Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Subscribe
Save Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 35 One-Pan Meals Just Right for Dinner Tonight

      One pan, pot, skillet, or Instant Pot is all you need to for these no-fuss family dinners, including salmon, pasta, pot roast, chili, and so much more. Read More Next
    • The Best 2021 Bedroom Paint Colors

      Explore the best 2021 bedroom paint colors, according to paint experts. Read More Next
    • The Ultimate Guide to Household Cleaning: What You Should Be Cleaning When

      Our printable checklists will tell you what you should be doing every day, week, month, season—or every once in a while—to keep your home in ship-shape year round. Read More Next
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD

    Quick, Easy, and Delicious Pasta Recipes Ideal for Weeknight Dinners

    When you need a comforting meal but don't have a lot of time, whip up one of these fast pasta recipes. All can be made in 45 minutes or less.
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS

    17 St. Patrick's Day Crafts and Decorations

    Looking for a golden idea? You're in luck. Kick off your St. Patrick's Day celebrations with our shamrock garlands, rainbow balloons, leprechaun traps, and more.
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING

    The Best Front Porch Decorating Ideas for Every Month of the Year

    Get inspired to make your porch your new favorite living space with these ideas designed to add a refined look to any outdoor space.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Baby Shower Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • You're Invited
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME

    How to Disinfect Your Kitchen and Your Food During the Coronavirus Outbreak, According to Experts

    Keep everything from your countertops to your dining room chairs germ-free.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING

    How to Keep Your Houseplants Happy in the Winter

    Help them thrive even when the temperature drops.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Wash Your Hands Properly, According to a Doctor

    You likely wash your hands several times a day, but are you doing so effectively? Learn how to minimize the spread of germs with an extra few seconds of scrubbing.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS

    How to Plan a Beautiful, Meaningful Micro Wedding So That You Can Celebrate Your Postponed Nuptials Right Now

    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY

    How to Knit: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide

    Learn how to knit your own mittens, hats, scarves, and more. We'll take you through the step-by-step instructions and teach you how to cast on, knit, purl, and cast off.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
    • Rescue & Revamp
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    Six Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health While You Work from Home

    Start by carving out a designated work area in your space.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE

    How to Start a Virtual Book Club

    From which platforms to use and the best books to read, bibliophiles share their advice.
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Weddings
  3. Real Weddings
  4. Wedding Styles
  5. Love Is Love
  6. Spring Weddings
  7. The Rolling Hills of Tennessee Provided the Backdrop for This Organic Spring Wedding

The Rolling Hills of Tennessee Provided the Backdrop for This Organic Spring Wedding

By Blythe Copeland
October 30, 2019
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
Credit: Kristin Sweeting

The couple drew inspiration for their color palette from the locale's seasonal flowers and striking terrain.

Start Slideshow

1 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Credit: Kristin Sweeting

Julia Roseman and Doug Norfleet had dozens of chances to run into each other during their time at Vanderbilt University—but it wasn't until just a few weeks before they graduated in 2014 that fate intervened. "We had been in the same major, had dozens of mutual friends, and had even lived in the same dorm building—but never met," says Doug. And though the timing meant they committed to a long-distance relationship almost immediately (Julia moved to India after graduation), they believe it worked out perfectly. "We agreed that we wouldn't have liked each other if we met earlier in our college careers, and it all came together right before the window of opportunity would have closed forever," explains Doug.

Three years later, Doug worked Julia's love of the Christmas season into his proposal by parking his car during a drive-through holiday light display and pulling her out to take a Christmas card photo under a grove of willows. "I got in pose waiting for Doug, and when I turned he had already dropped to one knee and pulled the ring out," says Julia.

Julia and Doug hired The Gifford Collective to help create their dream wedding at Ravenswood Mansion in Brentwood, Tennessee, where, on May 18, 2019, 150 guests gathered for their outdoor ceremony and reception. Their planning team's assistance was invaluable, they say. "During the planning process, we moved to our new city, I transferred offices, Julia got a new job, and her mother received a tough health diagnosis," says Doug. "It was so hectic."

