A Serendipitous Love: Courtney and Blake’s Old Hollywood Glam Wedding

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Some love stories unfold slowly, waiting for just the right moment to begin. For Courtney and Blake, fate had been weaving their paths together for years. They grew up in the same hometown, shared mutual friends, and even crossed paths in school, but it wasn’t until Blake returned home from college that sparks finally flew. That serendipitous summer night out with friends led to a whirlwind of new beginnings, a move to Nashville, and eventually a heartfelt proposal on their four-year anniversary. Their wedding at Hermitage Golf Course, beautifully captured by Ardent and Elm Photo, was a stunning blend of old Hollywood glamour and elegance, featuring a secret garden ceremony, a glowing cocktail hour, and DIY decor, celebrating their love and marking the start of their forever.

From Courtney of Ardent and Elm Photo

Courtney and Blake’s November wedding took place on a beautiful golf course surrounded by the soft colors of fall. What stood out most, though, was the way they looked at each other, full of joy, comfort, and deep love. From the quiet moments they shared to the laughter they sparked in everyone around them, it was so clear how perfectly they fit together. Their day was a true reflection of their relationship: warm, genuine, and filled with happiness.

Keep reading for Bride Courtney’s story and to see the beautiful details that made their day unforgettable.

Tell Us About Your Love Story.

Blake and I grew up in the same hometown! We went to junior high and high school together. Despite being in the same homecoming group one year, having mutual friends, and being a cheerleader for his basketball team…we never really talked. Blake ended up going to college at Mizzou, and I stayed in town, commuting to a private school near our hometown, 40 minutes west of Chicago.

The summer after Blake graduated and came back, we ran into each other at the bar with mutual friends. One drink led to another, and here we are today! I got a job with Vanderbilt Children’s straight out of school, and he ended up moving with me to Nashville.

Tell Us About Your Engagement!

It was our four-year anniversary, and I was getting very antsy. We planned a nice dinner at Yolan in Nashville and I was hoping it was time! Right before dinner, he said he “forgot his wallet” and asked me to come back in the house to look. This wasn’t out of the norm for me since he can’t find things sitting right in front of him! I walked into candles and roses and him on his knee.

Tell Us About Your Dress!

I found my dress at Adorn Nashville. It’s funny because the dress I chose was the first one I tried! As I tried on more dresses, I wanted to go to the first one again. It felt special. It was not the style I would typically go for, but it felt very bridal and elegant.

Tell Us About Your Experience with Hermitage Golf Course.

Their secret garden and reception area allow a very blank slate for brides to create a theme of their liking. It’s so classy and timeless! What really stood out to me was their offering of 15% off rentals for healthcare workers. (Along with teachers and first responders). They were amazing to work with, you do not need a coordinator because they come with one!. The menu is very accommodating for guests with food allergies. Everything was so smooth during the planning process, thanks to the Director, Mindy and then the day of coordinator Carson. On the day of, I did not lift a finger or need to think of anything!

Tell Us About Your Wedding Vision.

My vision/theme was old Hollywood glam! Give me Sinatra Rat Pack vibes.

I created this with very classy white and gold decor, and our party wore all navy. Our centerpieces were gold candelabras for a moody look. All our decor was DIY! Thanks to taking floral design in high school as a science credit and my mom with her Cricut. It was important to me to have very specific fonts etc.

Tell Us About Your Wedding Day.

Our day was stunning. The weather had a slight chill, which kept everyone comfortable; the ceremony was in Hermitage Golf Course’s secret garden. I walked down the aisle to Disney’s Sleeping Beauty – “I Know You” (orchestra version), a song I could hum before I could talk.

Cocktail hour was magical the sunset was glowing. Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and Glen Miller Band played in the background.

The cocktail hour was magical, with the sunset glowing and Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and the Glenn Miller Band playing in the background. A special moment for me and my dad was our dance to Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters”. We ordered a ton of Krispy Kreme donuts which went fast!