Nashville weddings

Lovely Lanterns - Kristin & Lewis’ Wedding with McNeal Wedding Video

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Since it's been a rather frigid, cold week, we thought we'd whisk you away to a warmer time of the year to a pretty spectacular wedding on the grounds of the bride's parent's home.  Lush greenery, beautiful surroundings with the evening topped off with the coolest element I've seen at a wedding so far - hot air balloons. Before you get all incredulous on me, let me just preface this by saying these aren't ordinary hot air balloons.  You'll just have to keep reading to see what I mean.  Here with a wonderful recap of the day is Cheryl from McNeal Wedding Films.  Taken from Cheryl's Notes on their blog, we get to relive the day as they saw it. Enjoy!

ABG Favorite Real Wedding Blog Post - Kristin & Luis by McNeal Wedding Films

Most of our weddings take place at amazing public venues, but we are also fortunate to cover weddings at absolutely beautiful private residences. And this was the case with our last wedding on August 7, 2010, when Kristin and Luis were married at the home of Kristin’s parents. The wedding was followed by a reception, also at that location.

This wedding was an international affair. Luis’ family flew in from Mexico City, Mexico. Kristin and Luis themselves flew in from Sidney, Australia where they have been living. And even though Mexico and Australia are beautiful countries, AND even though it’s winter in Australia and the temperature may be more to my liking (since Cheryl does NOT do the heat), I don’t think Kristin could have found a more beautiful location.

SKY LANTERNS from McNeal Video on Vimeo.

Lynette, Team Dawn, and I arrived about two hours before the ceremony would be taking place, and we got busy fast capturing all of the gorgeous decorations and surroundings. When we arrived, Kristin was already dressed for her day and was having photographs taken. Kristin looked so beautiful! She wore a romantic lace gown with an empire waist. Her hair was upswept, and in it she wore a jeweled head-band and flowers. In her ears were gorgeous chandelier earrings which belonged to her mother.

I loved the colors that Kristin chose for her wedding. Kristin used deep purple and lavender along with pale creams and yellows. I loved that each wedding program had fresh lavender tied in with the bows. It smelled really nice!

Everything looked so beautiful. The area where the ceremony took place had a babbling brook on one side, a bucolic pasture complete with two horses on the other, and rolling hills on the other. Plus, right behind the gorgeous trellis of pale yellow roses and hydrangeas where Kristin and Luis said their vows, was a pond filled with koi, surrounded by lush plants and trees. Candles hung from trees, and flowers floated in the pool. And since it was a hot day, woven fans were placed in each chair for the guests to use to help stay cool during the ceremony.

Kristin’s parents were wonderful hosts. No detail was overlooked. When guests arrived they were greeted by music from a Mariachi band, and by servers offering ice water, lemonade, and champagne.

There were so many details and so much going on, but wedding planner Elizabeth James and her assistants kept everything running so smoothly. It almost looked effortless! We cannot stress enough the importance of having a really great planner for the most important day of your life!

Soon it was time for the ceremony to begin. Guests were seated, and Lynette, Dawn and I took our places. Since Kristin and Luis had chosen to not see each other before the ceremony, it was very important to capture Luis’ expression when he first saw Kristen walking down the aisle. I think we got it. And I think Luis was happy with what he saw!

The ceremony itself was very touching, with Kristin and Luis sharing vows that they wrote themselves. It was a happy ceremony, and as it came time for the minister to pronounce Kristin and Luis as Husband and Wife, Kristin and Luis looked so excited and happy that they could barely contain themselves. I love it when couples look happy during their ceremony!

After the ceremony, Kristin and Luis were whisked off for photographs, while guests were treated to more music from the Mariachi band, and hors d’oeuvres and drinks around the pool. As the sun set, guests made their way into the reception tent to await the arrival of the bride and groom.

The reception area itself was located inside one of the largest tent I think I’ve ever seen. And best of all, it was totally enclosed and totally air conditioned! Guests first entered into a foyer area, then made their way into the main tent area where beautifully decorated tables awaited them.  The tables were decorated with gorgeous flower arrangements and candles burning everywhere. If I didn’t know better, I would have thought I was inside a banquet room at a hotel, rather than in a tent. It was very lovely. I especially loved the lighting...

In the center of the room were the cakes. The wedding cake was a several tiered cake topped by a tiny replica of the Sidney Opera House. The groom’s cake was decorated with the Mexican flag. Dawn had a piece of the groom’s cake, and I had a piece of the wedding cake and both were YUM.

Kristin and Luis had little Australian flags at their table…..After guests were seated, Kristen and Luis made their entrance and went straight into their first dance. After the special dances, guests were served salad and the buffet was opened. Even though it was a festive atmosphere, the evening did not seem rushed. Kristen and Luis took their time eating, talking with guests, and just enjoying their evening. I love a nice atmosphere like that!

After everyone finished with their meal, Kristin and Luis cut their cake and drank a toast. The dance floor was then formally opened and guests had a great time dancing the night away. The band for the evening was Inception. I had never heard them play before, but they sounded great! Kristin and Luis enjoyed dancing too. They looked so happy.

Then came the bouquet toss and garter toss…..One last dance…...….and sky lanterns were released as Kristin and Luis made their exit to an awaiting red vintage convertible, and to the sounds of their friends and family’s good-nights and good-wishes, and Inception’s horn section playing “When the Saints Go Marching In”….(I think the honeymoon destination was The Big Easy)…..

It was a perfect ending to the perfect day. And a perfect beginning to a new life together as Husband and Wife….

Best wishes and safe travels to Kristin and Luis! Your happiness on this day was infectious and made me smile. Thanks to you both and to your families for allowing us to capture this wonderful day for you. It was a beautiful, beautiful day.

Thanks Cheryl, we love reading your recaps of the weddings! 

About the Author:

Tabitha

Blogging is something I’ve enjoyed doing for years. My interests lie mostly in lifestyle related topics like fashion, style, design, food and weddings. When I heard Ashley was looking to bring on new members to the ABG team, I jumped at the opportunity - I can’t think of a better way to stay involved in weddings than to write about them and to stay in touch with the trends and new ideas. Lucky for me, Ashley likes my blog and trusts my experience to bring me on and so far, it’s been a blast.

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send   Posted on February 10, 2011 | Filed under: Real Nashville Weddings