at First Sight...

Celebrate your love, laughter and happily ever after and exchange vows in an exclusive, private club setting with gorgeous views.

JENNIFER TURRILL | Private Events Director 615.824.6528 x 5967 | jennifer.turrill@clubcorp.com bluegrasscountryclub.com 550 Johnny Cash Parkway | Hendersonville, TN 37075 © ClubCorp USA, Inc. All rights reserved. 42825 1020 AC

|| I Doo! ||

Lee Ellen Collins and Nathan Zachary DeVries

October 24, 2020 Distinctivelysouthernwedding.com 40

Nathan and Lee Ellen met while working summers together at East Port Marina on Dale Hollow Lake.

Every summer, for over five years, Lee Ellen worked to help with her college expenses. Lee was a quiet, shy young lady, who hardly spoke to Nathan for the first many seasons.

VENDORS Venue // The Farm at East Port Marina Alpine, Tennessee Wedding Dress // Couture by Tess Menswear // Street Tuxedo Hair & Makeup // A Head of Time Salon Rentals // Barn Props Photographer // Hailey B Creative Videographer // Nashfilms DJ / Band // Mike Sowders Catering // Pueblo Viejo / Obey River Grill Floral // Jimtown Florist Cake / Desserts // The Finicky Baker Wedding Planner // Wendy DeVries

Nathan graduated from UTC in 2017 and chose to help run the marina that his family owned. Lee Ellen continued to work summers for the marina, all through her final years of college. She graduated from Tennessee Tech in the spring of 2020 with a Bachelors Degree in Nursing. The story goes that Nathan’s Dad saw something first in Lee Ellen that he believed made her the perfect match for his son. But Nathan’s Dad wasn’t the only one who saw this.

Friends, co-workers and other family members also knew that there was a compatibility that you don’t always find. Their interests were the same, their sense of humor was the same and their personalities were very similar.

Everyone knew that these two belonged together. After a few months of gently testing the others interest, they went on a date, then another, then another, then, became inseparable. As expected, their relationship blossomed and grew into love. After a very planned proposal was derailed, thanks to the COVID crisis, Nathan quickly came up with a plan B and whisked her off to Asheville, North Carolina, where he proposed at the Grove Park Inn. To the happiness of both families and all of their friends, she said yes. The couple married at The Farm at East Port in October of 2020. Their wedding was nothing short of magical, and Lee Ellen looked like a princess.

Despite the difficulty and challenges of planning a wedding during the COVID crisis, 170 guests shared the big day with them; a testament to how much they are loved.

Distinctively Southern Wedding

Fall - Winter // issue five 41

|| Here Comes the Bride ||

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|| I Doo! ||

November 1, 2020

Harmony Hillyard and Chad Jones

Harmony was widowed suddenly, and certain she would never find love again.

Then she met the man she could only dream would be a part of her next journey. Chad, in all his chivalry, has shown Harmony, life is worth living, love is forever and ever changing.

Chad and Harmony chose to get married at a waterfall because, just like life, waterfalls wouldn’t be so melodious if it weren’t for the rocks in their way. The water pushes through, always changing and flowing, creating a beautiful sight, sound and presence.

Life is full of beauty despite any rocky beginnings. Waterfalls are flexible, so they don’t get hurt when they fall, but they allow themselves to fall.

The ceremony was perfectly gorgeous.

Their large family became one, and they wouldn’t have done it any other way.

VENDORS Venue // Foster Falls | Tracey City, Tennessee Wedding Dress // Firefflies Menswear // Men’s Warehouse Hair & Makeup // A Head of Time Salon Rentals // Barn Props Photographer // Jayden Frazier Photography

Bella Bridesmaids loves a wedding! With hundreds of dresses to choose from, your personal Bella stylist is ready for anything, whether you’re getting married in a grand ballroom or on the family farm.

You’ll have a personal shopping experience, combined with online convenience. If you’re girls live within 5 miles or are scattered across 5 states, there are 59 Bella locations to provide complementary fitttings. Come see us at Bella Bridesmaids Nashville! fi Bella Bridesmaids Nashville 3706 Hillsboro Pike Suite D | Nashville, TN 615-383-8004 | nashville@bellabridesmaids.com

|| Here Comes the Bride ||

Bridal Fashion Our Fall - Winter bridal fashion is nothing short of stunning.

