Planning a destination wedding in Tennessee.

A Wedding Story: On Life, Love + Turning Another Year Old

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Today was the day I planned to tell you about my sister’s wedding (finally). Today’s the day I turned 33 (a palindrome once more!). Today is also the day we’ve been sitting around twiddling our thumbs in hopes they’d transfer my dad from TriStar Centennial Medical Center to Vanderbilt’s Stallworth therapy facility (still didn’t happen—insurance companies sure don’t make things easy, do they?).

Planning a destination wedding in Tennessee.

So as you can imagine, this past week has not exactly gone as any of us planned.

But who can ever plan for such things like a massive stroke that comes on without warning? Life is unpredictable, so even the most Type A-ers like myself have to learn to adapt as it ebbs and flows. Or at least surrender to the sobering fact that we can’t always be in control of every situation.
Planning a destination wedding in Tennessee.

These past nine days have been tough for everyone in my court—my mom is a complete champ when it comes to handling difficult situations with patience and grace, so let’s just put that out in the open—but to those of you who have reached out, sent Tweets or Snaps, come to visit the hospital or simply emitted love into the universe at our expense, thank you. We’re hopeful for a stellar recovery and lucky that our family is all so close by to be here for dad through the rehab process.

Planning a destination wedding in Tennessee.

Has there ever been a more appropriate and non-ironic time to use the term #blessed? If ever I truly meant it, that occasion is now.

Planning a destination wedding in Tennessee.

But onto the fun part—let’s take a trip back in time to September for “the royal wedding” (as we refer to it internally), shall we?

Planning a destination wedding in Tennessee.

Style Blueprint did a lovely write-up on Kari and Josh this week, how they met and their metaphorical (and literal) journey to the altar. Let’s just say, the Zen yin to my sister’s slightly dramatic yang? That’s Josh in a nutshell.

Planning a destination wedding in Tennessee.

If you dig love stories like that, I urge you to click through and read all about their origins—peppered with a bit of scandal (they were co-workers at a Big Four firm! oh the horrors!)—followed by a retelling of their engagement here.

Planning a destination wedding in Tennessee.

I’m obsessed with my perfect princess of a sister, and her husband is a pretty awesome dude, too, so I think you should head on over there and read more about these atypical accountants. Seriously, was ever there a cuter bride and groom?

Planning a destination wedding in Tennessee.

But I’m not overly sappy (usually), so I’ll give you the down-and-dirty details instead of the lovey-dovey ones.

Planning a destination wedding in Tennessee.

Planning a destination wedding in Tennessee.
Planning a destination wedding in Tennessee.

Planning a destination wedding in Tennessee.

Planning a destination wedding in Tennessee.

It was decided very early on—by whom, I’m not sure—that Kari and Josh would get hitched in our hometown of Tullahoma. First of all, getting married in your hometown when you’re Southern means that you’re looking at a wedding of a couple hundred folks, minimum. Don’t believe me? Just watch.

Planning a destination wedding in Tennessee.

That’s what 500 people spread out over one massive lawn looks like. So space was the first issue we dealt with, but then when we found a farm that was essentially a blank slate, Mom nailed down a date and we all collectively zeroed in on a plan. If ever the term “it takes a village” held true, it was planning such a soiree with limited resources.

Planning a destination wedding in Tennessee.

While having a blank slate is definitely nice if you have a vision, it’s also a real pain in the you-know-what, having to bring in every last thing from the portable toilets right down to the generators.

Planning a destination wedding in Tennessee.

Planning a destination wedding in Tennessee.
Planning a destination wedding in Tennessee.

Planning a destination wedding in Tennessee.

Planning a destination wedding in Tennessee.
Planning a destination wedding in Tennessee.
Planning a destination wedding in Tennessee.

Planning a destination wedding in Tennessee.

Mom consulted her long-time pals Myra and Lynn, who have spearheaded many an event design for her in the past. They brought together her dream wedding—I mean, we all know it’s actually the mother-of-the-bride’s big day and has little to do with the bride and groom, right?—did the flowers and pulled together the thousand-and-one details such a big event requires to make it the picture-perfect wedding everyone envisioned.

Planning a destination wedding in Tennessee.

Planning a destination wedding in Tennessee.
Planning a destination wedding in Tennessee.

Planning a destination wedding in Tennessee.

Planning a destination wedding in Tennessee.
Planning a destination wedding in Tennessee.

Planning a destination wedding in Tennessee.

And can we talk about how adorable the flower girl and ring bearer were? I die.

Planning a destination wedding in Tennessee.

