Brian Parker and Jillian Cardarelli.Photo:Matt Andrews Photography
WhenJillian Cardarelliused to envision the dress she would wear on her wedding day, she always assumed she would go with something rather simple. But the moment she laid her eyes on theHayley Paigebackless stunner with the pearl and crystal details, Cardarelli knew that it was meant to be hers. She also knew fiancé Brian Parker would absolutely love it.
And he most certainly did.
“It truly took my breath away seeing Jillian walk down the aisle in that beautiful gown,” Parker, 45, told PEOPLE mere hours after his wedding to the country songstress. “I momentarily forgot to shake her dad’s hand after he gave her away. Thankfully, he remained patient and stood there until I noticed and shook his hand. The crowd chuckled, but I just could not take my eyes off of her. She was stunning.”
The chapel.Matt Andrews Photography
Indeed, it’s a feeling that the well-known sports agent, who wore a customErmenegildo Zegnaone button tuxedo himself, has had many a time since first meeting the singer/songwriter over five years ago. And yes, it was one of the many moments that stood out during the Saturday, May 15 ceremony that took place at the picturesque Wightman Chapel on the Scarritt Bennett Center campus in Nashville.
“We really wanted the first time we saw each other that day to be when I was walking down the aisle, so we did not do a first look photo,” the 28-year-old explains.
Brian Parker and Jillian Cardarelli.Matt Andrews Photography
The reception venue.Matt Andrews Photography
“We both adoreStar Wars,” says Cardarelli with a laugh. “Our wedding party was announced into the reception hall to the song ‘Cantina Band” from the famous Cantina scene fromStar Wars A New Hopeand Brian and I entered the reception to theStar Warsmain theme song. Our dog, Leia, named after Princess Leia herself, was even able to join us for some special photos."
Leia, Brian Parker and Jillian Cardarelli.Matt Andrews Photography
Lee Brice.Matt Andrews Photography
Lee Brice, Brian Parker, Jillian Cardarelli and Charles Esten.Matt Andrews Photography
Indeed, music and food served as a meaningful backdrop to the entire evening.
The cake.Matt Andrews Photography
Soon, it was time for Cardarelli to slip off herStuart Weitzmanshoes and head on over to the couple’s very own slipper bar, where guests could trade in their heels for something a little more comfortable.
Jillian Cardarelli and Brian Parker dance with a guest.Matt Andrews Photography
Jillian Cardarelli and Brian Parker.Matt Andrews Photography
And now, with everyone feeling happy and comfortable, guests proceeded to divulge in a slew of late-night snacks, includingKrispy Kreme,Marigold Popcorn,Crumbl CookiesandDaddy’s Dogs.
“Our Valentine’s Day tradition has been going to the Daddy’s Dogs stand in our neighborhood and getting a hot dog for dinner,” says Cardarelli. “And then whenever we are in New York City, we love walking through Central Park (where Brian proposed) to grab a hot dog and take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the park. So, it was very fitting that we had these two of our favorites incorporated into our wedding.”
The set-up.Matt Andrews Photography
The couple is now off on a ‘Minnie-moon’ to their ‘favorite hotel in Disney World,’ but plan to take a longer honeymoon vacation somewhere tropical this fall, where they will certainly reminisce on their romantic wedding day.
“We were both doing our best to hold back tears all day and night,” Cardarelli concludes. “It was truly so magical having friends and family from all over come in to celebrate our special day with us.”
source: people.com
