Some weddings feel like stepping into the heart of someone’s personality—vibrant, intentional, and unafraid to take up space. Rachael and Jacob’s wedding at Diamond Creek Farms was exactly that. As a wedding planner herself, Rachael approached her own celebration with the same intuition she brings to her clients: trust your gut, lean into bold choices, and create something that feels unapologetically you.
The result was a kaleidoscope of color and pattern, anchored by two stunning KYHA gowns that reflected her modern, fashion-forward style. Guests were welcomed into an atmosphere buzzing with personality—from the floral-draped cocktail bar and custom dance floor to the towering cake and even an espresso martini ice luge sculpted into an Alabama “A,” honoring their college roots.
Every detail spoke to Rachael’s artistry as both a designer and a bride. Her look was elevated by custom-designed accessories—gloves, a choker, and a veil crafted with just the right lace she’d envisioned. Together with a powerhouse creative team, the celebration unfolded like a masterclass in personal, expressive wedding design.
This Nashville celebration is a joyful reminder that when a couple embraces who they are—fully and boldly—their wedding becomes its most beautiful.
“I followed my gut and created something bold, intentional, and unapologetically me.”
How did you two meet? What were your first impressions of one another?
We met in college at Alabama, which is why we had the Alabama mascot’s appearance at the wedding, Big Al. We have been together for 7 years and we are absolutely in love and best friends.
Any special ways you incorporated your family or family history into your wedding day?
My dad passed away in 2020. He was my best friend. I always dreamt of him walking me down the aisle. This was so hard to accept when we got engaged—it was one of the first things I thought of. I walked myself down the aisle (my sister walked me to it—I chose to do this because I was worried I would break down if I was alone, and I wanted to show her she can be strong and do this too one day), but then I walked down the aisle by myself to the song that would have been our first dance song. (See photo of our wedding program that explains this—it is such a special touch!)
What part of your wedding day was/is most important to you?
As a designer, so many parts of the wedding were important. For one, the invitation suite really sets the tone for each of my events, so for my own wedding I really cared about this! My invitation suite had so many colors and prints that the guests were going to see at the actual wedding, and I loved this. Another one has to be my dress. I designed the details with Sarah Jameson—we took our time and did not even finalize the gloves until two weeks before because we both wanted to make sure it was perfect. She spent weeks hunting down the lace to make my veil as thick as I envisioned it. My choker was actually made a few weeks before too, after we played with leftover lace from my gloves. It ended up being perfect!!
What is your favorite thing about each other?
Everyone thinks it is so funny we are together because we are so opposite. I am “extra,” dramatic, boujee as he would say, and love nice, glam things, whereas he owns about 3 Carhartt shirts and had never ordered room service or done valet until meeting me! (Hence why he wore overalls at our reception while I was in a huge ballgown.) He is known for wearing his overalls everywhere—I thought it would be so funny for him to wear them at the wedding. He did, and it was such a HIT!
What was your favorite part about planning your wedding?
The design process is my favorite and definitely my strength in my job. I am very good at learning my clients’ style and making decisions for them when they end up saying, “Wow, you brought my vision to life perfectly!” With my own wedding, it was more of a challenge. I tried to treat myself like my own client and truly listen to my gut. Each design decision was made intentionally. I didn’t worry about trends or what others thought—every decision was bold, intentional, and very me. It was hard being in the industry; I definitely felt some pressure at first. But it was so fun to design my own details and put together my own vendor team. It was truly a joyful experience for me.
If you had one piece of advice for other couples, what would it be?
Make time for each other, and make time for yourself. Life is busy, priorities constantly shift, and things come up. We try to take a walk together every morning before work to ensure we get just 20 minutes with each other before the day begins. We aim to have at least one date night per month and dress up for a nice restaurant. Also, make time for yourself and your friends—it gives you space to maintain those outside relationships, while still having that “I miss you” feeling.
Planner & Designer: Kasey Schaffer Events / @kaseyschafferevents
Photographer: Rachel & Noah Ray / @rachelandnoahraye
Videographer: Crown & Lace / @crown_and_lace
Content Creator: Harley Han Creative / @harleyhancreative
Content Creator: Snapped by Sara Sullivan / @snappedbysaras
Venue: Diamond Creek Farms / @diamondcreekfarm
Florals: Fresh Cut of Jxn / @freshcutofjxn
Rentals: Prop House of Birmingham / @prophousebirmingham
Rentals: Please Be Seated / @pleasebeseatedrentals
Rentals: White Door / @whitedoorevent
Linens: BBJ La Tavola / @bbjlatavola
Linens: Curated Events / @curatedeventsnashville
Ceremony Entertainment: Cade Ortego / @cadeortego
Ceremony Entertainment: Payton Cato / @payton_cato1
Reception Entertainment: Got Groove / @becollective.live
Stationer: Soiree Signatures / @soireesignatures
Signage & Champagne: Rosie Days Collective / @rosiedayscollective
Calligraphy: White Ink Calligraphy / @whiteinkcalligraphy
Custom Gifts: Paper by Eliza / @paperfromeliza
Catering & Bar: G Catering / @gcatering
Cake: Barbs Cakes / @barbs_cakes
Ice Sculpture: Designed Ice / @designedice
Hair & Makeup: Brynn Chesney Hodum / @brynnchesneyhodum
Spray Tans: Manon Green Esthetics / @thehealthyesthy
Ceremony & Reception Gowns: Chosen by Kyha / @chosenbykyha
Alterations & Customizations: Sarah Jameson / @sarahjamesonn
Alterations & Customizations: Rudy Lou / @rudy__lou
Publisher at The White Wren and Bajan Wed, Award Winning Photography + Videographer at Live View Studios, Dad, 80s music lover, crunchy health advocate
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