These looks, from Couture by Tess Bridal, range from fairytale ballgowns to modern silhouettes. Tess’s 5-star and award winning bridal boutique, offers high quality, beautiful wedding dresses tailored perfectly for you from a selection of European designers, such as Julie Vino, Giovanna Alessandro and many more.

Schedule your appointment with Couture by Tess and find the perfect gown to walk down the aisle in.

Couture by Tess Bridal 31 W Broad Street Cookeville, Tennessee 931.559.4696 couturebytessbridal.com

GIOVANA ALESSANDRO Euphoria Collection - Marigold

Distinctivelysouthernwedding.com 46

JULIE VINO HAUTE COUTURE Dream Collection - Michelle

GIOVANA ALESSANDRO Euphoria Collection - Yael

ROMANZO BY JULIE VINO Grace Collection

GIOVANA ALESSANDRO Euphoria Collection - Moran

Distinctively Southern Wedding

Fall - Winter // issue five 47

JULIE VINO HAUTE COUTURE Dream Collection - Kelly

ROMANZO BY JULIE VINO Grace Collection

JULIE VINO HAUTE COUTURE Dream Collection

JULIE VINO HAUTE COUTURE Dream Collection

Winnie Couture, a Beverly Hills-based global leader in the bridal and couture fashion industry, is now open in Nashville. The store showcases over 150 exquisite gowns each season in-store and Winnie Couture designers create thirty to forty new gowns each season. Any of Winnie Couture’s gowns can be customized to create the one-of-a-kind wedding dress of a bride’s dreams. The store also offers an expansive selection of crystal belts, delicate veils and statement jewelry to complete the bridal vision. Winnie Couture’s Green Hills location includes three spacious bridal suites for the bride's beloved guests and wedding party.

LEONIE (left) A timeless satin A-line style embellished with a Swarovski crystal and moonstone belt and low V backline.

KEZIAH (right) An elegant long sleeve crepe sheath style featuring a high neckline and deep open backline framed with luxurious Swarovski crystals.

This season, many brides are saying goodbye to traditional ballgowns and taking risks with fresh, new trends! We’re seeing capes, which offer a modern alternative to a traditional veil. Capes add drama and visual interest while providing the benefits of a veil, like extra coverage and an optional train.

Backless and bareback dresses are also trending right now. These are the perfect style for the bride looking to make a statement, and can be paired with intricate lace backs, hand-beading or buttons. Customization is more popular than ever.

Fashion-forward brides are making their dresses one-ofa-kind by customizing every detail, including the train, lining, beading and more!

Located at 4113 Hillsboro Pike in Nashville. For more information or to book an appointment, call 615.913.3880 or email nashville@winniecouture.com

BRIELLE (left) An ethereal fit and flare silhouette with a beaded neckline and illusion backline, adorned with a glamorous crystal pattern.

Complete with delicate detachable flutter sleeves and tulle overskirt.

DIAMANTE (middle) A graceful A-Line style with a deep plunging neckline, painted with twinkling beading, flowing down the bodice onto the light and airy tulle skirt.

HENRIETTA (right) An intricately-detailed lace sheath silhouette with mesmerizing beaded sleeves. Features a gorgeous illusion backline with cascading crystals.

Distinctively Southern Wedding

Fall - Winter // issue five 51

Bella Bridesmaids Nashville is a unique retailer, ready to assist brides and their bridesmaids in finding the perfect dresses to complete the vision for their big day. By working with over twenty designers, we have a variety of styles, fabrics, colors and price points.

When you come to Bella, you can expect a fun in store shopping experience paired with one of our expert stylists. From there, we’ll do the hard work! We use a unique portal called the “Virtual Showroom” to keep track of orders and information. So we have the best of both worlds, combining an in person experience to actually see the dresses, combined with the convenience of online shopping. The icing on the cake is that there are fifty-nine Bella locations nationwide. Your bridesmaids can go to the location nearest them for a complementary fitting.

