From growing up together in Nashville, to falling in love at the University of Georgia, Coleman Breland couldn’t wait to propose to Katherine McDonald. “He popped off his skis mid-run and got down on one knee, catching me by surprise,” Katherine reminisces of the moment that took place on their Aspen trip. After she said yes, they were joined by their dearest friends to celebrate. Although the couple knew each other growing up, it wasn’t until college that their relationship further blossomed from best friends to college sweethearts. Following graduation, Katherine and Coleman spent four years in a long-distance relationship until time did its part and they both found themselves back in Memphis, Tennessee. 

Having always desired an at-home wedding, the bride was able to achieve the best of both worlds for her big day: an at-home ceremony followed by a country club reception. With the beauty of Nashville’s landscape in full effect during the spring, the couple found it best to incorporate nature-inspired shades of deep green accented with gold. “Once we determined those two components, all other details fell into place,” exclaims Katherine. Whether it be the invitations, the gorgeous forest green bridesmaid dresses, or even the unique displays of greenery that filled each room, the essence of Nashville shined through those deep hues. With the help of their wedding team, Dori Waller at The Social Office, and Katherine’s mother, a clear passage in planning a perfect wedding was imminent for the beautiful couple. 

On the day of their nuptials, nearly 150 loved ones joined Katherine and Coleman at the home of the bride’s parents for the ceremony, with a larger reception of 400 guests immediately following at Belle Meade Country Club – where Katherine's parents had also held their reception years prior. Katherine was elegant in a classic bridal gown with a deep-V back, cascading train, and gorgeous bow paired with a diamond brooch and veil that belonged to her great-grandmother and has been passed down to each bride on her maternal side of the family. “I think I was the eighth bride to wear it,” she shares. Her bouquet was composed of various white florals accentuated with greenery, which also enveloped each series of flower arrangements that dressed the rooms. 

As guests entered each venue, they were greeted with grand displays of florals and greenery. In an effort to differentiate their celebration from previous weddings they have attended at the country club, Katherine and Coleman wanted to be creative and unique in their approach to dress the room. “FLWR went above and beyond our original requests and ideas – we were truly blown away,” the couple gushes. Lush arches of ivory blooms and greenery adorned the main ballroom over the buffet as clouds of white and green foliage embellished with subtle shades of pink further embellished the romantic space. 

Adding in modern-day twists, Katherine and Coleman decided to have a series of options within the buffet and seven different wedding cakes to share with their guests. “We also decided to skip the traditional cutting of the cake all together – we wanted as much time as possible on the dance floor,” the bride muses. As guests indulged in miniature sandwiches, salads, and other dishes, Katherine and Coleman loved the idea that every attendee had their own unique experience.

With all their loved ones gathered together, Katherine and Coleman shared their first dance as a married couple to a rendition of “Time After Time” by Ella Fitzgerald, sung by Katherine’s late grandmother. “It was a really special moment for me” she confides. After dancing the night away, it was time for one last surprise before the night came to a close. As Katherine and Coleman were sitting on the back of the father of the bride’s all-white ‘59 Chevy Impala, fireworks lined along the driveway followed them the whole way out. Catching them by surprise, “It was a great way to end the night,” recalls Katherine. “For the wedding day, soak every moment in and remember, it is a celebration –have fun!”