Isabelle and Sean’s wedding at The Hermitage Hotel was the kind of day that perfectly balanced timeless elegance with genuine personality. Every part of the celebration felt thoughtfully designed, from the historic Veranda Room ceremony to a ballroom reception that transformed into an unforgettable party. Their vision for the photography mirrored the day itself: classic and refined with just enough vintage-inspired glamour to make it feel uniquely their own.

One of my favorite details was the way they embraced a subtle Old Hollywood aesthetic throughout the evening. We photographed the day using a combination of both film and digital photography, blending timeless imagery with flashes of bold, high-flash portraits that gave the reception an editorial edge. The result feels both sophisticated and modern while remaining true to the classic atmosphere of The Hermitage Hotel.

As beautiful as the design was, what I’ll remember most was the energy of the celebration. After making their entrance from the hotel’s iconic mezzanine into cocktail hour, the evening never slowed down. Heartfelt toasts gave way to a packed dance floor, the bride surprised everyone with a party dress change, and the night ended with an intimate private last dance that created some of my favorite candid photographs from the entire gallery.

One behind-the-scenes detail that guests never see involved planning portraits inside The Hermitage’s famous men’s and women’s bathrooms. Because we were moving quickly from outdoor portraits back indoors, I prepped all of the lighting in advance so we could transition seamlessly without interrupting the flow of the day. Those extra few minutes of preparation made it possible to create some of the most iconic portraits of the wedding while keeping the timeline relaxed for Isabelle and Sean.

The Day at a Glance

Second Photographer: Yes

Venue: The Hermitage Hotel

Location: Nashville, Tennessee

Wedding Date: May 3, 2025

Guest Count: 123

Photography Coverage: Two photographers

Photography Style: Classic with an Old Hollywood twist, photographed on both film and digital

Ceremony: Historic Veranda Room

Reception: Grand Ballroom

First Look: Yes

Planning Tip

One of the biggest advantages of hosting your wedding at The Hermitage Hotel is that nearly every part of the day can happen under one roof. Isabelle and Sean chose to get ready on-site, hold their ceremony in the Veranda Room, celebrate in the Grand Ballroom, and capture portraits throughout the hotel. Eliminating travel between locations gave us more flexibility in the timeline, more opportunities for candid moments, and plenty of time to create beautiful portraits without making photography feel like it took over the day.

About The Hermitage Hotel

For couples planning a Nashville wedding, The Hermitage Hotel offers one of the city’s most iconic settings. From the light-filled Veranda Room to the historic architecture, marble staircases, and famous Art Deco restrooms, the property provides countless opportunities for elegant portraits while allowing the entire wedding day to flow effortlessly from getting ready through the final dance. It’s a venue that feels timeless, making it an ideal choice for couples who want photographs that will feel just as beautiful decades from now.

Vendor Team

Planning: Bruce Pittman
Venue: The Hermitage Hotel
Florals: LMA Designs
Beauty: Hunter Paige by Parlor 3
Cake: Dessert Designs by Leland
Stationery: JLF Calligraphy
Videography: Peerless Films
Gown: Alyne by Rita Vinieris