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…
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 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…
Venue Vexation: What to Do If Your Nashville Wedding Venue Cancels Your Big Day
Boy, I hear of this more often than I would have expected. Venues can shut down at short notice for a variety of reasons. I am guessing it sometimes have with so many new venues opening and they are unable to stay in the black. So what do you do? Whether you booked a historic…
A Lighthearted Look at Love: How to Perfectly Weave Humor into Your Wedding Vows
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…
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…