Julianne + Spencer's Timeless Tennessee Wedding at Carnton Plantation

Oh the sweet timeless sophistication that is found in Nashville's historical homes… it calls for a wedding that embraces all of the elements of the days of old to the days of new! And when the rest has been history since 8th grade (yes, they've actually been dating since 8th + 9th grade!), Julianne + Spencer's Carnton Plantation wedding in Franklin, TN was definitely one for the books! And Julianne was not afraid of adding a little color in her decor (we love a bride who loves color!). With the coral, gray and navy hues spread throughout the historical property, Julianne + Spencer's day kept that southern charm along with vintage furniture from Southern Events. Justin Wright Photography captured each moment from the first look to the golden sunset. Hear what Julianne has to say about planning her Nashville area wedding…

Julianne + Spencer

Carnton Plantation

6.11.16

375 Guests

Wedding Team:

Venue | Carnton Plantation

Photographer | Justin Wright Photography

Lighting | Bright Event Productions

Floral Designer | Enchanted Florist Nashville

Rentals | Southern Events

Food | The Terrace Catering

Dress | Bridals by Lori

Planner | Social Ambitions

Tux | Men's Wearhouse 

Invitations | Designs in Paper 

Band | Johnny and the Loveseats 

Cake | Rachel Make My Cake

How did you guys meet?

Julianne: We met at Davidson Academy, I was in eighth grade and Spencer was in ninth. We were in the same math class then, and Spencer asked me to be his girlfriend later that year. We graduated from DA and went to both UT Knoxville. We've been dating ever since that math class!

Tell us about your engagement!

Julianne: Spencer surprised me at the beach, while on a family vacation. We were on the beach walking to dinner, which was right down the road, and Spencer was standing further down the beach and waiting for my friend and I to arrive. He was holding a sign saying, ” today I have loved you for 2,751 days”. I was in such shock when he proposed, I almost couldn't process what was happening! Last I had heard, Spencer was “leaving work”- when really he had spent the day on the beach just down from us! It was the most perfect moment with the love of my life and our family and friends watching from the restaurant dock over the beach.

What was the vision for your wedding?

Julianne: I wanted something timeless, but also fun and not too dressy. I've always wanted an outdoor summer wedding, so that part was easy. Other than that, after we picked the venue- it all kind of fell into place. We had grey and navy as our main colors, with little splashes of pink in the flowers. My bridesmaids wore long, light grey dresses and Spencer's groomsmen wore charcoal suits.

What details were used to create your theme?

Julianne: Honestly- I did a lot of “pinteresting” before hand. I don't wear a lot of bright colors, and I knew I didn't want to use anything that I might hate in 5 years looking back. We had white, grey and light pink flowers in the decor and in the bouquets we added little bright pink flowers to make it pop against the grey dresses and charcoal suits. We had the same colors and details used on the tables.

Can you share any special moments or highlights from your wedding day?

Julianne: There were too many “favorite” moments to pick just one but one of my favorite things was having about 20 minutes to go to the bridal suite with Spencer before we made our debut as husband and wife at the reception. We sat in there and discussed the ceremony, who we had seen so far, and how we were looking forward to dancing the night away with our friends and family. It was great to have those special moments just us two before we spent the night entertaining almost 400 people! I also loved right before I walked down the aisle, my bridesmaids and parents circled up and one of my bridesmaids prayed over the day and the ceremony, and it was one of the most touching moments of the day. We're so blessed by such sweet friends. Finally, we had so much fun on the dance floor with all of our favorite people celebrating our favorite day with us! Our band, Johnny and the Loveseats, were absolutely perfect and had everyone on their feet all night!

What are some tips you can share with other brides planning their weddings?

Julianne: Don't stress the little things. I remember spending an hour (or more) debating between little parts of the wedding that no one even noticed! As long as you create an atmosphere that you and your groom love, not much else truly matters. My friends and family were the most complimentary of the food and band – and probably didn't even notice the napkin color or choice of silverware! Take a moment to take it all in – when you blink it's over!

Thank you so much for sharing your special day with us, Julianne + Spencer!

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