Modern Mountain Wedding in East Tennessee

Elevated Design at The Magnolia Venue

An Unforgettable Destination Wedding Experience

Most couples dream of a wedding like the one Gabriella and Connor created. Bringing their elevated New Jersey style to the Smoky Mountains, the pair transformed The Magnolia Venue into a celebration worthy of the pages of a modern magazine. 

With expert execution by Custom Love Gifts & Events, their vision came to life through thoughtful design, intentional details, and moments that felt deeply personal. More than beautiful, this day was an experience—one that reflected who the Cassidys are and how much they loved celebrating with their guests. 

If you plan on hosting your own Modern Mountain Wedding in East Tennessee, this one’s worth the read.

Good Morning from The Magnolia Bridal Suite

The day began in the Bridal Suite, where the energy was upbeat and airy. Bridesmaids slipped into darling matching sets while the mothers coordinated in chic pajamas. Because style doesn’t start after the ceremony!

Gabriella’s getting-ready look carried intention in every detail. She wore a lace-detailed robe featuring appliqué from her mother’s wedding dress, a subtle nod that made a meaningful impact.

The team from Luxe & Lumi arrived, armed with all the essentials to give these girls the makeup and hair experience of a lifetime. 

Soft glam makeup and pillowy curls were the vision. Bridesmaids fashioned chic updos, while Gabriella opted for a half-up style with flowing waves that felt simply timeless. 

Additionally, handheld fans became the unsung heroes of the morning, keeping makeup flawless and tears at bay in the warm September air. If you’re planning a sunny mountain celebration, consider this your sign to add fans to your bridal bag! Looking for more advice to prepare for your destination wedding day? See The Magnolia Venue Tip Blog.

Groomsmen Grand Arrival

While the girls were busy sipping mimosas on their private balcony, the men made their way down the Magnolia driveway—dressed head-to-toe in black tuxedos with matching black bow ties. They looked polished, confident, and more than ready for the day ahead as they made their way to the venue.

Linkes Photography managed to snap a few quick candids of Connor looking sharp in his suit before he was off to his first look with Gabriella.

A Bridal look that Speaks Volumes 

Gabriella’s wedding dress struck the perfect balance between chic and timeless. The tailored silhouette draped beautifully, while an oversized bow on the back added a playful, fashion-forward twist. She completed the look with Jimmy Choo heels and plenty of dazzling diamond accents. We know a fashionable bride when we see one!

Heartfelt First Looks on The Knoll

Before seeing each other, Connor and Gabriella had their parents do a first look… with each other. (This might be a Magnolia first). It was such a special way to honor the love that led them here. 

These reactions were everything, a reminder that love—at every stage—still carries the same amount of excitement.

Finally, it came time for Gabriella and Connor to have their first look. When the two saw each other, emotions took over. Nervous laughter, tight embraces, and happy tears emerged before preparing to walk down the aisle.

A Modern Mountain Ceremony in East Tennessee 

Before the ceremony, guests gathered on the covered patio for some cornhole. They enjoyed live keyboard music before taking their seats. In place of a guest book, guests were invited to leave heartfelt voice messages for the couple in the phone booth.

As the ceremony began, sun rays filtered through the trees, illuminating the patio and dousing each member of the party in golden light. They made their way down the aisle, toward the towering hydrangea arbor designed by Echelon Florist. It was sculptural, modern, and alive with texture—truly a work of art.

First thing the Cassidy’s did as husband and wife? Grab a custom cocktail from the bar of course! Because waiting in line at your own wedding is never the vibe.

Elevated Cocktail Hour in The Mountains

Cocktail hour unfolded on the open-air patio, where Dead End BBQ pulled out all the stops. They provided elevated bites like seasoned shrimp and salads topped with crisp onion straws. 

Meanwhile, the Emerald Empire Band set the mood with live music that kept guests lingering, sipping, and soaking in the Tennessee sunshine.

An Unforgettable Reception in the Grand Hall

The Grand Hall came to life with lush green hydrangeas, scalloped plates, and glowing candlelight layered across each table. Every detail beautifully reflected their vision of a modern mountain wedding in East Tennessee.

Guests rose to their feet to welcome the newlyweds, beaming with excitement. Once the cheers had finally subdued, guests settled in and began to catch up over candlelight and champagne.

Gabriella captured some footage on her video camcorder, documenting the night from her own perspective.

Dinner was followed with speeches and cake cutting—which brought tears of joy & laughter.

Golden Hour takes on a New Meaning

It became abundantly clear this would be one of those unforgettable nights when the sun sank over the horizon and revealed a whole new view of the mountains. The entire backdrop changed, opening up to endless valleys and ridgelines. The Magnolia’s ceremony patio stood suspended in the sky and time during the couple’s first dance.

Just when you thought it couldn’t get better, the Cassidys treated guests to their very own gelato truck, parked steps away from the dance floor. The perfect way to kick off an evening of activities.

The Emerald Empire Band brought contagious energy and guests were on their feet all night long. They were moving, shaking, and grooving to the music. Of course, no reception is complete without everyone breaking out into conga!

Wish this Night Could Last Forever

As night fell, Gabriella surprised guests with her harmonica skills, while Connor closed out the evening on the mic. Eventually, the final song played, the last dance ended, and guests boarded shuttles back to their lodging. Everyone left with full hearts and a lifetime of memories.

Shuttle service is included in your venue rental at The Magnolia, ensuring your guests arrive and depart safely on your wedding day. Want to learn more about how we handle the logistics of transportation? View transportation details here.

Ready to plan your Modern Mountain Wedding in East Tennessee?

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels both elevated and deeply personal, The Magnolia was designed with you in mind. We care just as much about your experience as we do the execution, creating celebrations where your unique love story is amplified in the mountains. We invite you to take an Instant Virtual Tour and begin envisioning your Smoky Mountain wedding day unfolding.

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Vendors Who Made The Day Special

Venue: The Magnolia Venue

Planner/Coordinator: Custom Love Gifts & Events

Bar Service: Forget Me Knot Bar Service

Caterer: Dead End BBQ

Band: Emerald Empire Band

Dessert: Gelato Brothers

Photographer: Linkes Photography

Florist: Echelon Florist

Hair/Makeup: Luxe & Lumi

Tablescape Rentals: The Planner’s Table

Rental Company: Custom Love Gifts & Events