Hey, lovely couples! As an officiant, I have the profound pleasure of witnessing hundreds of beautiful and unique expressions of love. Every ceremony is special, but the ones that truly resonate often have one magical ingredient: humor. Your wedding vows are the heart of your ceremony—a deeply personal promise you make to one another. But…
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.
Where and How to Buy Used Wedding Supplies in Nashville
I I see brides who’ve “graduated” often selling their wedding decor and other items on Facebook groups and elsewhere. Got me to thinking that’d make a great article for brides who are trying to save some money on their Nashville wedding. So here it is. Hope it helps. Weddings are expensive, and Nashville doesn’t exactly…
Real Brides, Real Questions #3: What’s Actually Worth It in a Nashville Wedding — And What Isn’t
This article is an answer to a common question I see brides asking in wedding Facebook groups. If you’re feeling sticker shock about Nashville wedding prices (hair, makeup, videography, coordination… the list goes on), you’re not alone. This city is booming for weddings, and vendor rates reflect that. But — not everything needs to be…
What Nashville Wedding Guests Love Most (And What They Quietly Yawn At)
If you’re planning a Nashville wedding, here’s the truth: your guests will absolutely remember certain parts of your day… and they’ll politely forget others. After officiating hundreds of ceremonies across Middle Tennessee, I’ve seen exactly what guests rave about—and what makes them check their watches. If you want a ceremony people talk about (in a…
Today’s Most Unique Ideas for Your Wedding Guests in Nashville
Planning a wedding in Music City? You’ve already won half the battle! Nashville provides a built-in energy that no other city can match. But if you’re looking to go beyond the standard hot chicken and Broadway crawl (as fun as those are!), here are some of the most unique and unforgettable experiences you can offer…
How Far Ahead Should You Plan Your Wedding If You’re Getting Married in Nashville?
From a Nashville Wedding Officiant Who Sees It All If you’re planning a wedding in Nashville, let me give it to you straight: this city is not quiet anymore. It hasn’t been for years. Between the bachelorette parties, the exploding venue scene, and the “every weekend is an event” vibe, Nashville books up fast. Really…
What Are Some of the Best Ideas on How to Decide Who to Invite to Your Wedding?
From a Wedding Officiant Who’s Seen It All One of the biggest stress points for couples—right up there with picking a venue and agreeing on a budget—is figuring out the guest list. I’ve watched couples agonize, negotiate, compromise, and sometimes flat-out wrestle with it. So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, trust me… you’re not alone. Here’s…
Wedding Photography Styles in Nashville
As a Nashville wedding officiant, I’ve seen couples choose just about every photography style you can imagine—from classic portraits to moody, cinematic storytelling. The truth is, there’s no single “best” way to capture your wedding. The right style depends on your personality, your venue, and how you want your memories to feel years down the…
Do You Need to Buy a Tennessee Bride’s Name Change Guide — or Can You Find Everything Online?
If you’re a newlywed and thinking about changing your last name, you’ve probably seen ads for “Tennessee Name Change Kits” that promise to make the process easy — for a price. But here’s the good news: in Tennessee, you don’t need to buy anything fancy. Everything you need is already online and free. The Simple…
Real Questions from Real Brides #2
“I am getting a little bit overwhelmed. I get married in 23 days. I feel like I’m a little too calm because I feel like I’ve taken care of everything but I’m not sure if I really have. Has anybody else felt this before?” Oh, the 23-day mark — that magical, slightly terrifying point where…