A Fairy Tale Spring Garden Wedding In Sage Green | May 27
Gabby & Zach’s Classic Southern Garden Wedding
“Throughout the planning process people would always ask me if I was stressed or so busy with planning and my answer was no!” — Gabby, bride
A May Garden Wedding Featuring Sage Green & Blush
Gabby and Zach are both Tennessee kids, she’s from Franklin and he’s from Knoxville. The two met on the dating app Hinge and came to CJ’s Off The Square with a vision for a southern garden wedding.
The couple leaned on planner Sidney Darby to curate their May wedding ceremony and reception. They knew they wanted whimsical garden colors like creams, pinks, and green, but they needed a little help organizing and planning their day. Gabby notes how painless Sidney made the process.
“She was so easy to work with and was always willing to answer any questions or concerns we had. Throughout the planning process, people would always ask me if I was stressed or so busy with planning and my answer was ‘No!'”
Farm tables and bright, yet delicate flower arrangements set the scene for their spring nuptials and welcomed more than 100 of their family and friends.
Getting Ready
Gabby and her girls got their hair and makeup done at the Harpeth Hotel, where most of the guest stayed. Once they were dolled up, they got dressed in the bridal suite at CJ’s Off The Square. She stunned in a sheath dress gown with organic overlays all over. The top featured an illusion detail with a deep V-neckline and back. A delicate mesh overlay was the perfect addition to her beautiful dress. Her bridesmaids wore a variety of sage green floor-length dresses, which tied into the groom and his mens’ navy suits and sage bowties. Even their dog Shiloh was dressed for the occasion with a bowtie of his own.
The First Look
Prior to their ceremony with family and friends, Gabby and Zach met in the garden for an intimate first look and private ceremony. With his brother officiating the wedding, he was ordained online and they needed to make it legal. Planner Sidney said “I suggested having one of our officiants come and perform their legal ceremony earlier in the day so that it was all still on the same day!
The Outdoor Wedding Ceremony
For the main event, the couple stood alongside their closest family and friends to exchange vows. Gabby recalls, “Our May wedding at CJs was like a fairytale. The venue is so beautiful and makes the event feel intimate and magical.” In addition to the garden’s lush greenery and bistro lighting, the space was adorned with classic white and blush roses.
The Outdoor Wedding Reception
The couple’s outdoor wedding reception was packed with personalized details. At the bar, guests were offered Gabby and Zach’s favorite Jack Daniels cocktail, served in iconic cups from the Knoxville chain Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken. The cups were a fun nod to Zach’s hometown and the memories his family has shared there. Additionally, as entertainment and a meaningful gift for the couple, Zach’s mom hired a live painter. The East Tennessee artist paints a live portrait at the reception, and even more special, she collects water from rain or another significant source to use in her paints. She used some of the water from the koi ponds in the gardens at CJ’s Off The Square to create Gabby and Zach’s portrait.
When looking back on their wedding day, Gabby says she’s so glad they chose an all-inclusive venue that took the pressure of her to do all of the planning. “The staff at CJs makes the experience stress free because they do all of the work!”
The newlyweds had Papa John’s pizza delivered as a late-night snack for their guests. It was a huge hit after dancing the night away.
The Classic Spring Wedding Dream Team
Planning & Coordination: Sidney Darby for CJ’s Off the Square
Photography: Lindsay Campbell Photography
Flowers: Wildflowers LLC
Catering: Dream Events & Catering
Cake: Baked in Nashville
Rentals: Southern Events Party and Event Rental
Hair & Make-Up: Skye Hilton
Entertainment: Premier the Entertainment Company
Venue: CJ’s Off the Square
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(615) 216-7576