We’ve all experienced some uncertainty over the past months! At Bella Bridesmaids we stay in constant communication with our designer reps, keeping up with production schedule changes and discontinued colors and fabrics. We also know about frequent promotions, which we happily pass along to our brides and bridesmaids! By shopping with Bella, you’re also supporting a locally owned small business. So, when brides come to us, what are they looking for? The answer is…a little bit of everything! When it comes to wedding planning, the boundaries are wide. We love this part, as we get to know our brides and help them choose dresses to reflect her individual style.

We’re located in the Green Hills area, and are happy to be taking in person appointments again! We’re ready to celebrate BIG with 2021 weddings!

Distinctivelysouthernwedding.com 52

Bella Bridesmaids Nashville 3706 Hillsboro Pike, Suite D | Nashville, TN 615.383.8004 | nashville@bellabridesmaids.com

|| I Doo! ||

Ashley Anne Mayes and Robert Jacob Cole September 19, 2020

Jake proposed to Ashley in Nashville, Tennessee on the last night before she moved to Destin, Florida. They met in Music City and did the long distance dating thing until Jake moved to Florida as well. When they discussed their future together they knew that they wanted to say “I Do” in their new hometown Looking for a wedding venue, Ashley and Jake fell in love with the Bayview Terrace in Sandestin. It was the perfect mix of palm trees, the bay ocean water, and an indoor air conditioned reception room with all glass windows.

Their wedding coordinator, Jennifer Hankins, was such an outgoing, cheerful organized planner. She helped make everything smooth even with COVID-19 and Hurricane Sally, who made an appearance four

Distinctivelysouthernwedding.com 54

days prior to the wedding day. From the beginning to the end of all the wedding planning, she helped turn a dream into a real life magical wedding day. Ashley and Jake loved supporting their local vendors in the Destin - 30A area for their cake, florals and DJ. Jake’s ninety year old Granddaddy served as their officiant. The ceremony was so meaningful and faith filled. They feel blessed for everyone who helped make their wedding day so perfect. Although the day is over, they love watching their wedding video, flipping through pictures and reliving the best day ever!

VENDORS Venue // Bayview Terrace | Sandestin, Florida Wedding Dress // Margaret Ellen Bridal 30A Menswear // Holmes Clothing & Formalwear Hair // Gallant Glam Makeup // Belen Luque Bridesmaids // Bella Bridesmaids Photographer // Be Light Photography Videographer // Colling Films DJ / Band // DJ Valadi, Gulf Coast Entertainment Floral // Florals by the Sea Cake / Desserts // Bake by Day Destin Wedding Planner // Jennifer Hankins

Distinctively Southern Wedding

Fall - Winter // issue five 55

|| Here Comes the Bride ||

Interpreting Dress Codes Weddings are always so exciting, but much like the bride and groom, guests have their own ways to prep before the big day. They have to save the date, buy a gift, make travel plans when necessary and most importantly, plan their outfit! Whether you’re heading to the shower or rehearsal dinner or it’s time for the ceremony, here is a breakdown of possible dress codes and what they all mean.

Semi-Formal

Meet the middleman between formal and cocktail attire: semi-formal! A semiformal dress code gives guests a little more leeway in terms of dressing more cocktail or more formal. While you may see a few people in cocktail-ish attire, you will also see ladies in long gowns and a few men in tuxes. To prepare for this, if you do wear a short dress, it should definitely be one on the dressier side to blend in with those who choose to wear a longer gown. Likewise, if you choose to wear a longer gown, it should be something simple yet elegant, nothing too blingy so as to be cohesive with those are wearing shorter dresses. Heels are strongly recommended for a semi-formal dress code but not quite required. Men can wear suits or tuxes but should definitely have on dress shoes, a jacket and tie, and a pocket square, though optional, wouldn’t hurt either.

Cocktail

Cocktail attire is the tipping point on the scale of dress codes. For men, trousers are no longer an option. They should be in a full suit with dress shoes and a tie or bowtie.

For ladies, think of something you might wear on an elegant date night. Little black dresses are also a safe bet, but any short or mid-length cocktail dress should suffice.

Weddings with a cocktail dress code tend to be later in the day, so darker colors such as black, navy and maroon are always a good direction to get you started. If dresses aren’t your thing, a dressier jumpsuit works for cocktail attire as well. Heels are preferred with cocktail attire but not required- a dressier flat should be just fine.

