Bride and groom portrait in garden

Anetta & Jonathan: A Bright Summer Wedding

Anetta & Jonathan celebrated their love with an outdoor summer wedding in style at CJ’s Off the Square in Franklin, Tenn.

The couple’s journey began when they met each other at swing dancing school here in Nashville. Jonathan wanted to learn after seeing a demonstration, and Anetta learned by joining her friends for class. She had her eyes on Jonathan long before he asked her out on a date.

After many dates that soon led to trips, they realized they were in love while caught in the pouring rain in New Orleans. Instead of running for cover, they started dancing and playing in the rain! Since then, Anetta and Jonathan became inseparable, traveled the world together, and have been on many outdoor adventures— like the one where Jonathan popped the question on a hiking trip to Chattanooga.

When it was time for the big day, Anetta wore a lace, buttoned-back wedding dress from David’s Bridal with an all white rose bouquet to match. Her bridesmaids wore glamorous sequin copper dresses and also held white rose bouquets. Jonathan suited up in a deep maroon tux with his groomsmen in blue with maroon bow ties— all with white rose boutonnieres. The bridal party did a classic champagne toast before the ceremony, while the groomsmen sipped on bourbon in true Southern fashion.

After the newlyweds said their “I dos,” guests mingled over mini BLT bites, crab cakes, and his and hers signature cocktails a vodka soda with a grapefruit twist and a spicy jalapeño mezcal cocktail with pineapple and lime juice.

After photos with family, the DJ introduced the wedding party at the reception and guests were treated to a traditional Chinese performance! 

The dinner menu consisted of rich hors d’oeuvre stations featuring all the Southern favorites hot chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, pimento mac and cheese, and street corn shooters in addition to a candied pear salad, grilled steak skewers, and sliders with tater tots.

The dance floor opened just in time for sunset, and it was an evening to remember! The night wrapped up with a classic sparkler sendoff for the bride and groom.

Congratulations, Anetta and Jonathan! It was our pleasure catering your wedding, and we wish you a lifetime of happiness with many more adventures!

See more photos of Anetta & Jonathan’s outdoor summer wedding below.

Outdoor ceremony setup
Bridal portrait in garden
Groom portrait in garden setting
Bride and bridesmaids doing champagne toast
Display sign at ceremony entrance
Outdoor reception setup
Brides and bridesmaids with bouquets
Groom and groomsmen in garden
Bride and groom first look portrait in garden setting
Traditional red Chinese cake
Traditional Chinese dancer
Mini BLT bites on serving tray
Lump crab cakes on serving tray
Shrimp and grits buffet station
Mac and cheese buffet station
Reception table setup with floral centerpiece
Bride and groom portrait
Wedding party in front of altar

Venue: CJ’s Off The Square

Florist: Belles Fleurs

Photographer: John Myers Photography 

Planning & Day of Coordinator: Allison Adams for CJ’s Off The Square 

Rentals: Southern Events Party & Event Rental  

Entertainment: Premier the Entertainment Company  

Cake: Baked in Nashville  

Catering: Dream Team  

Dress: David’s Bridal