Abigail & Zach’s summer wedding at Steel Magnolia Barn was absolute perfection!

This romantic lakeside summer wedding at Steel Magnolia Barn was everything that they had ever envisioned for their wedding day.

Getting Ready

Abigail started her day getting her hair and make-up done with her mom and her sweet bridesmaids. Her make up team from The Social Chair partnered with the hairdressers from What’s New the Salon. Not surprisingly, they did an amazing job. All of the lovely ladies looked flawless!

Opting for a more creative look, Abigail chose to have mismatched maids. The assorted hues of her bridesmaid dresses perfectly complimented one another. When the ladies stood side by side it created a lovely ombre effect.

When it was time for Abigail to slip into her gown her best friend assisted her. Her best friend being her momma. They spent this special moment together making memories.

The First Looks with Loved Ones

Then the bridesmaids were invited back into the bridal suite at Steel Magnolia Barn. They were all asked to keep their eyes closed until it was time for a grand reveal. To say they were in awe of Abigail’s beautiful wedding gown would be an understatement!

And what kind of a fur momma would she be if she didn’t have a first look with her special boy, Murphy? He was super excited to show off his new tuxedo that his daddy bought for him. Clearly his momma was excited to see it, too! and of course her pup, Murphy!

After reading a heartfelt letter from his only daughter, Abigail did a first look with her Dad. There were many happy tears and much love. Even though he will be giving her hand to another man, it was clear that she will always be at the center of his heart.

Standing among the limestone outcropping at Steel Magnolia Barn Zach waited to have his first look with Abigail. It was quite emotional to watch these two. It is clear to see that they are very much in love. These moments were so special. We are sure neither of them will forget how they felt.

Following their first look they decided to share wedding vows. They were having a traditional Christian service. Therefore they wanted to exchange vows they had written themselves. They opted a reading of private vows together by the pond at Steel Magnolia Barn. These moments are hard to put into words. The love these two have for each other is hard to describe because it’s not something you see everyday.

The Wedding Ceremony

Guests were greeted with champagne upon arrival as they took their seats. Opting for a traditional Christian ceremony held lakeside at Steel Magnolia Barn, Abigail and Zach were wed. The ceremony was presided over by Abigail’s childhood pastor which made it even more special. He had come to know this sweet couple over the years. Even he was overcome by the outpouring of love and support for them. He made special mention of it during his sermon.

The Bridal Party

This was one of the most fun bridal parties we have seen this year! The groom was the quarterback of his college team. The bride was the head cheerleader. It was only fitting that their best teammates joined them on the field one more time.

Cocktail hour

Following the ceremony guests were treated to some savory treats. Cute charcuterie cups created by Jenifer’s Cakes and a delicious signature cocktail approved by Murphy’s momma were on offer. Everyone loved the cute bar trailer that Bar-Tenn provided as well as the drinking inside.

The Spirited Guest Book

While they were enjoying the cocktail hour treats guests were encouraged to sign the guest book. Zach and Abigail opted for a guest book that kept “in the spirit” of celebration. It featured two bottles of wine and two bottles of liquor. The wine bottles were signed with good wishes for their 1st and 5th anniversaries. Love, like any good Tennessee whiskey, only gets better with age. The other two bottles were signed with love for their 10th and 15th anniversaries.

The Decadent Florals

Not a surface remained untouched when it came to flowers and greenery. Gracing every surface with blooms, Larson Floral Co. made Steel Magnolia Barn even more magnificent. From the garlands that ran down the hand crafted farm tables to Murphy’s leash. And no one could take their eyes off the bride’s bouquet. Even before the bouquet toss bridesmaids were vying for a chance to catch it.

The Delicious Cakes

As we mentioned earlier, the quarterback was marrying the head cheerleader. When we asked Zach what he wanted his groom’s cake to look like he replied, “Floyd Stadium, of course!” This made sense to us. It was after the big game that he asked Abigail to be his wife. Yep! He proposed right on the center of the field. It was like something out of a Hallmark movie!!

We would be remiss if we didn’t also touch upon how stunning the bride’s cake was. It was expertly designed by Jenifer’s Cakes to be an exact replica of the lace on the bride’s wedding gown. We had her stand next to it. It was a perfect match!

The Reception

After cocktail hour guests were invited to find their seats. Zach and Abigail shared their first dance. Followed by dances with her dad and his mom. The couple and their guests heartily enjoyed the offerings from Jim & Nick’s. Can’t get enough of those cheddar biscuits, am I right?! After dinner the amazing cakes were cut. Then the dance floor opened and the party really took off from there. Abigail, Zach, and their guests danced the night away! At the end of the night the newlyweds shared a private last dance while we lined their guests lined up for their exit.

Garter Toss

Just prior to the exit Abigail threw the bouquet and it was caught by a lucky bridesmaid. We had a fun twist on the traditional garter toss for Zach, though. Placing the bride’s garter onto an MTSU Blue Raider’s football he threw a long pass into the crowd! Quite the fitting end for this quarterback who married the head cheerleader!

Sparkler Send Off

Just before this sweet couple snuck off on their honeymoon their guests sent them off in style. We lined everyone up at the front of Steel Magnolia Barn. Once the private last dance was completed Zach and Abigail came through the doors to cheers and laughter. These excited newlyweds stopped for a quick kiss before waving at their guests and making their getaway. The perfect ending to a wonderful evening!

Zach & Abigail’s Vendor Team

Venue: Steel Magnolia Barn

Planning: Weddings & Events by Raina

Florals: Larson Floral Co.

Photography: Photography by Michelle

Videography: Aerodef Productions

Catering: Jim N’ Nick’s

Cake Artist: Jenifer’s Cakes

Bartending: Bar-Tenn

DJ – Music Tree Entertainment

Hair & Makeup – What’s New the Salon & The Social Chair