Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Real Weddings Wedding Styles Seasonal Weddings Fall Weddings A Southern and Timeless Wedding at a Family Farm By Kayla Pantano Kayla Pantano Kayla is a freelance writer for MarthaStewart.com. Editorial Guidelines Updated on January 11, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Destiny and Taylor Annabella Charles Photography The colorful city of Nashville brought Destiny and Taylor Preston together, officially meeting the day she moved there. They married two years later. Taylor, who owns a real estate investment and development company, planned a sweet and total surprise proposal for Destiny, who formerly worked in the medical industry at a healthcare tech startup and now assists her husband on the management side of his business. The day before Thanksgiving, under the impression that they were going to meet Taylor's family for an early meal at their farm, Destiny had hot rollers in her hair when he picked her up. Acting exceptionally sentimental the whole drive over, he asked Destiny to go for a walk to their favorite spot by the creek with their black lab, Huckleberry, upon arrival. Originally resistant due to the chilly weather, after some convincing they braved the cold together. When Taylor got down on one knee, Destiny said yes before he could finish. When they returned to the farmhouse, they enjoyed a celebratory dinner with Champagne and a huge Southern-inspired meal with family and friends from all over, which Taylor arranged without giving Destiny the slightest clue. On October 18, 2014, the duo and their 400 guests gathered for a sweet, simple, and romantic sunset ceremony at that same farm, a place near and dear to their hearts, followed by a celebration under the stars. The perfect fall day, perhaps thanks to following the Southern tradition of burying a bottle of bourbon at the ceremony site, a s'mores bar, and antique couches with cozy quilts later warmed up the cool October night. Southern and timeless, the contrast of elegant gowns and tuxedos with the laid back feel of the farm shaped the whole day and reflected Destiny and Taylor as a couple. Watch Destiny and Taylor's Wedding Video 01 of 29 The Stationery Annabella Charles Photography Natalie Chang created the stationery suite, which included a save the date and an illustration of the venue that lined the envelopes. Calligraphy and a wreath emblem brought it all together. 02 of 29 The Location Annabella Charles Photography Destiny and Taylor chose to get married at the Preston family farm in Leiper's Fork, Tennessee—the same place they had their first date, shared their first anniversary, and got engaged. The ivory farmhouse and the green, blush, and light blue from the landscape influenced the color palette. With guests from all over the country, the location provided the comforts of a hometown wedding and an opportunity for the duo's loved ones to experience their favorite place. "We look forward to watching our kids fish in that pond someday," Destiny says. 03 of 29 Getting Ready Annabella Charles Photography Destiny and her closest confidant, her mom, complete the finishing touches to her ensemble, spending time with just each other as the stress melted away. "It was a moment that I will forever cherish as one of the greatest and sweetest memories of my life," Destiny says. Another special woman—Destiny's grandmother—did Destiny's hair for the occasion, just as she has done for many events prior. 04 of 29 The Style Annabella Charles Photography Though Destiny had her heart set on quality time dress shopping with her mom, she purchased the first one she tried on. When she walked out of the dressing room in the Rivini gown, her mother's eyes teared up and they knew she had found the one. A timeless dress with French Chantilly lace hidden in flowing tulle, she opted for a full-length veil to add a bit of sophistication without hiding all of the dress's intricacies. For her something borrowed, the bride accessorized with her mother's diamond earrings, a gift from her father on her mom's first Mother's Day with Destiny and her brother, John Eric. For her something blue, she chose a sapphire and diamond ring that was also a present from her father to her mother. And of course she donned her engagement ring, a 1920s asscher cut from Walton's Antique and Estate Jewelry that Taylor picked out all by himself. 