What does it look like when a wedding comes together from the things a couple already loves? For Caitlyn and Forrest, their vintage farm wedding in Tennessee answered that question in the most natural way. Set on Caitlyn’s family farm and filled with heirlooms, handmade pieces, and familiar details, everything about it felt honest to who they are as a couple
Their story started just as unexpectedly. “It was truly love at first sight,” Caitlyn shared. “I walked in to his cabinet shop, looking for a job. He hired me on the spot. He said he couldn’t bear the thought that he might never see me again.” Over the next four years, they worked side by side, growing both their business and their relationship. “We are often told, if we can work together every day, then we can do anything together.” That sense of partnership carried through every part of their wedding.
What We Love About This Vintage Farm Wedding:
- The big green VW bus that doubled as both backdrop and inspiration
- A handmade quilt that influenced the entire design
- A custom veil passed down through generations
- A quiet post-ceremony picnic for just the two of them
Featured Vendor:
The Rose Reflective
Starting With Meaningful Details Instead of a Fixed Theme
Caitlyn and Forrest didn’t begin with a strict vision. Instead, they focused on details that already meant something to them. “We began planning in the same spirit that shaped the rest of our wedding—by choosing details that simply felt and looked like us,” Caitlyn explained.
Two elements anchored everything: a big green VW bus and a handmade quilt Caitlyn created during their engagement. From there, the rest came together naturally. Their color palette reflected their favorite hues, blue and green, with subtle nods to 1970s Americana and the music they love, including The Eagles and Justin Townes Earle.
Rather than filling the space with new decor, they kept things simple. Thrifted rugs, borrowed antiques, and pieces from their own collection gave the setting a sense of familiarity. It’s a good reminder that when your starting point is personal, you don’t need to add much for it to feel complete.
Including Family in Meaningful Ceremony Roles
Set against rolling hills and blooming fields, their ceremony brought together the people who mattered most.
Caitlyn remembers specific moments clearly. “Taking my father’s steady hand, and walking toward my sweet husband. I still see the joy on my husband’s face.” There were no overwhelming nerves, just excitement and a sense of calm.
Family was part of every detail. Their nephews warmed the rings, Caitlyn’s mother held her bouquet, and their grandparents were honored both in presence and in memory. During the unity ceremony, they poured glass fragments together, which were later turned into a keepsake symbolizing their marriage.
“It was a high honor to have our grandparents there, both alive and in our hearts,” Caitlyn shared.
Incorporating Family Heirlooms Into Wedding Fashion
Personal pieces played a big role in how everything came together, especially Caitlyn’s outfit.
Her veil set the tone. Originally worn by her mother and handmade by her grandmother, it was something she had always hoped to include. “This piece was so unique and so special to me, I felt it should be the centerpiece,” she shared. She paired it with a sleek silk gown and white Mary Jane heels, keeping the look clean and comfortable.
Forrest wore a custom linen suit with a Ralph Lauren dress shirt and woven leather loafers, a combination that worked well for the warm summer morning. Together, their outfits felt cohesive without trying too hard.
Relying on Family Support to Stay Organized and Finding Vendors Whose Portfolio Matched Their Vision
Caitlyn and Forrest handled most of the planning themselves, with Caitlyn’s mother stepping in to help keep things organized. “She graciously kept everything moving—organizing schedules, offering encouragement, and bringing a calm order,” Caitlyn said.
Having someone take on that role made a big difference. It allowed them to stay present and actually enjoy the process. If you’re planning without a professional, having a trusted person step in, even informally, can help keep everything on track.
When it came to finding vendors, Caitlyn focused on people whose work already matched what she had in mind. She searched through social media, apps, and recommendations, narrowing down options based on style and consistency.
One decision had been years in the making. “I have followed her for years,” Caitlyn said of their photographer and Junebug vendor The Rose Reflective. “I’ve hoped for her to photograph our day for a long time. She captured our day in a way that truly left me in awe.”
It’s a helpful approach for couples who feel overwhelmed by choices. When you’re drawn to someone’s work early on, that clarity can make decision-making much easier later.
Setting Aside Private Time Right After the Ceremony
After the ceremony, Caitlyn and Forrest stepped away for a quiet moment together before the rest of the day continued.
They shared a picnic in a gazebo, exchanged gifts, and cut their cake privately. “We basked in our first moments as husband and wife,” Caitlyn said. “I look back on that special moment together so often.”
It’s a simple idea, but one that can make a big impact. Even a short pause gives you space to take everything in before the celebration continues.
The Mindset That Kept Everything in Perspective
About a month later, Caitlyn and Forrest continued their vintage farm wedding with a larger gathering of friends and extended family, hosting a Southern-style potluck where guests brought favorite dishes and shared recipes Caitlyn now keeps as a growing collection. With help from their family—from homemade cupcakes and garden florals to setup and music—the celebration came together in a way that felt deeply communal. “We are still overwhelmed by their outpouring of love for us,” Caitlyn said.
One thing that helped guide their vintage farm wedding was knowing what mattered most from the start. With support from Caitlyn’s parents, they were able to focus on their priorities without overthinking every detail. They identified two non-negotiables early on: the family farm and the VW bus. From there, they added elements they already owned or could borrow, which allowed their budget to stretch further.
Caitlyn and Forrest approached their wedding the same way they approach their life together: with intention and a strong sense of partnership. Their advice is simple. “Zoom out. It’s easy to get so focused… that you miss the day as a whole. If you can’t see it from 6 feet away, nobody else will notice it.”
It’s the kind of reminder that stays with you. The small details matter, but the moments you remember most are the ones you actually had time to experience.
The Wedding Team:
Photography – The Rose Reflective
Venue – Bride’s Family Farm in Tennessee
Floral Design – Athens Florist and Gifts
Cake – Batter Up Cakes
Officiant – Drew Smith
Invitation Design – Caitlyn Brewer
Makeup Artist – Olivia Sparks
Hair Styling – Rebekah Sullivan – Sister of the Groom
Wedding Dress – Shona Joy Bridal
Bridal Accessories – Sézane
Handmade Table Used for Picnic – Midtown Artisan Cabinetry
Quilt Design and Vintage Decor Curation – Colita’s Vintage
Unity Ceremony – Unity in Glass
Catering for Picnic – Mazzara’s Vinoteca
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