Elegance was abundant at Hal Cato and Michael Burcham’s February 2016 wedding. Hal and Michael first met in 2010 through a student project involving Oasis Center, where Hal was CEO, and Owen Business School, where Michael was leading a class. Shortly after the Supreme Court’s decision to legalize same-sex marriage, this couple of five years was engaged over a quiet dinner. Months later, friends and family gathered to observe the exchanging of vows at John Keith Benton Chapel before making their way to Midtown’s Le Sel to celebrate the union. “We had both been attending St. Augustine’s, which meets in Benton Chapel. Since we met and had made many friends there, we never considered anywhere else,” Hal tells us. Since its dedication in 1959, the chapel has been used by different denominations and is the largest chapel for Vanderbilt University.

Standing before their loved ones, Hal and Michael exchanged personal vows and were married by Reverend Becca Stevens, the Reverend Sarah Nichols and the Honorable Megan Barry. The pair was dressed handsomely in custom navy tuxedos and drenched in candlelight. “Working at Thistle Farms, I have developed a new appreciation for the symbolism of candles, so we made sure there were hundreds in the church. Many of them made at Thistle Farms,” Hal says. The candles, handwritten vows and company of loved ones made the evening deeply personal for the couple.

Hal, who is the CEO of Thistle Farms, founded Hands on Nashville. Additionally, he has served as VP of Development at Bright Horizons Family Solutions, President and CEO of Oasis Center and CEO of Zeumo. Michael is a CEO coach, strategist, entrepreneur and innovator. The founding President and CEO of the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, former President of ParadigmHealth, former President of Theraphysics, Vice President of Managed Care for Centennial Medical Center under HCA and teacher of Healthcare Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University, Michael is currently focusing on Narus Health, which provides a revolutionary approach to palliative care, as founder and CEO. With impressive resumes and a long history of involvement in Nashville’s business, social and philanthropic growth, these men are well-loved in the community.

Hal Cato and Michael Burcham's wedding was one for the books.
Hal and Michael first met in 2010 through a student project involving Oasis Center, where Hal was CEO, and Owen Business School, where Michael was leading a class. Image: Austin Gros
Hal Cato and Michael Burcham's wedding was one for the books.
“Spend a lot of thoughtful time writing your own vows. That is the reason you’re there,” Hal advises. Image: Austin Gros
Hal Cato and Michael Burcham's wedding was one for the books.
Candles sat at the altar and lined the aisle of the church as Hal and Michael exchanged vows. Image: Austin Gros
Hal Cato and Michael Burcham's wedding was one for the books.
At the altar, Hal and Michael were joined by Mayor Megan Berry as well as the Rev. Becca Stevens and the Rev. Sarah Nichols. “Being married by a Mayor we worked so hard for and two priests who loved us dearly … it felt deeply personal at the altar,” Hal says when asked the most memorable part of the day. Image: Austin Gros
Hal Cato and Michael Burcham's wedding was one for the books.
Hal and Michael looked handsome in their custom suits from J. Michaels. Image: Austin Gros
Hal Cato and Michael Burcham's wedding was one for the books.
Congratulations and cheers filled the room after Hal and Michael were announced as husband and husband! Image: Austin Gros

Following the six o’clock nuptials, a beautiful party was hosted at Le Sel, which is conveniently located within walking distance of the church. Le Sel’s interior is largely defined by its pink velvet booths that garner attention for their French bistro flair. In addition to the noteworthy seating, the restaurant is home to eye-catching art by Jeff Stamper and Alic Daniel, a marble-topped raw bar and black and white floor. The main dining room and private dining space were both used for the reception. Since the space has so much to offer visually, the couple kept additional décor to a minimum. The white floral arrangements added to the air of elegance.

After the ceremony, the celebration kicked off at Le Sel!
After the ceremony, the celebration kicked off at Le Sel! Image: Focal Expressions
Hal Cato and Michael Burcham's wedding was one for the books.
Guests were invited to kickback and relax in Le Sel’s lovely space. Thanks to event planner and designer Amos Gott, the evening went off without a hitch. Image: Focal Expressions
Hal Cato and Michael Burcham's wedding was one for the books.
The bourbon bar was home to Old Fashioned, Brown Derby, Belle Epoque and Rise Up cocktails. Image: Focal Expressions
Hal Cato and Michael Burcham's wedding was one for the books.
The Tulip Tree created stunning floral arrangements for the reception. Image: Focal Expressions
Hal Cato and Michael Burcham's wedding was one for the books.
The white arrangements paired perfectly with the pink seating at Le Sel. Image: Focal Expressions
Hal Cato and Michael Burcham's wedding was one for the books.
The private event space at Le Sel is home to many original pieces of art, many of which are by local artists. Image: Focal Expressions
Hal Cato and Michael Burcham's wedding was one for the books.
The elegant Billie Mochow cake was adorned with white flower petals to match the décor. Image: Focal Expressions
Hal Cato and Michael Burcham's wedding was one for the books.
At the cigar bar, guests were encouraged to take a book of matches that read “Light My Fire.” Image: Austin Gros
Hal Cato and Michael Burcham's wedding was one for the books.
The cigar bar was a sophisticated touch and was stocked with premium cigars from Crowned Heads. Image: Focal Expressions
Hal Cato and Michael Burcham's wedding was one for the books.
Incredible lighting in the church; the music, especially Marcus Hummon singing “God Bless the Broken Road;” having a 1919 Rolls Royce at their disposal thanks to Alex Joyce; and a beautiful party at Le Sel within walking distance from the church were just a few of Michael and Hal’s favorite wedding day details. Image: Austin Gros
Hal Cato and Michael Burcham's wedding was one for the books.
The happy couple cut the cake and enjoyed the final moments of the celebration! Michael and Hal enjoyed their honeymoon at the end of 2016 at the Four Seasons Nevis. Image: Austin Gros

We wish Hal and Michael a lifetime of happiness!

RESOURCES

Planner and designer: Amos Gott with AmosEvents
Ceremony venue: Benton Chapel 
Reception venue: Le Sel
Photography: Austin Gros; Focal Expressions
Groom’s & groomsmen’s formalwear: J. Michaels
Invitations: The Dotted Line
Programs and Signage: Debra Cole
Flowers: The Tulip Tree
Catering: Le Sel
Music: Inversion Vocal Ensemble, Greg Bieck piano and organ, Lindsey Smith-Trostle cello, Marcus Hummon
Cake: Billie Mochow
Cigar Bar: Crowned Heads

Michael and Hal, thank you for sharing the details of your big day and allowing us to share them with our readers! 

******

For more wedding inspiration, click here.

Avatar
About the Author
Alex Hendrickson

Alex is a Southern writer known for hunting down delicious stories and traveling the world with hunger. Her passions and interests lie in food, travel, interior design and inspiring people, and her dream is to eat a dozen oysters a day.