A Nashville Officiant’s Take on the Pros and Cons One of the biggest decisions couples face before their wedding day isn’t just about flowers or playlists — it’s whether or not to do a first look. If you’re not familiar, a “first look” is when the couple sees each other privately before the ceremony, usually…
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.
Wedding Music With a Nashville Twist
Boy music really adds to (or subtracts) from wedding day celebration. You can find list of wedding music anywhere, but if you are getting married in Nashville, why not take a look at wedding music with a Nashville twist? Here is a curated list of suggestions for your Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, and Reception, blending classic…
Why Nashville is The Hot Wedding Destination
Hey, future brides and grooms! If you’re currently scrolling through endless venue photos and feeling that wedding planning fatigue setting in, let me throw a new idea into the mix: Nashville, Tennessee. Well, it’s home for me but apparently something is special about this place. They say 100 new people are moving here everyday! And…
Nashville Bridal Shows 2026: What You Need to Know
It’s been years ago, but I had a booth at a Nashville wedding show to meet couples and mostly to let them know about my online marriage prep course. If you’re planning a wedding in Nashville in 2026, you’ll have plenty of chances to meet vendors, get inspired, and maybe even win a few giveaways…
Wedding Terms Explained by a Nashville Officiant
Planning a wedding is like learning a new language. Suddenly you’re hearing words like processional, charge to the couple, and corkage fee—and everyone assumes you know what they mean. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Here’s a quick crash course in wedding lingo that’ll help you sound like a pro (and feel less lost in the…
What Do You Do If No One Brought the Rings to the Ceremony?
Let me tell you something: for as many weddings as I’ve officiated, I’ve learned one universal truth — something will go sideways. It might be the weather, a boutonniere, or in this case… the wedding rings. Yep, it happens. You’re standing there, music fading, everyone smiling, and I say, “May I have the rings?” Then…
What Are “Content Wedding Photographers” — and Do You Need One?
If you’ve been planning your wedding lately, you’ve probably noticed a new term popping up: content wedding photographer (or sometimes “wedding content creator”). So what exactly is that — and do you really need one when you already have a professional photographer? Let’s break it down. A content wedding photographer isn’t replacing your traditional photographer…
How to Score Black Friday Wedding Deals in Nashville (Without Losing Your Mind)
Let’s be real: Planning a wedding in Music City is magical, but it’s also an investment. Between securing that dream venue in Germantown and finding the perfect photographer to capture your golden hour photos at Arrington Vineyards, the costs add up. But here’s the industry secret most couples miss: Black Friday isn’t just for 4K…
How to Get the Wedding Gifts You Actually Want (Nashville Style)
Let’s be real — nobody wants to unwrap six sets of monogrammed towels and three slow cookers after the honeymoon. But it happens all the time, bless our hearts. Why? Because people guess. And when your guests guess, you end up with a pile of “thoughtful” things that’ll sit in a closet until your next…
How to Give Your Nashville Wedding Vendors the Love They Deserve After the Wedding
From a Nashville wedding officiant who sees what really helps (and what doesn’t) Your wedding day is over, you’re catching your breath, and now you’re thinking, “How do we properly thank the people who made this whole thing happen?” Good. Vendors remember the couples who take those extra two minutes to acknowledge their hard work….