1. Real Weddings

A Rustic Mountain Wedding at the Barn at Chestnut Springs in Sevierville, Tennessee

Lace, burlap, pearls, hydrangeas and sweet tea—what more could you ask for in a Southern wedding? Katharine Penny (22 and a pastry supervisor) and Mar

Lace, burlap, pearls, hydrangeas and sweet tea—what more could you ask for in a Southern wedding? Katharine Penny (22 and a pastry supervisor) and Marc Menasian (32 and a technology coordinator) wanted just that: a sweetly Southern celebration with their 75 of their closest loved ones. Situated in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, the Barn at Chestnut Springs in Sevierville, Tennessee, is a picturesque venue with a rustic barn and cute outdoor patio surrounded by greenery. It felt totally Tennessee, which is why it was the perfect laid-back setting for Katharine and Marc’s intimate celebration. Their ceremony took place outside on a cute patio surrounded by green hills and bistro lights, where Katharine and Marc said “I do” with a wedding arch backdrop covered in lush florals by LB Floral. After, guests mingled at the cocktail hour, which included classic sweet tea (because Katharine knows you can’t have a Southern wedding without it) and strawberry lemonade, a refreshing nod to strawberry season. After dinner in the barn, guests played yard games and enjoyed a s’mores bar around the outdoor fireplace. Katharine and Marc’s favorite part? Taking pictures together with their talented photographer, Brittany Conner Photography. See the pretty details, below.

The Barn at Chestnut Springs Wedding Venue
Lace Wedding Dress Taupe Sash
Katharine’s bridesmaids wore two-tone maxi dresses with an ivory bodice and taupe skirts. The dresses looked beautiful on each bridesmaid, and what’s more, they matched the sash on Katharine’s wedding dress and the barn drapery.
Gianni Bini Neutral Bridal Shoes
Marc chose a dark gray suit with a blue vest, tie and pocket square and a trio of white flowers in his boutonniere. The groomsmen wore blue bow ties, vests and a single white flower boutonniere.
The intimate patio at the Barn at Chestnut Springs in Sevierville, Tennessee, doubled as a pretty ceremony space and a dance floor illuminated by bistro lights. Nearby on the lawn, guests played corn hole and gathered around the outdoor fireplace for a s'mores bar.
One of the most meaningful moments of Katharine and Marc's wedding was when they took communion together. "We broke bread together and shared the cup of juice. It was very intimate and special for both of us," Katharine says.
The wedding arch and bouquets included hydrangeas, Katharine’s favorite flower. LB Floral added blue and pink flowers to create a natural, wildflower look.
The exposed wood, rustic chandelier, drapery and string lights inside the Barn at Chestnut Springs in Sevierville, Tennessee, made for a gorgeous reception spot. Katharine and Marc's guests sat at family-style dining tables and enjoyed a dinner of delicious Southern cuisine.
The head table had a burlap tablecloth, and the family-style dining tables had burlap runners. Each table also had simple hydrangea centerpieces to reflect the Southern theme.
Katharine’s cousin made her wedding cakes, and did an amazing job. Katharine included burlap around the base of the tiers to tie in the rustic, Southern wedding theme. Marc is originally from Detroit, so he had a Red Wings hockey-themed groom’s cake.
Katharine and Marc's favors were DIY mason jars filled with homemade caramel popcorn. Katharine made the popcorn, while her mother helped decorate the mason jars in burlap and lace with a little "love" charm.
Lace Mermaid-Style Wedding Dress