Black Tie

Once the word “optional” is taken away from black tie, you know the expectations have changed to full-blown elegance. Much like formal and black tie optional, all women should be in a floor-length gown and heels.

However, the gown is expected to be a little dressier.

Instead of understated elegance, think subtle flare. Some embellishment, sparkle or shimmer is now encouraged not only in attire, but with accessories as well. Men should be in full black tuxes with dress shoes.

Distinctivelysouthernwedding.com 56

Formal or Black Tie optional

Couples who often don’t want to make tuxes required may use this phrase as a dress code. For women, short dresses should be eliminated as an option. While you don’t need to break out the gloves just yet, you should have on a floor-length gown and heels. Because the invitation says black-tie optional, it can still be a more understated gown as with semi-formal. For men, tuxes are highly encouraged but not quite mandatory just yet. If they do choose to wear a suit, black or grey is preferred and they should definitely be wearing a jacket, tie, pocket square and dress shoes.

White Tie

As far as dress codes go, it doesn’t get any more formal than white tie!

While not very common, you may occasionally come across this dress code. If you do, get ready to show up and show out! Ladies, you might have to go buy a new gown for this one. In addition, ladies are highly encouraged to wear gloves and bring out the bling! It wouldn’t hurt to consider getting your hair and makeup professionally done. Men should again have on full tuxes but are also encouraged to dress it up with top hats, cummerbunds and even a cane if you really wanted to go all out! A white tie wedding will no doubt be a night to remember.

Casual

A casual dress code gives guests a little more flexibility. While you may

see people in jeans, you could also see people in more casual dresses or skirts. When you see a casual dress code, think lighter, softer fabrics.

While it doesn’t mean you can show up in sweats, it does give you room for something more comfortable. When dressing casual for a wedding, be sure to still aim for a clean, classy look. Gentlemen, if you’re wearing jeans, this means to be sure to tuck your shirt in.

Ladies, this means no baggy tops or distressed fabrics.

Dressy Casual

The crowd of a dressy casual wedding can look similar to a casual wedding, but there are a few key differences. First and most obviously, it’s not as casual as a casual wedding. This means no jeans and that guests should be considering more sophisticated fabrics. A good rule of thumb is if you’d wear it to church on Easter Sunday, then it probably passes the dressy casual test. Women should wear dresses, skirts or dress pants and men should wear trousers and a button-up shirt with the option of a jacket and/or tie.

Themed

Get it excited, because this definitely isn’t your traditional wedding attire! A “themed” dress code can vary in meaning depending on what exactly the theme is, but the good news that a quick google search can probably give you some good ideas. From Gatsby Chic to Hawaiian Luau- this dress code is bound to be the most entertaining.

Distinctively Southern Wedding

Fall - Winter // issue five 57

|| Here Comes the Bride ||

A Southern Gentleman ….

Goes to a Wedding!

BY: DICK SHIPLEY Even for the most erudite of Southern gentlemen, most men have experienced that uncomfortable situation of being invited to an event and not feeling confident in their selection of proper attire. Unless you’ve been in the clothing business for thirty years (like myself ), these feelings are commonly felt among those of the male gender. Those occasions are most notably, weddings and New Year’s parties. Let’s focus this on the former, and for the cooler months.

Your options for any wedding will fall under but a few categories of dress; descending in order of formality: White Tie, Black Tie, Black Tie Optional, Semi-Formal/Cocktail, Dressy Casual, and Casual/Daytime Dress. Sound distressing? Take heart – it’s actually pretty straightforward, with just a few guidelines and tips that will relieve your stress level and ensure a fun event. Even in the most specific requests, there are many opportunities to show off your personal style. Like always, it’s not just what you wear, but how you wear it.

When your invitation dictates White Tie, just think of Fred Astaire in the movie Top Hat. Okay, an obscure reference for anyone under forty. Simply stated, White Tie is formal of the highest order: It means exactly that, and there is little room for interpretation – which can be wonderfully easy for a lot of men! It requires a full black dinner-suit (commonly referred to as a tuxedo) with tails; and accessorized all in white – from wing-collared dress shirt and bow tie, to waistcoat (vest) and pocket square (silk or linen). Your shoes should only be black patent leather. This spirit of dress is what inspired me to name my Boston Louie’s clothing business after my Boston Terrier.

