A Personal Backyard Wedding at a Private Residence in Nashville, Tennesee

Jessica Hickey (29 and a pediatric nurse practitioner) and Kent Miller (31 and a director of high school programs for local nonprofits) started out as friends when Jessica moved in close by and officially became the girl next door. They would both spend time on their respective front porches, secretly hoping to run into each other. After some time, the two started dating the following year. When Kent gave Jess a box of 28 date cards to be used over the next year for her birthday in June, there was no hint that the box held an incredibly special card. "Five date cards in, there was one to open after a cookout planned to celebrate completing my nursing program," says Jessica. "Everyone was in town and I opened the card out back surrounded by everyone. To my total surprise, the card said 'look down, I'm proposing' and Kent was on his knees with his grandmother's ring!" The couple exchanged vows at Scarritt-Bennett Wightman Chapel—one of the most historic chapels in Nashville—followed by a intimate backyard celebration. "We are both pretty laid back, but we also wanted to honor this occasion so we chose traditional styles but with a twist," says Jessica. "The central theme was to represent our favorite things about our hometowns in Texas and Michigan as well as our new home together in Nashville." A navy, gray and lavender color palette decorated the relaxed reception and local drinks from their home states added a personal feel. The couple even grew lavender in the backyard to accent the hydrangeas already planted for the reception and incorporated it throughout the arrangements. For their vendors, Jessica and Kent really focused on keeping things local and personal. "The florist we used was the same florist where Kent purchased the first bouquet he gave me—and every one after that," says Jessica. "We also had the guests toast with bourbon instead of champagne since we both prefer it, and it fit with our local, southern theme," says Jessica.