Photos by Elizabeth Messina

Natural beauty, understated styling and luscious light heightened the stunning southern wedding of New York residents Heather and John, who brought guests to Nashville to celebrate their marriage in one of their favorite destinations. New York based photographer Elizabeth Messina joined them to capture some pretty amazing images in film, with her ethereal, signature style. Heather is a photographer herself, so naturally visual elements were a priority in styling her wedding , which she wanted to reflect simple beauty.

Heather and John enjoy gardening and wanted beautiful florals in every aspect of their celebration.  Romantic blossoms in pastel pinks, creamy yellow and ivory were displayed in our collection of pink depression glass, medicine bottles and milk glass, for simple yet magically romantic decor.  Heather added additional texture to tabletops through pale pink tulle overlays and slate heart table numbers (from BHLDN).  Heather and John chose Cedarwood’s Outdoor Cathedral for the ‘feel’ of a church wedding in the open countryside.  Erected with ten foot Gothic church windows and antique carved church pews in our natural green meadow, the vintage, re-claimed materials, lovely flowers and soft lighting created a sacred and majestic setting for their nuptials. Cocktails in a vintage barn, a romantic interlude on Mooncake Lake, and a bounty of local cuisine helped Heather and John entertain guests with southern charm in a variety of settings – with lots of great music, of course!

Thanks Heather and John for choosing Cedarwood, and Elizabeth Messina, for the incredible photography!

Linda & the Cedarwood Event Team

Resources:

Venue:  Historic Cearwood   www.historiccedarwood.com

Event planner:  Cedarwood Weddings  www.cedarwoodweddings.com

Floral designer: Cedarwood Weddings

Rentals: Connie Duglin  www.connieduglinlinen.com

Caterer and menu:  A Dream Come True Catering  www.adctcatering.com –   Chef-prepared tasting menu, including ~ shrimp and grits martini station with smoked gouda grits and risotto; Mixed baby greens with goat cheese, sun dried cranberries, toasted pecans and cranberry vinaigrette; rosemary roasted beef tenderloin with horseradish demi-glace and cabernet reduction; herb roasted turkey breast with mini croissants, country gravy and fresh cranberry-mandarin relish

Baker and cake flavor:  Patty Cakes  www.pattycakes-tn.com – top tier-Amaretto; second tier-Sour Cream Pound Cake; third tier-dark chocolate fudge

Ceremony music:  Nashville Wedding Guitarist  www.nashvilleweddingguitarist.com

Cocktail music:  Jace Aaron Entertainment

Bride’s dress:  Monique Lhuillier

Bridesmaids dresses:  Jim Hjelm

Officiant:  Annette Peters

Host hotel:  Nashville downtown Hilton

Transportation: Grand Avenue