Emma and Baer’s Tennessee destination wedding centered around passion – compelling emotion and extravagant enthusiasm. These two sentiments were expressed both by the couple and by their team of talented vendors. It was the couple’s shared passion for food that caused them to select Blackberry Farm. They first discovered the venue on the Cooking Channel and immediately started researching it. As it turns out, the farm met their two main requirements. “We wanted a location where everyone could stay all together for the entirety of the weekend,” says Emma. “[Also,] food is one of our shared passions and we wanted a truly unforgettable dining experience for our wedding.”

While Emma and Baer’s loved ones were initially surprised, the decision made sense to them once the 180 guests arrived at the stunning location. After securing their venue, the couple utilized personal referrals and in-depth Internet searches to select their vendors. Once the dream team was in place, the bride and groom let them loose. “Our vendors made the wedding what it was,” says the couple. “We were woefully ambivalent about so many things. There are a million decisions to make and we didn’t have strong opinions on many of them. Having the team we did allowed us to defer to their expert opinions.”

The couple credits Lewis Miller Design for crafting their ceremony and reception spaces from scratch. “He built an incredible chuppah inside The Barn restaurant from blooming branches. By braiding the beams with flowers and greenery, Lewis transformed the whole restaurant into a truly sacred space.” The magic continued with Emma and Baer’s reception at Bramble Hall. “It looked like a secret forest in bloom, integrating the tables and stage, as well as several potted trees – all without looking busy or overwhelming.”

At the beginning of the planning process, Emma and Baer didn’t think they needed a wedding planner, but it was Jennifer Laraia Designs that brought together all of the passionate personalities. “As we approached the [wedding] date, we realized there was too much to coordinate,” reflects the couple. “Jennifer Laraia pulled it all together flawlessly.” In the end, this couple’s destination wedding was a fabulous fusion of the couple’s vision and their vendors’ expert execution.

Vendor List: Photographer: Natalie Watson Photography, Wedding Planner: Jennifer Laraia Designs, Florist & Event Designer: Lewis Miller Design, Ceremony/Reception Site: Blackberry Farm, Videography: Ed Ballart, Stationery: Sloane Madureira with Press New York, Bride’s Gown Designer: Oscar de la Renta, Wedding Stylist: Cynthia Cook Brides, Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Miscellaneous selected by Cynthia Cook Brides & Groom’s Clothing Designer: Tom Ford