A romantic Tennessee dream wedding that didn’t break the bank

dried flower wedding arch

Sydney and Colby's love story began during their high school years when they met through church, and it continued all the way through their enchanting wedding day at Holman Farms in Tennessee. Surrounded by their loved ones, Sydney and Colby celebrated their special day with a heartfelt ceremony overlooking the breathtaking town and natural surroundings of Sparta. From the stunning outdoor venue to Sydney's elegant gown, every detail was meticulously planned, creating memories (captured on camera by Bolt Productions) that will last a lifetime.

wedding invitation QR code

custom denim jacket for brides Nike's for wedding

dried flower bouquets

Styling an antique-inspired wedding dress

Sydney's gown from Couture by Tess Bridal was a true reflection of timeless beauty and unique style. With off-the-shoulder antique puff sleeves and delicate lace embellishments adorned with hints of sparkles, the gown exuded elegance. The mesh lining at the top added a touch of sophistication, while the fitted waistline gracefully transitioned into a sweeping train.

pink flutter sleeve bridesmaid dress

Take the chance on a Southern summer wedding

The couple's wedding day was filled with love, laughter, and the presence of their closest family and friends. Despite expecting a hot and humid July evening, a refreshing rain shower surprised them while getting ready, cooling off the temperature by quite a bit. It added a touch of beauty to their day and enhanced the natural surroundings of Holman Farms.

geometric wedding ceremony installation

woodsy wedding ceremony dried flower wedding arrangements

geometric arch with dried flowers

A traditional first look at the ceremony!

The ceremony took place outdoors on the edge of a cliff, offering a picturesque view of Sparta. As Sydney made her way down the aisle, it was clear how in love the couple is. The breathtaking backdrop, complete with a geometric arch courtesy of Sparta Flowers and Gifts, provided an unforgettable setting for the couple's "I do's." Making the ceremony extra special was the fact that the couple chose not to do a private first look, and instead saved that moment for the ceremony itself!

record guest book

On the record: Keep cocktail hour close

Following the ceremony, guests and the wedding party ventured across the path to the reception area, which included a charming barn and a tent from Party Source & Rentals nestled in the forest. The rustic atmosphere perfectly complemented the couple's vision, providing an intimate and whimsical ambiance for their celebration. For a touch of personalized whimsy, the bride and groom included a record guest book that guests could sign with a message for the couple.

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Budgeting tips for every bride

Sydney and Colby found creative ways to stay within their budget without compromising on their dream wedding. Here are three tips on how they did it:

faux flower wedding arrangements

1. DIY faux florals for centerpieces: By purchasing faux flowers, Sydney created stunning centerpieces that not only looked beautiful but also saved quite a bit on cost. Don't underestimate, also, the secondhand wedding market! Faux flowers are able to be resold after the wedding day for another bride to put to good use. You might also be wondering about their dried floral bouquets and boutonnieres - all courtesy of Etsy!

boho bridal braids

2. Take advantage of wedding dress sales: Sydney snagged her dream wedding gown during Couture by Tess Bridal’s $300 fall inventory sale, originally priced at $2,000. Timing and patience paid off, proving that fabulous wedding dresses don't have to break the bank!

DIY Mr and Mrs sweetheart table signs

DIY wedding welcome mirror sign dessert table wedding pun sign

3. Create your own wedding signs: To add a personal touch to their decor, Sydney and Colby purchased frames and used Canva to design their own wedding signs. Printing them at Walgreens helped keep expenses in check, while still achieving the desired aesthetic! An extra tip: Don't underestimate how amazing your local grocery store bakery is! This couple enjoyed donuts from Ralph's Donut Shop and a wedding cake by Publix.

customized wedding sunglasses DIY wedding sunglasses

4. Get hands on with making your own fun accessories: This couple created reception party sunglasses with their initials and wedding date on them for super fun and memorable photos!

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