05 of 29 The Shoes Annabella Charles Photography Destiny accessorized her gown with these Manolo Blahnik heels. Classic and feminine, "yet still a unique choice for a wedding shoe," she plans to wear them on their anniversary each year, Destiny says. Outdoor Wedding Shoes 06 of 29 The Bouquet Annabella Charles Photography Florist Lark Foster created the bridal bouquet that boasted seeded eucalyptus, scabiosa, lisianthus, astilbes, and ferns. See More Fall Bouquets 07 of 29 The Bridesmaids Annabella Charles Photography "Even as a young girl I have always liked the idea of all the bridesmaids wearing dresses that fit them and their unique personalities," Destiny says. And they did just that. Taylor's sister, Sara, and Destiny's best friends wore Watters, Jenny Yoo, and Joanna August dresses in different shades of blush and pale gray. Wrapped with thick, vintage velvet ribbon that streamed to the floor, the bridal party bouquets were primarily white and green with touches of blush, consisting of larkspur, delphiniums, lisianthus, freesia, star dianthus, hydrangeas, and the bride's favorite, a garden rose called "Juliet." A thick Southern garland with clippings of magnolia, elaeagnus, and more from Taylor's grandmother's garden draped the balcony, where the bridal party lounged and got ready. 08 of 29 Bountiful Baskets Annabella Charles Photography As a thank you for their love and support, Destiny gave her bridesmaids baskets with monogrammed cookies, earrings, a Voluspa French cade and lavender candle, and a handwritten thank-you note. See More Bridesmaid Gifts 09 of 29 The Flower Girl Annabella Charles Photography Destiny's cousin, Campbell, served as flower girl. Hoping for her to wear a dress similar to the bride's, they were lucky to find this gem online at Dressale that matches perfectly. Keep Kids Happy 10 of 29 The Groomsmen Annabella Charles Photography The groom and his groomsmen—his father, Destiny's brother, and his best friends—looked dapper in their tuxedos made by J. Michaels Clothiers. However, later in the evening, two of the groomsmen danced so much that their pants split right down the seam. "It was the joke of the night, and we still and always will laugh so hard at that memory," Destiny says. 11 of 29 A Furry Friend Annabella Charles Photography Bethel, this darling white lab adorned in flowers, is like family to the Prestons. "She belongs to Taylor's father and stepmother and is extremely friendly," Destiny says. See More Dogs at Weddings 12 of 29 On Dad's Arm Annabella Charles Photography Taylor's most memorable moment of the day was "without a doubt" seeing Destiny walk down the aisle, escorted by her father to the traditional wedding march. "It felt like that day was moving in slow motion. After seeing her everything was right again," Taylor says. Destiny truly felt grateful to be passed from one great man to another. See More Moments With Dads 13 of 29 The Ceremony Annabella Charles Photography Standing under a chandelier of flowers hanging from the tree by the pond, the two joined hands in matrimony. Brother Bill Abbott, who officiated the nuptials, also baptized the bride when she was seven years old. "He was such an amazing spiritual role model to me as a young child; it meant so much that he could be a part of the next big decision in my life," Destiny says. Sweet and sincere, the twosome sent personal written vows to each other beforehand and used traditional vows during their wedding. One of their closest friends, Chelsea Wallace, read 1 Corinthians 13, which served as guidance for the couple's relationship many times, always reminding the pair that, "Love never fails." Find More Readings 14 of 29 The Guest Book Annabella Charles Photography Guests signed this thick slice of aged wood that Destiny and Taylor are turning into a side table for their home. Creative Guest Book Ideas 15 of 29 The Reception Annabella Charles Photography Not far from the Preston family farm, the reception took place at Leiper's Creek Gallery. While staying true to the comforts of Leiper's Fork, the reception was cozy, romantic, and elegant, with the band keeping the dance floor full and moving the entire night. 16 of 29 The Drinks Annabella Charles Photography Guests chose two words from these wooden boards and mixologists made distinctive moonshine cocktails with fresh fruit and herbs, finished off with foil-stamped stir sticks. Destiny's favorite was the "Fizzy & Frilly" and Taylor's the "Manly Classic." 