Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Weddings Wedding Travel Destination Weddings This Tennessee Wedding—Held at a Bucolic Farm—Was All About Family By Marilyn Oliveira Marilyn Oliveira Marilyn is a freelance writer for MarthaStewart.com. Editorial Guidelines Published on November 5, 2021 Trending Videos Natalie Watson Five years after meeting briefly under professional circumstances for a collective five minutes, Melissa Haynes and Mark "Todd" Simmons reconnected—this time on a personal level. Both were now single parents, and realized their lives had very similar, almost parallel paths. "We shared tears and laughs over a three-hour meeting, and from there we became fast friends," says Melissa. "Over time, we began to officially date and eventually we were able to introduce our children to each other." Todd's teens and Melissa's toddlers were wonderfully compatible and loving towards each other, and pillow fights and Nerf wars ensued. "They eventually became our 'Bigs' and 'Littles,' and our family story began," Melissa shares. In their very typical Type-A styles, the couple chose a location for their wedding before they were even engaged. "The first time we met we talked about how travel was a shared passion, and Blackberry Farm was at the top of the list for us both!" explains Todd. "We spent a weekend there while we were dating, and just knew it was the perfect place to get married. We couldn't wait to share it with our children and friends and family." After a romantic proposal followed by a surprise trip to Turks and Caicos, Melissa and Todd began planning in earnest with Jennifer Laraia, who ran point as lead planner and designer; Savannah Sullivan of Blackberry Farm handled coordination. With some input on style (timeless and elegant), palette (shades of blush, sepia, and cream), look (clean and refined), and feel (fresh, but not trendy), the pair left most of the decisions in the hands of the professionals. "It was so easy, and super relaxed," recalls Melissa. "Todd and I just knew we had chosen an awesome team and they were going to design and execute the perfect wedding for us." The weekend began with a welcome dinner and after-party complete with toasts, bonfires, candle-lit lounge seating, whiskey tastings, and live music. "There was a surprise concert, and I thought Underhill Rose was playing," Melissa shares, "but Todd surprised me with Lucinda Williams—an artist we fell in love listening to. I burst into tears and did not stop crying the whole time! It was pure magic." The morning of their nuptials began with the family of six taking a golf cart ride to visit the farm's sheep and puppies, while guests enjoyed their choice of sporting day trips, hikes, bike rides, and farmstead tours. As evening drew near, the final preparations fell into place, and the pair was married in a sun-drenched outdoor ceremony surrounded by loved ones. "We wanted a celebration of our new family, and our friends and extended family that had been with us as individuals and as a couple," says Todd—and that's precisely what this beautiful couple got. 01 of 18 Serene Scenery Natalie Watson The grounds of Blackberry Farm, where the couple hosted their entire wedding weekend, encompasses 4,200 acres in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. 02 of 18 Personal Stamp Natalie Watson Melissa and Todd's beautiful letterpress invitation suite by Shindig Paperie featured an artist's sketch of the iconic Blackberry Farm boathouse that was later threaded throughout the details of the big day. "We selected vintage stamps for our save-the-dates and our invites that reference us personally with themes of sailing, architecture, our home, and our travels," adds Melissa. How to Choose the Right Postage for Your Personal Style 03 of 18 Bridal Couture Natalie Watson The embroidered bodice of the bride's long-sleeved Oscar de la Renta wedding dress transitioned into a satin fit-and-flare skirt with an asymmetrical bow at the back of the banded waist. "Todd surprised me by flying my sister to New York City from San Francisco," says Melissa of her dress-shopping experience in Manhattan. "She walked into the bridal salon at Bergdorf Goodman and I burst into tears!" 