When your best friend is getting married, and in a destination wedding(!), you dive in head first to dream up, design and execute the most perfectly “them” celebration! Jill and Ashik’s joyful multicultural vineyard wedding in Nashville was such an amazing day and one that we will never forget!

Jill and Ashik have a beautiful, simple, respectful, colorful, adventurous and deep love. They come from different cultures, states, schools, and traditions, but their finding each other was meant to be. Having known Jill over half of our lives, it was such a joy to watch their relationship grow and to help design and execute their marriage celebration!

As we started talking about what they both wanted to highlight and share with their family and friends, everything unfolded seamlessly. We set out to plan a destination wedding in Nashville incorporating both Christian and Hindu faiths, Jill’s love of soft yellow and fall hues with traditionally colorful Indian reds. What resulted is one of my favorite and most intentional designs yet!

Once we agreed on a palette of buttercream yellow, a dusty French blue and merlot, we built out textures and details. Each of which was incredibly intentional. The venue, Arrington Vineyard, was chosen for its beautiful scenery, delicious wine and the fact that Jill and Ashik love the outdoors and visiting wineries when they travel. They are also avid hikers, cyclists, and outdoor lovers. So it was natural to select a venue that allowed for spending time outside.

Catch up on their love story and design details

Of course, that love of the outdoors and natural aesthetic also needed to translate into their beautiful paper designed by Andi’s Invites. Andrea designed a beautiful set of custom stationery for this celebration – everything from the invitation suite to programs to menus. She also included a beautiful floral print back to the invitation so guests could keep them as an art print for their home. What a fun and thoughtful detail.

Emily, of Kennedy Occasions, did a stellar job with the floral designs. Jill wanted something soft, natural and feminine for the bouquets and arrangements. Additionally, we needed Varmala for the Hindu ceremony and a lush altar garland to frame the ceremony. The colors, textures, and details that Emily incorporated were above and beyond anything we could have dreamed up and truly took the day to another level.

Another fun aspect of the attire was that the bridal party donned both American and Indian traditional dress for the ceremony. It was important to incorporate both religions and cultures as Jill and Ashik began their marriage. The ceremony was a fusion of Hindu and Christian faith including both a Hindu Priest to bless their marriage and life and Pastor Sherrie to facilitate traditional vows and ring ceremonies. It was a unique and deeply meaningful beginning to Jill and Ashik’s life together.

The linens and rentals from Southern Events were so beautiful and their team was an absolute dream to work with. We selected a textured ivory and gold table linen with burgundy napkins to add dimension and interest to our tables. We also mixed harvest tables with linen rounds for visual interest. The garlands that Emily designed added a softness to the harvest tables that made the entire tent feel so cozy and magical (especially when the bistro lights came on)!

The food was very important to both Jill and Ashik. For them, food is the center of any celebration and family gathering. They also enjoy trying new recipes regularly and cooking together on date nights in. Naturally, that meant we had to find a caterer with a wide range of options and Chef’s Market delivered in spades. The menu included fried chicken sliders, beef sliders, homemade mac and cheese (one of Jill’s favorites) and much more. We also brought in traditional Indian dishes for a full culinary experience. Let me tell you, there was not a hungry soul to be found.

Just when all of the guests thought they couldn’t possibly eat another bite, the cherry on top was the amazing dessert spread!  We had pies and treats from Meridee’s, including blueberry because one of Ashik’s fondest childhood memories was blueberry picking, cake from Nashville Sweets and other items from Ashik’s childhood bakery in Ohio. To say these two love to pamper their guests with comfort food is more than fair. They even had custom dessert boxes made for guests to take sweets for the road – and they did!

There are no words to adequately express the joy and love that floated through the air that late summer evening in September. When the day drew to a close, strangers had become friends, friends had become family and everyone was celebrating a Hawkeye State (Iowa vs. Iowa State) under the bistro lights.

xoxo,

Featured on Inspired by This

Photography: Whitney Woodall // Design & Planning: Harper Hadley Events // Venue: Arrington Vineyards // Florals: Kennedy Occasions // Stationery Design: Andi’s Invites // Cake: Nashville Sweets // Pies: Meridee’s // Rentals: Southern Events // Catering: Chef’s Market // Hair & Makeup: The Dry House Nashville // Bridal Gown: BHLDN // Bridesmaid Dresses: Lulu’s // Suits: Braveman Suits // Indian Dress: Indian Wedding Store // DJ: Entertain Official // Officiant: Sherrie Binkley