Path to the Perfect Wedding
When you’re looking for the perfect wedding venue in Nashville, it doesn’t get better than Acme Feed and Seed on historic Lower Broadway. The third floor of one of Music City’s most popular restaurant...
Neeka + Nick
Rustic art gallery wedding
How We Met
We met for the first time in June of 2020, but we had just missed each other for years. I had been friends with his bandmate/roommate, Will, since 2016, and connected with his brother, Ty, and his wife, Madison, last summer. There, Madison mentioned Nick and how she couldn’t believe we hadn’t met yet. Nick messaged me to get coffee a couple of days later, and the rest is history! We never stopped talking. So, thank you Madison.
The Wedding
I was working at DeAnn’s Art Gallery in downtown Franklin and DeAnn gifted us the gorgeous upstairs loft to use for our simple, intimate wedding. The art gallery is magical – full of charm and character, from the hundreds-of-years old wooden floors to the tall windows facing downtown Franklin and the brick surrounding. DeAnn and her husband renovated one of the smaller rooms for me to get ready. It was so special and felt like a dream come true.
Photo 1: the ceremony
Photo 2: guests mingle at one big table
Biggest Splurge
We were lucky that the venue was gifted to us, and we DIY-ed all of the decor and flowers, so our biggest splurge was our photographer and friend, Jamie Pratt. We incorporated lots of talented friends into our wedding including Jamie and she blew us away with the gorgeous pictures and memories from the day.
Surprise, Surprise
During our first look, we both had gifts to share with each other. Nick’s gift to me was a diamond necklace that has been passed down from my late grandmother. I was so surprised by the beauty and sentiment of the necklace, and it felt like my grandmother was there with me. I’ve been wearing it ever since.
Photo 1: Italian cookies and Mexican wedding cookies
Photo 2: Five Daughters Bakery donut wall in lieu of wedding cake
The Food
We had guests traveling from all over the country, so we wanted everything to be simple and unique, yet showcase Nashville for them. We chose Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant for an authentic southern meal to share. Also, Nick is Mexican, so his grandmother made polvorones (Mexican sugar cookies). I am Italian and from Western Pennsylvania, where cookie tables are a wedding custom. So, my mom and the community made Italian cookies for the cookie table. It was so special to have both of our families represented through food. A Five Daughters Bakery donut wall replaced a traditional wedding cake as a shoutout to one of our favorite local Nashville treats while also allowing guests to pick and choose their own flavor.
Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue
Old: a necklace passed down from my grandmother.
New: my pretty dress.
Borrowed: makeup! All of my gals pitched in to help me. Makeup is so much more fun with 10 girls smushed in a bathroom.
Blue: my engagement ring. It is an aquamarine gemstone. I always preferred a color over a diamond, so it fit the traditional theme well!
Favorite Moment
Before the ceremony, Nick and I had our first look together. We both had doubts that we would ever get married and to see our doubts turn into promise was truly incredible. The first look was so special and intimate.
THE DETAILS
Venue: DeAnn's Art Gallery in Downtown Franklin
Dress: "Bonaire" by BHLDN
Photographer: Jamie Pratt
Florist/Event Designer: Rebecca Hunter (friend)
Food: Puckett's Grocery & Restaurant
Cake: Five Daughters Bakery
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