A Classic Summer Wedding at Howe Farms | Marilyn & Rob

It’s always special when a couple pulls of a super classic wedding without any of the old-school stuffiness. Marilyn and Rob did just that! Their summer wedding at Howe Farms included all the traditional wedding details with a modern twist. (Plus, read on to see how Rob surprised his bride at the end of the night!)

Enjoy Marilyn and Rob’s classic, classy wedding. And if you’re planning your own, reach out!

Bride and groom smile at each other as the sun sets at the Howe Farms wedding.

A STUNNING VENUE & GENIUS WEDDING PLANNER

Howe Farms is one of the most popular wedding venues in Tennessee, and for good reason. Not only does it offer gorgeous views of the mountains and acres of grounds to wander, but it also features six separate venues you can book for your big day. Whether you’re looking for an intimate indoors space, a massive outdoor space, or something in between, there’s a real good chance Howe Farms has what you’re looking for.

But of course, this wedding wouldn’t have been nearly as classy and well-organized without Casey Reese of Soirees Weddings, Parties, & Events. Not only did she make the venue look even more amazing, but she also planned a super stress-free, easygoing wedding day for the bride and groom. Who wouldn’t want that?

The rings and paper suite of the Howe Farm Wedding are elegantly displayed on a silver tray. The rings are displayed in elegant ring boxes. Bride poses with her bridal party in matching floral robes. Bride and bridal party laugh in matching robes as they pop champagne. Bride laughs as she holds a bottle of champagne at her Howe Farms wedding The wedding dress is displayed in front of a window. The veil, wedding shoes, and white rose bouquet are displayed.

GETTING READY AT HOWE FARMS

Marilyn and Rob booked me for the entire day, so we started bright and early in the ladies’ getting ready room. I was able to get tons of detail shots, including some of Marilyn’s two-piece dress. She paired a simple satin dress with an embellished overskirt, making for a versatile, one-of-a-kind look. And of course we got the classic champagne popping shot–which, if you can’t tell, didn’t go exactly as planned!

After I finished up with the girls and captured Marilyn’s sweet first look with her dad, I joined the guys for a few photos while they got ready, drank whiskey, and shared some final kind words with the groom. As usual, these guys had a chill, low-key morning, but Rob made it super sweet by sharing an old bottle of Pappy Van Winkle with his closest friends before the day truly kicked off.

Luckily, we were able to take all our wedding party photos indoors before the ceremony started. If you’re planning a summer wedding, I highly recommend opting for a venue with at least some indoor options. You never know when you’ll get hit with a record-breaking heatwave or a surprise summer storm. Plus, nobody wants to sweat their makeup off before the ceremony.

The bride primps for her wedding in her white lace robe. Bride lounges on an antique couch in her white robe and fuzzy slippers at her Howe Farms wedding. Bride’s ring is displayed as she lounges on an antique couch at the Howe Farms wedding. The bride applies her lipstick in a mirror. Bride’s mom zips her into her dress and a bridesmaid helps her with her shoes. The bride’s wedding ring is in its box. Bridal shoes, skirt, and veil are displayed. Bride puts on her earrings. Bride is embraced by her mom and sister. Bride shows off the full bridal look to her bridesmaids at the Howe Farms wedding. Bridesmaids smile at the bride in full wedding attire. Bride and bridesmaids pose together. Bride and bridesmaids happily raise their bouquets at the Howe Farms wedding. Bride smiles at herself in the mirror at her Howe Farms wedding. Bride stands under a chandelier in profile at the Howe Farms wedding. Bride gazes out the window and at her bouquet at the Howe Farms wedding. The bride hugs her father. The bride and her father enjoy a moment together at the Howe Farms wedding. The bride and her family smile together. The numbers 7, 2, and 4 are displayed on pools balls. The groom and groomsmen play pool. The grooms shoes are displayed on an antique chair. The groom pours bourbon. The groom and groomsmen drink bourbon together at the Howe Farms wedding. The groom and groomsmen toast with bourbon at the Howe Farms wedding. At his Howe Farms wedding, groom stands on a staircase lined with greenery and candles. The groom, groomsmen, and ring bearer smile together. The groom smiles next to a vintage car at his Howe Farms wedding.

A SWEET SUMMER AFTERNOON CEREMONY

Later in the afternoon, we headed onto the grounds for the ceremony. Although it was outdoors, the late afternoon start time and summer breeze kept the guests pretty cool as they found their seats. Marilyn’s dad escorted her down the aisle, and Rob finally got to see his bride for the first time. I love a first look as much as the next photographer, but I’m also a sucker for the classic down-the-aisle moment.

The ceremony itself was super simple and sweet. Rob and Marilyn exchanged vows, presented roses to their moms, and lit their unity candle beneath a lush arbor overlooking the Tennessee hills. It was classic yet modern, traditional without being stuffy. Finally, Rob and Marilyn shared their first kiss as husband and wife while being cradled by the rolling hills and bathed in summer sunlight.

White flowers are pictured. A greenery and floral covered wedding arch is placed in front of a breathtaking vista at the Howe Farms wedding. Musicians play guitars in a grassy garden. A musician in a black cowboy hat is pictured along with the wedding arch. The guests are seated and ready for the wedding at Howe Farms. The groom waits for his bride as parents walk down the aisle. The bride is escorted down the aisle by her father at her Howe Farms wedding. The groom smiles as he sees his bride at the Howe Farms wedding. Bride and her father approach the waiting groom. The smiling groom is pictured over the shoulder of his bride. Bride and groom stand together at the wedding arch in front of their wedding party and guests. At their Howe Farms wedding, the bride and groom exchange rings. The bride and groom smile, hand in hand, at their Howe Farms wedding. Bride embraces the groom’s mother during the ceremony. Bride and groom light candles on a candelabra together at their Howe Farms wedding ceremony. At Howe Farms, the bride and groom gaze at each other in front of their officiant. Bride and groom smile as they recede down the aisle at their Howe Farms wedding. Bride and groom kiss at the end of the aisle at their Howe Farms wedding. Bride and groom kiss and smile at the end of the aisle at their Howe Farms wedding. Bride and groom kiss at the altar as their wedding party cheers. Bride and groom pose in front of the wedding arch with their parents.