Planning a destination wedding in Tennessee.
Planning a destination wedding in Tennessee.

Planning a destination wedding in Tennessee.

Joe Hendricks did such a perfect job at capturing the entire event as it unfolded that I cannot recommend a better wedding photographer for future brides—in both Nashville and beyond.

Planning a destination wedding in Tennessee.

Planning a destination wedding in Tennessee.
Planning a destination wedding in Tennessee.

Planning a destination wedding in Tennessee.

Planning a destination wedding in Tennessee.
Planning a destination wedding in Tennessee.

I may have had an even better time at Josh and Kari’s wedding than my own—probably because I wasn’t the center of attention and could enjoy all the finer details for a change—and am ready to do it all over again! They might disagree on that part, but come their 10-year anniversary (or maybe even 5), I propose one mega follow-up shindig.

Planning a destination wedding in Tennessee.

Planning a destination wedding in Tennessee.
Planning a destination wedding in Tennessee.

Planning a destination wedding in Tennessee.

 


 

All photos courtesy of the loveliest wedding photographer, Joe Hendricks. Event design and flowers by the unflappable Myra Farr & Lynn Ramsey. Bridal hair and makeup by the uber-talented Brenna Mader. Catering by the rockstars at Natural Bridge Events. The most delicious wedding cake straight out of Sunshine Cake Shop. Dreamy music by Innocenti Strings Quartet (ceremony) and Party Planet (reception). Kari’s dress by Watters WTOO from Arzelle’s Bridal. Bridesmaids’ dresses by Dessy, Adrianna Papell and Bill Levkoff. Invitations and programs designed by Kari and our mom. Bridal party makeup by Mallory Spasoff. All equipment rentals from Christopher Equipment Rental / Master of Ceremonies. Beer from Ole Shed Brewing and libations from Liquor Locker. Favors from Goo Goo Cluster.

COMMENTS
  • February 24, 2016

    Just came across your blog and love it! This post is beautiful and the wedding is stunning! Sending extra prayers up for your sweet dad!

    • February 24, 2016

      Thank you so much, Ashley! Happy to have you here =)

  • February 24, 2016
    Mary Jo

    Hi, Happy Birthday, Oh,we did not know about your Dad,thoughts and prayers sent their way. An extra prayer he will get to Stallworth, I spent 5 weeks there with Danielle,they have wonderful therapists. I’m really enjoying your blog thanks for including me.Since we were unable to attend it was wonderful seeing the pictures.Would u send your Moms phone #or e-mail so I can touch base with her. Have a Blessed day Mary Jo

    • February 28, 2016

      Thank you so much, Mary Jo! Four days into Stallworth rehab, and we’re feeling good about the future =)

  • February 24, 2016

    A) Your family is one of my favorites…you know, of the families I stalk on the Interwebs. I just LOVE how supportive you all are of each other, inlaws are treated no differently, and pups are par for the course. I really hope your Dad’s recovery is smooth and Big Insurance gets their &@^# together.

    B) These photos are stunning and the whole day just looks perfect, seriously, like straight out of a magazine. It’s posts like this that kind of make me wish I hadn’t eloped (but then, I remember that the planning part of my wedding involved exactly 2 phone calls and buying a new pair of shoes, just for fun, and then I’m really glad I did it that way). 🙂

    C) I did not realize how close we are in age! 33ers unite!

    xox

    • February 28, 2016

      Like literally 10 days apart. I never realized either! Yay, February 1983 babies =)

      And thank you so much for the rest of your kind words! (And you may have been the wise one to elope!)

  • February 24, 2016

    Kristin, firstly, I’m so sorry to hear that your dad experienced a massive stroke. I can’t tell you how glad I am to hear that he’s doing well and that he will have a stellar recovery. I can’t imagine how frightening that was for you and your family.

    Secondly, Happy Belated Birthday to you!! I wish you only the very best as you begin your 33rd year 🙂

    Thirdly, thanks for sharing Kari’s wedding with us. The happiness and joy shine right through the pictures and congratulations to them again!

    I’ll keep you and your family in my prayers.

    • February 28, 2016

      Thank you, Pauline! You are always the sweetest, most supportive blog friend.

  • February 24, 2016

    My dad has had both legs amputated in the last 16 months, so I feel you on utter terror and long rehab journeys. All I can say is to remember to take self-care opportunities whenever you can. The unknown becomes the new normal so quickly (that moment for me was when the baristas at the hospital Starbucks knew my order), that it can be easy to forget to continue to put your own oxygen mask on first. Wishing you ease, comfort, and solutions as you guys figure out your new normal.

