A Timeless Black and White Wedding at The Trillium Venue

There is a reason black and white weddings at The Trillium never go out of style.

Confident without demanding attention, timeless yet traditional, a style that allows the small details to speak louder. Ashley and Brandon embraced that philosophy from the very beginning for their black and white wedding at The Trillium Venue, pairing a refined black and white aesthetic with intentional design choices that transformed the day.

When your proposal takes place while diving with sharks, your wedding venue must also exceed expectations. Ashley & Brandon chose The Trillium because it reflected the couple’s adventurous nature and vision for the day. The Nashville couple swapped the city skyline for one full of mountains on September 12th, 2025 and the results speak for themselves.

Everly + Co. was the company responsible for making their vision a reality. Founded by best friends Alex and Cara, Everly + Co. is a wedding planning and design company known for creating thoughtfully curated celebrations that feel personal, polished, and entirely reflective of each couple’s story. What sets Everly apart is their ability to make luxury feel approachable.

We spoke with Cara Goset, owner of Everly + Co., to learn more about the vision behind the day, the decisions that shaped the experience, and her advice for couples currently planning a wedding of their own.

The Invitation Suite Sets the Tone

Long before guests arrived at The Trillium, Ashley and Brandon’s wedding story was already unfolding.

Their invitation suite offered guests just a taste of what the day held. The sophisticated black and white palette and clean typography hinted that this would be an elegantly curated celebration.

According to Cara, the couple invested a lot of time into refining their invitation suite and day-of signage. That attention to detail carried seamlessly throughout the wedding and helped create a sense of continuity starting with the first impression.

The Bridal Morning Bliss

Ashley spent the morning in The Trillium’s bridal suite surrounded by all the people who have played an important role throughout her life.

The atmosphere was inviting and relaxing. The only drama morning-of was Ashley’s dramatic getting-ready robe. Sheer fabric, oversized sleeves, and a touch of Hollywood glamour transformed simple moments into works of art. As she stepped onto the balcony, the breeze caught her robe ever so slightly, creating something you could only find on the cover of a magazine.

It was a morning that felt reflective, a chance for Ashley to pause and appreciate all of the people who have supported her.

Stylish Bridal Details

One of the most touching moments of the morning was when Ashley’s grandmother fastened the final buttons of her wedding dress with care.

The fitted mermaid gown featured intricate detailing that felt both classic and contemporary. Once the veil was placed, the entire look came together effortlessly.

Groom’s Lounge Diaries

Over in the groom’s lounge, Brandon spent the morning with family and friends.

The space offered a relaxed setting to enjoy the moments leading up to the ceremony. Brandon’s mother assisted with the cufflinks. His best man adjusted his bowtie and listened to him practice his vows.

Family at the Heart of the Ceremony

Family and faith was woven into nearly every aspect of Ashley and Brandon’s wedding day.

One particularly special moment during the ceremony was when Brandon’s grandmother escorted him down the aisle, a beautiful tribute to the generations that helped shape their story. Guests stood as Ashley made her way down the aisle, a vision of radiance.

Rather than a large wedding party, Ashley and Brandon chose one person each to stand alongside them. The decision created an intimate atmosphere that kept the focus on their commitment to one another and the close loved ones who supported their journey.

Personal Vows Above the Smokies

Standing hand in hand with panoramic mountain views stretching beyond them, Ashley and Brandon exchanged personal vows.

There was an undeniable sense of calm throughout the ceremony. Despite the excitement of the day, they never seemed to lose sight of one another. Every glance and promise felt intentional.

A ceremony that felt intimate despite the horizons stretching far beyond sight.

A Private Reception Reveal

Before welcoming guests into the reception, Ashley and Brandon were invited to The Grand Hall to see the room set up.

Moments like these often become some of the most impactful parts of a wedding day. After months of planning, designing, and decision-making, couples finally get to experience it in real life.

Ashley and Brandon were at a loss for words as they stood surrounded by the details they had envisioned for so long. There was an immense amount of appreciation for the team from Everly & Co., who had worked so hard to execute their vision of a black and white wedding at The Trillium.

