Randell & Justin’s Elegant Parthenon Wedding

Randell and Justin’s elegant wedding at The Parthenon was absolutely stunning and perfectly romantic. We are so glad that Me+3 Photography was there to artfully capture all the beautiful details as they made memories with those that they love the most.

Introduced through mutual friends in the late 90s, these gentlemen developed a friendship that mostly consisted of seeing each other at parties or loud dance clubs. Many friends saw the potential for them early, but at the time but it wasn’t immediately apparent to them. Justin thought Randy was too “square” and Randy thought Justin was too “wild” – neither descriptor being entirely accurate.

In November of 2001, their relationship began to evolve. First, they met at Jackson’s in Hillsboro Village for a lunch date of cheese sticks and apple martinis. (It’s adorable how they thought this was fancy back then!) This was the first time they were together without the buffer of friends. They visited the antique malls on 8th Avenue and then dropped in to visit with their friend Angie. It was clear there was something more there…finally it was evident to them as well!

It would be another month before their first real date at Cheekwood. Enjoying the holiday decorations and the exhibits along the nature trails. So romantic! Randy already had plans with friends later, but decided instead to ask Justin to dinner at Tin Angel instead. After a quick call to cancel on his friends, they walked to Tin Angel from Justin’s West End apartment. December 4, 2001 was the date that changed our lives forever.

The day began with expert stylists  primping, pampering and perfecting our grooms and their wedding party. Everything from hair to expertly applied makeup…this group certainly looked amazing!

Accessorizing The Grooms

Once hair, makeup and bonding was complete our handsome grooms added special accessories and beautiful boutonnieres to complete their wedding day attire. They both wore brooches that they purchased for themselves. Spending several months searching for just the right ones. Justin wore a LLRADO white ceramic and gold piece that represented nature. Randall wore a gold Versace brooch featuring Medusa. Both tied into their time spent at Centennial Park and the Parthenon. We know these pieces will be forever special to them.

You have to agree, when flanked with their incredible wedding party, these two were certainly showstoppers! We thought that they both looked quite dapper. Don’t you? We know that they simply couldn’t take their eyes off one another. These two are so very much in love!!

Spending 20 years together, creating have so many wonderful memories. We loved that they shared one of their favorites. A last minute trip to Amsterdam, in winter. On the second day, Amsterdam had the largest snowfall in decades and they hadn’t packed for it. Heading out to go shop for gloves, sweaters, and scarves they spent a magical day walking around the city. Hopping in and out of bars for a warm drink, listening to music from the opera over speakers while watching locals ice skate. Sounds like a dream! This trip was their first overseas together. Spending it snuggled up, learning even more about each other while creating some unforgettable memories.

The Bridal Party

The bridal party was elegantly attired in matching royal blue dresses and suits but were mismatched to cleverly show off their own personal style. This created a delightful visual as they stood at the altar. With the lovely ladies wearing styles from off the shoulder to one shoulder, halter top and deep v necklines they perfectly complimented the grooms and man of honor. The grooms, looking incredibly handsome, wore matching dark blue suits accented with gold pendants, brooches and cravats. They looked absolutely perfect for this elegant Parthenon wedding. And they were all such a fun group! They didn’t stop dancing, singing and joking around keeping the atmosphere light and festive the entire day.

When they aren’t all looking so glam, this wedding squad goes swimming every weekend. Definitely a favorite activity for the entire group. Swim all day and then ordering a big dinner to eat al fresco? Sounds perfect to me! In the winter they hibernate and watch lots of Netflix. Now that wedding planning is complete, we hear they are all getting getting caught up on ‘The Crown’.

The Wedding Ceremony

The Parthenon was the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable wedding ceremony and reception. Having gone there on their first date and spending a great deal of time there since, it was only fitting that they were wed there. Randall and Justin’s dear friend and famous Vegas performer, Tony Arias united them in matrimony with a ceremony that brought laughter and happy tears to all in attendance. Once the rings were exchanged their dear friend and Vegas songstress Shiela Wright sang a beautiful rendition of “Moon River.” As the song concluded we celebrated their martial union as they kissed and were pronounced married. Cheers and shouts could be heard all around!!

The Most Impressive Wedding Guest

We need to put the spotlight on this impressive guest. The 42-foot statue of Athena who is the focus of the Parthenon just as it was in ancient Greece.

The building and the Athena statue are both full-scale replicas of the Athenian originals. The Parthenon, which functions as an art museum, stands as the centerpiece of Centennial Park, a large public park just west of downtown Nashville.

Alan LeQuire’s 1990 re-creation of the Athena Parthenos statue in the Naos is the focus of the Parthenon just as it was in ancient Greece. Since the building is complete and its decorations were painted as close to the presumed original as possible, this replica of the original Parthenon in Athens serves as a monument to what is considered the pinnacle of classical architecture. The plaster replicas of the Parthenon marbles can which be found in the Treasury Room are direct casts of the original sculptures from the pediments of the Parthenon in Athens, dating back to 438 BC. The surviving originals are currently found at the British Museum in London and at the Acropolis Museum in Athens.

