Courtney Cape & John Hennelly Irvin
Married
Aug 9, 2025
Memphis ,
Tennessee
Photo Credit
John Cain Photography
Style Guide
Color Palette
Style
Formal, Luxury
Season
Summer
The Proposal
Courtney, originally from Dyersburg, Tennessee, pursued her undergraduate and professional studies in Dallas, Texas, where she earned her Doctor of Optometry degree. She went on to complete a residency at the Eye Center of Texas in Houston. Hennelly, a native of Mountain View, Arkansas, graduated from the UTHSC College of Dentistry in Memphis, Tennessee. After spending several years away, Courtney returned to Tennessee to be closer to her family.
Courtney and Hennelly’s story began in 2024 upon Courtney’s move to Memphis. Excited to be closer to family, Courtney did not expect to find the love of her life. At that time, Hennelly was embracing his second year of orthodontic residency in Memphis. Fate intervened when they discovered mutual friends among Hennelly’s colleagues, leading them to a memorable first dinner at South of Beale in downtown Memphis on March 14th, 2024.
Only a few months later on December 28, 2024, during a visit to The Peabody Hotel, Dr. John Hennelly Irvin got down on one knee and proposed to Courtney in front of the beautiful Christmas tree adorning the Peabody Hotel lobby. The proposal and the joy of the holidays added a magic touch to the moment. Afterward, the couple joined both of their families at the Capital Grille for a surprise engagement party. This was a perfect night that they will never forget!
An additional engagement party took place at the bride’s childhood home, complete with a cocktail buffet, live music, and signature drinks of classic old-fashioneds and margaritas.
In Preparation
Courtney and Hennelly envisioned a traditional wedding day embodying elegance and class. At the heart of their plans was their faith, which they hoped to reflect throughout every detail of the celebration. Their ceremony was held at Second Presbyterian Church—the same church where Courtney’s parents were married 34 years ago—a setting that felt sacred, timeless, and filled with God’s love. Following the vows, they dreamed of a reception that would feel like a true fairy tale: enchanting, magical, and unforgettable, with touches of Memphis soul and the charm of The Peabody Hotel.
Some of the details most meaningful to the couple included a first look with a Bible and personal letter exchange, lush florals at both the rehearsal dinner and reception, personalized napkins and cups, a custom dance floor featuring their crest, the bride’s Monique Lhuillier gown, and the bride and groom’s cakes.
Second Presbyterian Church held deep significance for Courtney and Hennelly, as it was where they became members together and where their faith grew stronger through regular church services and Sunday school. Sundays quickly became their favorite day, a rhythm that deepened their love for one another. The church also carried family history, as Courtney’s parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins were all married there. Their reception was held at The Peabody Hotel, the very place where Hennelly proposed on December 28, 2024. The rehearsal dinner and Post Toast took place at Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar, a cherished spot for Courtney’s family and a meaningful location in the couple’s story—it was where they celebrated their first birthdays together and where Hennelly first met Courtney’s parents.
A special shout-out goes to the bride’s mother, Stephanie Cape, who was not only the mother of the bride but also her best friend and planning partner. Together, they worked side by side each day leading up to the wedding, creating the perfect celebration as a true team.
The Big Day
The wedding day started out with Courtney getting ready in the Jackson Room at The Peabody Hotel with her bridesmaids. Makeup by Kendrick and Hair by Courtney Kelly did all the glam for the girls. Courtney wore a Le Rose robe, and the bridesmaids wore Piyama light blue pajamas. The girls then took pictures with the photographer, John Cain, while getting ready. After the pictures, the girls got dressed in their bridesmaids’ dresses and wore Kendra Scott butterfly earrings, gifted by the bride.
John Cain photographed Stephanie Cape (MOB) helping Courtney get ready in her wedding dress. He also photographed Courtney’s first look with her dad and then her first look with her bridesmaids. Courtney then waited outside the church for her first look with Hennelly. Once she saw Hennelly, all the nerves went away, and they were excited to see each other. They had a private first look where they exchanged Bibles with their names on them and read the letters they had written for each other. The ceremony at Second Presbyterian Church was grand and moving for everyone. The organs, string quartet, and bagpipes were a special touch. The audience roared with applause after Hennelly and Courtney kissed.
The reception at the Continental Ballroom at The Peabody Hotel was breathtaking and fulfilled the vision of a fairy tale and enchantment. There was an open bar along with a margarita bar, and late-night espresso martinis were passed to keep the party going. The Downtown Band was outstanding, and the guests stayed on the dance floor all night! The first dance was “Spin You Around”, and the Father-Daughter dance was “Butterfly Kisses”.
The Retreat
The couple spent their honeymoon in Maui, Hawaii, enjoying a week of breathtaking views, beautiful beaches, and incredible food. With the help of Lisa McGrory at 901 Travel Co, they stayed at the Westin Maui Resort and Spa, Ka’anapali, explored the island by jeep, and conquered the Road to Hana with its waterfalls, black sand beaches, and iconic stops like Mama’s Fish House. Highlights included a sunset cruise, snorkeling with sea turtles, and romantic dinners at Merriman’s, Honu Oceanside, Monkeypod, and Mama’s Fish House.
Hallmark Wedding Vendors
PHOTOGRAPHER
John Cain Photography
RECEPTION VENUE
Continental Ballroom
CATERING
The Peabody Hotel
CEREMONY VENUE
Second Presbyterian Church
EVENT PLANNER
Mona Dunlap Events
FLORALS
Le Fleur
WEDDING CAKE
Cakes by Mom and Me
WEDDING GOWN
The Bridal Salon of Neiman Marcus
BRIDAL SHOES
Manolo Blahnik
BRIDESMAID DRESSES
Bella Bridesmaids
GROOM’S SUIT
Joseph A. Banks
HAIR STYLIST
Hair by Courtney Kelly
ENGAGEMENT RING
L and L Jewelry
WEDDING BANDS
L and L Jewelry New York
HONEYMOON ACCOMMODATIONS
901 Travel Co
INVITATIONS
Menage Stationery
LIVE PAINTER
A.Curtis Creations
MAKEUP ARTIST
Makeup by Kendrick
RECEPTION DRESS
Over the Moon
RENTALS & DÉCOR
White Door Events
TRANSPORTATION
Tennessee Limousine Service
VEIL
The Bridal Salon of Neiman Marcus
VIDEOGRAPHER
Dear Little Films
REHEARSAL DINNER VENUE
Flight Restaurant & Wine Bar
CUSTOM LINENS
Bobbin’s Designs
ENTERTAINMENT
The Downtown Band
