Always down for a twist on tradition, it doesn't take much to convince us that outside of the box is where we most like to be, especially when it comes to weddings! Rita + Dean's super fun Nashville wedding, held at The Cordelle, is a shining example of two people designing their day their way and the end result is as stunning as it gets.

Rita shares, As an event planner, I spend my days thoughtfully planning every detail of an event for my clients, which sometimes doesn't leave a lot of room for planning my own life events. So, when Dean and I decided to get married we only knew two things: 1. The wedding needed to be in Nashville, our hometown and 2. It needed to be a giant party. Okay, really three things, 3. There needed to be flamingos. (More on why in a sec!) In fact the first thing purchased the day after we became engaged was our cake topper: two hand-painted pink flamingos from BHLDN. From there the vision was born complete with flamingo colors (pinks and corals), combined with graphic black and white stripes, and sparkly gold accents.

Big thanks to Austin Gros for the gorgeous images below!

Rita + Dean's dear friend and graphic designer, Lauren Minco Lowen, perfectly captured their vision and personalities in their save the dates, which surely gave their guests a taste of what to expect! And sparkly, festive invitations by Paper Source were a perfect match!

A Village of Flowers crafted such a pretty protea, poppy + tulip bouquet!

We're over the moon for Rita's perfect Eden by Truvelle wedding dress, which she purchased at The Dress Theory.

Rita describes herself as a girl from Nashville who's spirit animal is a flamingo, and Dean as a boy from Australia who's spirit animal is a shark! Love it! Their vision is definitely coming together now...

To further fit their personalities into the day, Rita + Dean's hand-written vows were one-of-a-kind. Rita says, I delivered mine on letter-pressed flamingo paper and Dean delivered his on a 12 foot sheet of butcher paper, which he then signed and asked the guests to sign as witnesses.

Shop this stylin' wedding party look in our shopping guide below!

Naturally, the first thing R + D purchased the day after they became engaged was their cake topper - two hand-painted pink flamingos from BHLDN!

Rita + Dean, we're just in love with your sweet, sweet day! Biggest congrats from Team GWS!

photography: Austin Gros // venue: The Cordelle Nashville, Tennessee // florals: A Village of Flowers // save the dates: Lauren Minco Lowen // invitations: Paper Source // rentals: Liberty Party Rentals // cake: Nashville Sweets // cake stand: Southern Events // cake topper: BHLDN // lighting: Bright Event Productions // linens: BBJ Linen // catering + bartenders: Chef's Market // dj: Jerry Pentecost // car: Grand Avenue Transportation // photo booth: Generation Domination // bride's dress: Eden by Truvelle purchased at The Dress Theory // headpiece: Twigs & Honey // bride's shoes: Kate Spade New York // hair: Courtney Krampf of Salon Ya Ya // makeup: Shannon Wright // groom's suit: Hugo Boss - Aeron/Hamen Super Black Trim Fit Wool Suit // groom's shirt: Charles Tyrwhitt - White Twill Spread Collar Extra Slim Fit Shirt // bowtie: Penguin - Black Self Tie Bow Tie // groom's shoes: Hugo Boss Mitano Black Lace Up Derby // engagement ring + wedding rings: Genesis Diamonds // cake topper: BHLDN

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