The Elegant Details

Every single element was carefully curated by Randall and Justin. Selecting only the most beautiful and pieces for a cohesive and elegant design. The linens perfectly matched the wedding attendant’s attire. The subtle gold accents in the plates, flatware and on the edge of the glassware, a subtle nod to the Goddess Athena herself. Seating cards and place numbers inspired by Gatsby era celebrations, perfectly in theme with their wedding invitations. Life is in the details. Justin and Randall have certainly created a beautiful life together.

Another of our favorite memories that they shared was when they tried to recreate their first day on their 20th anniversary. They planned to spend the day at Cheekwood. However, Randall had an outpatient surgery earlier in the week. He made Justin promise that they would still go to Cheekwood no matter what. Even if only for a short visit. What Justin didn’t know was Randall planned to propose on the nature trail! Their anniversary fell on a Saturday. Waking up to thunderstorms and Randall also feeling under the weather, they decided to cancel their Cheekwood visit. Postponing the proposal. That night, however, changed his mind. Instead he proposed on their back porch! Nothing about the day went as planned but it was perfectly imperfect and really summed up their entire relationship. They always make unforgettable memories together even in the tough times.

The Floral Decor

The centerpieces featured a fragrant bouquet of roses, hydrangea, wax flower, greenery and stock in shades of white and ivory. A beautiful pop of wedding white against the deep rich blue table linens. The long stemmed cala lilies carried by the bridal party were an elegant touch as the trailing ribbons fluttered as the ladies processed down the aisle. The White Orchid truly outdid themselves elevating an already elegant wedding at The Parthenon to another level. Such a stunning array of blossoms!

Eat, Drink and Be Merry!

Offering champagne and signature cocktails as fun as the food. Catering by Johnny Haffner offered everything from Nashville’s spicy side to its delectable sweet side. One thing we know for sure, Randell and Justin have a shared passion for food! They enjoy cooking together and will occasionally treat themselves to an appetizer night where they enjoy lots of carbs. Often cheese boards, spinach dip, vegetarian sausage balls, polenta fries with curry ketchup, and a couple pieces of celeryto be healthy can be found on the menu. Guests were treated to their favorite meal as they grazed throughout the evening. Nibbling in between breaks from mingling and dancing the night away with the happy couple.

Everybody Loves Cake

Incredible cake artist Jay Qualls of The Frosted Affair created the most beautiful wedding cake we have ever seen. With whisper light edible ruffles fluttering down the side, this French vanilla and strawberry cake was a definite crowd pleaser. As beautiful as it was, they were all too excited to cut into it, knowing how delicious it would be!

First Dance

Justin and Randall are the perfect pair. We have never met two people who were better suited for one another than these two. Both free spirited, loyal, creative and incredibly caring. They absolutely love to spending time with those who matter most. It doesn’t matter the activity…if they are with those most important to them, they are all in! We have yet to meet a sweeter more loving couple. We absolutely loved how everyone in attendance couldn’t stop smiling. After waiting for so long they were both just just so thrilled to be wed and we are all rooting for them!

Toasting The Happy Couple

The speeches given by the grooms best friends were endearing, heartwarming and a bit tearful. It was so clear that they were just so happy for them and even happier to welcome the other to the family they have created. Just being there, even on the sidelines, all the vendors also wished we were a party of this big, beautiful, loving family.

Everyone was happy to toast with their special signature cocktails or Randy’s favorite, a Grey Goose martini – very dry, up, and two olives or Justin’s favorite, Woodford Reserve bourbon and ginger on the rocks with a Luxardo cherry. Yum!!

Time To Dance!

Tony Arias and Shiela Wright were spinning tunes as co-DJs and would also get out there after every few songs to treat guests to a live performance. They got everyone out onto the dance floor and kept them there! What a great party!! They know exactly how to get people on their feet and having an absolute blast!

The Loving Send Off

Finally, it was time for the newlyweds to head out. Being sent off to loud cheers of love and admiration Justin and Randall made their way to their luxury getaway car celebrating their newly married status.

We’re sure they are eagerly anticipating their honeymoon next year. Heading off to the sugar sand beaches of Marco Island, Florida – one of their favorite places. We are sure the team at the gorgeous JW Marriott there will take excellent care of them! With a secluded couple’s only tower that features its own pool and restaurants it is perfect destination for couples with no children.

THOMAS & BRITTANY’S VENDORS

Planning & Design – Weddings & Events by Raina

Venue – The Parthenon Nashville

Photography – Me+3 Photography 

Florist – The White Orchid

Catering & Bartending – Catering by Johnny Haffner

Alcohol – Red Spirits & Wine

Cake – The Frosted Affair

Music – Tony Arias and Shiela Wright

Rentals – Please Be Seated

Calligraphy – Calligraphy by Barbara

Invitations – Atelier Isabey

Audio/Visual and Lighting – Nashville Audio Visual

Transportation – Music City Sedan