Can you jazz it up with an aforementioned top hat, and a white carnation? Sure, but as in all categories of attire, follow this one cardinal rule of wedding dress: Never upstage the groom!

Black Tie gives you a little more license for personal style. As, while it still requires a dinner-suit, you have much greater latitude on the accouterments. Note: While I adhere to traditional dress codes, traditions evolve too. What was “over the top” twenty years ago is an option today. To be clear, a tuxedo is a dinner jacket consisting of either a satin or grosgrain lapel, with matching trousers that have a stripe down the out seam of the leg, of matching fabric to the lapel. In today’s sartorial environment,

Distinctivelysouthernwedding.com 58

“Black Tie gives you a little more license for personal style.”

you can typically choose between a black or midnight-blue (hello, millennials) colored tuxedo; and the style of suit coat thereof can have either a standard notch-lapel, peak lapel (single or double-breasted), or a shawl-collar.

The shirt should still be a white formal variety. Although, again, in today’s world, black may be acceptable, requiring front studs and cuff-links. The bow tie (preferred) should be a self-tied black satin. If you do opt for a necktie over the bow, however, you must stay with black, regardless of the shirt. Your accessories should include a black cummerbund or waistcoat, true to classic elegance. A non-black matching tie and cummerbund set (burgundy or silver, neat or woven), may be appropriate, but is to be donned with caution. The shoes still need to be black, but they can be patent leather or a suede. Just because you saw Dolph at the Oscar’s wearing a black shirt, red necktie, and sneakers with his tuxedo doesn’t make it right.

Here again, I will forewarn: Interpretation can lead to trickiness. Keep in mind that anytime it is specified White or Black Tie, your host is requesting conformity (if not uniformity) for their event. Consider the occasion, and the spirit of your invitation. When in doubt, stay more traditional!

Just one rung down the formality ladder is Black Tie Optional. All of the same rules for Black Tie still apply; alas, there is just a little more you can get away with, as well as not feeling out of place if you don’t own a tuxedo. A dark suit, preferably black, solid navy, or dark charcoal, will suffice in place of said formal wear, but it needs to be “formalized” with a classy, neat cravat. Also, here is where the dapper dresser gets to spread his wings. He can flaunt that classic dinner suit (because he owns one), along with more style expressed in the tie, cummerbund, etc. You can have fun with colors, reds or silver, typically - not lime or purple; not to mention patterns such as paisleys, stripes, and foulards; and woven textures to bring those qualities together in a rich, classic look.(Tip: A fancy dinner jacket is not only a great option here, as long as it is not too flashy for the wedding atmosphere; but is a must-have in the wardrobe of that “man-about-town,” since he can give the trousers with his current dinner suit double-duty.

The categories of Semi-Formal and Cocktail attire are very similar, and, again, a great place for comfort level and style to meet. Basically, SemiFormal means suit, but no tuxedo. Color wise, use the hat-holder attached to your neck. In cooler months, keep it dark. In warmer months you can lighten it up. While the dinner jacket (a little more fun here) can be worn for both S-F and Cocktail, reserve the use of a sport coat or blazer for Cocktail attire only, where you are also in-line with or without a tie. Also, while you may find “that guy” wearing a silk t-shirt with a suit or sport coat – and it may be okay in some settings – please quickly bury the thought of it at a wedding. Unless…

Your host has designated the wedding as Dressy Casual, which is probably a daytime affair. You are also probably on the higher level of dress here wearing a blazer or sport coat, but I recommend it. You may opt for a tie (a little whimsy here is apropos); however, it is not required, and may even be urged against. What is NOT okay are even the nicest of shorts or open-toe shoes.

Finally, there is Casual/Daytime Dress. In this setting, you can crawl across the finish line with nice knit shirt and trousers or khakis, no shorts.

Can you wear non-ripped jeans? Yes, but please consider this one piece of advice your mama gave you: Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. You are a Southern Gentleman, for goodness sakes…wear a jacket! If the groom is more casual than that, they probably didn’t send out invitations, anyway.

