Mackenzie Blake & Collin Stucko

Married

May 10, 2025
Nashville , Tennessee

Photo Credit

John Myers Photography

Style Guide

Color Palette

Style

Formal

Season

Spring

The Proposal

Originally, Mackenzie didn’t want to entertain a relationship with someone just visiting Nashville. But just a few conversations with Collin – living in Los Angeles at the time – were enough to change her mind. And six months later, Collin and Mackenzie were living together in Nashville.

After three years of dating and a story that can only be described as fate, Collin planned a trip to Maui with Mackenzie, along with her closest friend, Samantha, and her husband, Andrew. As luck would have it, two weeks before the vacation, wildfires broke out in Maui, prompting the group to relocate to San Diego instead, unbeknownst to Mackenzie, a total last-minute rework of proposal plans.

A few short weeks later, it was time for San Diego. Due to a work commitment, Collin had to fly to San Diego separately. While Mackenzie, Samantha, and Andrew were on their flight, Mackenzie joked with Samantha about when she and Collin were going to get engaged. Thankfully, Samantha played along, responding that she had a feeling it was probably going to happen around Christmas that year.

In San Diego, after several sunny days at the beach, on the second-to-last day of the trip, the group had a fancy dinner reservation at The Marine Room in La Jolla. But before dinner, Collin insisted on stopping at Sunset Cliffs to take in the view. Mackenzie was none the wiser to any ulterior motives until nearly arriving at Sunset Cliffs and wondering why Collin wore a suit jacket for the outing, thinking, “What’s going on here?” Moments later, Samantha and Andrew quietly slipped away, leaving Mackenzie and Collin to find a pre-set picnic basket, complete with champagne and roses. There, Collin dropped to one knee.

Mackenzie will often say she blacked out and doesn’t remember anything he said, but we know her answer was a thrilled yes! After placing the ring featuring two diamonds from Mackenzie’s grandmother on her finger, several mutual friends of the couple rushed over as a surprise. It was so unexpected and thoughtful. Afterward, the group enjoyed a fantastic surf and turf dinner with a breathtaking view of the ocean waves crashing below.

mackenzie blake collin stucko rings and vinyl

mackenzie blake collin stucko bride by the river

mackenzie blake collin stucko bridesmaids bw

In Preparation

Mackenzie and Collin, who both have day jobs in marketing and sales, took on the roles of designers and brand managers for their wedding experience. They developed a cohesive branding concept for their wedding that incorporated their wedding date, May 10, 2025, and celebrated the unpredictable beauty of springtime in Nashville, a season known for its sudden thunderstorms. The theme of “Moody Spring” was reflected in a black-and-white color scheme accented with vibrant spring colors in the floral arrangements. Their personalized logo appeared on signage and was projected in the reception space, while a multitude of candles added to the ambiance. Mackenzie and Collin also designed their own save-the-dates and invitations, playing into the wedding themes and themes of the city.

While “Moody Spring” was the central theme of the wedding, they cleverly named their wedding website URL “5 pm in Nashville,” inspired by musician Drake’s songs, such as “4 pm in Calabasas,” and the city’s lively happy hour culture.

mackenzie blake collin stucko gazing

mackenzie blake collin stucko long table

Mackenzie & Collin

mackenzie blake collin stucko table setting

The Big Day

It’s no secret that wedding planning can be intense, but after a full year of preparation, the big day finally arrived. The rain held off, and Mackenzie and Collin enjoyed the perfect “moody spring” day: bright but gray; warm enough to be outside, yet not hot.
It was the day they had always envisioned, filled with happy tears and the fulfillment of all their planning and dreams. Everything went off without a hitch, but two moments in particular will always stand out in their memories. First, just 10 minutes before the ceremony began, the forecast called for rain after everyone had nervously hoped it would hold off. As a precaution, they set out the numerous umbrellas they had purchased as a Plan B. Fortunately, it never rained, and the umbrellas added to the overall ambiance! Talk about raising everyone’s heart rate at the last minute.

Then, during the ceremony held under the Nashville pedestrian bridge, Mackenzie and Collin had plenty of onlookers, along with an enthusiastic “second audience” above on the bridge. The ceremony took place on a grated floor over the Cumberland River below. When it was time for the ring exchange, Collin carefully placed the ring on Mackenzie’s finger. However, when Mackenzie went to put Collin’s grandfather’s heirloom ring on his finger, her hand slipped and… she dropped it. Talk about nerves! The audience gasped in unison, and several guests leaped to their feet, ready to dive below the grated platform to retrieve the fallen ring. Luckily, divine intervention was on their side, and the ring did not fall through the grate. What a moment they will never forget!

The wedding day flew by in an instant, as it always does, filled with candlelight and flashes from disposable cameras. They continued the celebration by walking across the pedestrian bridge with a group of over 80 guests and headed to a VIP section at Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa on Broadway-the perfect way to end the night and let loose. Even the couple’s parents and some older relatives joined in on the after-party!

The day was perfect, made especially so by the personalized touches, the mishaps, and all the love and support from the couple’s family and friends.

mackenzie blake collin stucko bw married

Mackenzie & Collin

mackenzie blake collin stucko bridal party

The Retreat

Mackenzie and Collin decided to treat themselves to a “staycation” in Nashville at the Bobby Hotel for a few days after their wedding. It was a much-needed opportunity to relax and enjoy time by the pool. This decision turned out to be the best choice for them. They plan to stay at the W Hotel in Ibiza in the fall of 2025 or spring of 2026.

Mackenzie & Collin

Contributing Vendors