Nolensville Wedding

When country artist Karissa Ella and her longtime love, Alex Binnie, tied the knot on October 4, 2025, at Mint Springs Farm in Nolensville, Tennessee, it felt like the perfect next chapter in a love story that had already stood the test of time. “We started dating at the end of our freshman year and dated most of high school,” Karissa says. “We went our separate ways for a bit, and eventually found our way back to each other at the beginning of college. It’s true what they say … what’s meant to be always finds its way back.”

If their wedding day was magic, the proposal was pure movie romance. “Alex proposed at Southall Farm and Inn in Franklin, Tennessee, and it truly couldn’t have been more perfect,” Karissa recalls. What began as a supposed “work trip” turned into a once-in-a-lifetime surprise. “He told me it was for work and that we needed to go for a quick trip. I was a little suspicious, but his story made sense, so I rushed to get my nails done and packed a bag just in case.”

When the couple wandered into an apple orchard at sunset, everything clicked. “Alex took my hands, and I blurted out, ‘No way … right now, really?!’” she says. “We both started laughing through happy tears. He said the sweetest things — words that somehow made me fall even more in love with him — before getting down on one knee. It was pure magic, like a scene straight out of a movie.”

They ended the night with a celebratory dinner and, the next morning, a trip to a tulip farm — a thoughtful surprise that became an ongoing tradition. “Now, visiting that tulip farm has become a tradition for us and a beautiful reminder of that incredible day and the love that started it all,” Karissa shares.

For their big day, the couple chose the all-inclusive Mint Springs Farm for its seamless planning process and breathtaking scenery. “We worked with Kelly Cabrey, the owner and planner at Mint Springs Farm, and absolutely loved every minute of it,” Karissa says. “While Kelly helped bring our vision to life, one of my favorite parts of the planning process was working side by side with my mom. Spending that time together and dreaming up every little detail was such a special experience; it’s one I’ll treasure forever.”

The venue’s Southern charm provided the perfect backdrop for the couple’s elegant fall celebration. “Every detail exuded elegance and charm, and the entire property felt effortlessly timeless and breathtaking,” she tells us.

Karissa’s floral and color palette drew inspiration from her mother’s wedding. “My mother’s bridesmaid dresses were a vibrant fuchsia pink, and I wanted to build on that color while giving it a more fall feel,” she explains. “Our palette blended soft whites, layered shades of pink, pops of rich berry tones, and plenty of lush greenery. The overall look was warm and romantic, yet still bright and fresh.” Her bridesmaids wore an array of berry-colored gowns in different fabrics (from floral to satin to chiffon) that perfectly complemented the autumn tones.

PHOTO: “I mixed a few stores,” Karissa explains. “I wanted each of my bridesmaids to have a dress that made them comfortable and beautiful!”

And, of course, the tulip — her favorite flower — made an appearance. “For my bouquet, I chose tulips, which are my favorite flower and a meaningful symbol of love for us,” the bride explains. “The arrangements featured a beautiful mix of blooms, including hydrangeas, tulips, roses, and more. I absolutely loved my florals; they truly brought the entire vision to life.”

Karissa’s dress story was equally heartfelt. “The very first bridal shop I visited was extra special. It was the same one where my mom found her own wedding dress,” she says. But it wasn’t until she discovered a Suzanne Neville gown on Pinterest that she found the one. “As fate would have it, one of those boutiques, Something White, was right near my hometown (in Ohio). I went in with an open mind, but the moment I stepped out in that dress and saw my family’s faces, I just knew.”

The gown was fitted but comfortable, with delicate drop sleeves, shimmering details, and 3D floral appliqué. “Romantic, timeless, and softly glamorous, it was the perfect balance between simple and stunning,” she explains. “My sister and maid of honor, Kendall, said it was me as a dress, and I couldn’t have agreed more.”

Karissa carried deep family meaning into every part of her look. “My mom surprised me with the most beautiful getting-ready robe, lovingly made from pieces of her own wedding dress,” she says. “For my something new, my dad bought me a beautiful bracelet to wear on my wedding day that I will hopefully pass down and cherish forever.” She also carried a white lace handkerchief passed down through generations on her mother-in-law’s side, and wore her great-grandmother’s turquoise engagement ring as her “something blue.” “Wearing her ring made me feel as though she was right there with me,” Karissa shares.

