This destination mountain wedding is full of classic rustic details, and lovely country charm. Nicki and Jason kept it intimate with family and a few close friends. Nicki also honored and remembered loved ones who had passed on by putting photos of them on stumps lining the aisle. What a lovely, lovely way to honor those loved ones who are missed!
Nicki + Jason
Sevierville, Tennessee
Oct 27, 2013
Why a Mountain Wedding?
My husband and I both wanted a “destination’ wedding but still wanted our family to be able to attend. The mountain area has always been a place we have wanted to go together so we figured why not plan a wedding there? We kept it small with our family and a few close friends.
Budget.
We wanted to try and keep it under 10,000
Inspiration
I used pinterest for quite a few of ideas also just looked up different websites, for some inspiration. I had a pretty clear vision in my head of what I wanted so that helped make it a little easier on me and everyone else involved.
Biggest splurge?
Our venue, The Barn at Chestnut Springs, because we booked it sight unseen. One of the downfalls of planning an out-of-state, destination wedding. It looked amazing online and definitely delivered. It truly is a gorgeous venue and I highly recommend it to anyone getting married in the area.
Biggest savings?
My jewelry. It was handmade by my mother using pearls from one of my grandmothers necklaces, and the clasp on my necklace was off of one of my other grandmas necklaces. So it’s truly something I will cherish forever, absolutely perfect in every way.
Personal details
My jewelry was the most personal of the details. I also had lined the aisle with tree stumps and on top of them I placed photos of our family that couldn’t be with us that day. Our grandparents who are no longer with us or couldn’t make the trip, and my cousin who is also no longer with us.
Favorite moment
There are so many amazing moments it’s hard to narrow it down to just one, obviously seeing Jason for the first time that day was so special and heartwarming. Walking down the aisle and dancing with my Dad will always be something to remember and cherish. My cousin did my hair and makeup for me and that meant so much as well, just to have that special time for both of us was great. And I loved seeing everyone having such a good time at the reception! There was so much dancing and laughter and it was a great way to end our perfect day, I loved seeing the kids having fun as well as the adults. So much fun :)
Three things you’re glad you did
- I’m glad we kept our wedding small and intimate having the people who truly mean the most to us there.
- I’m glad I had my brother, who is also one of my very best friends stand up for me. It was a spur of the moment decision but I’m glad i did it, it’s different and meaningful, also saves trying to please everyone with dresses :).
- I’m glad we had a mountain wedding! It makes for gorgeous pictures and was a nice getaway for the family! Everyone loved it!
What was the best piece of wedding advice you got?
Don’t lose sight of what your wedding day is all about. It’s easy to get caught up in the planning and forget the true meaning of the day.
What piece of wedding planing advice do you wish you followed?
To be honest I basically took things into my own hands and didn’t worry about what everyone else had to say too much. I mean I did of course discuss a few things with my fiance and parents but I knew what I wanted, I had the vision and I just stuck to it. Everything was perfect I wouldn’t have changed a thing.
Anything you wish you hadn’t worried about?
Everything coming together perfectly, it’s does get stressful but everything just works itself out
How did you choose your vendors?
I basically just started searching the internet, I found my photographer first, she was also a great help in finding different vendors, it was nice to get some recommendation from someone who works with them.
Advice to other mountain brides
Have fun with it! Don’t get too caught up and carried away with perfection, keep your mind on what you want, what is important to you and it will be a perfect day.
DIY
- We brought our aisle marker tree stumps with us, all the way from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan :)
- Photos on top made a special touch
- Our card box was a tree stump that Jason and Morgan’s (Jasons great friend and our officiant) dad found on the Tahquamenon River where we have property and he has a cabin.
- My jewelry was handmade by my mother
Thank you so much for the opportunity to be featured on your blog! I truly am honored and I cannot say enough good things about my wedding day, it was truly the most beautiful day I could have ever asked for! If you need any other information just ask!
Bride Recommended Tennessee Mountain Wedding Vendors
- Photographer: Star Noir Studio: I highly recommend Chastidyi from Star Noir Studios. She does a great job and listens to what you want and has such great ideas, I’m definitely glad I found her. She did an amazing job capturing our special day.
- Floral Designer: Melissa Timm Designs: Choosing Melissa Timm for a florist was a great decision, she does beautiful work and is extremely helpful, flowers were a hard thing for me to figure out and she helped immensely.
- Bakery: Cakes by Bakin Bishop has delicious cake and does a great job.
- DJ: Music in Motion Mobile Entertainment: Our DJ was amazing! Cory with Music in Motion did a great job and kept us on the dance floor all night!!
Other Vendors
Dress Store: Becker’s Bridal | Caterer: Chefs Catering | Tuxedo and Mens Attire: Formal Approach | Event Venue: The Barn at Chestnut Springs