If you’ve ever wondered why some couples seem to weather anything while others fall apart over small stuff, Dr. John Gottman might have the answer. He’s spent decades studying what makes relationships thrive—or tank—and what he discovered is surprisingly simple: happy couples aren’t luckier or more compatible. They just build their relationship like a strong…
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.
Early November Wedding at Graystone Quarry in Williamson Co Tennessee
It was a beautiful day for this wedding at Graystone Quarry outside of Nashville. I typically don’t walk down to the reception site when I am there to officiate a wedding but this day I did. I took a few photos you might enjoy.
Who Makes Wedding Signs in Nashville?
Ever notice how much personality a good wedding sign adds to the day? Whether it’s a “Welcome to Our Wedding” board, a funny cocktail sign, or a sleek acrylic seating chart — those little details set the tone the second guests walk in. I saw a new one recently at a wedding I officiated. It…
Want a Happy Marriage? Show Up for Each Other Everyday
So, I was reading about this incredible study—it’s actually the longest one ever done on happiness. These Harvard researchers started tracking hundreds of people way back in 1938. They’ve followed them for their entire lives—over 80 years now—just to figure out what makes us thrive. And after all that time, the single biggest takeaway is…
Downtown Nashville Wedding: The Bridge Building Events Center
This couple wanted a very short and quick ceremony, so that’s what we did. Everything was simple, including no wedding party. Small and simple can be nice. I have a history with the Bridge Building. My dad was a welder and worked at the Nashville Bridge Company long ago. I remember him taking me to…
Fall Theme Wedding at the Pick Inn Gallatin TN
Yesterday I officiated this wedding at the Pick Inn. It was definitely decked out for a fall wedding. It was a tad cool but no rain. The ring bearer and flower girl were both Domerman’s! I’m just glad they didn’t spot the deer I saw earlier out there. I am seeing more and more QR…
A Fall Wedding at the Cool Springs House – Brentwood, TN
Yesterday I offiiciated this wedding at the Cool Springs House. It was a very nice wedding but the thing I wanted to mention is a warning. I arrived and was told that this couple’s DJ had ripped them off. They had paid a big up front payment and got ghosted. The wedding planner was able…
Should You Simplify Your Nashville Wedding?
Well, I’m old enough to remember when things were a lot simpler in many ways. I’m not saying I want to go back – there are things about today I enjoy. But the old adage is still often true: Less is more. (If only I can remember that when I am eating coconut donuts in…
Wedding Dress Code Heads-Up!
So, have you guys thought about putting a dress code on your invitation? Honestly, I think it’s such a good idea. You know how it is as a guest, right? You get an invite, and you have no idea what to wear. You show up too fancy, and you feel awkward all night. But then…
Nashville Elopement Airbnb: The Nashville Bunkhouse
Last Saturday I officiated an elopement ceremony at the Nashville Bunkhouse, an Airbnb up towards White’s Creek on Dry Creek Road just outside of Nashville. It was up a hill a bit, surrounded by trees and secluded. This couple, from Michigan, had stayed at this Airbnb a few times and decided they would wed there….