If ever there were a more “Nashville” meet-cute than an introduction at Neighbors of Sylvan Park, we can’t think of one. Unless that meeting was later followed by an engagement under the shimmering glow of Cheekwood’s Holiday Lights. That’s Blythe Cate and Harrison Bryant’s story. Cut to fall 2022, when Cheekwood Estate and Gardens also became the location of their gorgeous autumn wedding, complete with dreamy florals, a bagpiper, and a special appearance by the couple’s adorable beagle. Take a look!
Winter has long been a favorite season for Blythe Cate, and now it holds the beautiful memories of getting engaged and tying the knot. “We got engaged on December 30 of 2021, at Cheekwood Holiday Lights,” Blythe tells us. “Harrison and I love to go every year, so it wasn’t uncommon for us to go and look at the lights.” But the big surprise came when Harrison led her behind the mansion and down a lit path, where two glasses of champagne awaited. As her future husband dropped to one knee, a close friend — who happens to be a photographer — hid in the bushes to capture the magical moment.
With the engagement behind them, Blythe and Harrison launched into planning mode. Though the couple visited several other wedding venues, they landed back at Cheekwood — what better place to host the celebration than one that already held such meaning for them? “I’m from Nashville and grew up going to Cheekwood, and it’s a really special place,” Blythe tells us. “We didn’t have another place that felt quite that special to us. Plus, it’s so beautiful!”
Cheekwood requires a day-of coordinator, so the couple immediately enlisted the help of renowned planner Amos Gott of AmosEvents, who they knew would take their wedding to the next level. “At Cheekwood, you have to get everything — from tables to linens to decor,” says Blythe, “so we knew we wanted a planner. We talked to several of them, and Amos felt like the best fit for us. He was very familiar with Cheekwood and has good relationships with vendors. Hiring him came next, and then pretty quickly after that, we hired Kristen Winston for catering … We felt really lucky to get her because we love Kristen!”
Additionally, the couple lucked out by having Amos spearhead their event, as he’s also a phenomenal florist. He started the planning process by asking the bride to create a Pinterest board with things she was drawn to, then they met up to collaborate and hone in on an aesthetic. Flowers, of course, played a significant role. “I like some traditional, natural fall elements as well as more classic elements,” the bride tells us. “I found some images on Pinterest that I liked, but they weren’t exactly what I wanted.” She relayed her general idea to Amos, and he ran with it. “I didn’t know what things would end up looking like, which was fun,” says the bride. “I had an idea in my head, but it was a surprise that day. I loved it. I loved all the flowers, and he made my vision, style, and aesthetic come to life.”
Valorie Ward Cole Calligraphy.
With the venue, florals, and a caterer secured, the bride began her search for the perfect dress. Much to her surprise, she found it at her first appointment. “I took a day off work, and my mom and I went to The Bride Room,” she explains. “I had such a great experience; I actually didn’t go anywhere else. The owner, Rachel, was beyond lovely. I think I tried on eight or nine dresses; it ended up being the last one I tried on. I just knew immediately. My mom loved it, Rachel loved it, and I was like, ‘You know what? This is it. I don’t need to go anywhere else.’ It ended up being a pretty easy process.”
The Monique Lhuillier stunner boasts a sweetheart neckline, spaghetti straps, and a bodice that flows into tulle — a design that made the boutique’s owner, Rachel Apple, exclaim, “You look so ethereal!” Blythe ended up hearing that very same description multiple times from guests during her big day. “I felt like the dress was classic and pretty, but it also felt whimsical and ethereal,” she says. “It was light as a feather! That was the biggest plus to me. I could move around comfortably because it was so lightweight. I knew I didn’t want a dress that was going to weigh me down. “
After first looks, the ceremony commenced. “We did traditional vows,” the bride tells us. “Will McLeane officiated — my cousin (and bridesmaid) Cate’s husband. They live in Raleigh, NC, and Will is the pastor at a church there. We knew we wanted him to be our officiant, and he did an incredible job.”
Following the beautiful ceremony, a bagpiper led the bride, groom, and their 200 guests to Massey Hall for a cocktail hour. “I have a lot of Scottish heritage on my side of the family,” says Blythe, “so it was a fun and special surprise; we didn’t list it in the program or tell anyone. He led everybody outside of Massey Hall to a courtyard area that overlooks the Color Garden. We had a jazz trio play, and cocktails were served.” Guests enjoyed Kentucky Mules and apple cider mimosas rimmed with cinnamon sugar, a signature cocktail perfect for the season. They also snacked on appetizers such as mini BLTs, tiny chicken tacos with avocado and cilantro, and warm artichoke-parmesan puffs. Kristen even prepared a special appetizer plate for the bride, who’s gluten-free. After the cocktail hour, everyone headed into Massey Hall for dinner and dancing.
For the reception, Amos capitalized on the natural elements of Cheekwood, continuing the garden theme and draping the chandeliers in gorgeous greenery. Since Massey Hall offers a blank slate, he also employed a flower wall behind the head tables for an added focal point. Four of Blythe’s high school friends shared the maid-of-honor duties, collaborating on everything — including the toast they gave to the newlyweds at the rehearsal dinner. The floral design from the couple’s invitation suite was incorporated into the reception, including the welcome sign and bar signage.
For dinner, guests feasted on a beautiful buffet from Kristen Winston, featuring roasted beef tenderloin, maple- and mustard-glazed salmon, Russet- and sweet potato-leek gratin, an array of roasted vegetables, and more.
Departing the reception to rose petals, the couple jumped into a classic 1960s Jaguar and headed into the night. Since Blythe is a local third-grade teacher, the couple has plans to honeymoon to Anguilla and the Caribbean over spring break. While they may not have headed out on an immediate trip, they did enjoy a little weekend staycation at the Conrad Nashville. “It was the perfect way to relax and spend some time — just the two of us,” says Blythe.
Thank you for sharing your day with us, Blythe and Harrison! And thanks to Sara Bill Photography for the stunning photos.
RESOURCES
Ceremony & reception: Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
Wedding planner: Amos Gott of AmosEvents
Photographer: Sara Bill Photography
Videographer: Hannah Kik Photography
Flowers: AmosEvents
Bride’s Hair: Brittany Walters of B. Nicole Salon
Bride’s Makeup: Valorie Cole
Bridesmaids’ hair: Blowout Co.
Bride’s dress: Monique Lhuillier from The Bride Room
Bride’s shoes: Birdies
Bridesmaid dresses: After Six from Bella Bridesmaids
Invitations, programs, and menu cards: Ink Nashville
Calligraphy: Valorie Ward Cole Calligraphy
Catering: Kristen Winston
Cake: Dessert Designs by Leland
Rentals: Please Be Seated
Reception music: The SoulSations
Transportation: Matchless Transportation
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