After Lauren Anderson and Ryan Scott Nizolek got engaged on Wooster Street in New York City, the bride knew she wanted to get married in her hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee. “Most of our friends had never been to Knoxville, so we really wanted to get everyone down there to experience East Tennessee,” Lauren says. “Fall, when the leaves are changing—and during football season—is my favorite time of year, so I wanted to play into the gorgeous, vibrant fall leaves and the electric vibe of the college football town.”
Since Lauren had been to a lot of weddings where she grew up, it was important to find a venue that was different for their November, 2019 nuptials. Marblegate Farm in Friendsville was perfect in a private peninsula with more than 200 acres of farmland and 8,500 feet of waterfront views. To help plan everything, the two hired Lyndsey Hamilton Events.
Originally, Lauren wanted to wear a fitted wedding dress, but she ended up falling in love with a Monique Lhuillier ballgown. It had removable sleeves that she wore for the ceremony and took off for the reception—two looks in one. To complete her look, the bride also wore two Lelet NY headpieces and diamond earrings from her stepmom, as her “something borrowed.” And on the morning-of, she trusted Claire Balest with her beauty look.
Bridesmaids complemented the bride well in burgundy Jenny Yoo gowns. And later in the night, the bride switched into a burgundy velvet Oscar de la Renta cocktail dress that ended up matching her friends’ dresses.
Overlooking the Tennessee River on November 2nd, Lauren and her father walked down the aisle, decorated with florals by Colby West Design, to Ryan and their officiant, who married the bride’s sister too. During the ceremony, The Voice season 12 winner Chris Blue performed “All of Me” and “God Bless the Broken Road.” “He was fantastic and made the ceremony so special,” Lauren remarks.
After being announced as husband and wife, the plated reception dinner from Peter Glander of Knox Provisions was served. And once the meal concluded, Jessie’s Girls from Atlanta got the party started.
The newlyweds had their first dance to “Queen Bee” by Taj Mahal. “Ryan is a huge music buff, so we wanted something unique,” Lauren explains. “It was perfect and so much fun to dance to!”
The after-party kicked off in a barn on the Marblegate Farm property with a DJ, strobe lights, fun props, and late night drinks and snacks. The new Mr. and Mrs. danced the night away with their loved ones.
Unfortunately, they had to cancel their honeymoon twice—first because of Ryan’s job and then because of COVID-19. “We are still determined to take one once we are comfortable traveling internationally,” Lauren says. “And we plan to go to the Maldives!”
