It’s not often that the tables are turned and the pro becomes the client, but such was the case with Lindsay, an event professional who spends her days helping Nashville couples plan their wedding at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. So, when we got to ask Lindsay all about her wedding, who she hired, what she loved, we jumped at the opportunity. It was no surprise that this event expert and her Nashville native (now) husband chose to immerse their guests in all things great about Nashville.
Read all about Lindsay + Matthew’s Nashville wedding, our feature of the week.
Lindsay + Matthew
Wedding Date: July 11, 2015
Ceremony Venue: Cathedral of the Incarnation
Reception Venue: Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum
Guests: 150
Wedding Team
Venue | Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum
Photographer | Josh Reeder
Videographer | Mayberry Studios
Gown | The White Room
Bride’s Accessories | b.hughes
Men’s Attire | Street Tuxedo
Bridesmaids’ Attire | Bridesmaids.com
Hair + Makeup | Amy Lynn Larwig
Stationery | Master Image (Birmingham, Ala.) and Empress Stationery (Birmingham, Ala.)
Caterer | Two Twenty Two Catering
Cake Artist | Dessert Designs
Floral Designer | Geny’s Floral
Ceremony Musicians | Evan Thomas, Elliott Thomas, Ricky Braddy
Reception Musicians | Band 24/7
Rentals | Music City Tents and Events, BBJ
Lighting + Transportation | Country Music Hall of Fame
Wedding Details
How would you describe your style as a couple?
Traditional! Matthew and I wanted a very traditional wedding and reception. The only exceptions were that we saw each other before the wedding and I did not throw a bouquet.
Where did you get your inspiration?
I knew the amazing view from the Event Hall would provide a ton of color, ambiance, and excitement for the reception. Therefore I wanted to keep everything else really clean and simple so the stunning view would remain the focal piece.
How did you incorporate that style into your wedding?
I’ve worked at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum for almost eight years. As I assisted bride after bride with their own plans, I always dreamt of being able to host my own friends and family – the majority of whom are from out of town and have never been to Nashville, let alone the Hall – at my own wedding one day. Matthew was born and raised in Nashville, so he was also very keen on showing off our city to all of the guests that were traveling to join us. So, it was a very easy decision for us to book the Event Hall: the spectacular view combined with the amazing service, food, etc. truly made for an unforgettable night.
What was your (or your guests’) favorite aspect of your wedding?
When you host a wedding in Music City, you’d better provide some good music, and I think my guests would join me in saying that from start to finish, the music was a huge hit. I was very fortunate to have my best friend sing at the ceremony; together with two other dear friends (including his twin), they provided an a cappella version of “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” that was incredibly moving and set such a worshipful tone for our ceremony. For the reception, the Hall of Fame’s entertainment team assisted me in booking the amazing Band 24/7 to provide a variety of music: Motown, pop, rap, and they were even gracious enough to let this karaoke-lover hop on stage and surprise the audience with some Whitney Houston. I knew that not everyone would gravitate to the dance floor so easily, so I had customized tambourines and maracas distributed as the party was in full swing. It was a great way to get even the shy folks dancing to the live music.
Where did you splurge? Where did you save/DIY?
We saved on flowers: Geny’s provided our bouquets, boutonnieres and two large arrangements for the reception, and I had friends assemble the rest. We splurged on videography, which was not originally in our budget. We ended up shopping for and hiring a videographer only a month before the wedding. I’m so glad that we did! It just added an extra dimension to the many memories of the day.
Who were your favorite vendors and what made them exceptional?
The team at the Hall of Fame went above and beyond. Obviously, working with them every day, I have to say that, but very early in the wedding planning process, I realized how supremely essential it was to have full trust in your vendors if you have any intention of enjoying your wedding. I never questioned if I were in great hands with the Country Music Hall of Fame. Having such a top-notch team to execute the event and take care of everything allowed Matthew and I to really relax and delight in the reception without worrying about anything.
Now that the wedding day is over, is there anything about your planning process you feel you could have done differently?
I wouldn’t change a thing, honestly!
In one sentence, what words of advice do you have for couples in the midst of their planning?
Enjoy it! One other fun detail – Matthew’s great-grandparents were married at the Cathedral of the Incarnation, where we said “I do!” nearly 100 years later.