Like I’ve told my kids and clients, for years, unless you’re going to a church picnic on a Sunday afternoon, you really can’t be overdressed – within reason.

Every Southern Gentleman should have a tuxedo in their wardrobe. But if you have a question, give me a call. Now, same as ever: Look your best, and feel your best. If you follow these guidelines, you can accept the challenge, go to the next wedding, and have a great time.

“Every Southern Gentleman should have a tuxedo in their wardrobe.”

Distinctively Southern Wedding

Fall - Winter // issue five 59

|| I Doo! ||

Sarah Katherine Finch and Nathanial Ray Dilts October 10, 2020

Nate and Sarah’s wedding was on a very rainy day in middle Tennessee. Their initial hope was to have a simple backyard wedding with plans for a reception inside the Dilts family home but with a hurricane suddenly in the forecast, (thanks, 2020), they chose to have both the ceremony and reception indoors. One of the highlights of the wedding for Nate and Sarah was to see how their different tastes for art and design came together and their creative ways of working with the curveballs that this year’s events threw their way. Thanks to their mutual love for nature and DIY, Nate’s eye for design and Sarah’s love of natural textures and color all came together beautifully for their boho-chic wedding. Arguably the most captivating part of the venue were the hundreds of string lights cascading down from the ceiling that Nate spent hours hanging prior to the wedding.

Nate’s dad created a rustic arbor where a beautiful sprawling arrangement of flowers hung. Around seventy five family members and close friends joined the Dilts’ at their wedding while many more joined in through a Facebook live feed.

In proper 2020 fashion, masks as well as personalized hand sanitizer bottles were given as favors to guests. The wedding dress was a stunning Martina Liana dress with a long lace train and beautiful beaded details. The bridesmaids all wore long black dresses of their choice and carried bouquets hand arranged by Sarah and the family just a couple of days earlier. The groomsmen wore grey suits of their choice and wore mix-matched floral bowties from Birch Craft and Co. with light pink pocket squares. The ceremony was sweet and simple, and emphasized Nate and Sarah’s pledge to not only honor their commitment to one another but also to God. At the end of the ceremony, the string trio played This Will Be An Everlasting Love as Nate and Sarah walked together down the aisle (one of Sarah’s favorite little details that commemorated how they met...on e-harmony!). The reception featured fresh, fall-themed food and was filled with dancing, toasts, and catching up with friends and family. At the end of the night, the guests gave a sparkler send-off for the new Mr. and Mrs. Dilts!

Distinctivelysouthernwedding.com 60

VENDORS Venue // Backyard Barn Wedding | Lebanon, Tennessee Wedding Dress // Wedding Angels Boutique Menswear // Men’s Warehouse | Bowties - Birch Craft & Co. Hair & Makeup // Jacey Calvert Rentals // Art Pancake Chair & Table Rentals Photographer // Alyssa Card Photography Videographer // Pablo Zuniga Video Catering // Nashville Events & Catering Cake / Desserts // Publix Wedding Planner // The Gathering Good Co. - Hannah Mitchell

|| Here Comes the Bride || TOP 10 CLASSIC WEDDING GIFTS TO GIVE While I personally believe a classic set of Tiffany champagne flutes is the best way to go when gifting for a wedding, these days anything goes. Of course, it depends on the relationship with the couple – you may well be able to gift something very personal and specialized.

But for those who, invite in hand, head to the registry list and find few options left to purchase, when in doubt: Go for the basics.

This list reflects the basics in wedding gift giving. Now, this does not mean that china, crystal and silver or other flatware are NOT still very appropriate and always appreciated.

Wedding Beverage Package Franklin Wine and Spirits is your neighborhood beverage store offering a comprehensive library of beverages to satisfy everyone. Located in McKay’s Mill in Franklin, Tennessee at 1400 Liberty Pike.

1. Quality Pots and Pans

Franklin Wine and Spirits offers the following options to make your day special: • Complimentary wine tasting at the store for 6.

2. Classic Bar ware – glassware, nice martini shaker, etc.

• 15% discount on all wine. 1% additional discount for beverage pick up. Making that a 16% discount on wines.

