Chip and Riley have been friends for a while now. Riley was actually the best man at our wedding two years ago. They became friends sophomore year at Trinity and were roommates in an apartment together with two other good friends, Will and Jeff, senior year. These four guys are all pretty awesome. We have lots of memories hanging out together in their less than glamorous apartment in New England Village, complete with walks to Panchito’s for queso and margaritas.
After completing the Masters in Education program at Trinity, Riley went down to Honduras with Mission Lazarus. While there, he met this awesome girl named Becca. Over the course of the last year, we’ve been able to spend some time with her and have to admit, we’re a big fan of her. She’s so very sweet and has such a loving heart. A couple of weekends ago, Riley and Becca got married on a beautiful sunny day in Tennessee.
Chip and I decided to drive to Tennessee with the NEV guys instead of flying for the wedding. After some pretty entertaining email chains to figure out the carpooling, we all decided to meet in Dallas, where Will and Katie live, and then drive together to Nashville from there. We spent Wednesday night at their house and got to an early start on Thursday in our rented minivan complete with a dozen cup holders and DVD player. Nicely done, soccer moms.
We got into Nashville sometime around 8:00pm on Thursday and after checking in at our hotel, we all went to Broadway Brewhouse for drinks. Friday morning, we went and had a great breakfast at a place called Fido. I knew I was going to like this place based on their cute name and all of the dog pictures they had. Put dogs somewhere in your business = I’m a fan. After breakfast, we met back at the hotel before heading out to get the guys’ suits for the wedding. Had to make sure those boys look pretty ;)
We then had some barbecue for lunch and drove over to Riley’s house to pick up “a few” things to set up out at Owen Farm for the wedding. It was definitely more than a few things! We were laughing as we practically emptied Riley’s house and filled two sedans, our minivan, and Riley’s truck bed full of wedding decorations. Now the weather had been a bit patchy on Friday. It was raining while we were at breakfast, cleared up while picking up the suits, and was feeling a bit muggy while we loaded up the cars. We drove out to the farm in Chapmansboro with minimal rain, but once we started unloading everything into the barn and bar/dance floor space, it started to pour. The weather just wasn’t on board with the scheduled activities Friday! The rain eventually stopped for a half hour or so, so the bridal party was still able to have a quick rehearsal, but the setting up got pushed to Saturday morning. After leaving the farm, we drove back into Nashville for a great rehearsal dinner, complete with cute videos made my Riley’s sister and the photographer as well as two sweet speeches from Becca’s dad as well ast Riley’s dad.
On Saturday morning, while all the groomsmen got ready and helped set everything (shout out to Page and Kelsey as well!), Jeff, Megan, Katie, and I went out to Loveless Cafe for breakfast. A good friend of mine recommended this place and used to work for a radio show that aired from the barn there. There was a bit of a wait for our table, but we spent it doing some quality people watching. While my omelet wasn’t phenomenal, the biscuits were amazing. Not entirely sure how many I had. Oops.
As rainy as Friday was, Saturday afternoon couldn’t have been any different. It was a sunny, clear day with a light breeze. Perfect weather for an outdoor wedding. Everything looked so beautiful and the ceremony was one of the sweetest I’ve ever been to. Every piece of the ceremony was so intentional and I admire all the work and thought Riley and Becca put into this very special day. I loved the door that hid Becca from view until she walked down the aisle. Daniel Player chose so many amazing Scripture verses that speak about marriage. Riley and Becca wrote the sweetest vows. The ceremony included them having communion with their parents. It was all so beautiful and definitely had me shedding a few tears!
After the ceremony, it was time to celebrate. We had a great time stomping our feet to Mumford’s “I Will Wait for You,” singing (read: screaming) to Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing,” shuffling to LMFAO’s “Party Rock Anthem,” and full on dancing to Beyonce’s “Crazy in Love.” We ended the evening with more dancing and Oreos courtesy of Riley’s grooms cake.
Riley and Becca, we love you guys so much, thanks for letting us celebrate this big day with you and your families!!