With the help of their planners, the couple focused on a few key areas—"personal vows, incredible photography, incredible food and drinks, and a thoughtful guest list"—and curated their aesthetic, which Julia describes as "modern, floral, intentional, romantic, and Tennessee-inspired," and Doug calls "beautiful, unique, community-focused, bougie as hell (and proud of it), and just all around special." But their biggest priority remained creating a special event for their loved ones. "Overall, our family and friends are the reason we found each other and were able to make it through the challenges of international long distance, family health issues, and career struggles," says Julia. "We knew that we wanted our wedding day to focus on creating the best possible experience for these people that are so special to us."

1 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Ring Masters

Credit: Kristin Sweeting

Julia and Doug chose a lavender-centric color palette designed by The Gifford Collective, incorporating mauve, plum, and blush tones inspired by the season's flowers; they added ivory, black, and green for contrast.

Doug designed Julia's sparkling engagement ring and wedding band alongside her uncle, who runs David Harvey Jewelers—a shop started by her great-grandparents in the early 1900s. "It was so special knowing my family helped create my rings, and that I was able to carry a piece of my grandfather with me on that day," says Julia.

2 of 20

3 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Simple and Chic

Credit: Kristin Sweeting

Though Julia tried on a variety of wedding dresses at several different shops, she found herself enamored with one material. "There were so many gorgeous dresses that were fluffy, tiered, lacy, or beaded, but my heart kept going back to white crepe," she says. When she put on the "Valeria" by Pronovias, the short sleeves, bateau neckline, and long train spoke to her. "In the store, we combined the dress with a delicate veil that matched the length of the dress' train, and it just stopped us in our tracks. That's when I knew!" she says.

For her wedding day, she chose a Sara Gabriel French lace veil with woven florals around the edge, and wore four-inch heels from Bella Belle—chosen in part because she'd heard about how comfortable they were. "At 6' 6", my husband is an entire foot taller than me," she says. "So I knew I needed taller heels!"

On the big day, she shared a first look with her bridesmaids, mother, and mother-in-law, sparking an emotional moment: "I realized just how lucky I was to have my mom with me on my wedding day, despite the scare of her cancer diagnosis leading up to it," she says.

  • How to Make Sure Your Wedding Shoes Will Be Comfortable Enough to Wear All Day Long

3 of 20

Advertisement

4 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

A Bold Bouquet

Credit: Kristin Sweeting

The bride's bouquet from Gradient and Hue Floral Design had a "loose, wild, and organic" shape. The color palette of mauve, plum, lavender, and ivory came through in butterfly ranunculus, foxglove, clematis, peonies, hellebore, lilac, and columbine (among other blooms), tied with a pale purple ribbon from Silk and Willow.

4 of 20

5 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Purple Reign

Credit: Kristin Sweeting

Julia asked her bridesmaids to wear matching Jenny Yoo gowns in pale lavender chiffon that complemented the rest of the event's tones. "It looked incredible on everyone and incorporated the ethereal elements of my wedding design," she says. Though Julia had hoped the women could carry bouquets of white astilbe, the flowers weren't available, so Gradient and Hue suggested locally-grown white orlaya, instead.

  • 49 Bridesmaid Bouquets Your Girls Will Love

5 of 20

6 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Men in Black

Credit: Kristin Sweeting

For himself and his groomsmen, Doug chose black shawl-neck tuxedos in a modern fit from Street Tuxedo, which he paired with classic suspenders and bow ties. "We looked fly as hell," he says. "I didn't feel the need to be different from them in any way. I had a world-class lineup of extraordinary gentlemen up there with me, and they looked the part. The bow ties were not clip-ons, which led to some great photo ops (also, they look better—don't wear clip-ons, gents)."

6 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Father and Daughter

Credit: Kristin Sweeting

Despite getting stuck in unexpected construction traffic, Julia's father arrived just in time to walk her down the aisle as planned. "We did have a sweet moment as he saw me in my gown for the first time," she says.

As Silver Strings quartet played "We Bought a Zoo" by Jonsi, the duo began their walk toward Doug—Julia's favorite moment of the day. "My gosh, I don't think anything or anyone can prepare you for the moment when you are finally the bride walking down the aisle," she says.

