Nashville weddings

Miranda + Grant’s Long-Awaited Eclectic, Intimate Wedding at CJ’s Off the Square

Monday, December 5, 2011

First, we featured their amazing engagement shoot by Ace Photography, and now we bring you the "I Do's" of Miranda and Grant. If you don't remember the first post - Grant propsed to Miranda three times before she said yes! Each time was equally romantic and sweet....but Miranda knew that the timing had to be right. And their wedding photos show that the time was definitely right! These two couldn't be more in love and happy together. Their love and style eminate in their wedding day, with a strong mix of eclectic flair in their intimate, downtown Franklin ceremony.

Ace Photography was the first vendor that Miranda and Grant chose, and from the engagement photos to capturing their wedding day, they definitely picked the right fit!

Miranda + Grant
Wedding Date ~ May 14, 2011
Ceremony & Reception ~ CJ’s Off The Square
Guests ~ 61

Wedding Team

Stationery - Design + Invite | Southall Eden Paperie
Stationery - Programs | Williamson County Weddings and Events
Gown & Sash | Blue by Enzoani
Bride's Jewelry | Sorrelli
Bride's & Groom's Shoes | TOMS
Groom’s Suit | Topman
Groom's Vest & Shirt | Express
Groom's Bow Tie | Otis James
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen outfits
  Matron of Honor Dress | Watters & Watters - Wtoo Collection
  Honorary Bridesmaids | They were asked to wear a black dress of their choosing
  Best Man's Attire | Vest- Express, Necktie- Forever21, all else was requested by color from his closet
  Honorary Groomsmen | Necktie- Express, everything else was requested by color from their closets
Hair & Makeup | Amy Lynn Larwig, reviews
Officiant | Bride’s father- Robert Ward Jr.
Ceremony musicians | Bride’s cousin- Andrew Smith
Transportation | Tandem Bicycle
Caterer | A Catered Affair, reviews
Baker | The Bake Shoppe, reviews
Florist | The Enchanted Florist, reviews
Specialty drinks | ‘My Jones’ Jones Soda
Photographer & Videographer | Ace Photography, reviews
Reception Musicians | Notable Occasions

How would you describe your style as a couple?

Eclectic

How did you incorporate that style into your wedding?

Our overall theme was to bring the inside out, with vintage heirlooms/furniture, silhouettes, and mismatched textures.

What was the favorite aspect of your wedding?

How extensively involved our family was throughout the day... The ceremony began with my father, Robert Ward Jr., walking me down the aisle to be received by my eldest brother, Robert Ward III. The crowd was in tears until my brother lightened the mood by quoting, in full character, the priest’s excerpt from the movie, “The Princess Bride”. After my father gave his blessing, he then took the role of officiant. My mother, Yvonne Ward, read beautifully written personal remarks that had me sentimentally weeping.

During the lighting of the unity candle, my cousin, Andrew Smith, performed an impressive rendition of Elijah Wyman’s song, “Firm Foundation”, on acoustic guitar. Before we were pronounced man and wife, the countdown began with The Flaming Lips’ song, “Do You Realize?” as the garden bell tolled. One of the most special elements of the reception, was the interlude to the father/daughter dance. I played a track of a recording I had made for my father as a young girl called, “I Want To Marry Daddy When I Grow Up”.

Where did you splurge?

Photography and venue

Where did you save/DIY?

Bridal party attire, favors, and officiant

Now that the wedding day is over, is there anything about your planning process you feel you could have done differently?

No, CJ’s Off The Square’s dedicated staff made the planning experience enjoyable and kept us on track every step of the way. (Which is saying a lot due to the fact we planned our wedding in only five months.) Hiring them exceeded our expectations because they served not only as a venue but our professional wedding planners.

In one sentence, what words of advice do you have for couples in the midst of their planning?

Bride’s advice: I recommend keeping your wedding intimate; it gives you more time to focus on what’s important- your groom/bride, your love, and your day, instead of having to entertain and mingle.

Groom’s advice: Enjoy the time planning with your significant other as much as possible, because when it’s over, you’ll never have that experience again.

Thanks for sharing your wedding with us! We love the flair and intimacy of your entire day!

About the Author:

Megan

I’m new to the wedding industry. Before getting engaged I literally avoided any websites for weddings only because I knew, once I delved in, I would become obsessed…. And it’s true. Once I got engaged, I did become obsessed and luckily, about that time, I started working in the wedding industry. So my interest increased on two levels. Now I am a newlywed and still enjoying the industry. I love writing, social media and connecting to people; happily, I get to do all of this with ABG.

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send   Posted on December 5, 2011 | Filed under: Real Nashville Weddings