Cristian and Tiffany’s wedding at The Estate at Cherokee Dock was a thoughtful and intentional celebration that combined destination details with personal touches. The couple currently lives in New York, once lived in California, and chose Tennessee as the perfect gathering place for their wedding weekend. With their closest family and friends, they created an experience that was both meaningful and elevated.

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Venue: The Estate at Cherokee Dock // Planning: Infinity Hospitality // Video: Amore Films // Super 8: Film by Evita // Florals: Larson Floral // Dress: Saint Bridal Couture // Suits: J. Crew // Hair/Makeup: Adriana Mejia // Signage: White Ink Calligraphy // Rentals: Curated Events & Event Works // Linens: BBJ La Tavola // Production/Lighting: Nashville Lighting & Production // Live Music: Rhose Studio Strings // DJ: DJ Joey

A California Beginning

Cristian and Tiffany’s story began in California, where they used to live and where Cristian proposed. Their time there shaped their relationship and set the foundation for their wedding journey. Though they now live in New York, they chose Tennessee as the perfect location to bring together family and friends for their destination wedding weekend.

The Estate at Cherokee Dock

The couple chose The Estate at Cherokee Dock, a lakeside venue in Lebanon, Tennessee, with multiple event spaces and overnight accommodations. Formerly the home of Reba McEntire, the estate is now one of Tennessee’s premier wedding venues, offering the flexibility to host weekend-long celebrations.

The lakefront ceremony space is one of the most sought-after spots on the property, with sweeping views and natural backdrops that require little additional décor. Their guests had plenty of space to gather comfortably, and the couple kept the focus on the view and the vows.

The reception took place in the Carriage House, which the couple elevated with thoughtful design choices. They draped the space, instantly creating a warm, inviting atmosphere, and added numerous candles that enhanced the glow of the evening. Tasteful chairs were carefully selected to complement the overall design, tying the room together and giving the celebration a polished, intentional feel. The result was a reception that balanced elegance with a cozy, welcoming ambiance.

Personal Details

Cristian and Tiffany made intentional choices that reflected their personalities and style. Tiffany wore a designer gown from Saint Bridal Couture, a modern dress that combined fashion-forward design with timeless bridal elegance. Cristian wore a tailored, double-breasted suit from J.Crew, keeping his look sharp yet understated, paired with his grandfather’s cuff links.

Their bridal party was small and meaningful. Tiffany was joined by her three closest friends, while Cristian chose his brother and one close friend to stand by his side. This decision reflected the couple’s desire to keep the day focused on their most important relationships.

Before the ceremony, Cristian and Tiffany shared a private vow exchange. In a quiet moment away from guests, they read their personal vows to one another, giving them the chance to connect and be present before walking down the aisle.

After the ceremony, the couple chose to share a private toast with their immediate family. This moment allowed them to celebrate their new marriage with those closest to them before stepping into the larger reception.

The couple’s guest count of 90 was intentional. They wanted the room to be filled only with people who had been a significant part of their journey, keeping the event personal and connected.

The Super 8 Surprise

One of the standout details of the night was the screening of the Super 8 film from their California family ceremony. The surprise brought a mix of emotions—joy, nostalgia, and admiration for how the couple honored both their families and their guests. It was a reminder that weddings are not only about one day but about weaving together moments that matter most.

A Stylish Celebration

Later in the evening, both Cristian and Tiffany changed into second looks that reflected their modern style. Tiffany wore a vibrant yellow sequin dress paired with Cult Gaia shoes, while Cristian changed into a crisp white jacket. The outfit changes brought new energy to the reception and set the stage for a lively night of celebration.

The evening ended with the couple surrounded by hugs and laughter from their closest friends, many of whom had traveled from California and New York to celebrate. It was a true destination wedding that included personality, stylish, and was full of intentional choices that reflected who they are as a couple.

FAQ: Planning a Destination Wedding

1. How many guests should we invite to a destination wedding?
Most couples keep their guest count more intimate for destination weddings, often between 50–100 guests. Cristian and Tiffany invited 90 guests, creating a personal celebration while still enjoying the energy of a larger party.

2. How can we include family members who can’t travel?
Some couples choose to host a smaller ceremony or family gathering in their hometown before the destination wedding. Cristian and Tiffany did this in California, where the bride’s grandfather officiated a family ceremony. Later, they surprised their guests in Tennessee with a Super 8 film of that day.

3. What’s the benefit of choosing a venue that offers accommodations?
Having on-site accommodations makes it easier for out-of-town guests to relax and fully enjoy the weekend. It also allows couples to host multiple events, such as welcome dinners, family toasts, and farewell brunches, without guests needing to travel between locations.