    • February 28, 2016

      Oh man, it’s hard for me to feel sorry for any of us when you’ve had to go through all of that. I’m so sorry for the last 16 months you’ve had to endure. Now that Dad’s in rehab full-time, we’re all taking shifts so I’ve been able to go back to the gym (and Paleo eating) for the time being, and it’s been nice!

  • February 24, 2016

    Wishing your Dad a speedy recovery and your family the continued grace to deal with this difficult time (and difficult insurance companies). A tip from my time in the health industry: your insurance company might have a patient navigator service – they can be your best friend!

    Hugs and prayers!

  • February 24, 2016
    Mister Sister

    You are pretty cool, too, I guess…

    • February 28, 2016

      It’s a good thing you’re cute…

  • February 24, 2016
    Annie Fitzsimmons

    Wow – gorgeous photos! Congrats to your sister! Thinking of you and your family in the days ahead with your father.

    • February 28, 2016

      Thank you so much, Annie! She is indeed a stunner (and as pretty on the inside as she is on the out!).

  • February 24, 2016
    Brenda Clarey

    You are such a fabulous writer. I was about in tears reading the part about your dad. My heart and my prayers will never stop for yall as you go through this most difficult time. Happy Birthday too! Love your thoughts on the wedding. I’m ready to have a do over too. It was sooooo much fun.

    • February 28, 2016

      Thank you so much, Brenda! We’re lucky to have you all as part of this family, too. ♥♥♥

  • February 24, 2016
    Payal

    Hi Kristin,
    I’ve followed your blog for years (maybe 10-ish?!). I’m so sorry to hear about your dad. Sending wishes and prayers for a healthful recovery.

    Thanks for sharing your sister’s wedding story – amazing pictures.

    Happy birthday to you! Wishing you the very best.

    • February 28, 2016

      That’s crazy, Payal! And you’re right: I’ve been blogging for nine years now. A huge THANKS to you and all the others who have stuck with me from the very beginning; that’s often been the motivation and encouragement I’ve needed to keep blogging =)

  • February 25, 2016
    Kavita

    Hi Kristin,

    Sorry to hear about your dad. I sure hope things get better soon – sending love and prayers your way.
    Those are some beautiful photographs.
    And last but not the least, Happy Birthday (belated).

    • February 28, 2016

      Thank you so much, Kavita! We’re very encouraged by his progress the past few days.

  • February 25, 2016

    Lovely wedding pictures, indeed! It definitely looked like a grand royal wedding and I wish your family to be happy forever and that your dad will recover soon.

    Remember the good times, always.
    Cheers and Happy family moments!
    Jul’

    • February 28, 2016

      Thank you, Jul! So glad we all had this memory together when Dad was still healthy.

  • February 26, 2016

    I’m sorry to hear about your dad! I wish him all the best in his recovery! The wedding pictures look magical! I love the outfits of everyone, such a fun style!

    • February 28, 2016

      Thank you, Dominique! Mom and Kari did an excellent job on pulling it all together =)

  • March 1, 2016
    Tracy

    I’ve had a sick dad the past several years and there are few things worse than worrying about our sweet fathers. Sorry to hear about yours. Glad you got to celebrate such a beautiful wedding while he was still well and wishing him a full recovery!

  • March 1, 2016

    What a drop dead gorgeous wedding!

    Hope your dad is on the road to recovery by now.

  • March 3, 2016

    To bad to hear about your dad, hope the recovery is going well and he’s going to be up on his feet soon.

    And about the wedding, superb pictures, your sister do look very happy 😀

  • March 6, 2016

    Omg incredible story I hope that everything is going well for you and your family and congratulations for your sister wedding

  • May 16, 2016

    I’m helping my soon to be sister-in-law to look for some pegs for her wedding. I’ll forward this blog to her so I hope you don’t mind. Loved every single photo! Congratulations!

  • June 27, 2016

    You have post an awesome articles.I love all of your photo. I’m sorry to hear about your dad! It definitely looked like a dignified royal wedding. I wish your family to be happy forever.I’m sorry to hear about your dad! Also wish your dad will recover soon.

  • August 17, 2016

    Simply Amazing….

    This post is really heart throbbing… a dream wedding for which almost every girl dreams for.

    I liked the whole post including the details that have been very nicely laid out.

    Especially, the portable toilet section…

    I feel that any of the occasions is incomplete without the arrangements of portable toilets.

    Thanks a lot for the share.

    My all wishes and good luck is with the bride and groom for your coming future.

  • October 10, 2017

    Wow, stunning! I´m in love with all the details. Looks like a perfect day 🙂

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