Riverwood Mansion Wedding in Nashville: A Timeless Celebration

This Riverwood Mansion Nashville wedding was the perfect blend of timeless elegance, vintage flair, and heartfelt moments—tied together with a breathtaking cathedral ceremony in the heart of Music City. Ruthanne and Evan began their day getting ready separately at Airbnbs in Nashville, where they enjoyed relaxed, quality time with their friends. As their photographer, I couldn’t be in two places at once, but with the help of a second shooter, I was able to capture both sides of their morning beautifully.

Getting Ready for their wedding day at Riverwood Mansion

The guys spent their morning on a sunny downtown rooftop, drinking beer and sharing stories, while the girls took over the living room of their East Nashville Airbnb for hair and makeup prep. One of my favorite candid moments from the day was Ruthanne cutting the tag off her Saint Bridal wedding dress, casually walking through the house in her gown’s bottom half and a pajama top—exactly the kind of real-life moment that makes documenting weddings so rewarding.

Stunning Wedding Ceremony at The Cathedral of the Incarnation in Nashville

When it was time for the ceremony at The Cathedral of the Incarnation, the excitement was palpable. This historic cathedral—filled with Italian-inspired architecture and timeless charm—held special meaning for Ruthanne and Evan, who had attended church services there together. It was the perfect place to exchange vows before heading to their Riverwood Mansion Nashville wedding celebration.

During the ceremony, sunlight streamed through the rooftop windows, casting soft rainbow reflections onto the cathedral floor. The priest shared powerful words of wisdom, and the ceremonial music elevated the atmosphere—it was a moment that felt sacred, emotional, and completely unforgettable.

After their vows were exchanged and the first kiss sealed it all, the newlyweds hopped aboard a trolley with their wedding party and headed to their Riverwood Mansion Nashville wedding reception.

One unique touch I loved was how the couple scheduled a 1–2 hour break between the ceremony and reception. This gave their guests a chance to explore Nashville or grab a bite to eat, while we used that time to capture some truly magical portraits around Riverwood Mansion.

Bride and Groom Portraits at Riverwood Mansion: Capturing the Perfect Moments

The mansion itself is a photographer’s dream: multiple floors of vintage charm, with ornate murals, elegant wallpaper, and antique furniture everywhere you turn. Ruthanne and Evan’s portraits were the definition of timeless romance with a touch of vintage soul—exactly what you hope for in a Riverwood Mansion Nashville wedding.

As guests returned and we finished up formal photos with the wedding party and family, cocktail hour officially began—my favorite part of the night. Because we had already wrapped up portraits, Ruthanne and Evan were free to immerse themselves in the celebration without being pulled away from their party (which is always my goal as a documentary wedding photographer).

Their Riverwood Mansion Nashville wedding reception featured a live band that kept the dance floor packed from start to finish. It was one of the most lively receptions I’ve ever photographed—so packed that I had trouble weaving through the crowd, but I made it work to capture all the high-energy dance floor moments.

As the night came to a close, there was a sense of magic in the air. Ruthanne changed into a chic, shorter version of her gown, and the couple made a grand sparkler exit surrounded by cheering loved ones. Their vintage getaway car whisked them off into the night, and I was left smiling (and a little sad) that this incredible Riverwood Mansion Nashville wedding had come to an end.

VENDORS:

Photographer: Sammy Mckenzie Photography

Dress: Saint Bridal

Dress Store: Lovely Bride Dallas

Hair and Makeup: The Agency of Beauty

Venue & Planning: Riverwood Mansion

Florist: Ronelle Lilly-Hall (Riverwood Mansion)

Band: Top Tier Band

“Sammy was better than I could have ever dreamed of! She made our day truly magical. We wanted someone who could capture the essence of the day and give us works of art to have forever and she both 🙂 She has a way about her that gave us ease and calmness throughout the day. All of your friends and family loved her and we couldn’t have been happier with our choice of photographer.”

– Ruthanne Risden