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…
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.
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….
Gottman’s “7 Floors of the Sound Relationship House” — What Strong Marriages Are Built On
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…
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…