Julia and Tim’s disco wedding in Nashville was a perfect blend of Palm Springs retro vibes and personalized touches, making it an unforgettable celebration for all. After attending over 15 weddings during their 14-month engagement, they knew they wanted something unique. While Julia had dreamed of a Palm Springs wedding with details including retro signage, bright colors, and tropical plants, they realized hosting a large guest list in California wasn’t feasible. Instead, they brought the vibrant Palm Springs feel to 14TENN in Nashville. The blank canvas of the venue allowed them to create a colorful, disco-inspired celebration. Mini disco balls adorned the seating chart, while the tables featured custom-made disco ball centerpieces. The reception was complete with a retro cigar bar, and Julia’s best friend decoupaged an old record player to match the theme. They also honored Tim’s Jewish heritage with a joyful hora dance, where the couple was lifted into the air while surrounded by their loved ones. This is one celebration that’s filled with tons of great ideas. Go ahead and let these gallery highlights captured by Kelsey Young Photography inspire you!
Julia + Tim
4.13.2024
14TENN
Budget ~ $60,000
Guests ~ 200
How did you meet?
Julia: Tim and I met through a mutual friend when Tim was visiting Nashville. On the way to Nashville for a July 4th trip, Tim reached out to Julia’s friend Laura, the sister of Tim’s friend Stephen. Tim asked Laura if she and her boyfriend Alec would like to get drinks. Thankfully, she agreed. Laura asked if she could bring friends. Thankfully, Tim agreed. Laura invited Julia. Unbeknownst to us, Laura had been trying to set us up ever since Tim displayed his impressive DJ skills in Asheville, NC the year prior. Everyone met at Otto’s. Things started off on the wrong foot when Julia declined a tequila shot from Tim. Eventually things picked up, and by the end of the night we were exchanging french fries and phone numbers. Our first date was two nights later.The next year was spent driving back and forth from Cincinnati to Nashville. Birthday weekends, concerts in Louisville, and New Years Eve in L.A. Tim broke the news that he was interviewing for a job in Nashville during a round of golf (that Julia won). Tim got the job, and moved in with Julia in August, 2022. He started looking at rings just a couple of months later.
Tell us about your engagement!
Julia: After coming home from a brunch downtown, Tim proposed to me at home in our living room. It was so intimate and I’m so glad it was not in public because we were both crying like babies! He then had a surprise party planned at our favorite pizza place, Diceys, and had my parents and all of our friends there waiting. After Diceys, the whole crew went over to Santa’s pub and sang karaoke all night. It was the most joyful celebration that I will never forget! (I won’t talk about my mom spilling the beans of where she was when I FaceTimed her.)
What was the vision & theme for your wedding? What details were used to create this vision?
Julia: Retro Vibes with disco balls and bright florals! 14tenn is such a great blank canvas that you can totally make your own. With the help of my planner,florist, and parents we were able to bring together the most colorful, unique wedding. My parents made a seating chart from wood that hung mini disco balls with guests names on them surrounded by plants. My mom also made centerpieces out of disco balls that held the table numbers. Fiorella, my florist was amazing and made my Pinterest board into a Palm Springs paradise with all types of tropical flowers that stole the show.He made a gorgeous arch, aisle markers, and the coolest bouquets I’ve ever seen. Each bridesmaid had a bouquet of a specific flower, which was his idea and I loved. Katie my planner had connections with the florist, rental companies, and helped us pull off a cigar bar on the patio of the venue with retro furniture. My best friend and MOH decoupaged my old record player to fit the theme and we had all the guests sign a framed record with our first dance song printed on it from Etsy. Most of the signage we did ourselves on Etsy to get the retro fonts.
Where did you splurge? Where did you save?
Julia: Splurge: Decor, Alcohol, Printed envelopes with names and addresses(?!)
Save: Our catering company, Epic event eatery was amazing and included all of the china and glassware in their price which saved us a lot on rentals. We also did a smaller amount of dessert so we could have Dippin Dots!
What is your best piece of advice for others planning their wedding?
Julia: Don’t stress too much about the small details, I went back and forth on silly things like shades of pink and literally drove myself crazy some days. When I thought back on all of my stress episodes it was totally unnecessary and everything looked great! Also- take the week off of your wedding. Just do it.
What was your first dance song?
Julia: Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton
Can you share your favorite memory or any special moments from the day?
Julia: Tim is Jewish so we wanted to incorporate the hora (chair dance) at our reception. It was the highlight of the night. The hora dance is a traditional dance where the newlyweds are lifted into the air while their family and friends dance in a circle around them. Tim and I both remember being lifted up in the air and looking around at all of the people we loved with their smiling faces. I also loved doing a first look with my dad and Tim, would have been a total meltdown if the first time I saw them was walking down the aisle!
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Julia: The day goes by so fast. Everyone tells you this, but the day felt like it was over in the blink of an eye. Try to enjoy every moment and be present. I didn’t know where my phone was the whole night and it was amazing.
Huge thank you to this amazing couple for sharing their disco wedding inspired by Palm Springs with us!
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