Real Nashville Wedding: “The Dress Picked Me!” Says Jill of the Gown for Her Southern-Style Wedding
Friday, May 16, 2014
Jill and Brandon were planning on eloping until a generous friend offered them his farm to say “I do” and celebrate with friends and family. After they toured the farm, they loved it so much that their minds were set… they were a having big, southern-style wedding!
Fast forward to the wedding day, filled with classic white and cream flowers, rustic burlap, romantic candles and café lighting, festive mason jars and of course, the joy and love that radiated from the bride and groom.
Speaking of love, we can’t help but swoon over Jill’s stunning, v-neck lace gown from Geny’s Bridal. And get this… it was the first gown she tried on! Oh, how we adore a “love at first sight” wedding dress story.
Keep reading to learn more about Jill’s dress and the couple’s big day, as well as for additional photos of their gorgeous wedding, captured by Ellie Odom Photography.

Jill & Brandon
Wedding Date ~ October 12, 2013
Ceremony & Reception Venue ~ Rolling Hills Retreat
Guests ~ 125
Budget ~ $10,000 - $20,000





Wedding Team
Planner | My cousin, Jennifer, coordinated
Photographer | Ellie Odom
Gown & accessories | Geny’s Bridal
Men’s Attire | Vera Wang, Charcoal suites, Men’s Warehouse
Bridesmaids’ Attire | Navy knee length, assorted styles
Hair & Makeup | Jamie Lynn Daniels
Stationery | Rachel Levine, my boss’ daughter is a graphic designer and created them for me; printed online at CatPrint
Caterer | Grady’s Personal Chef and Catering
Cake Artist | Dessert Designs
Floral Designer | Geny’s Flowers
Ceremony Musicians | Nashville Party Authority; Adam Cunningham – sang "God Blessed the Broken Road"
Reception Musicians | Nashville Party Authority
Rentals | Southern Event Party Rentals
Transportation | Alpha Limousine








Wedding Details
How would you describe your style as a couple?
Simple, less is more, town and country, casual
How did you incorporate that style into your wedding?
We had planned to elope but a very generous friend offered his farm. We went to visit and didn’t want to leave. It was spectacular. There were two buildings connected by a large covered area (perfect for a reception) and a grassy area that overlooked the lake (perfect for the ceremony).
It really didn’t need much as far as décor so we kept it simple. The flowers consisted of whites, creams and greens. Lots of burlap, ivory linens, mason jars, café string lights and candles. The only true “color” was the navy of the bridesmaids' dresses.
What was your (or your guests’) favorite aspect of your wedding?
The location/setting. The overall mood was so joyful…it felt like such a true celebration.
Where did you splurge? Where did you save/DIY?
The DRESS! It picked me. I thought this would be the hardest part but I walked into Geny’s to learn about flowers and Joan walked me around to the bridal boutique. I saw it out of the corner of my eye and knew it was the “one” before I even put it on. It was also the first dress I tried on and would have been the only one but I had to humor a friend.
Other than the dress, I researched before I made any purchase. I was really blessed by people who kindly offered their time and effort which allowed me to splurge in other areas.
Now that the wedding day is over, is there anything about your planning process you feel you could have done differently?
No. I had it so easy. I started planning as soon as the date was set (9 months before) and got the big stuff out of the way first. It all just came together.
In one sentence, what words of advice do you have for couples in the midst of their planning?
Start immediately and take it one step at a time.





1 Response to This Post
Posted on May 16, 2014 @ 8:19pm