< Real Weddings in Tennessee

Karissa Ella & Alex Binnie

Married

Oct 4, 2025
Nolensville , Tennessee

Photo Credit

Brocoff Photography

Style Guide

Style

Formal, Luxury, Whimsical

Season

Fall

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The Proposal

Karissa and Alex’s love story began in high school, where their paths first crossed and a connection quickly formed. Over the years, they navigated the challenges of a long-distance relationship, with Alex living in the heart of New York City and Karissa building her life in vibrant Nashville. Despite the miles between them, their bond only deepened as they continuously supported, encouraged, and celebrated one another every step of the way.

Eventually, Alex made the move to Nashville, and their lives seamlessly intertwined. On April 4, 2024, Alex got down on one knee at an apple orchard at South Hall Farm & Inn. The weekend concluded with the couple picking beautiful tulips—Karissa’s favorite flower—at a local tulip farm.

Alex thoughtfully planned every detail, creating a proposal that felt deeply personal and unforgettable. It was a weekend filled with meaning and joy, marking the beginning of a new chapter for them both. Now, picking tulips has become a cherished annual tradition. The flowers symbolize their love and serve as a reminder of that special day and the beautiful start of their forever together.

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In Preparation

Karissa truly enjoyed every part of the planning process. Even after changing her mind more times than she could count, the experience remained stress-free and genuinely fun. Their planner, Kelly, was incredible and made the entire process feel effortless. One of the most meaningful aspects of planning was the time Karissa spent with her mom—moments she will treasure forever. She is endlessly grateful to her parents for allowing them to have the wedding of their dreams.

Finding her wedding dress was something Karissa looked forward to from the very beginning. She tried on nearly every style imaginable and visited five different boutiques before finally finding the one. Although each gown was beautiful, none gave her the magical feeling she was searching for. After countless hours scrolling through Pinterest to pinpoint what she truly wanted, she came across a dress that she knew—deep down—was it.

The gown was by UK designer Suzanne Neville, whose designs are carried in only a select number of boutiques in the United States. By pure luck, a boutique in Cleveland, Ohio—Something White—had the dress in stock. Karissa rushed there, hoping it would either be perfect or completely wrong so she could finally move forward. The moment she stepped out wearing it in front of her mom, mother-in-law, and sister, she knew. Their reactions—and her own—said it all. Her sister summed it up perfectly when she said, “It is you in a dress.”

Karissa had envisioned a gown with a swooped sleeve, a mermaid silhouette that still flared, and a look that felt classic and elegant with just a hint of sass. The 3D florals and subtle shimmer were unlike anything she had seen—timeless yet unique. It was truly love at first sight.

The night before officially saying “yes” to her dress, Karissa took out her mom’s wedding gown and tried it on. It fit like a glove. It was a moment she had dreamed of for so long, and she couldn’t believe it was finally happening. Her entire engagement era felt incredibly special, and she hopes every bride experiences the same level of love and support she received. She was on cloud nine every step of the way—and still is.

The Big Day

Their wedding day was the kind you only dream of. Thirty days before the celebration, the couple buried a bottle of bourbon on the venue grounds—a Southern tradition believed to bring good luck and clear skies—and it worked. They woke up to a warm, sunny day: 77 degrees with not a cloud in the sky.

The morning began with moments rich in meaning and tradition. The bride got ready in a silk robe made from pieces of her mother’s wedding dress, a heartfelt way to carry her family with her into the day. Tied delicately around her bouquet was a handkerchief gifted by the groom’s mother—an heirloom carried down the aisle by the women in her family for three generations. The bride was deeply honored to continue the tradition.

She carried a bouquet of classic white tulips, her favorite flower, chosen for their simple beauty and deeper meaning. The tulips symbolized the couple’s love—pure, timeless, and heartfelt.

The design palette featured soft whites, romantic pinks, fresh greens, and a pop of berry. From the start, the guiding words were romantic, warm, bright, and modern, and each came to life through thoughtful details. The atmosphere felt timeless yet fresh, elegant yet welcoming.

Signature drinks reflected the couple perfectly: a classic Old Fashioned for the groom and a strawberry margarita for the bride. This came as no surprise to guests who know the bride’s love for tequila well—so much so that she even wrote and released a song titled “Well Tequila.”

The celebration truly had it all. Guests enjoyed bacon-wrapped chicken and carved grilled tenderloin, paired with a fresh berry salad, potatoes au gratin, and grilled and roasted vegetables. A classic vanilla almond wedding cake was served alongside a spread of desserts affectionately called “Southern Bites,” featuring banana pudding and strawberry shortcake trifles, bourbon pecan balls, Goo Goo Clusters, and mini Moon Pies. As the night went on, the dance floor stayed full, energized by cowboy hats, tambourines, and glowing foam sticks.

For their first dance, the couple shared a special moment to “Masterpiece” by Thompson Square—a song made even more meaningful after taking dance lessons together. Laughter and dancing carried late into the evening, joined by fire pits, an espresso martini tower, a cigar bar, late-night snacks, and a stunning fireworks show that lit up the night sky.

The evening concluded on the patio with a relaxed nightcap, allowing guests to dance, chat, and linger while the bride and groom shared heartfelt goodbyes. From start to finish, the night went off without a hitch. Happy tears were shed, laughter echoed throughout, and love filled every corner of the celebration. It was beautiful in every way—a true fairytale wedding and a dream come to life.

 

The Retreat

The couple wanted a honeymoon that felt unique, adventurous, and unforgettable. When the idea of traveling to Tokyo, Japan arose, it immediately stood out. Friends who had honeymooned there returned with glowing reviews, and they knew that if they didn’t go then, they might never take the chance. So they booked the trip and boarded an eleven-hour flight from Chicago to Tokyo, ready for the adventure ahead.

This honeymoon wasn’t about slowing down—it was about immersing themselves in culture, exploring new places, and embracing every moment. Their days were filled with discovery, adventure, and nearly 20,000 steps at a time. From the vibrant energy of Tokyo to the timeless beauty of Kyoto, they fell in love with the rhythm of daily life, rich traditions, and the incredible hospitality experienced throughout Japan.

They returned home with full hearts, countless memories, and no regrets. The food, the people, and the culture made the journey truly unforgettable—and it’s a trip they already can’t wait to relive someday.

Hallmark Wedding Vendors

VENUE

Mint Springs Farm

PLANNER

Kelly Cabrey

DRESS DESIGNER

Suzanne Neville

GROOM TUXEDO

State and Liberty

PHOTOGRAPHER

Brocoff Photography

VIDEOGRAPHY

Crown & Lace

BRIDESMAID DRESSES

Revelry & Birdy Grey

GROOMSMEN TUXEDOS

The Black Tux

HAIR & MAKEUP

One 10 Beauty

FLORALS

The Bloom House

CATERING

G Catering

STATIONARY & SIGNAGE

White Ink Calligraphy

CAKE

Baked in Nashville

SPECIALTY NAPKINS

BBJ LaTavola

BAND

Young Hearts Band

DJ

Snyder Entertainment

COCTAIL HOUR MUSICIAN

Stevenson Everett

CEREMONY MUSICIANS

Rhose Studio Strings

TRANSPORTATION

Signature Nashville

FIREWORKS

Impact Pyro

PHOTO BOOTH

Picture This Nashville

PUBLICITY

117 Entertainment