Bride and groom share a quiet first dance on the black-and-white checkered floor of the Chestnut Room during their Read House Wedding Reception, surrounded by ornate white walls and grand mirrors.
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A Destination Read House Wedding Reception and Garden Ceremony

Filed in Wedding Days — August 15, 2025

Jillian and Sam’s wedding day was the perfect blend of their personalities — a little bit urban, a little bit nature, and completely true to who they are as a couple. They chose to celebrate on their seventh anniversary, making the day even more meaningful. With Jillian’s love of city vibes and Sam’s appreciation for the outdoors, they split the difference in style, starting their day surrounded by lush gardens at McCoy Farms and ending with an elegant Read House Wedding Reception in downtown Chattanooga.

Black and white photo of the couple kissing in the vintage wood-paneled elevator of their Read House Wedding venue, with large “RH” initials reflected on the door.

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Close-up of a wedding invitation with floral illustrations, a green envelope sealed with a gold bee wax stamp, a gold heart-shaped locket necklace, and the couple’s gold wedding rings resting on the card

Nestled just north of Chattanooga on Signal Mountain, McCoy Farm & Gardens spans 38 acres of historic, wooded beauty with gardens, trails, an old stone farmhouse, apple orchards, and pollinator gardens. This property originally hosted a Union storehouse during the Civil War. Later, when Martha McCoy and her family transferred ownership of their farm to the Town of Walden, they specified that it be preserved as an arboretum, park, and recreation area.

Groom smiling as he adjusts his tie outside the stone building at McCoy Farms, surrounded by vibrant red and purple flowers.
Bridesmaid in a mint green dress fastening the bride’s off-the-shoulder white gown just before a McCoy Farms Wedding Ceremony, both women laughing in front of colorful garden flowers.

Bride and maid of honor embracing in front of the stone venue entrance at McCoy Farms, each holding pastel bouquets.
Groom and best man playfully wrestling in front of the red door and stone facade of McCoy Farms.

A First Look They’ll Never Forget

Initially, Jillian and Sam planned to wait until the ceremony to see each other, but as the day drew closer, they decided to add a first look so they could share private vows before walking down the aisle.

The historic home’s facade provided a romantic and meaningful backdrop for their first look. Standing there, in front of the time-honored stone walls where so many stories have unfolded, they shared a joyful, emotional moment. Seeing each other there, candid and deeply present, made that private revelation of vows one of their most treasured memories of the day.

Jillian was most surprised by how emotional she was during her vows; she burst into tears three words! This turned out to be their favorite part of the day— the emotion, the soft smiles, the shared tears—made it clear they were so glad they decided to spend this time together before the ceremony. As they exchanged heartfelt private vows, they felt grounded, centered, and truly connected.

Wide shot of a first look at McCoy Farms, with the bride in a long white gown walking toward the groom in a brown suit in front of the venue’s stone facade and red door.
Bride reaching out to tap the groom’s shoulder from behind during their first look in front of the historic house at McCoy Farms, her veil catching the light.

A Groom dressed in a three piece brown suit beams with joy as he sees his bride for the first time in front of the old stone house at their McCoy Farms Wedding Ceremony.

Black and white image of the groom reading handwritten vows to the bride during their first look at McCoy Farms, she smiles as tears well in her eyes and her veil drapess softly over her shoulders.
Emotional embrace between the bride and groom during their first look, her eyes closed as she holds him tightly.

A Personal and Picturesque Ceremony at McCoy Farms

McCoy Farms provided the kind of quiet, timeless beauty that set the tone for the day. This historic farm and garden features a charming old stone farmhouse and winding pathways through intimate garden spaces. Jillian and Sam chose the boxwood ceremony space — a natural, green alcove framed by manicured hedges — which felt perfectly tailored to their small guest list.

With a ceremony start time of 2 p.m., the afternoon light filtered through the trees, lending a romantic glow to their “I do’s.”

Groom standing at the altar with his best man, surrounded by abundant pastel flowers, his eyes light up as he sees his bride coming down the aisle during their McCoy Farms Wedding Ceremony
Bride walking arm in arm with her father down the grassy aisle toward the McCoy Farms Wedding Ceremony altar, holding a colorful bouquet with a joyful smile.

Bride smiling at the groom while holding hands during the McCoy Farms Wedding Ceremony, standing beneath a vibrant floral arch filled with yellow, pink, and blue blooms.
Romantic view of the McCoy Farms Wedding Ceremony framed through pink blossoms, capturing the couple standing with the officiant and wedding party.

Wide shot of the McCoy Farms Wedding Ceremony under a sprawling tree, with guests seated on white chairs facing the floral arch where the couple exchanges vows.

The newlyweds sharing their first kiss as husband and wife beneath the colorful arch at the McCoy Farms Wedding Ceremony, surrounded by pink flowering trees.
Bride and groom walking hand in hand back down the aisle at the McCoy Farms Wedding Ceremony, smiling joyfully at one another as guests watch in the background.

