During the fall of 2020, Briley and Chris had a traditional wedding ceremony at the Scarritt Bennett Center, followed by a glamorous and modern reception with us at The Bell Tower.
Briley and Chris grew up in Hendersonville, Tenn., attending the same high school. Although they passed each other in the hallway, they didn’t notice one another until five years later when they reconnected through a mutual friend.
In March of 2017, they had their first date and instantly fell in love!
When it came time for Chris to pop the question, the pair had just gotten home from a “perfect day” spent together. They were looking through some photographs when Chris got up to grab one he had framed. He brought it back with a red ring box, got down on one knee, and the rest is history.
Because of Briley’s experience in the wedding industry, working with friendor and florist LMA Designs, she wanted a style that would stand out from the rest. Her vision was to step away from trendy greenery-filled arrangements and use big, statement florals.
On her big day, Briley stunned in a strapless gown with a beaded, floral belt. She held a bouquet of dendrobium orchids to meet her now-husband Chris at the end of the aisle. He looked dapper in his all-black tux and black bowtie with an orchid boutonniere.
After the couple tied the knot at the Scarritt Bennett in a traditional ceremony, everyone made their way to our space for the reception of their dreams.
The tables were set with a mix of velvet and metallic-printed linens, black accents, and floating candles with tree-like centerpieces lining the center. The room was lit with six chandeliers and cascading string lights on the patio.
When guests arrived, they were greeted with classic tomato bruschetta, miniature Southern BLTs, fried mac and cheese, and wine. Hors d'oeuvres were followed by a buffet dinner complete with chicken roulade, red wine braised short ribs, Southern style green beans, roasted heirloom carrots, and twice smashed fingerling potatoes.
After everyone filled their bellies, Burning Las Vegas got everyone out on the dance floor to celebrate with the newly-married couple.
Keep scrolling for more details on Briley and Chris’ modern wedding reception and a Q&A with the bride.
WEDDING DETAILS
Date: November 21, 2020
Bride & Groom: Briley and Chris
Location: The Bell Tower
Colors: White, Black, Silver & Blue
Photographer: Steph Sorenson
Florist: LMA Designs
Cake: Baked In Nashville
Calligraphy: White Ink Calligraphy
Dress: Adorn Nashville
Rentals: Please Be Seated
Entertainment: Burning Las Vegas
Catering & Bar: The Bell Tower
Production Design: Nashville Lighting & Production
Planning: House of Grey Events
Q&A with Briley
What was the overall look and feel you wanted for your wedding day?
I have been someone who has dreamed about their wedding for as long as I remember. From doing wedding after wedding professionally, I wanted something you didn’t see a lot incorporated into every detail. I wanted a nice balance of classic and modern. After a while of planning, I kept telling everyone “architecture” was my theme and people would look at me like I was crazy. I just wanted a lot of texture without color or greenery.
As someone that’s been both the bride and behind the scenes, do you have any advice for couples?
Get a wedding planner. I planned most of my wedding by myself and hired a month-of planner. If I could do it over, I would hire a full time planner. It will make the process way less stressful— trust me.
Where did you get your inspiration for your florals?
I wanted tree-like centerpieces with orchids, calla lilies, proteas, and no greenery with accents of black. Lauren [of LMA Designs] showed me different photos, and she really helped nail it down and she knocked it out of the park.
What are your best tips for finding the right florist and style of florals that best fit you?
Create a Pinterest from the beginning and pin everything you like or you don’t like. Tell the florist why you liked or didn’t like it. The more details a client tells me, the better. Listen to your florist. They know the best flowers to use. Trust them.
Anything else about your wedding day or general advice that you would like to share?
I wound up having to move my wedding two weeks before due to COVID. I contacted Kalyn with Infinity [Hospitality]* and she was an absolute DREAM to work with. Every single staff member at my wedding was so friendly, kind, and happy, and it made the whole ambiance better. So a HUGE shout out goes to Kalyn Newport and the whole team at Infinity!
*Infinity Hospitality is the event planning and design company that manages all events at The Bell Tower.
