Ashton & Chaz’s Woodland Wedding at Historic Rock Castle

Ashton and Chaz’s woodland themed wedding at Historic Rock Castle was truly something to behold. Every last detail was meticulously selected by the bride to create a beautiful and romantic fairytale feel for the most whimsical wedding we have ever seen.

Bridal Primping

The day began with the expert stylists from Lotus Lux Beauty primping and pampering Ashton and her bridesmaids as they shared mimosas with the bride’s mother in the bridal suite at Historic Rock Castle.

Groom’s Details

While Ashton primped and got even prettier with her mother, sister and bride tribe by her side, Chaz was busy getting ready with his gang of guys. Donning his charcoal grey raw silk suit accented with emerald edging and buttons brought in the wedding colors. To top off this dapper design, he completed his looks with a peacock feather bowtie.

Ashton Dons the Dress

Once hair, makeup and bridal bonding were complete Ashton’s mother Sandy assisted her into her beautiful bridal gown in the Historic Rock Castle bridal suite. The entire gown floated and swirled with her movements adding a romantic air to her look deco look. With delicately folded satin to create almost a sweetheart neckline, a deco inspired rhinestone and satin belt to accentuate her flowing satin skirt, she absolutely looked like a princess. You have to agree…she was stunning!

First Look With Dad

While mom assisted with getting ready, next in priority was her step-dad, Randy. These two have a very special bond. You would never know that she wasn’t his from day one. Having welcomed her into his heart when Ashton was very small, she has always been the apple of his eye and his sweet little girl.

The Grand Reveal

Sneaking up as they held their bouquets aloft, Ashton got into place for her grand reveal with her sister, Lauren and her four best friends ranging from grade school through college. To say they were thrilled for our bride would be an understatement! The sighs of delight and happy tears that were shed truly said it all about this emotional moment.

Ashton and Chaz’s Intimate First Look

With back turned the soon-to-be weds slowly walked into place. On the count of three Chaz grabbed Ashton’s hand and they spun around as they opened their eyes to see each other in their wedding day finery. They were both just so delighted to see one another and to have a quiet moment together to get re-centered amongst all the excitement of the day. Ashton and Chaz absolutely could not take their eyes off of each other! They were way too excited to say “I do.”

The Newlyweds

Let’s just take a moment to admire how beautiful this couple is!! Chaz and Ashton met in college. Both being performers for screen and stage their paths kept crossing. They took it as a sign and went on their first date…that was all it took. Chaz knew his life would never be the same. Ashton knew she could never live without him. He proposed during the pandemic on October 10, 2020 and here we are now, nearly a year to the day watching them promise forever to one another.

The Bridesmaids

The bridesmaids, dressed in emerald, matched in color but were mismatched with each in a beautiful gown of their choosing. This not only flattered each woman’s individual style and personality, but also created a delightful visual. They perfectly complimented one another as well as the beautiful bride as they stood by her side as she recited her vows.

The Groomsmen

The groom and groomsmen wore matching charcoal grey suits all looking incredibly handsome. Accented in emerald green, they were perfectly attired for this beautiful autumn wedding. They were really fun group! They didn’t stop dancing, singing and joking around keeping the atmosphere light and festive the entire day.

The Fairy Princesses

The sweet little flower girls who absolutely adore their Aunt Ashton were her little “fairy princesses.” They even had their very own princess table where they were able to sit and enjoy dinner but also a secondary table set for tea for when they were feeling like fairies. So sweet!! We think this definitely needs to become a new wedding trend. Don’t you?

Historic Rock Castle

Sitting beside Old Hickory Lake, Historic Rock Castle is nestled into 18 acres of picturesque Tennessee countryside. The rustic yet elegant architecture of Historic Rock Castle makes a stunning backdrop for any wedding. As you pass through the original 1784 front gate to the patchwork stone walkway you are transported to another time as you approach the oldest home in Middle Tennessee. This limestone castle is considered one of the first permanent homes, as well as the oldest building in Middle Tennessee. It can be found listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Floral Decor

The gorgeous crimson, juniper, emerald, eggplant, blush and lush green succulents from The Nashville Flower Market accented with hints of greenery created a glorious splash of color on this beautiful autumn day. They certainly popped against the creamy white of Historic Rock Castle’s limestone front and under the stars at their fairy garden reception.

Ceremony Music

Ashton and Chaz have many talented friends who contributed their special talents to their big day. Matt, a theatrical lighting designer made sure the woodland reception would be appropriately magical. Allison, Morgan, Jordan, Lizzie, Sophia and Lauren all assisted with everything from the creation of each unique centerpiece to the calligraphy on the seating cards. It was Josh, however, who played the most beautiful rendition of love songs spanning from the 40s to today as guests were seated and the bridal party processed to the head of the aisle.

