When I sat down with Karly and Dorian for the first time, I thought they were simply adorable. The silly banter they had with one another showed a deep level of comfort in their relationship — like they were really best friends. A few weeks later, at their engagement session, I saw how easily that friendship translated into a sweet and undeniable love.

The two live in Florida but chose to exchange their vows in Nashville, where they first met back in 2012. Needless to say, I was looking forward to capturing their day and all of their sweet love.

Karly and Dorian had a few very specific requests for their wedding day. They wanted a ceremony that began as the day ended and ended as night began with twilight. They wanted their guests to feel the presence of God at their wedding and in their relationship. They wanted to spend as much time enjoying one another and their wedding party.  Lastly, they wanted to treat their guests to good food and good music; they wanted their guests to have a good time. Elliott Events planned their day and successfully made it everything they hoped for.

“One of the most touching moments was receiving a locket from one of my bridesmaids with a quote from my grandmother (who passed away) engraved on it and attaching that locket to my bridal bouquet to symbolize my grandmother’s presence at my wedding. That was very special to me.”

So that they could spend most of their wedding day together, Karly and Dorian decided to have a first look before the ceremony. She describes the private moment they shared as “unforgettable.” After, we were able to wander Centennial Park and capture so many beautiful moments, before their wedding party joined us and took some of the most amazing portraits!

Karly and Dorian had a stunning reception, with rich shades of purples against a classic navy blue and gold accents inspired by Athena. It was the perfect backdrop to end their beautiful day and for their guests to party the night away.

Karly’s advice for a bride planning her wedding day: “Your wedding day is for you and the groom and it is important to not lose sight of that. Also, enjoy as much of the wedding event as possible. I recommend you have solid help in planning and executing your special day, be that a wedding planner or a planning committee of friends or family. There is so much that happens once the ceremony is over that you have to rely on others to make sure everything is running smoothly. The less a bride and groom have to worry about, the more you will really enjoy your day and evening.”

TRUSTED VENDORS:  PLANNER:  Elliott Events  //  VENU:  Parthenon Nashville  // BRIDAL ATTIRE:  Gesinee’s Bridal – Eve of Milady  //  MAKEUP:  Andrea – Winks and Kisses  //  HAIR:  Sherita Majors  // DJ:  DJ Xtra Credit  //  CAKE:  Tiss So Sweet  //  CATERING:  Chef Penelope