7 of 20

8 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

An Emotional Moment

Credit: Kristin Sweeting

The couple saved their first glimpse of each other for Julia's walk down the aisle—but they both say they would choose to see each other before the ceremony if they had a do-over. "I was a ball of nerves and a first look probably would have been a great idea," says Doug. But he still remembers Julia walking down the aisle as his favorite part of the day: "I'd been nervous and anxious all day waiting for that moment," he says, "and for it to finally arrive was amazing and overwhelming."

  • 13 Priceless Grooms' Reactions to Seeing Their Brides for the First Time

8 of 20

9 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Natural Attraction

Credit: Kristin Sweeting

From their first trip to Ravenswood Mansion, Julia and Doug had dreamed of a ceremony in the property's wide meadow. They let the scenery of the Tennessee hills serve as the main natural element, accenting the space where they stood with concrete stands holding organic flower arrangements.

9 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Just Married

Credit: Kristin Sweeting

Doug and Julia opted for an intimate, non-religious service, asking a friend to write the script and officiate. "She wrote the ceremony with a little input from us, but we never saw a draft," says Doug. "We heard it for the first time with all our guests." Julia and Doug also tweaked traditional vows to make them more personal, adding inside jokes and subtle references to their relationship history. "We thought very intentionally about every word, and we both used the same vows during the ceremony," says Doug. "It was a surreal, full-circle moment when we both agreed that they were done and perfect." After the vows, guests threw petal confetti as the couple walked back down the aisle as newlyweds.

  • Confetti-Inspired Wedding Ideas That'll Make Your Day All About the Party

10 of 20

11 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Picture Perfect

Credit: Kristin Sweeting

Julia and Doug posed for portraits after their ceremony, and though friends brought drinks and appetizers over to sustain them until the reception, they were both eager to get back to the party. "While I loved that the first time Doug saw me was when I was coming down the aisle, I do think doing a first look is the only thing I would have changed about the day so that we had more time with our family and friends!" says Julia. She stole a minute with her hairstylist, who gave her a reception-ready "party pony," and went barefoot after her heels broke.

At the cocktail hour on the mansion's wide porch, guests ordered signature drinks—including a lavender London mule and a blood orange-rosehip bourbon sour—and ate locally-inspired appetizers like hot chicken bites with pickles and Gulf shrimp ceviche from South Fork Catering Co.

11 of 20

12 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Room with a View

Credit: Kristin Sweeting

A clear tent allowed sweeping views of the spring foliage and rolling hills, highlighting the local landscape. Inside, rectangular tables lined the edge of the space and smaller round tables occupied the middle; all the tables were dressed in white or taupe linen and paired with sleek almond chairs that gave the tent a modern touch. Hanging lights created a soft glow as the sun set and guests danced under the stars.

  • 28 Tent Decorating Ideas That Will Upgrade Your Wedding Reception

12 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Centerpiece Runners

Credit: Kristin Sweeting

Gradient and Hue created a different style centerpiece for each table type: floral runners for the longer tables, low arrangements in stone vessels for the round tables, and pretty bunches in shallow bowls for the smaller stations.

13 of 20

14 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Garden State

Credit: Kristin Sweeting

On the head table, a collection of arrangements in pots of different sizes, shapes, and materials ran the entire length, giving the florals a just-picked vibe.

14 of 20

15 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Placed at the Table

Credit: Kristin Sweeting

Menu cards—which featured the couple's custom crest and listed the evening's dinner options (including Tennessee beef tenderloin, grilled chicken breast with tomatoes, and a side of patatas bravas, one of Doug's favorite foods)—were tucked into folded white napkins. Though tented place cards were meant to stand at each setting, strong winds called for a change of plans: Staff tucked each card into the napkin pocket with the menu and used the butter knife to weigh it down.

  • How to Stop the Wind from Ruining Your Wedding Décor

15 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Two Special Chairs

Credit: Kristin Sweeting

Julia and Doug's reception seats were marked with simple greenery garlands.

16 of 20

17 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Cake Talk

Credit: Kristin Sweeting

The unusually warm weather forced Julia and Doug to tweak their reception schedule, pushing up their cake cutting to the beginning of the evening, instead of the end. Baked in Nashville created three tiers in different flavors—lemon cake with lemon curd and vanilla buttercream, red velvet cake with cream cheese icing, and almond cake with almond buttercream—all iced with buttercream and topped with fresh blooms.

