Quite often, friends can know you better than you know yourself. Courtney Dial’s best friend (and future maid of honor) knew that Chris Whitmore would be the perfect man for her when she brought both of them together at a party. Just under three years later, on June 23, 2012, this golf pro and stylist and blogger tied the knot (and lots of bows) not far from their home in Nashville, Tennessee.

The stationery by Amber Housley was kept simple, with a classic black-and-white combination leading the design. Stripes and accents of green were incorporated throughout. This introduced the color palette and the event’s Southern-meets-preppy style. A few whimsical touches were added in on the big day.

Courtney accessorized her Paloma Blanca gown with a cathedral-length veil, both of which she got at Arzelle's Bridal. Pearl drop earrings were the finishing touch.

Chris sported a classic Calvin Klein tuxedo.

Courtney found simple white pumps and had them dyed Kelly green to complete her look.

Courtney carried lush peonies bundled together with striped ribbon.

The bridesmaids wore green Alfred Sung for The Dessy Group. They accessorized with matching pearl-and-emerald Erin McDermott earrings that were a gift from the bride.

The youngest attendants wore white dresses from Nordstrom and carried baskets decorated with white satin ribbon.

The groomsmen looked sharp in Calvin Klein tuxedos.

The couple returned to Courtney's alma mater, Vanderbilt University, to wed in Benton Chapel.

White carnations and peonies in the shape of the pair's newly shared initial adorned the church entrance.

Die-cut programs were backed with a striped pattern and tied with a bow.

The bride and her father walked down the aisle to "Canon in D". Scripture readings were recited, rings were exchanged, and the newlyweds recessed to the "Wedding March" from A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

After taking painting classes at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens and Mansion, Courtney fell in love with its stunning spaces, including a reflection pool, Japanese garden, and herb garden. The seated dinner took place under a tent on the lawn.

Tec Petaja photographed the couple walking around the naturally beautiful grounds of their reception venue.

Courtney dreamed up a surprise tablescape to honor the groom's favorite things: Scotch, golf, and their pup.

A sign—topped with a dapper bow tie—listed the three Scotches available at the bar.

Even the drink stirrers were dressed up for cocktail hour: Courtney's mom used striped ribbon to make their mini bow ties.

Cocktail napkins printed with the signature drink recipe put the fun in functional.

Cashew-ginger chicken salad on silver dollar rolls were held together with ribbon-wrapped toothpicks.

Courtney had custom cookies made by Cookies Are My Canvas for the scotch bar. One design sported the likeness of Henry, the couple’s English Springer Spaniel. The other honored their last name.

The 225 guests enjoyed the view from the terrace during cocktail hour.

"A hot summer wedding in the South called for lots of water bottles with custom striped labels," Courtney said. Monogrammed party horns in the signature pattern were also handed out at the send-off to create a festive goodbye.

Guests' names and table assignments were written on golf balls and placed teed up on a tray of wheat grass. They were the perfect nod to the groom’s career as a golf pro.

Long tables were covered with black linens and striped runners. Brocade Designs created simple arrangements of hydrangeas, gladiolas, roses, and peonies that were combined candlelit lanterns.

Table numbers were covered in green moss and dressed up with a bow.

Menus calligraphed by Natalie Chang in white ink on vibrant green paper were set on the plates along with black napkins folded into the shape of a bow-tie and tied with a ribbon. They outlined the meal, whose three courses were listed as "First Kiss," "The Engagement," and "Happily Ever After".

Courtney's mom handmade pressed-sugar mini wedding cakes that opened to hold green candies inside. They were placed in a clear box tied with a striped bow and set above each plate.

Southern staples, such as corn pudding, were served.

Signs denoting the couple's titles for the day hung from their chairs with black-and-white striped ribbon.

Sweet treats were a must for this bride who writes dessert cookbooks. Vanilla almond cakes with vanilla buttercream and white chocolate fondant by Jay Qualls were on display throughout the reception.

Chocolate and vanilla push-up pops were served late-night as a nod to the bride's first book and Nashville's famous Donut Den doughnuts were given out in black-and-white striped boxes as guests hit the road.

Elvis' "I Can’t Help Falling In Love With You" played as the couple took to the dance floor.

The night was filled with more oldies as well as Southern favorites performed by the Pat Patrick Band.

Wanting the plates to reflect the wedding theme, the layered cake was served on strips of black fondant that created a striped look.

Photography: Tec Petaja

Ceremony Location: Benton Chapel

Reception Location and Catering: Cheekwood Botanical Gardens and Mansion

Event Planning: Katie Saeger of Simply & Forever

Flowers: Brocade Designs

Stationery: Amber Housley

Calligraphy: Natalie Chang

Cake: Jay Qualls Cakes

Music: The Pat Patrick Band

Rentals: Music City Tents & Events

Hair and Makeup: Amy Lynn Larwig

Videography: Cholin Boyd

Custom Cookies: Cookies Are My Canvas

Party Horns: Oh Goodie Designs

Moss Table Numbers: Katie Rebecca Events