Anna + Trent | Whimsical Springtime Memphis Wedding

Bridesmaids adorned in elegant neutrals accompanied the bride into the historic St. Mary’s in Memphis. The ornate chapel was a beautiful backdrop to the Tennessee nuptials, while a stone lodge decorated with voluminous floral arrangements at the nearby zoo housed the reception.

Anna and Trent’s wedding day was a tribute to their love and the love of their families. Heirloom items and hand-sewn details were fondly included in the wedding attire of the bride. At the reception, photographs of past generations of married couples smiled on the newlyweds, who thanked God for the abundant graces of the sacrament.

From the Bride

When Trent and I first met, our personalities clicked on an emotional and spiritual level. By the end of our first date, I knew he was who I had been praying for. Trent was respectful and sophisticated, and as time went on, I learned that he was also compassionate, patient, understanding, righteous, and infinitely supportive--a truly good man.

Growing up, I always knew I would get married in the Catholic Church. My faith has always been of the utmost importance to my family and me, and I knew I could not enter into marriage without God's blessing and the guidance of the Church. And yet nothing could have prepared me for the sacredness of that day.

It began with thunderstorm warnings across the greater Memphis area. But by evening the skies were clear and the sun was out. It may sound cheesy, but I felt as though, through God's grace, our loved ones that had passed away were showing up for our big day.

My dress came from Low's Bridal and Formal, a store in Arkansas that has been around for ages. My aunts, cousins, friends (their mothers), and a sister have all bought their wedding dresses there. Because my bridesmaids lived all across the U.S., they wore dresses from Azazie, a bridal website, and the groomsmen donned classic tuxedos. I got ready that morning with my mother, my five bridesmaids, and our flower girl.

We selected our readings and hymns based on what best reflected our relationship through the eyes of the Lord. Our songs included “Amazing Grace,” “Canon in D” by Pachelbel, “Trumpet Voluntary” by Clarke, and “Arrival of the Queen of Sheba” by Handel. With the guidance of our dear priest, Fr. Gary Lamb, we choose the following scriptures: Genesis 1:26-28, 31; Psalm 145:8-9, 10, and 15, 17-18; 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:8; and John 17:20-26.

During our nuptial Mass, Fr. Lamb's homily was inspirational and humbling, reminding us that although this was a joyous day, Christ's love alone is what makes a marriage successful.

My grandmother, my last living grandparent, passed away a month before our wedding. So my mother purchased two lockets, each holding a photo of my grandparents, and sewed them into my bouquet as a way to hold them closely. The Phi Mu pin of my sorority sister and bridesmaid, Katie, was also attached to my bouquet.

The pillow carried by the ring bearer was sewn by my grandmother, and my veil was borrowed from my sister’s wedding day. My mom sewed my wedding date in blue thread into the inside of my dress, and a sixpence was taped to my shoe. My garter was embroidered with my monogram--as well as the initials of my sister, friends, and cousin who each wore it before me. A special table at our reception was lined with photos of our parents and grandparents, most on their wedding days, as a way to honor each couple and the legacy they’d created.

Oversized golf carts took our guests from the parking lot of the Memphis Zoo to our venue at Teton Trek, and champagne was served on the ride. When guests arrived at the site, a large water display greeted them. And upon entering the building, florals and votives decorated the ceilings, tables, and fireplace mantle. We even hosted a live band from Memphis named Almost Famous.

Food was served at stations rather than sit down or buffet-style and included ham sliders, burger sliders, mac and cheese, spinach and artichoke dip, fruit and dip, Memphis skewers, Mediterranean skewers (since Trent is Lebanese), and a French fry bar. Trent and I dined privately atop a waterfall up the hill from the reception.

The entire night was a testament to the love Trent and I have been surrounded by our entire lives. God has blessed us with the most amazing and supportive families and friends, and it was incredible witnessing the many people who have shaped us both, celebrating together.

To hear our loved ones praying for our marriage and singing praises to God for blessing Trent and me with each other--the feeling remains indescribable. Simply put, God is so good.

We've now been married for over a year, and Trent continues to better me everyday. Time after time, his moral compass has put daily struggles into perspective. It is truly a blessing that God led us into each other's lives. We cannot wait for what he has in store for our marriage and the ways he will work through our sacramental bond in the years to come.