Courtney and Chris
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 Fashions
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.
A Pop of Color
Courtney found simple white pumps and had them dyed Kelly green to complete her look.
Girls in Green
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.
Three Little Ones
The youngest attendants wore white dresses from Nordstrom and carried baskets decorated with white satin ribbon.
The Gents
The groomsmen looked sharp in Calvin Klein tuxedos.
The Ceremony Location
The couple returned to Courtney's alma mater, Vanderbilt University, to wed in Benton Chapel.
Door Decor
White carnations and peonies in the shape of the pair's newly shared initial adorned the church entrance.
The Programs
Die-cut programs were backed with a striped pattern and tied with a bow.
The Service
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.
The Reception Location
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.
Portraits
Tec Petaja photographed the couple walking around the naturally beautiful grounds of their reception venue.
Cocktail Hour
Courtney dreamed up a surprise tablescape to honor the groom's favorite things: Scotch, golf, and their pup.
Bar Menu
A sign—topped with a dapper bow tie—listed the three Scotches available at the bar.
Bedecked With Bows
Even the drink stirrers were dressed up for cocktail hour: Courtney's mom used striped ribbon to make their mini bow ties.
Double Duty
Cocktail napkins printed with the signature drink recipe put the fun in functional.
Finger Foods
Cashew-ginger chicken salad on silver dollar rolls were held together with ribbon-wrapped toothpicks.
Edible Art
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.
Sights To See
The 225 guests enjoyed the view from the terrace during cocktail hour.
Fun and Refreshing Favors
"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.
The Escort "Cards"
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.
The Reception
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.
The Place Settings
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.
The Dinner
Southern staples, such as corn pudding, were served.
The Seats of Honor
Signs denoting the couple's titles for the day hung from their chairs with black-and-white striped ribbon.
Sugar, Sugar
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.
The First Dance
Elvis' "I Can't Help Falling In Love With You" played as the couple took to the dance floor.
The Music
The night was filled with more oldies as well as Southern favorites performed by the Pat Patrick Band.
A Nice Slice
Wanting the plates to reflect the wedding theme, the layered cake was served on strips of black fondant that created a striped look.
Sources
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