Stacy & Ben’s Wedding at Davies Manor Plantation

A powder blue, grey + white color scheme, clouds of baby’s breath + sweet hydrangeas, all wrapped in a vintage shabby chic package = Stacy & Ben’s Memphis, Tennessee wedding. Stacy & Ben held their intimate wedding at Davies Manor Plantation, an historic venue just outside of Memphis. Michael Allen Photography was there to capture all the beautiful details.

From the Photographer, Michael Allen:

The perfect light of the shaded afternoon, a hint of rain in the air, with the sun punching through the skies made for the perfect setting for their wedding day. Stacie and Ben are some of the most gracious, happy people you will ever meet, and their amazing wedding cake tells the whole story of their love for each other. Stacie planned every detail with her love for antiques, mason jars and beautiful flowers. Simply a beautiful wedding day! Congratulations to Stacie and Ben!

How did you meet?

Ben and I met in the small town that I teach in and he coaches in Arlington, TN. I teach fourth grade at the local elementary school and Ben coaches 7th grade football. We actually worked only a few feet from each other and never knew.

What are some of your favorite memories of the day?

Some favorite memories of the day were walking down the aisle to a classic Beatles song(my favorite obsession of all time.) I have spent a lifetime studying the Beatles and collecting things about them, so to have them as part of my wedding was so special. Another memory along with that was having the first dance with my dad to “Hey Jude”. This song was also chosen from a childhood memory with my dad. The music to the wedding was also another touch I wanted to make it even more meaningful to me. We had old 50’s style music (ex. Sam Cooke) as the guests entered. Taking pictures on the grounds was also special because having the beautiful scenery to enjoy made the pictures effortless. Michael Allen is phenomenal. Kind and patient…made the day awesome. Also, the first dance with Ben, the I do’s, the first kiss, walking down the aisle and being pronounced Mrs. Hardy were all special memories.

What were your Wedding Planning Inspiration and Style?

I love decorating and vintage shabby chic styles. I’ve been distressing and painting furniture for years. I had a small start up crafting business with my friend Kathy called Something Pleasant. So for my wedding, I wanted simple yet elegant style that mimicked a lot of what I’ve been interested in for years. I thought that the details put in to the little things would make a big difference. A lot of the furniture we used was from a place called Prop Cellar. She rents refurbished and shabby chic furniture. I also used some of my own pieces as well. I wanted the guests to feel like that were at a relaxed ceremony. The location set that up perfectly with historical homes and barns. It was topped off with a real fire as the ceremony took place in front of it. The food was very much in line with this with fried pickles and an actual roasting area for kids and guest to make S’mores. The groom’s mother, Angie H., did most of the coordination with the decorating.

Do You have any advice for other brides?

The advice I would give is make the wedding you and surround yourself with things you enjoy. Make the décor what “You” love, the music, etc. I didn’t worry about what was “typical” or not..I wanted the things that I loved! I wasn’t nervous and took in every moment. Enjoy the day because it goes by so fast and it’s worth being in it for every minute you can.

Photographer:  Michael Allen Photography | Event Venue: Davies Manor Plantation | Cake Designer: Frost Bake Shoppe | Other: Propcellar Vintage Rentals |Brides Dress: Jessica McClintock| Bridesmaids Dresses: Bridal Collection