WEDDING PHOTOS AT HOWE FARMS

Because Howe Farms is so huge, we had plenty of room to roam and look for unique photo backdrops. I spent cocktail hour with Marilyn and Rob, exploring the grounds and enjoying the view of the setting sun.

Another benefit to Howe Farms weddings is the collection of classic cars on-site. You can rent the cars for photos or for your grand exit, but there are also a few scattered across the grounds on weekends. Marilyn and Rob slipped into one for some old Hollywood-style photos together before we made our way to the reception.

A vintage car is parked outside of the reception. The vintage car’s details are pictured. The bride and groom smile inside of the car. The bride and groom smile outside of the car at their Howe Farms wedding. The bride and groom smile as they embrace The bride picks up her skirt as bride and groom smile at each other. Bride and groom laugh inside the vintage car at the Howe Farms wedding. Bride’s ring is pictured as she gazes at the groom at sunset during their Howe Farms wedding. Bride and groom smile together under her veil at sunset during their Howe Farms wedding. At Howe Farms, bride and groom are pictured smiling and embracing under the bride's veil. Bride and groom laugh together at sunset at their Howe Farms wedding. Bride and groom walk hand in hand during their Howe Farms wedding. The bride looks back at the camera as she and the groom walk down a gravel path into the hills during their Howe Farms wedding. At the Howe Farms wedding, bride and groom embrace under the bride's veil at sunset. Bride and groom gaze at each other under a veil during their Howe Farms wedding. Bride and groom laugh while walking through a field at their Howe Farms wedding.

ENDING THE NIGHT WITH A BANG

Of course, Soiree went all out with every detail of the reception. By the time I arrived with Marilyn and Rob, every inch of the venue was decorated to perfection and every guest was happily sipping their drinks and eating hors d’oeuvres.

Marilyn and Rob went right into their first dance, and then the party started! The food was amazing, the live band was incredible, and the dance floor was hoppin’. The key to a fun reception truly is the guests, and Marily and Rob’s crew were so much fun.

To end the night, Rob surprised Marilyn (and really, all of us!) with a fireworks show. The newlyweds kissed and laughed beneath the fireworks, and everyone left happy, sappy, and smiling.

Bride smiles at an elderly man whose arm is around her. Guests enjoy the sunset over the hills at Howe Farms. A brightly lit wedding reception area is filled with dark wood tables that are decorated with navy and dark green fabrics, white candles, gold accents, and white flowers with greenery at Howe Farms. Vintage furniture and modern tables comprise a seating area at the Howe Farms wedding. Two glass candelabras are pictured on a table at the Howe Farms wedding reception. The wedding cake features cascading off-white roses, and seed packets are stamped with a custom message as wedding favors for guests. An elegant floral arrangement sits on a table adorned with candelabras and forest green fabrics at the Howe Farms wedding. At the Howe Farms wedding, chandeliers and cascading tulle with fairy lights drape over the reception tables, which are covered in candles and white floral arrangements. A gold picture frame displays the word “Reserved.” Snacks are elegantly displayed at the reception. A white floral arrangement sits on a reception table with candles. Small cones filled with snacks sit in a chafing tray. A man stands with a woman on each arm. The bride and groom walk down the staircase into the reception. Groom dips bride during their first dance at the Howe Farms wedding. Bride and groom dance at their Howe Farms wedding. Groom holds bride in his arms at the end of their first dance at their Howe Farms wedding. Bride and groom smile during the reception at their Howe Farms wedding. The bride and her father share their first dance. The groom and his mother share their first dance. Guests fill their plates during the reception. The sun sets over the hills, leaving the sky in shades of pink and purple at the Howe Farms wedding. Guests stand under the lights outside of the reception. Guests mingle in the reception space. Bride and groom clink their glasses in a toast near the wedding cake at the Howe Farms wedding. Bride and groom each hold a shot. The cake is cut. Man with sunglasses on sings. Bride and groom dance together as slices of cake wait for guests. Bride dances with her friends. Bride and guests dance. The singer of the band points at the camera. Bride and groom smile with shots in hand. Bride and groom stand with their arms around each other, watching fireworks at their Howe Farms wedding. Bride and groom stand in front of fireworks at their Howe Farms wedding. Bride and groom smile in front of a vintage car as wedding guests line the walkway with sparklers Howe Farms wedding. Bride and groom kiss in front of a vintage car as guests line the walkway with sparklers and fireworks shoot at their Howe Farms wedding.

WANT WEDDING PHOTOS THAT CAPTURE THE MAGIC OF YOUR BIG DAY?

You’ve come to the right place! There’s nothing I love more than helping a couple feel entirely comfortable and totally them in front of the camera. Head over to my contact page, tell me a little bit about yourselves, and let’s get started!

Special thanks to all the vendors who helped make Marilyn and Rob’s day so wonderful.

Venue – The Pavilion at Five Gables

Planner – Soirees Wedding Planning

Caterer – Ahmed AlShabibi

Dress – Carriage House

Suit – Mr. Burch Formalwear

Hair- Julie at Juliet’s Beauty Lounge

Makeup- Haley Booker at Alluring Looks by Haley

Band- Matt Casey of Nationwide Coverage Music