Photography by Ben Finch
Graysen and Lane met in high school and continued dating long distance through college. Graysen graduated from Lipscomb University while Lane graduated from Carson Newman University. They both knew they wanted to get married after college.
“We both knew at a very young age that we wanted to be together,” Graysen said. “The second I laid eyes on Lane, I knew he was going to change my life forever. It took us many years, and a few breakups, to really figure out what our future would look like together, but we both knew we had found something incredibly special when we were merely 14-and 15-years old. There was always something about our relationship that felt like home.”
Lane spent months planning and coordinating the perfect proposal. Graysen recalled, “After church one Sunday, our family went to Market Square, which is my favorite place, and ate lunch with some dear family friends. After lunch, my siblings distracted me in Mast General Store while Lane set up his big surprise. As we were walking back from Gay Street to meet the rest of the group, I began to hear music behind me and spotted my two best friends from high school down the road.
They were holding a big sign with the first photo Lane and I ever took together in 2011. I ran up to hug them and immediately saw a line of all our family and friends winding through Krutch Park, each holding pictures of Lane and me over the years. As I walked through the maze of loved ones, I saw Lane standing in the center of Market Square. By the time I reached him, my eyes were overflowing with tears and 80 of our most cherished people stood behind us. Lane dropped to one knee and asked me the best question I have ever been asked, and I said yes.
After this heartfelt proposal, Lane had planned an engagement celebration with all our friends and family. It was an amazing day.”
When the wedding day arrived, Graysen and Lane were more than ready. They opted for an outdoor wedding at RT Lodge in Maryville, TN. Graysen wanted the wedding to feel romantic, elegant and beautiful.
While they did not have a specific wedding theme, the couple wanted their wedding to feel personal as they celebrated their love with their favorite people. The colors for the ceremony were various shades of soft neutrals. The bridesmaids wore fawn-colored dresses, and the décor utilized romantic candles, gold accents, greenery and multiple floral arrangements.
The bride chose a Monique Lhuillier gown with gorgeous lace detail and delicate straps, which was timeless and romantic. Graysen had spinal fusion surgery in 2018, leaving a 10-inch scar down her spine.
Because the scar reflected an important time in her life, she had the back of the dress drop low so the scar could be seen.
The reception also took place at RT Lodge, and as an added personal touch, the couple had their vows painted on two banners in calligraphy, which were displayed in the reception tent. Guests had a choice of several wedding cakes, a classic white cake with floral arrangements and since Graysen has Celiac disease, a second gluten-free chocolate cake with caramel drizzle.
The groom requested a donut cake since as Graysen put it, “Lane just loves donuts.” The couple’s first dance was to “That’s Beautiful to Me” by Jaron and the Long Road to Love. “Our first dance song is not that well-known, but it has been our song since high school,” Graysen explained. “It was actually the first song we ever danced to together many years ago.
June 2, 2018
WEDDING PLANNERS: WHITNEY BOWMAN, Whitney Bowman Events
KATIE STINNETT AND REAGAN CANADAY, RT Lodge
PHOTOGRAPHER: BEN FINCH
CATERER: RT LODGE
FLORAL DESIGN: COLBY WEST DESIGN
INVITATIONS/STATIONERY: THE HAPPY ENVELOPE
BRIDE'S GOWN: MONIQUE LHUILLIER GOWN, The Bride Room
WEDDING CAKE: HEATHER GRUBB, Knox Provisions
VENUE FOR CEREMONY: RT LODGE
VENUE FOR RECEPTION: RT LODGE
HAIR STYLIST: CLAUDIA MOORE, Claudia Nicole Hair
MAKEUP ARTIST: STUNNING BY RACHEL
RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT: OGLE ENTERTAINMENT