A Classic, Whimsical Wedding at Dixon Gallery and Gardens in Memphis, Tennessee

For their wedding, Lauren Bishop (25 and an accountant) and Lee Pelkey (24 and a pilot) knew that a theme just wasn’t their style. Instead, they decided to let the day’s feel and decor to come together naturally, selected elements they truly loved, rather than basing each decision around a theme. The day started with a traditional Catholic ceremony at St. Louis Catholic Church in Memphis, TN, where both Lauren and Lee grew up. Since most of their family and friends were from the area, they decided it would be ok to host the ceremony and reception in two different locations. For the reception, the couple switched gears and whisked their guests off to the Dixon Gallery and Gardens. “We knew we wanted something enchanting,” says Lauren and the lush, beautifully manicured gardens and secluded feel of the venue was the perfect fit. A color palette of navy and neutrals kept things feeling sophisticated and classic, while Holliday Flowers helped infuse the day with a romantic, elegant note with fresh bunches of ivory blooms arranged in mercury glass vases, lots of candlelight and chandeliers wrapped in lush greenery, grapevines and moss. Seasons Fine Catering served up a mouth-watering spread of Lauren and Lee’s favorite comfort foods, like Angus beef sliders, chicken tenders, flatbreads, shrimp and grits cakes and more. Dr. Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monsters put on a memorable show, performing in full costume and getting guests out on the dance floor. Lauren and Lee decided to donate all of their flowers to Catholic Charities of West Tennessee’s Bouquets of Hope, who repurposed their arrangements to give to patients in nursing homes, hospitals and hospice who don’t normally receive flowers. A tip for the taking from Lauren and Lee: “Just relax and have fun with the planning. Your engagement and wedding planning is a really special time, so try not to let the small things stress you out. At the end of the day, your marriage is the most important part, so don't let the decisions and details distract you, just pick what the two of you like best and enjoy it.”