Modern Museum Wedding in Tennessee

Q1: Tell us about your wedding! 

A1: “Our wedding was nothing short of amazing to us. I knew I wanted something very different, out of the box- but classic. Something intimate and modern. We used black and white, and lots of lush greens to really make it pop. We didn’t get married in a church but definitely wanted our faith present. Our harpist, Ansley Unsworth, helped us choose music that fit exactly what we wanted. Hearing “Great Is Thy Thankfulness,”  while waiting to walk down the stairs with my dad was very calming and meaningful. My dad and I walked in to “Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing.” I will never forget those moments. My favorite thing our minister did was to ask our guests to raise their hand towards us in prayer. We had no idea he was going to do that. It was so heartfelt and moving, it naturally brought me to tears.”

Q2: Let’s talk wedding decor.

A2: “For the ceremony, we wanted a circle seating arrangement for all our family and friends. Talk about intimate! The backdrop was large glass windows that view the river and other scenery we didn’t want to block. Our alter was 2-floor garlands with a mix of greens, and my favorite element for surprise, an artichoke! It was simple yet made a statement. The simplicity of it made us feel closer to our guests, and it didn’t distract from the moment of marriage. Our focus was each other and when our attention was brought to our scripture readings, we were able to make eye contact with them as well as our guests. We were so close to everyone, it was truly so special. Our reception was dramatic and elegant, moody and modern. Easy Bistro is one of the most beautiful spaces in Chattanooga. With its painted black walls and ceiling with white columns and mirrors, I knew that was the perfect space to pull off the black and white color palette. The space itself is art. We used black taper candles with gold candlestick holders, monsteria leaves in apothecary vases, gold cylinders with a mix a greens, similar to the ceremony garland- with artichoke and all!”

Q3: What were the florals like?

A3: “It’s easy to say that flowers were the most important thing to me. I definitely had a vision and knew Field & Flora would bring it to life. Our flowers and greenery were natural, texturized, and wildly beautiful. My bouquet was long stems, long ribbon to floor, blown-out white flowers, a few dark ranunculi, artichoke, magnolia leaves, lush dark greens, dramatic, big, and not a tight bouquet. It was stunning, better than what I imagined. Every element of the flowers were designed to complement both spaces and coordinate with my bouquet.”

Q4: Did you personalize the day in any way?

A4: “We have a black labrador named Hampton. And since he couldn’t make it to the wedding, we used his cute little self throughout the day. Jeremy and I had black lab pendants, his on his boutonniere, mine on my bouquet. Laura Cleary Art designed all of our paper. She painted a watercolor of Hampton that we used on our save the dates, thank you cards, and welcome sign. He was also Jeremy’s groom’s cake and we named our signature cocktail after him. Getting ready with our friends was such a wonderful way to start the day. I rented a house to give us more room, and to have more of a home feel to hanging out with my girlfriends. They spoiled me with making tons of food and mimosas for us to enjoy throughout the whole day. Jeremy and his buddies met early, played golf, drank beers, and enjoyed the 80-degree weather- what a shock in February! Before our ceremony, we had a champagne cocktail hour.  Our guests arrived to champagne and visited on the terrace. I surprised Jeremy with a cigar bar! I don’t know who loved it more, Jeremy or the guests!”

Q5: Let’s talk fashion.

A5: “I knew I wanted a certain silhouette and material. Monica’s didn’t disappoint! I went with my mom and best friend and after much thought and discussion, decided on a beautifully detailed crape dress. The dress had buttons all down the back, white crochet lace on the train and at the top. The dress had an illusion of being strapless but was a nude-colored mesh that provided more comfort than a strapless dress. I knew I wanted a long train and a floor-length veil- that was something than I had imagined since I was little! I borrowed my cousin’s vintage earrings that she wore in her wedding. My dress didn’t need much accessorizing, it would have taken away from the dress. For shoes, I wore a metallic gold peep toe heel with an ankle strap. Jeremy wore the all-time classic and favorite black tux. He felt that most fit him and the look of the wedding. My groom was so handsome!”

Q6: How did you meet? Tell us about the proposal.

A6: “Jeremy and I met a long time ago, but were on different paths in our lives. We reconnected years later through his cousin and her best friend, who was interning where I work. He reached out, he asked me out, and we never looked back. Jeremy proposed on a Wednesday- I was so surprised! He knew he had to use our dog when proposing. So after many thoughts on how to incorporate Hampton, he decided home was the best place. When I got there, he told me we had dinner reservations because we had lots of things to celebrate! He began to list them, and said he had 1 more. That moment, he got down on one knee, Hampton sat beside him, and he asked me to marry him! After saying OMG a million times, I said yes. Of course I didn’t even see the ring, but once I did, I couldn’t believe it. It was a yellow diamond, something I wanted but didn’t know he knew. Icing on the cake.”

Q7: What was the most anticipated or special moment of your wedding day?

A7: “By far, the first look. Seeing each other was for sure the most anticipated and special moment. It was so exciting, neither of us were nervous. It was something just for us and it eased all the nerves for the rest of the evening.”

Q8: Do you have any wedding planning or marriage advice to share with other couples planning their day?

A8: “Don’t stress, and don’t adopt someone else’s stress,  this day will come together and be flawless no matter what happens! Choose vendors who make this a fun planning experience, and also who you can trust. I chose vendors not only that were awesome, but also because of their personalities. They are with you the whole day or are setting up for you all day. I knew I would find laughter and calmness in each person I chose. Also know going in that who you chose may end up making adjustments for numerous reasons. Trust that they have you in mind and will do what is best for you and your vision. And on that day, let go! It is the most exciting time of your life that is all about you and your person. Don’t get too caught up in the details and logistics, it really does just come together like magic! Someone gave me the best advice, and that was to be present. The wedding week and day goes by so fast, it can be a blur. Take a step back, a deep breath, and live in the moment. It is such an awesome moment, you don’t wanna miss it!”