Amanda & David Share Their Traditional, Outdoor Wedding at Nashville’s Cheekwood Botanical Garden
Friday, April 18, 2014
When Amanda and David wed last October, they looked for a venue that would provide traditional elements, while incorporating their love of nature. They found this balance in Cheekwood's elegant outdoor setting. The ceremony was held in the Wills Garden, and the reception took place in the courtyard of the Frist Learning Center, which provided the perfect place for a send-off under the stars - with leaves!
As with many brides, videography is something that this couple didn't book and regret not having. Luckily, they splurged on photography, so their beautiful day is captured forever on film. In fact, we can't stop looking at her in her stunning gown by Robert Bullock!
Check out all of the gorgeous images that Kate Murphy Photography captured, below.
We're so in love with this dress and this photo! ~Ashley's Bride Guide
Amanda and David Middendorf
Wedding Date: October 12, 2013
Ceremony Venue: Cheekwood, Wills Garden
Reception Venue: Cheekwood, Frist Learning Center
Guests: 200
Budget: $40,000 – 50,000
Wedding Team
Planner | Ellen Hollis Events
Photographer | Kate Murphy Photography
Gown | Robert Bullock from Geny’s Bridal
Bride’s Accessories Costume: Geny’s Bridal, FABU and Borrowed
Men’s Attire | Jos. A Banks
Bridesmaids’ Attire | Jordan Fashions from Geny’s Bridal
Hair and Makeup| Katie Russo Beauty (Emily Schildt, friend of Bride and House Party member, did bridesmaid hair)
Stationery | Carlson Craft Invitations, DIY Programs, DIY Menu (chalkboard)
Caterer | Kristen Winston Catering
Cake Artist | Signature Cakes by Vicki
Floral Designer | Cary Allyn
Ceremony Musicians | Nashville Music Scoring (contractors, provided a string quartet of classical local musicians)
Reception Musicians | Shake Shake Shake!! (Motown band)
Rentals | Music City Tents & Events
Lighting | Cheekwood, Music City Events
Wedding Details
How would you describe your style as a couple?
We’re pretty traditional, but not overdone; we’ve called it “casual elegant.” We love the outdoors and rustic elements, but don’t like when things seem overly themed or “kitschy.”
How did you incorporate that style into your wedding?
We wanted some rustic elements since we were outside, but generally wanted the décor to compliment the party, rather than steal the show. Our gorgeous flowers from Cary Allyn were breathtaking, and really fit in with the classic elegance of Cheekwood, and our understated preferences. Picking the Wills Garden for a classic/traditional ceremony was important, but the Frist Learning Center’s courtyard was ideal for a more rustic, casual elegance atmosphere. We had some nods to nature, using a leaf motif throughout the party (including throwing leaves instead of rice or bubbles as the send-off!).
What was your (or your guests’) favorite aspect of your wedding?
Most guests commented on the setting. Everyone loved Cheekwood and the atmosphere as much as we did, and they could tell that the ambiance of the ceremony and reception really reflected our style, and our love. Guests also loved the band, who put on a great show with non-stop dancing, and the catering.
Where did you splurge? Where did you save/DIY?
Catering and the bar were our biggest splurges. We realized that a party is fun with three great elements: good band, good food, good drinks. With those three pieces, you pretty much can’t go wrong. So, we made these our focus, and committed to spending a lot on them. We also splurged a little on the photography, as those are our forever memories of the day!
We saved money with some of the smaller items, like programs, menus, send-off leaves, table numbers and favors. (We made a donation to one of my favorite organizations, Magdalene House, in lieu of favors, so we were able to feel like our dollars were really going somewhere meaningful.) When you pick a lot of little things to save on, those costs add up!
Now that the wedding day is over, is there anything about your planning process you feel you could have done differently?
From a planning perspective, not a thing. Our coordinator was fantastic – I absolutely recommend hiring someone to handle the details and logistics the last couple weeks or days of the wedding, and on the big day itself! My only regret is that we didn’t have a videographer. I would love to go back and watch the ceremony. Luckily, our pictures are beautiful and I never get tired of looking at them!
In one sentence, what words of advice do you have for couples in the midst of their planning?
Don’t forget why you’re doing this – it’s to celebrate your love as a couple; don’t allow the little details during planning to ruin the fun and beauty of the day.
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Posted on April 18, 2014 |
Filed under: Bridal Gowns, Wedding Dresses & Accessories, Real Nashville Weddings, Wedding Style - Classic,
