McKenna & Austin’s Wedding: A Day of Love, Music, and Meaningful Moments

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McKenna and Austin’s wedding was a beautiful blend of love, family, and music. Their journey, which began at Belmont University and was later reunited by fate, came to life in a day filled with meaningful details. From spring blues and stunning florals to a Christ-centered ceremony, every moment reflected their shared values. Live strings created an emotional atmosphere, while the Music City Sound band kept the celebration alive. Thoughtful touches, like handwritten letters to their guests and an unforgettable first look, made it a day their families will cherish forever. Keep reading to hear what McKenna had to say about their beautiful day!

Tell Us About Your Love Story!

Our love story began at Belmont University, where we crossed paths through mutual friends. Although our college years led us on separate journeys, fate had other plans for us. It wasn’t until a couple of years after graduation that our paths realigned. Miles apart, with me in Minnesota and Austin in Nashville, we bridged the distance through late-night phone conversations. Eventually, I made the move back to Nashville (mostly because I couldn’t resist meeting up with a certain boy!). From that first date at Pins Bowling Alley, we’ve been inseparable ever since.

Tell Us About Your Engagement!

Engagement Story: Austin’s months of planning, Excel spreadsheets, and secret family travel arrangements led up to the surprise of a lifetime for me. What I thought was just another work dinner turned into an unforgettable night. Austin’s roommate whisked me away from my apartment to Pins, the very spot where our love story began. Waiting there were letters from both of our families, and, after a few tears, I was taken to a local airport where Austin was waiting. Together, we embarked on a romantic helicopter ride, soaring high above the twinkling lights of Nashville. When we landed, a “Marry Me?” sign adorned the runway. As Austin got down on one knee, the answer was a “Yes!” Our families emerged, toasting with champagne, creating a memory we will never forget.

Where Did You Say Yes to Your Dress?

I found my dream dress at Brides by Glitz in Nashville, TN. I had visited several stores beforehand but hadn’t found “the one.” At Brides by Glitz, I tried on a few dresses I liked but still didn’t feel like any truly reflected me. Then, my consultant mentioned a dress that was my size and had a unique backstory—it had been purchased by another bride who later called off her wedding.

When I tried it on, it fit like a glove. It was everything I had dreamed of: a dramatic princess skirt, a fitted bodice, lace details all over, a sweetheart neckline, and just the right amount of sparkle. It was the most unique dress I’d ever seen, and I loved the idea of giving it a second chance to shine.

My mom and future mother-in-law were with me that day, and they were the only ones who saw the dress until my wedding. Sharing that special moment with them made it all the more meaningful, and it’s a memory I’ll always cherish.

What was the vision & theme for your wedding?

The vision we had for our wedding was an emotional, sentimental day filled with quality time with our families and closest friends. We wanted the day to reflect who we are and the values we hold dear. It was important to us that the celebration be Christ-centered and visually stunning. To bring this vision to life, we used a mix of spring blues that tied everything together beautifully. The bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen’s ties incorporated this palette, as did the florals and the gorgeous, blue-patterned China at the reception. Florals were a significant element of the day, adding vibrancy and elegance. A special touch was the old sheet music cones filled with rose petals that guests used to toss at us as we walked back down the aisle after saying “I Do.” Music, a huge part of our lives, was woven throughout the day. Live strings created a beautiful atmosphere during the ceremony, and a live band kept the celebration going after dinner. Our getaway car—a blue 1966 Mustang convertible—was the perfect final nod to our theme, adding a fun and stylish touch to the day.

Tell us about your Wedding Day!

Our wedding day began with peaceful, separate mornings for both of us, allowing time to reflect and prepare. We both got ready in the stunning suites at Birchwood, surrounded by the beauty of the property. Staying true to tradition, we chose to see each other for the first time as I walked down the aisle.

Before that moment, I shared a deeply emotional first look with my dad and my two grandfathers, a memory I’ll treasure forever. I walked down the aisle to the theme song from About Time, one of our favorite movies. We exchanged heartfelt, personal vows, which were so moving they were hard to get through! After the ceremony, we made a playful nod to another favorite of ours, The Office, by exiting the chapel to its theme song.

During our photo session, our guests enjoyed cocktail hour on the patio on what turned out to be a perfect day. Delicious appetizers and signature cocktails, including “Milo’s Mojito” (named after my cat), kept everyone happy and relaxed.

As guests entered the reception, they were welcomed with a glass of champagne, and at their place settings, they found handwritten, personalized letters from Austin and me—a heartfelt touch we wanted to include. For our first dance, we chose “Used to It” by Seaforth, our favorite band.

The evening was filled with laughter and love, with incredible speeches from our dads, best man, and maid of honor. We danced the night away to the amazing Music City Sound. We were absolutely thrilled to book The Music City Sound for our wedding and couldn’t have been happier with our experience! They were incredibly professional and went above and beyond to accommodate all of our special requests. Our family and friends had an absolute blast dancing to their live music all night long. They truly brought the energy and showcased the very best of Nashville’s incredible talent. We couldn’t recommend them more highly!