Leslie & Nathan’s Wedding at Oaklawn Plantation: Tradition Sprinkled With A Lot Of Elbow Grease
Friday, December 6, 2013
When a bride and groom are able to pull off a seamless blend of tradition and creativity, it makes for one pretty special wedding day. Leslie and Nathan combined their love for the great outdoors with their desire to have their personal stamp on the details for the June wedding at the pristine Oaklawn Plantation in Spring Hill.
With the help of their wedding planner, Damon Goude of Regalo Design, and a little elbow grease, thanks to Nathan’s “Mr. Fix It” mentality, the couple was able to pull off a gorgeous wedding day, right down to the handmade cornhole boards, cocktail bars and tree bark centerpieces.
I am happy to share Leslie's wedding day and the details that made it one to remember.
Leslie & Nathan
Wedding Date ~ June 1, 2013
Ceremony & Reception Venue ~ Oaklawn Plantation in Spring Hill
Budget ~ $30,000-$40,000
Guests ~ 300
My Wedding Details
How would you describe your style as a couple?
We wanted the wedding to not be about a certain style but to be about us. With that said, if we had to categorize our style, it would probably be southern chic. We wanted the outdoor, rustic vibe with burlap and mason jars all over the historic plantation. We also incorporated antique dressers, old doors and shutters for décor.
How did you incorporate that style into your wedding?
We wanted to integrate our style into the wedding so it would reflect us. We love the outdoors so we knew we wanted an outdoor wedding. Being from the south, we wanted a southern style wedding and what better way to have such a wedding than at a historic plantation? We found an amazing house that was just miles away from where we had our first date. Nathan is a “Mr. Fix It”, so he wanted to make anything I asked him to. He chopped the wood we needed for tree bark centerpieces, and built the cornhole boards and cocktail bars we used at the wedding. He also cut rustic wood signs that we put throughout the venue with different sayings, such as our honeymoon destination distance, "the best day ever", "eat, drink and be married"...
As far as colors, I wanted muted colors so that the outdoors would embrace our wedding in a simple and natural way. Our colors were dove gray and accented with blush pink.
What was your (or your guests’) favorite aspect of your wedding?
Instead of doing typical appetizers, we chose to do popcorn stations with multiple flavors that included: dill pickle, key lime pie, white cheddar and caramel corn. Guests really enjoyed the “groom’s cake” which was a Maggie Moo’s ice cream truck that drove up during the reception.
Where did you splurge? Where did you save/DIY?
We splurged on photography. I had heard from a few friends that tried to cut their budget on a photographer and were so upset with their decision later. Pictures are something you will always have and will always be able to look back on so I decided to splurge there. We had two photographers on the wedding day and a reception photo booth. Twila’s Photography was amazing! I was amazed at how she was able to capture our wedding day in such special ways.
As far as saving, Nathan was able to make a lot of our rustic décor.
In the decision to have a wedding planner, we splurged and saved. Yes, it cost some money up front, but the help, organization and creativity he brought along the way definitely was worth it. We also saved because we were able to use his table linens, lights, vases, chandeliers - and he was our florist too! The day of the wedding I didn’t have to worry about one thing. Damon made sure all vendors were there on time, lights were hung and décor was placed. Because of that, I got to relish every minute of June 1st. I was able to focus on enjoying the wedding day and marrying my best friend.
Now that the wedding day is over, is there anything about your planning process you feel you could have done differently?
I would have had a checklist for the actual day of — my mind was not thinking clearly in the midst of wedding day activities. The checklist would have included Nathan’s ring, marriage license, a reminder to eat something, drink water, use the bathroom before you put your amazing dress on and know where your clothes/purse/bag are before you leave on your getaway exit. Without my amazing wedding planner, wonderful mother and fabulous bridesmaids, none of those things would have occurred.
In one sentence, what words of advice do you have for couples in the midst of their planning?
Enjoy this time and let the planning be fun! Remember that your wedding day should be all about the two of you and what you want, no matter what stressors you may feel from other people. In the end, it’s all about you two!
My Wedding Team
Planner, Florals & Invitations | Damon Goude of Regalo Design
Photographer | Twila’s Photography, Twila Allen
Videographer | Chris Wheeler Films
Gown | Arzelle’s Bridal Boutique
Bridal Shoes | Etsy.com customized with vintage lace from my mother’s wedding veil, pearls and Swarovski crystals
Bridal Jewelry | earrings from Arzelle’s, pearl necklace given by my grandmother and my grandmother’s pearl pendant and bracelet
Men’s Attire | Men’s Wearhouse
Bridesmaids’ Attire | The White Room
Hair | Ginger’s Salon
Caterer | Christy’s Catering
Cake Artist | Tammy Pierchoski
Ceremony Musicians | Silver Strings Quartet
Reception Musicians | Teacher’s Pet
Rentals | DJ’s Rentals and Southern Events Party Rental
Lighting | DJ’s Rental and Regalo Design
Transportation | A friend’s vintage Red Ford Model T
About the Author:
Newlywed Leah
For many women, their fascination with weddings fades after they say, “I do.” Not for me. Even though my wedding was two years ago, I still very much have a heart for weddings and helping brides focus on what’s important — building a day that reflects both the bride and the groom while focusing on the why of the wedding — the marriage. In addition to my job as a personal trainer and wellness coach, I also coordinate weddings part time, offering couples both perspective and a little elbow grease to make sure their wedding day is a success. I’m a huge advocate for life balance and I like to remind and encourage couples to keep their sanity — and a healthy relationship — in the midst of wedding planning. Check out my health and wellness blog at www.SanityOverSurface.com.
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Posted on December 6, 2013 |
Filed under: Florals, Details & Design , Real Nashville Weddings, Wedding Style - Classic, Wedding Style - Rustic, Farm ,
