T+E
5 years ago, I met this guy. I had just gotten out of a semi-serious and seriously burdensome long-distance relationship. I had just transferred to a new school in a new city in which I knew exactly one person. I was almost 20, and I had no intention of doing anything less than what my mom would call “dating around.”
And then, mere weeks after I move to Nashville, I meet this guy. And he is interesting and uncomplicated, and he’s flirting with me. Our first spark is a mutual obsession with The Lord of the Rings. He’s tall and good-looking, and now he’s wearing glasses and sipping whiskey and talking about Tolkien? How can I not?
As I get to know him over the cold months of 2008, I learn he’s the storyteller among his friends, who all love him fiercely, and that he also happens to be an extremely talented musician. I begin to fall.
Spring comes, and we are together. The world goes a little hazy, falls away. We are sharing our lives – our friends, our passions, our secrets, our time. And we read to each other. We do many things together, but he reads books that I have read, and I am in love.
Years pass. We share many, many highs and quite a few lows too; we are together under every sky, through every season. Then one winter day almost a year ago, he gets down on one knee and puts a ring on my finger – a Jazz Age antique. It is clearer than ever that we are meant to be.
We plan a wedding, but not just any wedding… our wedding. It must have music and books, scotch and flapper dresses. It is perfect. And then, life.
♦
Today, Tyler and I celebrate five years together. I haven’t posted any wedding/honeymoon photos yet, so I thought it was an appropriate day to start. Below are some of the bookish details featured in our wedding…
an engagement shot
the last line: “20s inspired attire”
songs from the Downton Abbey, Finding Neverland, Pride and Prejudice, and Fellowship of the Ring soundtracks; readings from E.E. Cummings and Shakespeare
poster by incredible bridesmaid/graphic designer Candie Walter
Tolkien quote on the favor cards
typewriter guestbook
rings stored in a Fellowship of the Ring book safe
Lord of the Rings book cake
books on every table
cameras, hourglasses, pearls, teacups, wine bottles, book ends, too
pinwheels from pages of Pride and Prejudice for every vase
decorative paper pinwheel display
pinwheels on the mantel
dictionary page, eucalyptus, and lace boutonnieres
paper bouquets
many paper bouquets
sheet music
flapper bridesmaids
book page and peacock feather fascinator
earrings featuring quotes from A Midsummer Night’s Dream
killer wedding party
♦
Paper crafts by the bridesmaids and me.
Photos by the lovely Liz Hendrickson.
Paper goods by the fabulous Holley Maher.
Cake by Stephanie Felts of The Sweetest Day.
Flowers by Vicki Sanders of Branching Out.
Hair and makeup by Kelly Hamilton of Imagine Design Team.
Dress by Casablanca Bridal, from The White Room, Lebanon, TN.
Location: Hermitage Golf Course, Old Hickory, TN.
Not an expert, just a Listener Extraordinaire 
The most wonderful thing I’ve seen in a long time! So thankful that I was able to spend time with you both recently, and get a glimpse into who you are now. Loved meeting Tyler. Immediately came home and listened to his music. Loved it, too. Happy Life!!!