Designing an Exceptional Guest Experience

While Ashley & Brandon were off taking newlywed photos around the property, guests gathered on the covered patio for cocktail hour.

Cocktails from Tipsy Daisy Bartending, conversation, and sweeping mountain views created the perfect transition between ceremony and reception. Every aspect of the experience was connected to purpose, something Cara identified as a defining characteristic of Everly + Co.’s approach to planning.

“The attention to detail, and maximizing every corner of The Trillium was so important to them — and truly what Everly & Co. is all about — thinking outside of the box, highlighting the venue, and adding fun elements for guests to enjoy, all while staying on budget.”

The black and white checkered dance floor and suspended disco ball installations from The Trillium Venue Shop reinforced the aesthetic while introducing a playful energy that would carry throughout the evening.

All of that planning had truly paid off.

Classy Black & White Reception at The Trillium Venue

Cocktail hour came to a close and guests began making their way into the Grand Hall. When guests first entered the reception space, they were met with a vision of grandeur. Ashley and Brandon’s black and white wedding at The Trillium exceeded every expectation. A celebration guests are sure to talk about for years to come.

To set the scene, every table was meticulously arranged and beautifully accented with clean black and white decor. A vision of elegance and luxury, the Grand Hall interior was beautifully complemented with floor to ceiling views of the Smokies beyond.

Guests were equally impressed by the culinary experience. City Catering Knoxville delivered beautifully presented meals that perfectly paired with the atmosphere of the reception.

Golden Hour Wedding Portraits Along the Veranda

As dinner concluded, Ashley and Brandon slipped away for a few more photos at dusk.

The veranda provided the perfect setting to escape together. Warm light spilled across the property while LuHaney Photography documented the quiet moments unfolding between the newlyweds.

According to Cara:

“Brandon consistently checked on Ashley all through the night. It was precious. They stayed together all night long. It was something I noticed, and it truly touched my heart.”

Dancing ‘til Dark

After dinner and toasts, it was time to take to the dance floor.

Meritage DJ kept the momentum going with a mix of crowd favorites that brought every generation together. Between the laughter, singalongs, and packed dance floor, it seemed like the night would live on forever.

Just when it felt like the evening couldn’t get any better, Ashley made a quick outfit change into her chic second look. The sparkling reception dress caught the light of the disco ball as she rejoined the celebration, ready to dance the night away with Brandon.

The surprises continued with a late-night visit from Gelato Brothers, giving guests a chance to cool off before heading right back to the dance floor.

A Bittersweet Send Off

The last slow song played, and it finally came time to send off the couple. Surrounded by family, friends, and a tunnel of floating bubbles, Ashley and Brandon made their exit and stepped into married life together.

Wedding Advice From Everly + Co.

When asked what advice she would offer future Trillium couples, Cara’s response was refreshingly simple:

“Invest in what is most important to you — book or hire that vendor or thing right away. Every client prioritizes different parts of their wedding. Decide what your non-negotiable is right away and make it happen. Everything else can be figured out.”

Searching for more wedding planning tips? Read our vendor spotlight blog that covers all the best photo locations and tips for planning a destination wedding in the Smokies.

Ashley and Brandon’s wedding is a wonderful example of what is possible when couples identify what matters most to them and allow those priorities to guide the planning process. Every decision felt intentional, every detail served a purpose, and the result was a celebration that felt truly authentic to them.

Ready to start planning your own Black and White Wedding at The Trillium Venue?

If creating a wedding day that feels intentional from start to finish is high on your list, start with the setting that will hold it all. Your venue influences nearly every part of the celebration, from the guest experience and event flow to the design choices that follow. 

Take a Tour of The Trillium Venue and discover how your celebration can take shape amongst the mountains!

Vendor Team Behind the Vision:

Venue | The Trillium Venue
Planning & Design | Everly + Co.
Photography | LuHaney Photography
Videography | Young Videography
Florals | Thistle & Lace Events
Catering | City Catering Knoxville
Bar Service | Tipsy Daisy Bartending
Entertainment | Meritage DJ
Transportation | Elite Shuttle Service
Hair | Knoxville Bridal Hair
Cake & Desserts | Heidi’s Home Cooking
Late Night Treats | Gelato Brothers