  • Trending Now: Wedding Cakes with Floral Tiers

17 of 20

18 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

A Romantic Serenade

Credit: Kristin Sweeting

Doug "searched forever" for a first dance song that felt right for him and Julia, finally settling on "Superposition" by Young the Giant. "'Superposition' is a song that uses beautiful poetry and quantum physics references to describe the unexplainable pull that two people in love have with each other," he says. "The song really made us remember where it all started."

He and Julia also stacked the night's playlist with songs that represented inside jokes and favorite memories they have with different groups of friends; the groom got his high school band back together to surprise Julia with a performance of "Two Coins" by Dispatch.

As guests left the reception space to prepare for the couple's exit, Julia and Doug shared a private dance to "Can't Help Falling in Love." "It was by far the most emotional moment of the night for me," says Julia. "I am so grateful to have it to look back on." Doug agrees: "That was honestly the first moment when it really hit us that we were married," he says. "I'm so glad we baked that moment in."

18 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

A Grand Exit

Credit: Kristin Sweeting

After their last dance, Julia and Doug left the mansion as friends and family lined the walkway, holding candles and tossing petal confetti. As they prepared for their honeymoon to the Azores, they both agreed that all the stress and planning was worth it. "Really honing in on who you are as a couple and how you want that represented is quite difficult, but extremely rewarding and important," says Julia. "It won't be perfect," adds Doug, "but it will be perfect."

  • 28 Unique Ideas for Your Wedding Exit

19 of 20

20 of 20

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Sources

Credit: Kristin Sweeting

Photography, Kristin Sweeting

Location, Ravenswood Mansion

Event planning, The Gifford Collective

Catering, South Fork Catering Co.

Flowers, Gradient and Hue Floral Design

Stationery, Darby Cards

Calligraphy, White Ink Calligraphy

Cake, Baked in Nashville

Music, Premier Entertainment (reception); Silver Strings (ceremony)

Rentals, Liberty Party Rental; Mayker

Bride's gown, Pronovias

Bride's accessories, Sara Gabriel veil; A.B. Ellie earrings; Bella Belle shoes

Hair and makeup, Hannah Farmer Creative

Bridesmaids' dresses, Jenny Yoo

Groom's tuxedo and menswear, Street Tuxedo

Bar Service, Bar Magnolia

Guest Book, Catch This Moment

Petal Confetti, Everland Favours

Rings, David Harvey Jewelers (bride); Staghead Designs (groom)

20 of 20

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Blythe Copeland

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
`
View All
  • Party of Two: This Couple Pulled Together Their Virginia Elopement in Just Eight Days
  • Prince Harry Just Revealed Exactly When He Knew Meghan Markle Was the One: "We Went from Zero to 60"
  • A Small, Sweet Brooklyn Wedding with an Unforgettable City Backdrop
  • Colin Jost and Scarlett Johansson Are "Concerned" About Their Mystery Wedding Gift from Michael Che
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 20
2 of 20 Ring Masters
3 of 20 Simple and Chic
4 of 20 A Bold Bouquet
5 of 20 Purple Reign
6 of 20 Men in Black
7 of 20 Father and Daughter
8 of 20 An Emotional Moment
9 of 20 Natural Attraction
10 of 20 Just Married
11 of 20 Picture Perfect
12 of 20 Room with a View
13 of 20 Centerpiece Runners
14 of 20 Garden State
15 of 20 Placed at the Table
16 of 20 Two Special Chairs
17 of 20 Cake Talk
18 of 20 A Romantic Serenade
19 of 20 A Grand Exit
20 of 20 Sources

Share options

Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Login

Martha Stewart

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • Contact Us
  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Customer Service
  • Media Kit
  • Sitemap
  • Martha's Blog
  • Advertise
  • Content Licensing
  • FAQ
  • Corporate
  • International

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • Parents this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
  • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
Martha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

View image

The Rolling Hills of Tennessee Provided the Backdrop for This Organic Spring Wedding
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.