ONE Cannery Row Wedding
Nashville Wedding Photographer
Melanie Grady Photography
Congratulations Kelsey and Jason!!!
Kelsey and Jason – both Clemson University Alumnus and mega Clemson football fans – had an absolutely timeless and elegant (yet epic) ONE Cannery Row Wedding in Nashville. With the help of Ashley at Sweetwater Events and an amazing cast of the best Nashville wedding vendors, the wedding was everything Kelsey and Jason had been dreaming of… and with a little help from Kelsey’s parents – even beyond their wildest wedding dreams. We started the day at the colossal Brentwood United Methodist Church. Wow. The lobby area took my breath away – and I knew immediately at some point that I’d have to take a portrait of Kelsey & Jason in that space (I did!! see below!) Kelsey and Jason had an emotional first-look in the courtyard before the ceremony. They read letters that they each wrote for one another as they held hands back to back. As soon as they turned to look at one another, there were tears of joy from both sides.
Soon after the first look, we met their dog, Sadie (aka matchmaker extraordinaire). She posed for some adorable portraits with her parents and then went back home. No, she wasn’t allowed in the sanctuary… I wasn’t even allowed in the sanctuary! Lol. Speaking of that, it’s true… Josh and I were forbidden from going into the sanctuary at all during the ceremony. I took all of the ceremony photos that you’ll see below from the windows of the church doors (thank goodness for long zoom lenses!).
The ceremony was absolutely gorgeous, the church formal photos are brilliant, we had a ball taking more photos on the pedestrian bridge downtown Nashville with the entire wedding party, and the reception was one I will never forget. After the first dance, Kelsey’s parents gave what I thought was going to be a very typical speech/toast. During that toast, the most incredible thing happened. Coach Dabo Swinney (Clemson University football) appeared on the white projector screen that had been showing fun baby photos of our bride and groom. Coach wished Kelsey and Jason a perfect wedding day and a lifetime of love, happiness, and Clemson football together. It was just one of those surreal moments that probably felt like a fantasy/dream to Kelsey and Jason. They were visibly over-the-moon excited and that excitement carried with them into the dance party that soon commenced.
I am so very thankful for these two beautiful people who chose me to photograph their wedding. You both deserve the absolute best, and I think you’ve found that in each other. 🙂 I can’t wait to see what your future will bring. Oh, and here’s the link to their engagement session at Carnton Plantation if you haven’t seen it… worth the look.
Here’s Kelsey’s account of how they met:
We met online thanks to his cute dog Sadie who caught my attention–if I’m being honest–and his Clemson T-shirt. I went to Clemson for undergrad as well so we had a rabid love of all things Clemson and Clemson football in common. Jason jokes that he had to go all the way to Florida to find a nice Clemson girl. I joke that I had to import a nice Southern boy to Florida to finally find the one.
ENJOY!
Church: Brentwood United Methodist Church
Reception Venue: ONE Cannery Row
Wedding Planner: Sweetwater Events
Floral Design: Belles Fleurs
Bridal Gown: Minerva’s Bridal Designer: Eddy K
Entertainment: The Music City Sound
Cake: Wolfe Gourmet Cakes–Nicole Wolfe
Caterer: Clean Plate Club
Hair/Makeup: One10 Beauty
Kelsey, you were so stunning and graceful. Your timeless elegance reminded me of a porcelain bridal doll.
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