Tucked somewhere in the hills of Tennessee, a foggy lake resort provided the perfect backdrop for a Jane Austen-worthy romance come-to-life. Emily and Matthew’s April wedding struck the perfect balance between timeless and bold. A love for Pride and Prejudice and family traditions at the lake inspired the vision for Emily’s wedding. This combination threw not only a first-class party, but also emulated the whimsy of being “completely, and perfectly, and incandescently happy.”
The Happy Couple’s Names: Emily and Matthew Smith
Wedding Date: April 30, 2016
Location: Four Seasons Resort – Center Hill Lake – Smithville, TN
Tell us “your story” in a few sentences.
Matthew and I both graduated from the University of Tennessee where we met through a mutual friend, Corbin Taylor. Although we met several times throughout college, Matthew is very quiet, and we never really talked. It wasn’t until Matthew moved back to Nashville after a year in Atlanta in August of 2014 that we randomly met again and began to talk. Our first date was at the 12th South Taproom followed by a trip to Jeni’s ice cream. We bonded over our love for Tennessee football and Matthew’s willingness to try new things: snow-skiing, water-skiing, and all things lake. He then proposed to me in November of 2015 at the lake.
Pick three words to describe your wedding.
Romantic, whimsical, fun.
We chose to feature your wedding, which means we love your style! Tell us a little bit about your wedding aesthetics (colors, inspiration, personal style, etc).
Most of the inspiration came from the location. I grew up going to Center Hill Lake with my family every weekend, no matter what the season. It’s a very special place for my family, and it’s where Matthew chose to propose to me. So a lot of the rustic details were inspired by the lake itself. I also wanted it to feel romantic and elegant, and one of my other favorite things is Pride and Prejudice. So the theme of the wedding became a sort of Jane Austen meets rustic lake wedding.
The colors were chosen based on what flowers I love. I thought the contrast of bright pinks would look stunning against all the natural greenery at the lake. There are accents of gold, because it’s such an elegant and warm color. The bridesmaids’ dresses are navy because it’s such a universally flattering color that is almost like a neutral with all the bright colors against it.
My personal style is a unique mixture of classy and whimsical. I wanted the wedding to have a sense of timelessness, but also to have bold elements that might surprise people.
What was your favorite detail from the day?
Oh, that’s so hard! One of my favorite “fun” details was our groom’s cake topper. We had it hand-made by a lady in Hong Kong. It looks like I’m dragging Matthew off the golf course. As far as my favorite pretty detail, it’s definitely the invitations. They set the mood for the wedding, and people still tell me how much they loved them. They perfectly captured the mood: fun, beautiful, and unique! Plus, we carried over the wax seal to our escort cards, which were absolutely gorgeous. They ended up being the inspiration for so many other details including our cake, where they hand painted a replica of our custom crest.
What’s one thing you wish you would have known before you started wedding planning?
I think it’s good to have people around you throughout the wedding planning process to keep you grounded. Matthew was always reminding me that in the end, it was about us getting married. And my parents were great reminders that some things are just out of our control.
Tell us why you love EOH custom paper lovelies!
Emily was such a joy to work with throughout the whole process. She was able to understand our vision and work with us to perfect every tedious detail. The invitations were so amazing that we ended up recruiting her to make our menu board, our programs, signage for around the wedding, bar menus, and our escort cards. Everything was finished quickly, and she kept us updated throughout the whole process. My heart would leap for joy when I’d see a proof in my inbox.
We were so thrilled to work alongside the Sullivan family! If you don’t know this family, you are missing out. They are joyful, honest, encouraging, and continuously pour hospitality and generosity over everyone they meet. Their love for the Lord is evident in the grace with which they love those around them. Thank you for being a cheerleader of EOH from early on. Thank you for sharing your zeal for life with us. Thank you for showing us how to truly celebrate the big and small seasons of life. We count ourselves as blessed to know you. I think you can tell by the fist pump and 4-wheeler covered with twinkle lights what a great duo this is — wishing you many more days full of golf afternoons and lake parties!
Vendor Information
Dress: The Dress Theory Nashville
Accessories: Garter: handmade from my mom’s rehearsal dinner dress by Alterations by Tu; Earrings: BHLDN
Venue: Four Seasons Resort & Marina
Photography: Nyk & Cali Photography; photos of invitation suite by Cassidy Carson
Wedding Planner: Naomi Vivian of At First Blush & Co.
Paper: Emily O. Holmes
Flowers: Claudia Armstrong
Caterer: Temple Catering
Cake: The Frosted Affair
Groom’s cake: Dessert Designs
Rentals: Classic Party Rentals
Flatware & Linens: Southern Events
Bridesmaids’ Attire: Kennedy Blue Olivia dress in Navy; Necklaces from MignonandMignon
Groomsmens’ Attire: Men’s Wearhouse; Groom’s bowtie & groomsmen’s pins: Brackish Bowties
Make-up: Amanda Paige Gros
Band: Stretta Band
Videographer: White Heart Wedding Films
