Pro hockey player ties the knot in luxe black and white barn wedding
When Jenn and her fiancé, pro hockey player Austin Watson, tied the knot, they wanted one thing to be clear–it was a day about family. Just like their love story, when they saw Mint Springs Farm, it was love at first sight. This lovely white barn amidst a sprawling green countryside was a fun juxtaposition to their modern black and white color palette. And if you came here for the black and white wedding inspo, you'll stay for the dresses. And we're not talking just two looks–this bride rocked a ceremony dress, reception dress, party dress, and exit look! Keep scrolling to hear all about their love story from the bride herself and for even more of these stunning photos!
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when getting ready is just as photo-worthy as the wedding
From the bride's sexy feather-trimmed satin PJs to the groom's adorable smile, this getting-ready photo session by Steph Sorenson is nothing short of editorial! We especially love how they thought of everything and really played up the black-and-white theme.
friends first, love followed
We met in treatment. We're both extremely passionate about our recovery. My initial impression was, "What a hunk!" We slowly realized how much we had in common and became best friends before anything. We both stay super active in our community in raising awareness around mental health and addiction. Showing our two young girls how important it is to take care of your mental health before anything is something we love. Sitting down as a family for dinner every night and talking about our day is something we both look forward to.
He took me to a restaurant in Ottawa and we had a private dinner together. I remember him being so nervous and he couldn't even make it through the appetizers before he got down on one knee... the first words out of his mouth were, "I spoke to your dad today..." We both started crying and I said, "Yes, yes, yes!"
finding the venue
I remember pulling up to Mint Springs for our first tour and immediately felt at peace. There's a certain calmness and tranquility that the venue brings you. Walking into the bridal suite, I immediately envisioned myself, my bridesmaids, and my family getting ready. I just knew it was the one.
black and white never goes out of style
The wedding party looks, the checkerboard dancefloor, and the crisp tablescapes were all beautifully balanced–all decked out in black and white. We love that even though this timeless color scheme has been done so many times before, this couple and their amazing team of vendors found a way to make it new again–like these airy baby's breath and rose arrangements from The Bloom House.
the dress[es]
Calle Blanc was the designer of my first dress for the ceremony. It was very bridal and princess-like–a total ball gown. Not me at all, if I'm being honest. I wanted to step out of my comfort zone for the ceremony and really evoke "bride" if you will. My second dress was my dream dress–strapless, heavily beaded, and fitted, very sexy and an hourglass-like shape. I never wanted to take it off. I wrapped my great grandma's handkerchief around my bouquet. It was white with baby blue embroidery–something old, new, borrowed, and blue. It was a way to have her with me. Then, for the reception, I wore a short black, all-feathered party dress! It was beyond fun.
If you know me, you know I love a chic all-black outfit. It's slimming, it's elegant and always looks good. Show Me Your Mumu makes beautiful bridesmaids' dresses. I picked the ankle-length Jasmine halter for all my girls.
the vows
My husband is a man of few words. Very stoic and reserved. But man oh man, is he a beautiful writer. Pen to paper is how he expresses himself. So, to say I was excited to hear his vows, would be an understatement. I also loved telling him how much I loved him in front of everyone we knew and making him uncomfortable, haha. This was my favorite moment of the day.
a first dance that sums it all up
Our first dance was to "Tennessee Whiskey" by Chris Stapleton. The lyrics talk about how he traded alcohol for the love he has for his wife. In a way, it's very similar to our love story. We no longer needed a substance to feel complete, we just needed each other.
words of wisdom from the happy couple
Toward the end of the night, we both went up to the groom's suite and laid down and held hands in silence. We were both so overjoyed and exhausted. It all happened exactly as it should. Try to enjoy each and every moment of the planning process and the actual festivities. It comes and goes so fast.
For even more dreamy black-and-white wedding inspo, you can see all of the photos by Steph Sorenson in the full gallery below.
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- Venues: Mint Springs Farm
- Wedding Photographers: Steph Sorenson
- Hair, Makeup & Beauty: Jessica Miller Hair
- Hair, Makeup & Beauty: Makeup by Paige Szupello
- Flowers: The Bloom House
- Wedding Films: White Heart Wedding Films
- Cakes & Catering: Baked in Nashville
- Lighting, Entertainment & Photo Booth: Bluetone Music
- Lighting, Entertainment & Photo Booth: Nashville Smile Bar
- Travel & Transportation: Signature Transportation
- Rentals: Please Be Seated Rentals
- Cakes & Catering: Proverbial Cup
- Dress & Apparel: Calla Blanche
- Dress & Apparel: Brides by Glitz
- Groom & His Men: JM Street Menswear & Tuxedo
- Paper Goods & Calligraphy: Emily Holmes
- Cakes & Catering: G Catering
- Bride: Jennifer Watson
- Groom: Austin Watson