The Wedding Ceremony

Officiated by Stan Webb, a dear family friend who had married both Ashton’s sister and parents performed a beautifully written ceremony for their wedding. It was personalized to include special details that only someone who knew them well as a couple could. This made it all the more moving. The way he wove the history of their love story from their first chance meeting to where we are today…we know these two will last a lifetime.

In Memory of Our Loved Ones

Forever in our hearts, the wedding day would not be complete without everyone’s presence accounted for. For those who were only able to be there in spirit, Ashton and Chaz had their most important loved ones all represented on their special day celebrating some of their happiest moments. The most touching tribute of all, however, was the embroidered piece of Ashton’s grandfather’s shirt. It featured a sweet memory she would often recall him saying to her. She held him close and she walked down the aisle.

A Groom’s Serenade

The reception had a beautiful beginning as much to Ashton’s surprise, Chaz serenaded her under the stars. The song? An original composition that he had written specifically for this moment, their wedding day. (I’m not crying, you’re crying.)

Reception Decor

Each place setting was decorated with a glass beaded charger on a crisp white linen. crimson napkins folded into a chevron were placed at the center. A small geode slice on an easel could be found at the top of each place setting directing the guests to their seat. At the center of each table, in keeping with the woodland fairytale theme, were lanterns, mossy vases with hints of florals and succulents and small silver candles to add a romantic air.

Strung above were fairy lights that wound around the reception clearing and down the woodland paths adding touch of romantic whimsy. This magical reception was nestled within the trees for a feeling of cozy seclusion. Guests danced, ate and strolled down the lakeside trail as they celebrated under the stars and treetops. This was truly a magical setting under the glow of cascading lights with the shimmer of the moon on the water.

The Newlywed’s First Dance

Chaz and Ashton are the perfect pair. We have never met two people who were better suited. Both free spirited, creative and incredibly outgoing. They absolutely love to sing, dance and create their own adventures. Doesn’t matter if it’s a home-based karaoke battle or a beautiful wedding in the woods, they are all in! We loved how they hardly left each other’s side all evening and when they did, they were eagerly looking for one another in the crowd.

Daddy/Daughter Dance

Randy’s dance with his youngest step child was like something straight out of a movie. Not only did these two have all the moves they had us smiling like crazy at how adorable they are. It is quite clear they have cut a rug together before…and often. Their smiles simply lit up the night!

Mother/Son Dance

This tradition always gets us tearing up. Chaz and his sweet momma, Caroline were certainly no exception. It was absolutely clear that he is the apple of her eye. We loved watching him spin her around the dance floor.

Eat, Drink and Be Merry!

Humble Embers served up a wide selection of local wines, local beers and spirits to keep guests in a partying mood. Meanwhile, they were also treated to a sumptuous dinner from their skilled chefs. The beautiful geode wedding cake from The Rolling Pin was a real hit! French vanilla in one tier and spice cake in another. Talk about a treat!! Decked out with succulents, it was photographed nearly as often as the beautiful bride!

The Toasts

Toasting their love with personalized flutes gifted to them by their Weddings & Events by Raina wedding planning team, the maid of honor, Ashton’s sister Lauren, had everyone in happy tears. Thankfully, the best man followed that up with his speech. He spilled the beans on his adventures with the loving couple. He certainly had everyone rolling with laughter as he recounted their antics!

We planned Lauren’s wedding, too. Click here to read all about it!

Dancing The Night Away

And then finally the dance floor was open to all. Guest had an absolute blast with all the great tunes played by Choice DJ. Not a single person was in their seats as they danced the night away. As always, they know how to get everyone out onto the dance floor and KEEP them there! This was definitely a night to remember!!

Bouquet Toss

Just before it was time to send the newlyweds off on their honeymoon Ashton asked if anyone would like the bridal bouquet. Of course with flowers that pretty there was quite a crowd. The little flower fairies especially wanted to get in on this action! In the end it was a dear friend from high school who ended up catching the prized bouquet.

Garter Toss

Following the tossing of the bridal bouquet another crowd formed as Chaz once again got down on one knee. This time it was to retrieve the bridal garter and toss it to the next lucky gentleman to find his happily ever after.

A Sparkly Send Off!

Finally, it was time for the lovely lovebirds to make their way to their honeymoon. Being sent off to loud cheers and showered with love, Ashton and Chaz ran through a tunnel of sparklers. They made their way to their fully decorated car announcing their newlywed status and then they were off to start the next chapter in their love story.

SPOILER ALERT!! The Princess married the Prince and they lived happily ever after!

ASHTON & CHAZ’S VENDORS

Planning & Design – Weddings & Events by Raina

Venue – Historic Rock Castle

Photography – Glenai Gilbert Photography

Videography – LaDage Films

Florist – The Nashville Flower Market

Catering & Bartending – Humble Embers

Cake – The Rolling Pin

DJ – Choice DJs

Hair & Makeup – Lotus Lux Beauty

Rentals – Grand Central Party Rentals & Everyday Fiestas

Engraving – The Gifted Hand