Neeka + Nick
Rustic Art Gallery Wedding
Dalila + Jimmy
Intimate backyard wedding
How We Met
Jimmy and I met on Tinder. At the time I was living in Cookeville, TN but had just got a job offer at Vanderbilt University. I figured Tinder was the best way to begin making friends as I made my transition to Nashville. On our first date, we went to a Vietnamese restaurant, but Jimmy didn’t know that it was cash-only. I never let him forget who paid on our first date.
The Wedding
We got married in my sister’s backyard in Joelton, TN. Jimmy and I always envisioned a small, intimate ceremony and her backyard was the perfect location for us and our 19 guests. Thankfully, the weather cooperated too, because we had no Plan B. Jimmy made the four farmhouse tables that we used for our reception. It was his special project for the wedding that he loved working on. We gave three of the tables to some of our guests and we kept one. Our table now sits on our own back porch which gets used quite often and reminds us of that incredible day.
Photo 1: dried flower bouquets
Photo 2: one of the four farmhouse tables made by Jimmy
Biggest Splurge
Our photographer, Jamie Pratt. Even though our wedding was very small we wanted to make sure that every special moment would be captured. Jamie did just that! We adore our pictures.
Flowers for Days
I have always enjoyed the process of naturally preserved flowers. Months leading up to our wedding, I went to stores to buy eucalyptus, roses, and cattails for flower arrangements. Our guest bedroom was filled with drying flowers. I didn’t want our flower arrangements to be just a “one-time use,” so instead they have become house décor and a little reminder of that special day.
The Food
I am Mexican, so to honor my heritage, we served pollo enchilado, Mexican rice, salad, and tortillas for dinner — made by my mom and sister — and Jarritos for drinks
Photo 1: wedding cake by Nashville Sweets
Photo 2: sharing a kiss on their special day
Favorite Moment
During the reception on my sister’s back porch, Jimmy and I looked around and saw everyone talking, laughing, and smiling — all celebrating us. I knew in that moment that I would never have all of these important people in my life together again in one place. While we only had 19 guests, friends and family traveled across the country just to be with us on our special day.
THE DETAILS:
Dress: USA Bridal
Photographer: Jamie Pratt
Food: Mom and sister’s cooking
Cake: Nashville Sweets
