From where I stand—usually right between you and your guests—I witness the exact moment the adrenaline crash happens. You’ve said the vows, exchanged the rings, and I’ve pronounced you married. We walk back down the aisle, you duck into a side room to sign the license, and then… the panic sets in. “Wait, do we…
Author: Ralph Griggs
Wedding minister officiant serving the Nashville and middle Tennessee area for 20 plus years. Non-denominational and personalized ceremonies. At-Home marriage prep course author.
What’s Up With Services That Offer to Write a Custom Song for Your Wedding?
Okay, picture this:It’s your wedding day.You’ve got the dress. The suit. The flowers. The venue.And then… the music hits. But not any music—A song written about the two of you.Your quirks.Your story.Your inside jokes.The moment you knew you weren’t letting this person get away. These custom-song services are popping up everywhere, and couples are eating…
My Top 10 Most Memorable Weddings
People sometimes ask, “What’s your most memorable wedding?” “After officiating thousands of weddings, that can be a little tough to answer. But here’s some that stand out in my memory. And at the end I will tell you my favorite and most memorable. #10 – Midnight on the Pedestrian Bridge One New Year’s Eve, I…
What’s It Like Getting Married at Christmas Time in Nashville?
If you’ve never been in Nashville during the holidays, picture this: lights everywhere, trees in every lobby, music on every corner, and traffic that occasionally feels like everyone in three surrounding states came to town at the same time. In other words—Christmas weddings here can be magical, memorable, and occasionally a little chaotic. But if…
Hitch Your Wagon Without the Headache: How to Actually Enjoy Planning Your Nashville Wedding
So, you’re getting married in Music City! Congratulations! You’ve got the ring, you’ve got the partner, and you’ve got a vision of saying “I do” somewhere between the neon lights of Broadway and the rolling hills of Franklin. But right now? You might also have a looming sense of panic. Let’s be real: Wedding planning…
Are There Churches in Nashville That Allow Non-Members to Use Their Buildings for Weddings?
If you’re hoping for a church wedding in Nashville but you’re not a member anywhere, you’re not out of luck — but you do need to know how this works in the real world. A lot of couples assume every church is open for outside ceremonies. Not quite. Some are, some aren’t, and some are……
Outdoor vs. Indoor Wedding Ceremonies in Nashville: The Pros, the Cons, and What I’ve Learned as an Officiant
Let me tell you something I’ve learned after officiating more Nashville weddings than I can count: couples fall in love with a location first and only later remember things like heat, humidity, wind, and whether Grandma can walk across mulch in heels. I see the same conversations play out over and over, so here’s the…
A Sudden Hush: What to Do When Someone Faints During Your Wedding Ceremony
As an officiant, I’ve seen it all: nervous giggles, happy tears, the occasional dropped ring. But nothing quite prepares you for the moment when a guest—or, heaven forbid, someone in the wedding party—suddenly hits the floor. It’s a surreal, heart-stopping event that instantly halts the beautiful flow of a ceremony. Note: I’ve only seen it…
What Can You Do to Actually Make Your Wedding Day Memorable?
As a Nashville wedding officiant for many years, I’ve been a part of a lot of weddings. And I’ve said often that it’s a great honor and pleasure being a part of one of the best days of couple’s lives. But that “best day of your life” doesn’t happen just because you bought a dress,…
All About Having a Live Painting Done at Your Nashville Wedding
If you’ve spent any time scrolling Nashville wedding inspo lately, you’ve probably seen it: a painter standing in the corner of the reception, brush flying, canvas slowly coming to life. Live wedding paintings are having a moment here — and honestly, they’re one of the coolest upgrades you can add to your day. If you’re…