The couple shared private vows during their first look, an emotional choice that let them soak in the moment before the formal ceremony. “We decided to do a first look because we are both so sentimental and emotional when it comes to our love,” Karissa explains. “We are so glad we were able to get all the big tears out of the way before the ceremony!”

The couple even credits their wedding day’s good fortune to a time-honored Southern ritual. “About a month before the wedding, we decided to take part in a classic Southern tradition of burying a bottle of bourbon on the venue grounds for good luck and good weather. And might I say, it worked!” Karissa says. “Right before the ceremony, we gathered our wedding party to dig up the bottle and share a celebratory shot together. It was such a fun and memorable moment … the perfect way to kick off the day before walking down the aisle.”

Their first dance was set to “Masterpiece” by Thompson Square, a song they fell in love with years earlier at a songwriter festival. “We listened to it on every car ride, danced to it in the kitchen, and before long, Alex joked, ‘I think we found our wedding song!’ But deep down, I already knew — it absolutely was,” Karissa says. They even took dance lessons to create a choreographed routine “with lifts, dips, and a few sweet kisses in between.”

For the father-daughter dance, Karissa’s dad chose “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong, a sentimental nod to one of the first songs she ever sang as a child. Alex and his mother, Ann, shared a moving dance to “Her Little Man” by Jami Grooms. “There wasn’t a dry eye in the room,” Karissa says.

Dinner began with a seated salad and bread service, followed by a buffet and carving stations. “We served chicken and carved beef tenderloin as our main dishes, along with potatoes, veggies, and a few other favorites,” Karissa says. Dessert was a Southern dream: banana pudding, strawberry shortcake pudding, Goo Goo Clusters, mini MoonPies, bourbon pecan balls, and a classic almond cake with almond buttercream.

Adding a playful twist, the groom’s cake quoted Step Brothers (one of their favorite movies) with “Did we just become best friends?” As the evening went on, late-night bites of pizza and cheeseburgers appeared, joined by espresso martinis and a cigar bar for guests. “It was the best way to wrap up the most amazing day!” Karissa says.

Just when the couple thought the celebration was over, Karissa’s parents surprised them with a breathtaking send-off. “Not only did we have a sparkler exit, but we also had a surprise firework show! It was insane! Truly magical in every way,” she says. “We were then surprised with the coolest getaway car and fire sparks from the pavement on our exit. It was extra, the top, and completely unforgettable.”

After the big day, the newlyweds jetted off to Tokyo, Japan, a destination chosen for its mix of culture and adventure. “Being immersed in a different culture is always so much fun for me,” Karissa says. “We visited lots of shrines and temples and ate lots of good food. Needless to say, our feet definitely hurt, but our stomachs were full and happy!”

From high-school sweethearts to husband and wife, Karissa and Alex’s story is proof that some love stories really do come full circle … and sometimes, with a little sunshine, bourbon, and fireworks, they end in the most magical way imaginable. Like a good country song.

RESOURCES

Venue: Mint Springs Farm in Nolensville, TN
Wedding planner: Kelly Cabrey
Photographer: The Brocoffs
Videographer: Crown & Lace
Bride’s gown: Suzanne Neville from Something White in Cleveland, OH
Bridesmaids’ dresses: Revelry (Floral Print Dresses), Birdy Grey (Satin & Chiffon Berry).
Bride’s hair & makeup: Naomi Felkins / Kasey Rees
Additional hair & makeup: One 10 Beauty
Groom’s & groomsmen’s formalwear: State and Liberty Tux
Groomsman: The Black Tux
Invitations, programs & menu cards: White Ink Calligraphy
Flowers: The Bloom House TN
Catering: G Catering
Entertainment: Rhose Studio Strings, Stevenson Everett, Young Hearts Band
DJ: Snyder Entertainment
Cake: Baked in Nashville
Photobooth: Picture This Nashville
Transportation: Signature Transportation
Fireworks: Impact Pyro
Other Rentals: Curated Events Nashville
Specialty Napkins: BBJ Latavola

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