3. Alcohol – as in a vintage bottle of champagne or a specialty liquor

• Buy-back program allowing you to return unopened items.

4. Fancy Knives

• Food and wine consultation.

5. Fancy Appliances – think KitchenAid Mixer or Vitamix

To schedule your tasting, orders or for further information, please call Christy Burkhalter at 615-335-2969 or christysellsnashville@gmail.com, or Gino DeSalvatore at 615-604-8656 or gdesalvatore1@aol.com.

6. Good linens 7. Nice Luggage 8. Furniture 9. Beautiful Picture Frames 10. Money

• Complimentary delivery in a 60-mile radius.

• Consultation with venue coordinator.

|| I Doo! ||

Ashley Elizabeth Hansen and William Nathaniel Carrion III October 16, 2020

October 16, 2020 - The day she said: “I do” to her forever person.

The day her last name changed. The day she waited her entire life for.

It was here and it was happening.

Ashley was rushing to finish getting ready and make it to the venue on time for the first look. She hurried to put on her gorgeous gown with all her bridesmaids behind her. All she could think about was Nathan.

She couldn’t wait to see him. The moment came. She wrapped her arms around him and laid her head on his back, holding him tight. It was calm. It was quiet. It was exactly what she needed. Then he turned around and saw his bride for the very first time.

After a while, the ceremony was about to start. She raced up the hill at Belle Hollow in such excitement to meet her Dad and wait for all the guests to be seated. As they were waiting, she was practicing her vows with her Daddy to make sure she knew exactly what she wanted to say. He told her, “Just speak from your heart. You aren’t going to remember everything you wrote down anyways so don’t worry about it. Just say what you feel, and the rest will follow.” It was time. She grabbed her Daddy’s arms with both hands (forgetting her bouquet), and started to walk down the aisle to the most beautiful song, You Are Mine

by Spencer Combs.” This was the most magical moment for her as the bride. Stepping under the arch, she grabbed Nathan’s hands, gazing into his gorgeous hazel eyes, and listened to the minister, as they were about to be husband and wife.

VENDORS Venue // The Belle Hollow | Clarksville, Tennessee Wedding Dress // The White Room Menswear // The Black Tux Online Hair // Karlee Hetland Bridesmaids // Lulu’s Tricks of the Trade Dress Photographer // Brandon Keith Photography DJ / Band // DJ Mark Catering // The Belle Hollow Floral // Sango Village Florist - Brittney Holt Cake // The Farmhouse Cakery - Nicole Stewart

“ Marriage is love walking hand in hand together. It’s laughing with each other about silly little things and learning to discuss big things with care and tenderness. In marriage, love is trusting each other when you are apart. It’s getting over disappointments and hurts, knowing that these are present in all relationships. It is the realization that there is no one else in this world that you’d rather be with than the one you are married to. It’s thinking of new things to do together; it’s growing old together. Marriage is being in love for the rest of your life.” (by Chris Arids).

“You mean everything to me Nathan Carrion. You are my safe place. You are my home. You are my best friend. I promise to be faithful to you forever. I promise to give my whole to you. Everything is yours. I love you. I can’t wait to be your wife.“ Ashley

Distinctively Southern Wedding

Fall - Winter // issue five 63

|| I Doo! ||

Emily Megan Jones and Timothy Ray Campbell October 15, 2020

To elope was the plan but their kids had something different in mind.

After all, it had taken them twenty-six years to get to this day. They met their freshmen year of high school but never dated back then.

Social media was to thank for the reconnection after all this time.

Friendly comments, messaging and his perseverance led them to where they are today or at least that is the story Megan likes to tell. Their wedding day has a significant meaning for Megan as her three children were born in 2005, 2010 and 2015. Every five years a major milestone occurred in her life that meant the world to her. It seemed as if history were repeating itself with another major milestone happening in 2020, the completion of her family. What better date to become “Campbell party of five,” than 10-15-20! With less than a month to the wedding day and juggling a booming real estate career at the same time, the planning began. What was only going to be a small intimate outdoor

ceremony quickly changed once she laid eyes on Battle Mountain Farm. The setting was gorgeous, the space was huge, and the wedding then grew. A maid of honor and best man quickly became six bridesmaids, six groomsmen, a flower girl and a ring bearer. They had the chance to include family and friends in their special day and that is what meant so much to them. With barn doors open, masks being worn and hand sanitizer on each table, it was not your typical table décor but then again there has not been anything typical with 2020 including Tim and Megan getting married. If you asked each of them a year ago if they would be married in 2020, they would have laughed and said no way. The truth is, you never know what the next day, next month or next year will bring you but one thing is for sure…everyone is so happy that Megan and Tim reconnected and wish them a lifetime of love and happiness together.

