Black tie, but make it accessible and timeless and informal where it counts and a natural fit to a historic mansion in the heart of East Nashville?

Say less, why don’t you? I mean, Jordan and Jay delivered on all fronts. 

Specifically, they delivered the fall wedding that Photographer Me has been dying to shoot AND the Historic Wedding Venue Future Bride Me has been DREAMING of. 

Who knew having a black tie wedding in an 18th-century venue would make my entire life as much as this one did?!

Vendors | Venue: Riverwood Mansion | Hair and Makeup: Agency of Beauty | Florist: Arranged with Riverwood Mansion | Bride’s Dress: Belle Ame Bridal Houston | Groom’s Suit: State and Liberty | Catering: Dream Events | Video: Peerless Films | Cake: Baked in Nashville | Bride’s Ring: Genesis Diamonds | Bride’s Veil: Vero Wedding on Etsy | DJ: Chris Faulk

What Makes Riverwood Mansion the Perfect Historic Wedding Venue

Riverwood: damn, you have my whole heart.

You know when you walk into an old-house-turned-wedding venue, and you can tell that all of the furniture is not only older than the dirt that covers it, but also hasn’t been taken care of, accumulating layers upon layers of who knows what? 

Not the case with Riverwood Mansion, that’s for sure.

Obviously, I’m always looking at everything from the perspective of a photographer who eats, sleeps, and breathes the ordinary spaces that accentuate your extraordinary moments, but I’m ALSO looking from the perspective of a future bride. 

And from the moment I walked into Riverwood Mansion, I was like, this is everything that I would ever want to get married in! (Aaron, if you’re reading this… take notes. Also, hi, I love you.)

Just the details of the venue alone: the scalloped sink and stained glass in the bridal suite, the marble fireplace and vintage brass flourishes, and the kind of antique touches that feel curated, not outdated.

From the gorgeous chandeliers and pretty paint to the aged wood that looks so good, it obviously has to be a stylistic choice—Riverwood Mansion just gets it.

(And to think that’s just the inside.)

Riverwood Mansion Said, “Let There Be Light,” and It Was Good

Something about a black-tie wedding in autumn just makes everything seem so… golden.

But if we’re speaking candidly (as I’m known to do), it can be a struggle to find a solid outdoor spot to take formal portraits where you’re not getting blasted in the face by the sun’s rays.

But in waltzes Riverwood Mansion with its stunning white columns, perfect natural lighting, and porch wide enough to fit the entire wedding party. (The vintage green shutters were a paid actor.)

Honestly, the lighting everywhere around the property is beautiful, filtering between the oak trees, catching the rich palette of changing fall leaves, and spilling out in beams of golden light.

The bar for the quintessential fall wedding has been set. (Feel free to attempt to hit said bar and hire me to capture it so I can drool over Riverwood again and again.)

Now This is How You Do a Black Tie Wedding in Nashville

Jordan and Jay’s love story was always going to be one for the books. I mean, what are the odds that you share a cab with a stranger, find out you work in the same building, and feel the pull to share the same cab again? 

At that point, the universe isn’t just nudging— you’re getting a full-on shove toward your soulmate. 

So, of course, when it came time to celebrate their wedding, it made perfect sense that they’d blend classic romance with an openhearted vibe. 

The day started with Jordan getting ready at their home in East Nashville, just a five-minute drive from the venue. I feel like there’s something so grounding and special about being able to get ready surrounded by the comforts of home.

They even swapped a formal wedding party for a big group of friends, with the girls given the green light to wear whatever they wanted in whatever color, style, and price point they could find. 

(And this is exactly why I love it when brides let their girls have free reign to do it up however they damn well please.)

Honestly, every single guest understood the assignment, busting out their black tie best with pops of chic color and an easygoing elegance that made taking fashion photos a must.

If ever there was proof that a black tie wedding in a historic venue in Nashville doesn’t need to mean stiff or overly formal, this was it.

It was glamorous, yes, but not the kind of glam that feels untouchable. The kind that feels poised to a point and preened enough to bring out the playfulness. 

One glance at the gallery, and you can see (no, FEEL!) the warmth seeping from every photograph —and (surprisingly) I’m not (still) talking about the fall colors and golden streams of light.

(Unless you want to keep talking about it, in which case, I’ll happily oblige.)

Not to State the Obvious, But: When in Nashville, Get A Live Band

My brain still hasn’t left Jordan and Jay’s reception— specifically, the absolute banger of a party that nobody (and I mean, nobody) wanted to end.

They knew they wanted to pay homage to the place they call home (some may refer to it as Music City, but locals just call it Nashville). And they made good on that homage by bringing in Christian Lee and Sara Spicer to bring the house down.

And let me tell you, my former concert photographer heart skipped a few beats. (Seriously, why don’t more couples opt for live bands?)

The neon cowboy hats were out. The chandeliers were glowing. The black-and-white checkered dance floor was packed. It was the kind of night that you feel long after the last song.

So, word to the wise: If you’re getting married in Nashville and haven’t considered a live band, this is your sign. 

Just see for yourself.

Jordan and Jay’s wedding wasn’t just a celebration. It was an atmosphere. A feeling. One of those weddings where you could just tell every person in that room was so in it with them.

And honestly, why wouldn’t they? J +J are ADORABLE (a cab meet-cute!!). 

This was the kind of wedding where the guests showed up—not just in their black tie best, but in their energy, their love for the couple, and their absolute commitment to making it a night to remember.

Maybe it was the mix of elegance and ease. Maybe it was the live music that kept the party moving. Maybe it was how Riverwood Mansion holds space for history while letting each couple write their own chapter.

Whatever it was, this wedding proved that black tie can be relaxed, historic can feel modern, and timeless doesn’t mean untouchable.

If you have your heart set on a Nashville destination wedding and Riverwood Mansion in your sights, come find me. (I know where all of the best lighting spots are).