1. Real Weddings

An Urban, Bohemian Wedding at a Private Event Space in Nashville, Tennessee

Angela Rhodes (32 and a practice manager/jewelry designer) and Cameron Goedde (33 and in marketing) planned their wedding celebration around their lov

Angela Rhodes (32 and a practice manager/jewelry designer) and Cameron Goedde (33 and in marketing) planned their wedding celebration around their love for music, art, love and family. “Our vision was to create something nontraditional,” Angela says. “Something that would capture us as a couple by combining everything we loved about Nashville. Something that was representative of our adventures over the last five years in this city.” In an auto body shop turned warehouse in East Nashville, the couple said “I do” surrounded by family and friends. They transformed the graffiti-covered building into a romantic space with DIY decor and furniture and art bought in from their home. “I think we knew right away that this wasn’t going to look like any wedding either of us had ever been to, but we felt like we could change this place into an extension of our home,” Angela says. 

Combining Cameron’s simple and modern style with Angela’s eclectic and bohemian vibes, the couple created a wedding that truly reflected them. “We chose the aesthetic since it represents us both individually as well as a couple, and we believed that was the foundation in staying true to ourselves throughout the process,” Angela says. The couple combined their creative talents to create a one-of-a-kind DIY wedding from start to finish. From the farm tables that Cameron’s stepdad made and the shibori napkins that family members helped dye, much love went into creating their joyous day. The ceremony took place outside the warehouse, in front of the garage doors. With colorful graffiti on the walls, decorations were minimal. They scored an 11-foot Music City sign from the flea market and hung it above the ceremony site. Custom red velvet curtains and Persian rugs lining the aisle added a touch of luxury. Angela and Cameron’s reception was based on the concept of cozy family dinners. “I come from an Italian family, and our dinners are some of my fondest memories,” Angela says. Vintage glassware, succulent arrangements, and handmade Aztec linen runners adorned the rustic handmade farm tables. And 500 feet of string lights gave the room a romantic, ambient glow. “The wedding was completely us, both in the way it looked and the way it felt,” Angela says. “It was the perfect day, and we owe it to our family for supporting our crazy vision.” —Marissa Hermanson

Angela wore Cheyne by Houghton, an ivory silk crepe long-sleeve modern gown with an open back. “It was sexy, timeless, unique and beautifully simple,” Angela says. “I felt more stunning than ever in that dress. It reminded me instantly of Cameron and how he has changed my life with his minimalist demeanor.”
Velvet turquoise shoes with gold trim and wooden heels added a vibrant pop of color to the bride's look. Angela, a jewelry designer, made herself a statement necklace by repurposing and combing several vintage necklaces. “My favorite part of the necklace was having a single turquoise and gold stead down my back with a feather at the end,” Angela says.
Cameron wore a blue linen Washington suit from Suit Supply and accessorized it with a white tailor-made Trumaker button-up, gray suspenders and a maroon tweed vintage tie, wooden tie bar adorned with arrows and limited-edition Emilio Chukka boots.
Angela made Cameron’s boutonniere with lavender, globe thistle and feathers, then wrapped it in brown leather.
Angela paired the gown with a crown made of dried flowers, and a custom chapel-length veil made of white silk and vintage lace trim.
Custom wooden signage added a rustic and personal touch.
Before the ceremony, friends mingled while sipping on signature cocktails and beer.
The ceremony took place outside the warehouse, in front of the garage doors. With colorful graffiti on the walls, decorations were minimal.
Custom red velvet curtains and Persian rugs lining the aisle added a luxurious touch.
The aisle was lined with wine bottles that Angela and Cameron had saved over the years, and they decorated them with lace and leather and filled them with dried flowers.
The couple created a cocktail lounge using furniture from their home, which added a cozy personal touch to their celebration.
Rather than have a traditional guest book, Angela and Cameron (who are both big music lovers) had guests sign a record album.
In line with their "music" theme, Angela and Cameron created a record album seating chart installation.
Cameron’s stepdad built rustic farm tables as a gift for the couple. “We kept one at our home and sold the rest to family and friends in Indiana and Nashville to make new memories.”
Artwork from the couple’s home was brought in and hung throughout the space, adding a homey vibe to their celebration.
Tables were set with depression glassware that Angela found at markets and thrift stores, along with brass candlesticks, wooden candlesticks and funky brass figurines. Angela made the table runners herself out of Aztec lace fabric.
Family members helped the couple dye Shibori napkins for each place setting. Square plates that were made out of biodegradable plant leaves were paired with gold plastic silverware.
Angela planted all the cacti and succulents eight months before the wedding and had to keep them alive. And she planted them in a variety of bass, ceramic and glass pots that she had been collecting.
The couple served Las Paletas ice pops as dessert, knowing their alfresco September wedding would be hot. The couple had their celebration catered by their favorite Nashville restaurant, Edley’s Bar-B-Q.