VENDORS Venue // Battle Mountain Farm College Grove, TN Wedding Dress // David’s Bridal Menswear // Men’s Warehouse Hair & Makeup // Brenlyn Craker Photographer // Cayleigh Ely Photography and Through The Lens of Kim Reasonover Videographer // Autumn Shrader DJ / Band // Chris Yow-Big Daddy Outlaw Catering // Tasty Table Murfreesboro Floral // Garden Delights / Janie Dunnivant Cake / Desserts // Whisk and the Whimsy

|| Here Comes the Bride || TRADITIONAL& MODERN ANNIVERSARY GIFT CLASSICS Once the magic of the wedding day has passed and the bliss of opening all of those gifts and enjoying those first months of marriage has dimmed ever so slightly into routine, but hopefully not mundane, wedded harmony – you continue to celebrate throughout the years (many as we all hope), your anniversary every year, to commemorate your special day.

Here, we break down the different traditional and modern anniversary gifts by just a handful of the significant annual milestones as a couple.

The 700 acre family farm of Sara and Keith Shepherd, and their daughters, Jessica and Jackie Shepherd, is home to two unique venue options and sits in the heart of the rolling hills of western Kentucky just north of Nashville.

If outdoor weddings and nature is your thing, then the 4000 square foot Tobacco and Chapel barns are the venues to get married in. The chapel barn has hardwood floors, crystal chandeliers, Edison string lightning, white church pews, and three different arches to choose from that all help to create that fairytale wedding you always dreamed of. The Tobacco barn has five antique crystal chandeliers, stained concrete floors, a deck and patio with a 150 year old outdoor stone fireplace.

If modern industrial is your thing, then you will love our newest venue, Keith Glen. With over 7000 square feet, Keith Glen is located in the woods with a pond and lighted fountain. Its features include a 30 foot wall of glass, a massive stone fireplace, exposed steel beams, concrete, several chandeliers as well as tin and natural wood features. There is also a one of a kind copper topped bar!

Whichever venue you chose, the Shepherd Family and their staff will go above and beyond to ensure you will never forget your day at Burdoc Farms!

1st Anniversary

Burdoc Farms 1655 Pleasant Grove Road Crofton, KY 42217 270.348.1483 burdocfarms@hotmail.com burdocfarms.com Follow us on Social Media: @burdocfarms

Traditional: Paper Modern: Clocks

5th Anniversary Traditional: Wood Modern: Silverware

10th Anniversary

Traditional: Aluminum or Tin Modern: Diamond Jewelry

20th Anniversary Traditional: China Modern: Platinum

25th Anniversary

Traditional and Modern: Sterling Silver Spending a quarter of a century in love is worth celebrating with such a precious and valuable metal.

No wonder a 25th anniversary celebration is called a “silver jubilee.”

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50th Anniversary

Traditional and Modern: Gold Only something as desirable, classic and luxe as gold can represent such an important milestone (dubbed the “golden anniversary”).

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|| Did You Know ||

Funny Marriage Laws There is no doubt that wedding planning can be stressful. Between booking vendors, finding a dress and picking a date, you deserve a good laugh. So without further or do, take a look at these funny marriage laws from different states!

In Wichita, Kansas, your mother-in-law can’t be the cause of divorce.

In Kentucky, you can’t marry the same person more than three times.

In Hartford, Connecticut, married couples aren’t allowed to kiss in public on Sundays.

In Delaware, getting married on a dare is grounds of annulment.

In both Mississippi and Tennessee, a county clerk can deny a marriage license to couples who appear to be drunk or insane.

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I t ake you, unt il forever

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