Courtney + Travis are high school sweethearts from a small town north of Pittsburgh, PA, and, after a decade of dating, the couple started planning a wedding close to home.
About two months into the planning process, though, they had an adventurous change of heart. They realized that instead of a hometown celebration they wanted a destination wedding just outside of Chattanooga, Tennessee!! Courtney + Travis had fallen in love with Tennessee venue Howe Farms. The beautiful scenery there would be full of colorful fall foliage on their October wedding date, and they adored the white chapel on the property where the ceremony would occur.
With their new plan in place, Courtney + Travis collaborated with a mix of Pennsylvania- and Tennessee-based vendors to create a romantic, boho wedding day full of deeply personal details, warm autumnal elements, and a little bit of edge. Event designers from TN-based Luma Designs and planners from PA-based Wanderlust Weddings and Events brought the vision to life, and photographer Mariah Treiber caught all the thoughtful romance of the day!
How great are the orange and floral accents in these paper goods by JesMarried??
Courtney + Travis captured their love of motorcycles and their two golden retrievers with the custom illustration they included in their invite suite.
Here are some other creative ways to include your pup in your wedding day if you’re searching for ideas!
We love Courtney’s sheer, embellished ankle strap Katie Whitcomb heels.
Check out the Freya heel from Bella Belle for a similar look!
Courtney knew from the start that she was searching for something dramatic and floral with a long train. But until she started looking at dresses on at Bridal Beginning in Pittsburgh, she wasn’t sure what kind of silhouette she wanted. It all became clear, though, when she tried on this Martina Liana floral ballgown. This sparkly, lacy full skirt is an absolute showstopper!!
Courtney’s bridesmaid were looking beautiful in all-black dresses from Revelry. And we love that pop of pumpkin spice in the flowy flower girl dress from Joyfolie!
If you’re digging this elegant, autumnal bridal party palette as much as we are go check out our lists of the best black wedding dresses and cutest flower girl dresses to gather even more inspo.
Travis and all of the groomsmen rocked an all-black look as well with suits from Men’s Warehouse. Love the edginess an all-black look can bring.
The Ceremony
Our Musical Choices Processional: “Steady Heart” by Kameron Marlowe (wedding version) & a mashup of “Dancing Queen” by ABBA and The Wedding March (piano)
Recessional: “I Choose You” by The Steeldrivers
First Dance: “Joy of My Life” by Chris Stapleton
Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding From the bride: Trav and I are lovers and followers of Jesus Christ so we knew our marriage and wedding day would be a holy, spiritual experience. We wholeheartedly believe in the power of creating a personal relationship with God, so we wanted to reflect His love and light during our ceremony. We worshiped together, singing “Amazing Grace”, we wrote each other personal vows, and chose to gather together in prayer for our unity ceremony. All 148 of our loved ones rose together, laid a hand on each other, and shared in a moment of prayer over our marriage as one.
Also, let’s take a moment to appreciate these stunning flowers from Blue Thistle!! The greenery and pampas grass add so much seasonal texture to the warm tone florals.
Not all wedding nails have to be neutral!! Obsessed with Courtney’s orange mani.
Take a look at our fave wedding nails, designs, and ideas you need to try to explore all kinds of mani possibilities!
Courtney’s beautiful loose curl down-do was the handiwork of Pennsylvania-based Hair Expressions.
Our Advice To Those Planning Now From the bride: Have fun! Remember this is a day to celebrate starting your forever with your best friend! It is so easy to get lost in the details and stress, but each step along the way is a blessing!
I would encourage any couple to hire a wedding planner or very minimally, a day-of coordinator! I could not have imagined this experience without my amazing planners, Ali and Renee, from Wanderlust Weddings and Events in Pittsburgh! I would prioritize that within your budget to ensure that you have the day that dreams are made of. The expertise and behind the scenes efforts to make your day run seamlessly are priceless and I could not recommend the amazing services they provide enough!
I think it is crucial that you find a photography and videography team that creates an authentic and comfortable experience for you as a couple. They preserve all of the beautiful memories of your day, so it is vital that you can be yourselves with them!
I also would advise any couple not to fear trying something new that expresses your love and makes your day unique! Do not feel the need to do something “trendy” or to pigeonhole yourself into a certain “aesthetic” because trends come and go, so make your day represent who you are and what genuinely celebrates your love story!
Don’t be afraid of dark colors in your floral palette! Courtney’s bouquet is nonstop moody, edgy romance because of those deeper reds and blacks
This post-ceremony look with a hat from Gigi Pip is total boho brilliance. Check out our guide on how to DIY a floral hatband like Courtney’s!
Cocktail hour creations courtesy of Tipsy Tin.
The Reception
Fun black and orange reception signage by The Satin Pavement contributed a modern edge to all the boho whimsy.
The Copper Quail outfitted Courtney + Travis’s reception with these excellent wooden banquet tables and bright white guest seating.
This pumpkin design vibe wasn’t just visual. The couple created a custom scent for the day and used an oil diffuser to make their ceremony and reception smell like pumpkin spice!
These satin napkins in rust from White Table Event Rentals added a luxe shine to the tablescape.
How sweet are these taper candles in different shades of orange? Recreate the vibe with these tapers in pumpkin, peach, and sandstone.
The Chris Stapleton song “Joy of My Life” was the couple’s first dance, and the title was threaded throughout the day in element like this custom neon sign…
…and their cake topper! This flower-adorned two-tiered beauty from Blue Willow Bakery looks absolutely delicious.
The Highlands Chapel at Howe Farms really did capture the couple’s hearts. “We couldn’t imagine starting our forever at any other venue!” says bride Courtney.
A round of applause for the second dress!! Courtney knew she’d want something lighter than her ceremony ballgown to dance the night away. This plunging mermaid silhouette is such a great mix of boho romance and edge.
Congratulations, Courtney + Travis! Your Tennessee destination celebration was SO worth the trip!! Best wishes from GWS!
photography: Mariah Treiber Photography LLC // venue name: Howe Farms, Chattanooga, TN, USA // event design: Luma Designs and Wanderlust Weddings and Events // planning: Wanderlust Weddings and Events // florals: Blue Thistle // wedding dress: Martina Liana and Zara // wedding dress boutique: Bridal Beginning // bride's shoes: Kate Whitcomb // bride's ring: Blochers Jewelers // bridesmaid dresses: Revelry // hair stylist: Hair Expressions // groom attire: Mens Wearhouse // groom's ring: Blocher's Jewelers // groomsmen attire: Mens Wearhouse // videography: Alec James Productions // paper goods: Jesmarried // handmade details: Jesmarried // catering: Edleys bbq // cake: Blue Willow Bakery // tabletop rentals: The Copper Quail // furniture rentals: The Copper Quail // linen rentals: White Table Speciality Linens // specialty rentals: The Copper Quail // music: DJ Keenan Daniels “The Million Dolla Man’ // photo booth: Mariah Treiber Photography LLC // cocktails: Tipsy Tin // signage: The Satin Pavement // flower girl dress: Joyfolie // hat: Gigi Pip
great wedding! awesome photos!