Erica and Ken can credit President Obama for bringing them together. “I travelled to Washington, D.C. to celebrate the 44th Presidential Inauguration and a close friend’s birthday. While out celebrating, we met up with some friends from college. One of those friends introduced Ken as, “one of the greatest men he knows.” Ken and I talked all night and never stopped talking.” The two were quickly caught up in the rapture of each other. Ken swooned over Erica’s knowledge of physics while Erica melted in his persona and peaceful authority. Time and chemistry formulated an everlasting love that led them to the altar. Coterie member, Phoenix Forrester Events, coordinated this truly stunning southern style wedding in Nashville. A navy, gold, and fuschia color palette created a rich and stylish feel that will leave you elegantly inspired.
Quick Facts
First Dance Song – “Spend A Lifetime” by Jamiroquai
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen Gifts – Custom fascinators for the bridesmaids. Custom cufflinks with a map of Baton Rouge marked with a star and the groomsmen’s hometown.
Bride: Erica Morgan-Physicist completing a Ph.D in Applied Physics at University of Michigan
Groom: Ken West-Chief Operating Officer of the Medical Center of Trinity
Wedding Date: 05/23/2015
Wedding Location: The Parthenon in Nashville, Tennessee
Tell us all about the proposal!
After months of learning each other and loving each other, Ken and I decided to visit Reykjavik, Iceland to witness the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights). The day Ken proposed, we scaled a glacier and ate traditional Icelandic cuisine. I was so exhausted after dinner. Ken suggested that I use the restroom before we made the 2 hour journey back to the hotel. Unbeknownst to me, Ken convinced everyone at the dinner to give me a pep talk about going to see one last Icelandic wonder so that he could propose. When I returned to the dining area everyone was talking about going to see a beautiful waterfall that had the Northern Lights as a backdrop. Let’s just say I was not pleased about our last stop. We arrive at the waterfall and Ken begins to tell me about how much he loves me and that he really loves and respects me as a woman. I was so tired and confused, I did not know what was happening until he was getting down on one knee. I immediately burst into tears! There were many emotions! Excitement, happiness, glee, and shock do not quite describe how elated I was. My heart was full. At that moment and since that time he has been my heartbeat.
How was your dress shopping experience?
My wedding dress search was really interesting. I spent a lot of time shopping for dresses. My bestie, and matron of honor, flew to Florida to shop with me but we came up short. Ultimately, I settled on designing a gown with Nashville couture wedding dress designer Karen Hendrix with Karen Hendrix Couture. She was a breath of fresh air. I told her I wanted to feel like “Dominique Deveraux going to the grand opening of a museum dedicated to 1930s music and fashion” and she delivered. We sketched out a dress that spoke to my personality and the setting. It was constructed using silk charmeuse and chantilly lace. The train included handmade beading and Swarovski crystals. I was greatly impressed by the craftsmanship. The dress was paired with the Badgley Mischka Flair Platform Sandal.
“The moment I saw Erica walking down the aisle, my heart began to race.”- Ken
How was culture incorporated in your wedding?
We incorporated quite a bit of southern culture, including a few Louisiana traditions, during our wedding and reception. In keeping with African American tradition, we honored our ancestors by jumping the broom. During the cocktail hour we served a traditional mint julep and a mocktail version of the same drink. We also served a lavender lemonade! The menu was full of southern and Louisiana cuisine. Whether guests ate the incredibly creative take on shrimp and grits or the duck and waffles with blackberry reduction, the flavors were bold and savory. To end our reception the brass section of our band turned into a full on Louisiana brass band and played The Rebirth Brass Band’s “You Don’t Want To Go To War” and we formed a second line out of the Parthenon. Guests tossed their white handkerchiefs in the air as we danced all the way to our beautiful Rolls Royce Ghost.
What was your favorite item(s) on the wedding menu?
Ken and I are huge foodies! We spent a lot of time on the menu. My favorite item on the wedding menu was the Scotch Style Eggs. It is a hard boiled egg wrapped in local sage and spiced sausage, panko breaded and fried crispy with a smoked bourbon mustard aioli, topped with chives. It was spectacular! Erica says. I am a Louisiana native. My favorite dish, hands down, was the special take on shrimp and grits. It was made with stone ground yellow grits with smoked gouda cheese and included crayfish, andouille sausage, and a cajun style beurre blanc, Ken shares.
What advice would you give our brides-to-be?
If we could give engaged couples any advice we would say; be sure to savor the wedding, be sure the wedding reflects your love for each other and your personality, and finally have as much fun as possible!
Vendors
Event Planner – Phoenix Forrester Events
Photographer – Jessica McIntosh Photography
Partner Venues – Husk Restaurant, Nashville, TN and Schermerhorn Symphony Center, Nashville, TN.
Catering – The Chef and I
What a beautiful wedding! Congratulations to the bride and groom!