This past Saturday among the threat of inclement weather, Lola and Sid celebrated their marriage with 250 friends and family at Aden Branch Farm in Fairview, Tennessee.   The day started out not bad weather wise.  I know that here in Old Hickory it was party cloudy skies and as I sat with my friends Seana and Michael at their home Saturday morning for the annual Historic Old Hickory Village home tour, I noticed folks walking in, sweating…. the only thing worse for me than rain is hot, muggy, damp weather!   This day also brought challenges of a sick dog and finally storms moving across the area.  On my way down to Fairview, about an hour from my house, I traveled through rain, thunder, crazy lightening!  But this was good because this was all that the wedding location and folks involved had to deal with.  There were other little hitches but in the end those things do not matter, everything works out and the bride and groom get married.   I just have to say that these two are so perfect together… both have lovely smiles and their faces just light up when they see each other.   

Aden Branch Farm is Lola’s family farm.  The hill where Lola and Sid tied the knot overlooks the barn, house, pastures, woods and 200 plus year old cabin.  Lola wrote in the wedding program, “At the end of a long day of riding, my mother and I would often ride our horses to this field and let them race up the hill.  The horses galloped to the corner where, out of running room, they stopped and turned, as if to survey the expanse of the farm below them.  Over the sound of their blowing, my mother would talk to me about our connection with each other and this land, our sanctuary.  That sense of spirituality in the outdoors is one that Sid and I share.”  

I present the sneak peek for the couple and their family and friends!  Also, the doggy is feeling much better!

Lola and Sid after their first kiss as Mr. and Mrs.-- such a great connection!

Lola's present to Sid, a sterling belt buckle. Sid was beside himself!!

The dress and bride's boots.

The ladies wore dress shoes for the ceremony and then changed into their boots. These are real cowgirl boots!

Amazingly simple floral arrangements by the Tulip Tree graced the tables. This is birch bark covering a clear glass vase and filled with not only blooming flowers but also rosemary and I think mint.

So cool!

The lush, green ceremony site. The couple was married by the Rev. Becca Stevens.

The bridal party, well part of the bridal party, on the side of the really old cabin. I say part of as Sid had his brothers and father stand with him but actually had 16 groomsmen sort of like honorary groomsmen.

The reception was in the riding arena. The ceiling and walls are draped with burlap to make the space more intimate.

From inside the barn looking out to the cocktail area.

Lola and Sid walking into their cocktail reception in front of the barn. Guests were greeted with bluegrass music. The flag that graces the barn was flown by Sid's brother, Greer during Operation Iraqi Freedom on Sid's birthday, December 5th of 2006. The flag had not flown until this day, May 15th, 2010 and will be retired and displayed in a case in Sid and Lola's home.

First dance.

The paper lanterns over the dance floor.

The cake by Lealand Riggan. Deep purple climatus, purple spanish lavendar, grape colored lilac, hyacinth, peonies and roses rested on the tables among candlelight on the tables.

Lola and Sid just after the ceremony.