Photography by Kristyn Hogan

U.S. Army Captain Kimetha Matthews knew exactly what she wanted her wedding to look like.  She planned it three times before marrying the love of her life, Captain Stephen Draheim, at Historic Cedarwood on July 4.

The life of soldiers defending our liberties is a tough road. Especially soldiers in love who spend more time apart than together.  When both Kimetha and Steve’s scheduled leave lined up in February of this year, they planned a Valentine’s Day wedding in Cape Cod, MA.  Their venue, caterer, musicians…all booked and deposits paid.  But soldiers live in constant danger that could end life and love in the blink of an eye. Steve stepped on an IED as he led his Calvary Division platoon in Afghanistan.  His closest comrade died and he almost lost his life as well.  Steve’s leave was moved up for shifting troop rotations. The wedding had to be cancelled.

As a convoy commander for the US Army, Kimetha is used to close calls, having sustained injuries in Iraq in 06 and 07, and Afghanistan in 08. She is also resilient and determined.  As Steve recovered, she began planning their wedding again. This time for July 4.  Because of financial losses incurred from canceling their February Cape Cod wedding, they shifted plans to Steve’s parents Massachusetts home to save money.  Tents were rented, caterer, photographer and musicians hired, and invitations ordered and mailed.  Wedding disaster struck again, this time in the form of a septic system malfunction at the host home.   With the wedding a few weeks away and Kimetha stationed in Fort Campbell, she spent 72 anxious hours exploring options to move her wedding nearby. Cedarwood was open for the Monday, July 4 holiday and we gladly signed on to help Kimetha and Steve rescue their wedding.  Cedarwood was their third wedding venue and this was the third time Kimetha planned the most precious day of her life. And this time it fell together perfectly.

Kimetha’s vision of a country glam wedding was a perfect fit for our historic farm estate.  Pink flowers and pink and teal décor – including many items Kim had purchased already – were a stunning compliment to her Martina Liana blush silk wedding gown with ivory organza accent.  Kim’s beautiful dress would not have been possible without Laurel Robertson and her team at The Bridal Suite of Louisville, a pillar of support for military couples and a big supporter of  “Brides Across America” who helped get the gown rush cut, handmade and shipped from Australia.  Social Graces recruited their entire staff to make overnight invitation changes, and a community of friends and professionals came together to help Kimetha and Steve finally have their dream wedding. Because of the last minute venue change and family deployments (Kimetha’s dad is serving in Afghanistan, her brother in Iraq, as are her sister and brother-in-law) the number of guests able to attend their wedding was small, but the love expressed on this July 4 celebration was large. Kim and Steve’s special song, “Marry Me” by Train had gotten them through a lot of tough times and it played a big part in their day. Kim and Steve say it was the best day of their lives. We feel blessed to be part of it. Kudos to Kristyn Hogan Photography for these fantastic images.

Thanks Kimetha and Steve for your sacrifices and your brave service to our country.  We hope your love sustains you every moment, every where you are. We are honored to have helped make your wedding a reality. Thanks also to Kristyn Hogan for sharing these fantastic images.

Linda & the Cedarwood Event Team

Credits/resources:

Photography:  Kristyn Hogan, Nashville, TN

Venue, flowers, décor, styling:  Historic Cedarwood, Nashville, TN

Bridal Gown Designer:  Martina Liana, Australia

Bridal Store: The Bridal Suite, Louisville, KY (owned by Laurel Robertson who supports Brides Across America)

Special assistance:  Brides Across America

Hair and Makeup:  Bridget Murphy

Jewelry:  Rick Moore, Nashville Diamond Bankers; Pink diamond wedding band from Patty Pearlman, Pearlman Jewelers

Other bridal party jewelry:  Susan Schwartz, G. G. of Franklin

Groom and Groomsmen’s attire: Calvin Klein

Invitations:  Cori LeCain at Social Graces, Nashville

Officiant:  Dr. P.A. Michael

Music:  Frank Fleming and the Mad Dog Company

Limo:  Grand Avenue Limousine

Catering:  Chef Christopher’s Catering

Wedding Cake:  Patty Cakes

Cake topper: handmade stoneware from Misunrie Pottery on Etsy

Groom’s Cake: Silke’s Bakery, Clarksville

Photo Booth:  Nashville Photo Booth

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