17 of 29 Custom Koozies Annabella Charles Photography Custom beer koozies designed by Natalie Chang garnished the specialty Tennessee moonshine bar. 18 of 29 The Tables Annabella Charles Photography An eclectic mix of vintage candlesticks ran the length of all the farm tables, staggered in heights and sizes and filled with tall ivory tapers. Cloches covered Southern biscuits accompanied by various honeys and jams for guests to nibble on throughout the night. 19 of 29 The Centerpieces Annabella Charles Photography Placed in one of a kind vessels, most of which were borrowed from Taylor's grandmother's silver collection, the centerpieces showcased either hydrangeas or lisianthus, along with astilbes, roses, pepper berries, and assorted greenery. 20 of 29 The Lounge Area Annabella Charles Photography Arrangements of antique furniture created a place for guests to lounge and chat over candlelight. The florist provided her collection of vintage quilts to keep guests warm while they were not heating up on the dance floor or roasting s'mores by the fire. 21 of 29 The Old Jalopy Annabella Charles Photography Parked near the real and functional moonshine still, this pickup's grill was embellished with a lush wreath made of fresh mood moss and offered a great photo op for guests. 22 of 29 The Wall of Hats Annabella Charles Photography The florist also provided a large assortment of vintage hats, which was displayed near the jalopy as fun props for guests to wear in the photos. "The hats made for funny moments on the dance floor and fabulous photographs! It was the perfect little detail that really tied everything together," Destiny says. 23 of 29 The First Dance Annabella Charles Photography Taylor's father and sister performed Elvis's "Can't Help Falling In Love" for their first dance. "It was the best moment of the day and felt totally magical to us. It was really sinking in that we were finally married. I know it sounds cliché, but I really felt like we were the only two people in the world," Destiny says. More First Dance Songs 24 of 29 The Menu Annabella Charles Photography In contrast to Champagne and candlelight, the menu was Southern comfort. For starters, guests enjoyed a biscuit bar with Nashville hot chicken, beef tenderloin, and Benton's ham. The entrée followed offering fried chicken covered with country ham gravy, braised beef brisket with cilantro pesto sauce over Falls Mill grits, collard greens, and mac n' cheese served in tiny mason jars. 25 of 29 The Cake Annabella Charles Photography With a homemade look, the cake was both simple and delicious. Covered in fluffy cream cheese icing, the layers included traditional white wedding cake, vanilla bean, and chocolate with raspberry filling. See More Wedding Cakes 26 of 29 The S'mores Bar Annabella Charles Photography The jalopy's tailgate also functioned as the location for the s'mores bar, which offered an assortment of ingredients and recipes to make five twists on the classic. Destiny's favorite was "The Elvis," a marshmallow, banana slice, and peanut butter cup melted between two graham crackers. See More Snack Bar Ideas 27 of 29 A Sweet Ride Annabella Charles Photography Lent by family friends in Alabama, this vintage Rolls Royce drove the couple from the farm to the reception and also served as a getaway car when everyone waved goodbye with sparklers. See More Getaway Ideas 28 of 29 The Honeymoon Annabella Charles Photography Taylor surprised Destiny with an African safari for their honeymoon, stopping at the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, Mnemba Island off the coast of Zanzibar, and Serengeti Under Canvas. The two watched hippos bathe, tracked down elephants, rhinos, and leopards, and watched lion clubs play in a field. They dove with dolphins, saw an endangered green turtle lay eggs on the beach, and went deep-sea fishing on a catamaran in the Indian Ocean. On their last day they even watched the sunrise over the Serengeti in a hot air balloon. "Each leg of our bespoke trip was full of surprises and adventures we will forever reminisce about," Destiny says. Plan the Best Honeymoon Ever 29 of 29 Sources Annabella Charles Photography Photography: Annabella Charles Location: Leiper's Creek Gallery Event Planning: Social Graces Events Catering: The Southern Flowers: Lark Foster Videography/Cinematography: B. Flint Photography and Films Stationery and Calligraphy: Natalie Chang Cake: Dessert Designs Music: The Reneaus Rentals: Southern Events; La Tavola Linen; Stockroom Vintage Makeup: Angelisa Farmer of Artistry SpaSalon Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! 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