The biggest challenge Bri and Matt faced during wedding planning was deciding on a location. After narrowing down their decision to several different state parks, the couple chose the park that they first camped together, Fall Creek Falls in Spencer, Tennessee.
They couldn’t have been happier with their decision.
“The view from Buzzard’s Roost was breathtaking. As we were saying our vows it was so quiet and peaceful. It was surreal at the moment,” explains Bri.
A big thank you to Cassie Lopez Photography for sharing this lovely small wedding with us!
Bri, 21 & Matt, 22
Location: Spencer, TN
Wedding Date: October 1, 2016.
Number of Guests: 13 at the ceremony, around 45 at the reception
Wedding Cost: ~$2,500
Wedding Ceremony Location: Fall Creek Falls State Park
Wedding Reception Location: Gateway Island in Murfreesboro, TN.
Why did you have an intimate wedding?
We have never imagined having a big wedding. We wanted to focus on the part that mattered most to us, which is getting married and having a beautiful day together.
What are some the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding?
We didn’t have many! Our biggest challenge was probably finding the perfect place for us. We had narrowed it down to state parks in the beginning, but couldn’t choose which one! In the end we decided on Fall Creek Falls because it was one of the first places we camped together. The view also didn’t hurt in the decision making process. Other than that we just hoped it wouldn’t rain!
Was it difficult to pare down the guest list?
Since we did have such a small wedding it was somewhat difficult. We decided to have only immediate family and grandparents at the ceremony. Afterwards, we invited the rest of our family and close friends to the reception.
Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family? If so, how did you address them?
Not at all! Both sides of our family were very supportive.
What were the highlights of the ceremony?
The view from Buzzard’s Roost was breathtaking. As we were saying our vows it was so quiet and peaceful. It was surreal in that moment.
What were the highlights of the reception?
Getting to see the rest of our family and hang out with everyone was great. We had barbecue so our reception was just as low key as the ceremony
What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?
We really got to enjoy our day together. After the ceremony was over and everything wrapped up we just kept saying “I can’t believe how perfect that was”. It really just felt like we had spent the day hanging out with our families. We weren’t being whisked off to keep up with a certain schedule. 
What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?
Definitely take time to figure out any details that do matter for you. For me, I loved a bouquet that I may have not splurged on if I had a huge wedding, but it was important to me. Also, don’t stress too much about the whole process. In the end things fall together, and you will have a day that you will never forget.
Vendors:
Photographer: Cassie Lopez Photography
Officiant: Life’s Journeys Ceremonies
Dress: Etsy, Mermaid Bridal
Flowers: Etsy, Smoky Mountain Woodcrafts
Ring box: Etsy, Trees2Art
