COURTNEY + RYAN’S TRADITIONAL SUMMER WEDDING

On the Fourth of July in 2020, Courtney and Ryan had a traditional summer wedding filled with champagne accents, neutrals, lots of greenery, and so many sweet moments. 

The happy couple first met through some mutual friends during their freshman year at the University of Tennessee. They believe that fate would have brought them together one way or another during their college years, but they’re thankful they were able to “grow up” and enjoy all of their time in undergrad together. 

Among the many special outings the pair shared, their Christmas date right before they went to see their families was always the most special. On December 21st of 2018, Ryan and Courtney dressed up and headed to the Opryland for a romantic night of lights and laughter. After dinner and a horse-drawn carriage ride, Ryan got down on one knee and popped the question! 

When it came to finding the perfect venue, Courtney and Ryan had a very specific wishlist. “When we walked into the Bell Tower, our eyes lit up, and we both knew The Bell Tower checked all the boxes. It's walking distance to Broadway, a beautiful and intimate venue, PLUS a historic renovated 1800's church, so it still allowed for the traditional feel: It was perfect,” Courtney told us. 

On the big day, Courtney was dressed in a sleek fitted gown with a long appliqué flower petal veil and held a bouquet of white flowers and delicate eucalyptus. Her bridesmaids were dressed in contemporary off-shoulder, champagne dresses.

Ryan and his groomsmen sported sleek black suits with matching silk ties, and they were all looking sharp! 

Being surrounded by their loved ones and embracing wedding traditions were the most important things for the couple. When it was time for the ceremony, Courtney’s dad walked her down the aisle after she gave him a sweet note.

As the couple tied the knot in front of a geometric wooden arch decorated with romantic floral arrangements, they shared their own personalized vows and participated in a unity candle lighting that both their parents also included in their weddings.

Afterward, guests headed out to the patio to enjoy a cocktail hour and sip a few fine wines while the Infinity staff transformed the main space with glowing string lights, warm neutral linens, and mirrored candlelit centerpieces. 

The wedding guests sat down for a plated dinner of maple mustard glazed chicken or herb-roasted pork loin with sauteed seasonal vegetables and four-cheese macaroni. After everyone filled their bellies and enjoyed the traditional first dances, the Emerald Empire Band got everyone out on the dance floor to celebrate with the newly married couple. 

At the end of the night, it was time for a bouquet and garter toss before the newlyweds made their way to the getaway car through a line of sparklers that were perfect for celebrating this Fourth of July wedding.

Read on for more design details from this traditional summer wedding at the historic Bell Tower.