04 of 18 Petal Soft Natalie Watson Creamy white anemones, fig-colored hellebores, and blush garden roses and peonies composed her asymmetrical bridal bouquet, which Amy Osaba tied off with velvet ribbons. A Comprehensive Guide to Wedding Bouquet Shapes 05 of 18 Male Bonding Natalie Watson The men of the soon-to-be blended family were handsomely dressed in classic suits, ties, and pocket squares. 06 of 18 Dress Success Natalie Watson Todd's Caroline and Melissa's Harlowe were delighted to open special gifts from their parents ahead of the ceremony. Each had chosen her own attire; Caroline opted for a dusty-rose gown with sparkling details and Harlowe selected a precious dress of cotton floral lace that was custom dyed to match her sister's. 07 of 18 A Good Look Natalie Watson Melissa and Todd met at the boathouse for their first look. "I was pretty nervous mainly because I had arrived there first and was anxiously awaiting Melissa to finally see her in her dress," says Todd. "It had been a long time to get to this point!" As for the bride? "I was strangely calm and excited!" she admits. 08 of 18 All Together Now Natalie Watson The couple's kids later joined them for a family first look that gave them all time to connect. "It was so cool for everyone to have that moment before the ceremony," Todd enthuses. "It was one of our favorite moments of the day," Melissa confirms. How to Include Your Children in Your Wedding 09 of 18 All in the Arch Natalie Watson Two arches defined the scenic ceremony space. The aisle was flanked by classic cane-backed chairs. 10 of 18 Leaps and Bounds Natalie Watson Henley leapt with excitement during his walk down the aisle alongside Charlie. 11 of 18 Kissing Up Natalie Watson Melissa and Todd sealed their traditional vow exchange with a kiss beneath a lovely asymmetrical arch of flowers. 12 of 18 Flowers and Candles Natalie Watson The beams of the handsome barn—where the reception took place—were draped with fresh blooms and greenery. Floating candlesticks strung from above cast a romantic glow along with flickering tapers and tea lights on tables swathed in eggshell linens. A Guide to Wedding Reception Tables 13 of 18 Lovely Layering Natalie Watson Sepia linen napkins and ivory menus tied with velvet ribbon were layered atop Blackberry Farm's signature gold-patterned chargers. 14 of 18 Floral Notes Natalie Watson A charming mix of roses, anemones, and ranunculus blossoms composed the softly colored centerpieces. 15 of 18 Sweet and Simple Natalie Watson A modest trio of fresh flowers enhanced two tiers of lemon cake with lemon cream cheese frosting made by Blackberry Farm's on-site pastry chef. 16 of 18 A Different Tune Natalie Watson All of the newlyweds' children joined them on the dance floor—including Harlowe, who danced joyfully between the bride and groom to Justin Timberlake's "Can't Stop This Feeling" from the movie Trolls. 17 of 18 Take Two Natalie Watson Sparkling beaded fringe on Melissa's stunning Naeem Khan slip dress shimmied when she did throughout the night's celebrations. 36 Reception Dresses Brides Changed Into for Their Parties 18 of 18 Sources Natalie Watson Photography, Natalie Watson, Ashley Hoskins, and Jessie Watts for Natalie Watson PhotographyVenue, Catering, and Cake, Blackberry FarmVenue Event Manager, Savannah SullivanWedding Planning and Event Design, Jennifer LaraiaVideography, Elysium ProductionsFlowers, Amy OsabaInvitations, Shindig PaperieStationery, Written Word CalligraphyOfficiant, Stan McKinnonBride's Gown and Veil, Oscar de la RentaReception Dress, Naeem KhanJewelry, Irene NeuwirthShoes, Manolo BlahnikHair, Kelli Patten for Claire BalestMakeup, Claire BalestBridesmaids' Dresses, Doloris Petunia; Needle and ThreadGroom's Attire, Zegna (suit); Tom Ford (tie)Groom's Shoes, FerragamoMusic, Underhill Rose and Lucinda Williams (welcome dinner); Elan Strings (ceremony) and Sound House (reception, after-party) for Elan ArtistsRentals, The Ark; Crush Event Design; La Tavola; The McCabe Company; Please Be SeatedWelcome Gifts, A Signature WelcomeLighting and Sound Production, Bandit LitesDresser, Madelyn BlairFireworks, Pyro Shows Was this page helpful? 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