Callie and Michael’s timeless, romantic mountain wedding
VENDOR TEAM
Photo: Brittany Conner
Video: Justin Ragsdale
Full Planning: Hannah Grant with HG Events (day-of event associate Trish Grant)
Venue, Catering, Bar: Grandview
Shuttle Service: Chattanooga Bus Company
Dessert Buffet: Publix
Entertainment + Photo Booth : Merchant Productions (DJ Kev)
Furniture + Lighting Rentals: Luma Designs
Florals: Mayflowers
Linens: The White Table
Taco Truck: Taqueria Las Chulas
captured memories
I don’t really know what there is to say about this video. It captures a day so beautifully and authentically it gives me chills—the next best thing to being there.
I do understand the dilemma couples face in deciding whether or not to hire a videographer. It’s an additional expense and a new one at that; it’s not something your parents likely had at their wedding! But the emotions, the candid moments, and the memories that Justin managed to capture here (and he does it in all his work) could make you change your mind! It was such a pleasure to work with him and it’s an honor to have a day I had a hand in planning captured in such a beautiful, emotional way.
THE MILLERS
I think I could write a book about this sweet couple if I tried! They are the kind of in love that inspires me and makes me realize just how magical this kind of work can be. It was such an honor to serve as Callie and Michael’s wedding planner—they were one of the first people to trust me with full service planning and we really got to get into the weeds together. From designing their signage to working together to craft their ceremony, every single detail was thought of, and done so in a way that maximized Callie and Michael’s favorite things and the experience of their guests—many who had traveled from all over the country to be present.
This fact played into almost every decision they made. From a rehearsal welcome dinner at The Moxy where guests were staying followed by a Nebraska Cornhuskers football watch party, Callie and Michael wanted to maximize their guests time together as well as show them all their favorite things about their adopted city, Chattanooga.
Hosting their wedding at Grandview allowed them to be near downtown Chattanooga but to give their guests a glimpse above the city with some gorgeous views. Chattanooga Bus Company provided shuttle service to make the trip up the mountain for guests even easier! The historic, tudor style also perfectly complimented Callie’s vision of a classic and timeless day. The florals also helped achieve this vision and as always, Christy and the team at Mayflowers delivered! They were lush and bright and so romantic—the perfect setting. The ceremony arbor is one of my favorites ever!
It was such a dreamy day and I’m so glad I am finally able to feature it in full here to share.
a personal touch
One of my strongest wedding opinions is that I LOVE a personal ceremony. Write your own vows! Have a friend marry you or perform a reading! The ceremony is technically the “why” of the day, so make it personal! Callie and Michael absolutely did just that, with Callie’s godfather performing their ceremony.
Arriving guests were greeted with a champagne toast before they headed to the courtyard. This led to the iconic photo of Callie enjoying one final drink as an unmarried gal! Rather than a fully unplugged ceremony, they chose to give their guests one moment to capture photos and videos—a true best of both worlds moment.
all that and a taco truck
Early on in the planning process, Callie and Michael noted that they would love to have a fun late night snack option, ideally an authentic taco truck. This was a fun challenge for a few reasons, including a venue contract negotiation, a weight bearing driveway and a heavy truck, and a language barrier, but we made it happen! To this day it’s one of my favorite highlights of any wedding day.
I feel so lucky to have gotten to work with Callie and Michael and to have our relationship go from clients to friends. I cannot emphasize to you enough how special these two are and the love that they share is so inspiring even to this day!
