A Rustic Fall Barn Wedding at Cedarwood in Nashville, Tennessee

Allison Flexer (38 and CPA, writer) grew up two houses down from Michael McGaha (41 and an electrical engineer). The pair didn't interact much growing up because of their three-year age difference and didn't even recognize each other when they attended a mutual friend's birthday party 20 years later. Michael knew after only their second date that he wanted to propose to Allison but waited six months before popping the question with a vintage-inspired round diamond engagement ring. "We attended my friend's wedding in Florida and extended our trip to have a few days at the beach," says Allison. "At the wedding, I caught the bouquet and Michael caught the garter—totally not planned—but I had no idea that Michael was planning to propose the very next day!" Allison and Michael spent the next seven months arranging their autumnal barn wedding at Cedarwood in Nashville, Tennessee. "When we visited Cedarwood, we fell in love with its historic beauty and rustic charm—plus we were attracted to their bundled packages!" says Allison. "We liked the simplicity of not having to contract multiple vendors!" A seasonal green, ivory, red and orange color palette along with cowboy boots and burlap accents enhanced the relaxed venue's southern feel. "The Cedarwood team helped us pick elements for our rustic country style that still felt glamorous, including lanterns, burlap, vintage books, mason jar candles and lots of beautiful flowers with a fall theme." As a way to honor her deceased grandparents, Allison had her grandmother's locket including pictures of both sets of grandparents attached to her bouquet wrap. "Michael's mom also gave him the Bible his grandfather had carried in WWII along with his grandparents' wedding rings, which he carried in his pocket throughout the wedding," says Allison. "It was very important to us to include these legacy items in our special day!"