Photos by Tim Willoughby

February 12, 2021

Favorite Moment

As with so many others, Rachel and Charlie made changes to their wedding in light of COVID-19. A large party with a band outside Savannah, Georgia, became a very intimate ceremony followed by dinner in the backyard of the bride’s parents’ home in Crestline. The couple did not plan to share a dance this night, but their families surprised them after dinner by gathering around to sing the song they had chosen months prior. Rachel and Charlie danced for the first time as a married couple in the living room surrounded by their most loved ones singing “Stars Fell on Alabama.” Charlie pulled out a handkerchief for them halfway through the dance. It was needed!

Favorite Details

Rachel and Charlie tried to use the unique excuse to celebrate twice as an opportunity to incorporate elements honoring both their families. The new ceremony took place at the Cathedral Church of the Advent, where the groom’s family has a long relationship to the diocese. Heirloom tableware from both sides added memorable sentiment to dinner. These included china, silver and crystal from the bride’s grandmother, as well as a cake knife from the groom’s grandmother that was used at her own wedding and has been used then engraved by each of her children and grandchildren since.

The Ford Field & River Club has long been a special place to the bride’s family. Instead of marrying there as planned, Rachel and Charlie honeymooned for a week then had their wedding party meet them for two events loosely based on the original rehearsal dinner and wedding reception. They had fun renaming the events. Friday night became The Newlyweds’ Toast, an oyster roast with personalized bottles of the groom’s father’s famous hot sauce. Saturday night became The Pitts’ First Dinner Party, a formal dinner with music by a favorite Nashville artist and some karaoke too.

Ceremony Venue: Cathedral Church of the Advent Reception Venue: Bride’s Parents’ Backyard & The Ford Field & River Club Florist: Dorothy McDaniel’s Flower Market & Garden On The Square Caterer: Hot & Hot & The Ford Field & River Club Cake: Olexa’s & Minette Rushing Videographer: Jeff + Mollie Weddings Invitations: Anne Caroline Hill of Blanc et Vert Wedding Dress: Heidi Elnora