Large group portrait with the bride and groom, their wedding party, and all of their guests gathered in front of the floral arch at this intimate McCoy Farms wedding.

Revisiting the Places They Fell in Love

Their love story was shaped by many miles: Jillian in Tennessee and Sam in Indianapolis. Chattanooga’s North Shore became their haven during visits—the place they explored Coolidge Park, roamed the shops on Frazier Avenue, and always ended the night with a cone from Clumpies Ice Cream.

After the ceremony and family portraits, we recreated the magic. The whimsical Ellis Carousel offered a playful, colorful twist to their formal attire photos. Later, they sat side-by-side at Clumpies, sharing ice cream and laughter—each bite a sweet reminder of the love they’d been nurturing in the quiet moments together, something they held onto when it felt too long between visits.

Somewhere between the carousel rides and savoring a scoop at Clumpies, Sam’s boutonniere made a quiet escape in the park. None of us noticed in the moment — we were far too wrapped up in the laughter, the photos, and simply soaking in the joy of revisiting these meaningful places together. It was the perfect reminder that the little things can slip away, but the memories and feelings of a day like this stay with you forever.

Bride and groom holding hands and walking along a paved path at Coolidge Park lined with lush greenery and flowers, smiling at each other during their Wedding Photos in Chattanooga's North Shore.
Playful moment during Couples Portraits at the Ellis Carousel in Chattanooga's North Shore as the couple kisses while sitting on vintage carousel horses, holding hands mid-ride.

Bride and groom sharing a lighthearted gaze while he stands on the Ellis carousel platform while the bride is seated sideways on a black-and-white painted horse at Coolidge Park during their Bridal Photos on the Chattanooga North Shore.

Newlyweds pointing at the entrance of Clumpies Ice Cream Co. during their Wedding Photos on Chattanooga North Shore, standing against a brick wall and ivy.
Black and white image taken through a shop window during Wedding Photos on Chattanooga North Shore, capturing the couple leaning in for a kiss over a shared ice cream sundae.

An Elegant and Intimate Read House Wedding Reception

The final chapter of the day unfolded at The Read House. Steeped in 1920s-era grandeur, this hotel radiates timeless elegance. Their Read House Wedding Reception took place in the cozy, beautifully appointed Chestnut Room, adorned with beaded chandeliers, crown molding, and a warming fireplace that framed the celebration perfectly.

Dinner by Bridgeman’s Chophouse delivered a refined culinary experience that matched the atmosphere. With everyone traveling in for the day, the room felt intimate yet celebratory—a true destination wedding, wrapped in comfort, history, and connection.

If Jillian could change just one thing about their wedding day, it would be making time to share a second slice of their wedding cake together. Because everyone traveled for their celebration, they couldn’t keep their cake topper, so that extra bite would have been a sweet way to savor it just a little longer.

Dramatic balcony kiss framed by rich wood paneling and a glittering chandelier during the Read House Wedding celebration.
Bride and groom smiling at each other while standing in the classic wood phone booth area of their Read House Wedding venue, beneath a sign reading “Telephones.”

Close-up of a two-tier vintage-style white wedding cake with intricate piping, flanked by delicate floral arrangements at the Read House Wedding reception.
Couple cutting their white wedding cake together and smiling during their Read House Wedding reception in the Chestnut Room.

Guests forming a tunnel of raised arms as the bride and groom joyfully make their exit from the Read House Wedding celebration.

Evening portrait of the couple standing outside the front entrance of The Read House under its black awning and golden lights, marking the close of their Read House Wedding day.

Blending Two Worlds into One Perfect Day

What made this celebration so memorable was how harmoniously it blended Jillian’s and Sam’s worlds. From the historic elegance of McCoy Farm & Gardens (where nature, history, and romance intertwine) to the lighthearted fun of the North Shore, and finally to the refined charm of a Read House Wedding Reception, each chapter reflected who they are—together.

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Framed by a vibrant floral arch of yellow, purple, pink, and white blooms, a bride and groom share a kiss on a rustic bench under a large tree with pink blossoms in full bloom after their summer garden ceremony at McCoy Farms
The bride and groom laugh together in a garden, holding hands, with fountains spraying in the blurred background and autumn-colored leaves contrasting against the greenery.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand down a bright, elegant hallway as sunlight spills in, as they head to their Read House wedding reception. The deco building features marble floors, tall potted plants, and ornate wall sconces.

Well Wishes for the Newlyweds

Jillian and Sam, it was an honor to witness and document a wedding so authentic as yours. Here’s to a future filled with as much joy, warmth, and sweetness as your first look, carousel ride, and ice cream dates. Your story is just beginning—may it be full of love, adventure, and timeless memories.

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