Madeline Littrell & John Coyle
A Southern Affair
Married
Oct 9, 2021
Memphis ,
Tennessee
Photo Credit
Snap Happy Photography
Style Guide
Color Palette
Style
Formal, Glamour
Season
Fall
The Proposal
In Christmas of 2020, John took his first trip to Madeline’s hometown in Memphis, Tennessee. Knowing how much she wanted him to see The Peabody Hotel, he surprised her by booking a room because, due to COVID, the lobby was only open to guests. Near sunset, the couple went to the rooftop to view the Memphis skyline and the Mississippi River. As the sun dwindled, John got down on one knee and proposed. Caroline recalls being so nervous and excited that her hands were trembling, and John could barely get the ring on her finger. Fortunately, John had booked a photographer in advance who captured the event beautifully. Another surprise unfolded as they took one last picture in front of the Christmas tree. Madeline’s family and fur-baby, Tennessee Rose, gathered at the famous hotel to celebrate the newly engaged couple.
In Preparation
Immediately following the engagement, Madeline booked her most important vendors within 24 hours. John’s job required the couple to relocate to San Francisco, so Madeline relied heavily on her mother and event planner, with most appointments taking place via Facetime. And, though they missed out on the cake tasting, the couple cherishes their memories of their signature cocktail tasting together at the Peabody, where they perfected an espresso martini. Madeline envisioned a glamorous black-tie, gold-and-white, traditional southern affair that married her Tennessee roots with his New Orleans lifestyle. The bride’s vision also informed her choice of dress, which she described as “The classic, Old Hollywood glamour and the architectural details from Ines di Santo made me feel like the bride I wanted to be. Timeless.”
The Big Day
The couple envisioned a quintessentially Southern affair with a historic church, traditional wedding party, magnolias, candles, and LOTS of live music! Memphis meets New Orleans in a glamorous, gold and white, black-tie affair. John’s priority was a stellar bar, Madeline’s was a good photographer, and both wanted good music. Events began Thursday night – where Madeline had the privilege of marching the ducks as an Honorary Duckmaster, followed by a cocktail party in the Peabody lobby bar. Friday’s rehearsal dinner was held at the world-famous Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous for Memphis barbecue, followed by a surprise New Orleans style second-line. The couple curated little moments throughout the wedding to honor their loved ones who couldn’t be there. Highlights included the Memphis Soul Revue, who crooned the classics and kept the dance floor packed, a themed martini bar, “The Tennessee Rose,” named after Madeline’s dog, and a custom watercolor menu designed by a local artist and one of Madeline’s best friends.
The Retreat
Madeline and John met online during COVID, and one of his first questions to Madeline was, “where would you most want to visit” to which Madeline replied, “Italy, hand’s down.” So it was only fitting the newlyweds honeymooned in Italy. The couple took in the food, art, and culture from Positano to Capri to Rome and Florence. One memorable evening they shared a bottle of champagne with a couple who had been married for more than 50 years. They didn’t speak the same language, but their hearts connected. Through the waiter acting as a translator, the Italian couple shared their best advice for a successful marriage: be kind to each other.
Contributing Vendors
PHOTOGRAPHER
Snap Happy Photography
EVENT PLANNER
Michelle Hope of Social Butterfly Events
FLORIST
Deedra Stone Designs
VENUE & CATERER
The Peabody Memphis
CAKE
Frost Bake Shop
INVITATIONS
Shine Wedding Invitations
GOWN & RECEPTION DRESS
Ines Di Santo
VEIL
Stanley Korshak Bridal Salon
BRIDAL SHOES
Stuart Weitzman
BRIDESMAID DRESSES
BHLDN
GROOM’S TUX
The Black Tux
ENGAGEMENT RING
James Allen
WEDDING BANDS
Diamonds Direct
HAIR STYLIST
Hair by Karissa
MAKEUP ARTIST
Isabella Allen
VIDEOGRAPHER
White Heart Wedding Films
CEREMONY MUSIC
Austin Carroll Music
RENTALS & DECOR
White Door Events
ENTERTAINMENT
Memphis Soul Revue of Ram Entertainment
TRANSPORTATION
Tennessee Limousine
