Madison and Michael Kuhlmann were college sweethearts. Before Madison began school at Mississippi State University, she visited the Starkville, MS, campus for the annual homecoming event, Bulldog Bash. “We met at the party in Starkville through mutual friends,” Madison shares. “We started dating, officially, right before my freshman year.”
As time passed, Michael and Madison grew closer, and they sealed the deal on a future together with a sparkling engagement ring in December 2020.
“We had plans to meet up with some friends for my birthday that was coming up, but instead, Michael led me to the rooftop of the Peabody Hotel in Memphis,” Madison said. “He had the sweetest setup, and the sunset could not have been more perfect that evening. He asked me to marry him, and my whole family got to hide and see it happen.”
Michael and Madison met in college at Mississippi State University.
Michael proposed during the holidays at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis, and the two said “I do” on June 18, 2020
After a resounding “yes,” Madison enlisted the help of her mom and sister to begin planning her dream wedding. “I had a clear vision of what I wanted,” she shares, “so the process was so fun with them.”
With a budget and timeline set, Madison and Michael landed on the perfect venue in Arlington, TN. Southern Grace is a 50-acre property with ample outdoor ceremony space, a cocktail patio, and an all-white barn.
“My venue had beautiful landscaping that I knew would be perfect for a June sunset wedding,” Madison tells us. “Price was also a huge factor in choosing the venue. Michael and I knew we did not want to spend the majority of our budget on the venue, so we weighed all of our options. We got extremely lucky that our venue was the most reasonably priced while also being our favorite!”
The Kuhlmann wedding was held at Southern Grace in Arlington, TN.
Madison’s wedding vision was timeless, with greenery, white flowers, and neutral moss green satin bridesmaid dresses from Show Me Your Mumu. The result was a fresh, cohesive, and delicate combination to stand the test of time.
“While I am a pretty simple girl, I also wanted to choose colors that I knew I would love for years to come,” says Madison. “I have always been drawn to beautiful greenery, so I made that a huge part of the florals. There were tons of eucalyptus, monstera leaves, and baby’s breath.”
Ultimately, Madison chose to add a pop of light orange to the tablescapes and cake, a challenge her florist, Kennedy Noel, executed beautifully.
The bridesmaids wore moss green satin dresses from Show Me Your Mumu.
Michael and Madison were surrounded by their closest friends and family.
Madison and Michael’s wedding featured timeless touches, with greenery and white flowers from Kennedy Noel Florals.
Muted orange florals were added to the reception tables and cake for a pop of summery color.
While most of Madison’s vision was consistent from daydreams to the big day itself, one of the most monumental decisions for any bride deviated from the original plan.
“I went into dress shopping with a certain look I envisioned for myself, and I left with the complete opposite,” Madison explains. “As soon as I saw it on display, I knew I would love it. I never pictured myself in an off-white color, but as soon as I tried it on, it felt like ME. The A-line style fit my figure perfectly, and the dainty straps were stunning.”
The dress featured a form-fitting underlayer with tulle draped on top, causing it to be subtly translucent in certain lighting. While she planned to change into a separate reception dress, she soon decided to return to her original gown after only ten minutes. “I wanted to wear it as long as possible!”
Madison’s dress included a form-fitting slip, creating a silhouette effect in certain lighting.
In keeping with tradition, Madison wore her grandmother’s gold bracelet, borrowed her mom’s cross necklace, and painted her toes blue to appease the old adage.
Before the ceremony, Michael and Madison exchanged private vows, opting for traditional vows during the outdoor ceremony. Around 180 friends and family members looked on as the pair said “I do” in front of a large wooden cross surrounded by vases with candles and feathered florals.
Michael and Madison exchanged private vows before the ceremony.
The Kuhlmann’s pup, Sammie, was a VIP guest.
The altar featured a wooden cross with subtle florals and candles surrounding it.
After the ceremony, guests were treated to a champagne cocktail hour followed by a lively reception with a dinner buffet. “In true Memphis fashion, we had a barbecue,” Madison tells us. “We had a huge charcuterie board for easy snacking, but the main meal consisted of pulled pork, and bbq chicken served multiple ways. It was a hit!”
Madison and Michael shared a dance to You Make It Easy by Jason Aldean, followed by a father-daughter dance to Tim McGraw’s “My Little Girl” and a mother-son dance to Van Morrison’s Days Like This.
The pair cut into their traditional wedding cake in front of a sign that read, “‘Til Death Do Us Party,” and party they did! The crowd danced the night away, glow sticks in hand. The evening concluded with a sparkler send-off before the pair climbed into a 1969 Ford Bronco — Madison’s dream car — provided by a family friend.
Before the dance floor officially opened, the newlyweds shared a dance to Jason Aldean’s “You Make It Easy.” (Notice the neon sign with the couple’s last name in the background!)
The traditional wedding cake sat before a sign that read — “’til death do us party.” But there were plenty of other sweet treats on offer throughout the reception …
In addition to cake, the Kuhlmanns commissioned a donut wall for hungry guests.
The pair even highlighted their alma mater during the reception.
The celebration ensued as guests danced the night away.
Madison and Michael enjoyed a sweetheart dance to close the evening.
Guests gave the Kuhlmanns a sparkling send-off.
Michael whisked Madison away in her dream car, a 1969 Ford Bronco.
The pair celebrated their newlywed status at Nobu Hotel in Cabo San Lucas. “It was the most magical, beautiful, and special week,” Madison recalls. “We were so spoiled all week long.”
Even after careful planning and a beautifully-executed wedding weekend, Madison shares advice for future brides. “Stick to your gut! Do what makes you happy, says Madison. “Don’t be pressured by social media weddings to plan ‘the perfect wedding’ because that truly does not exist.”
Thank you for sharing your day with us, Madison and Michael! And thanks to Danielle Christine for the photography.
RESOURCES
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Southern Grace
Photographer: Danielle Christine Photography
Videographer: D.P. Weddings
Bride’s gown: Low’s Bridal
Bride’s shoes: Gianni Bini
Bridesmaids’ dresses: Show Me Your Mumu
Bride’s Hair & Makeup: Heather Griffith + Ashley Parsons
Groom’s & groomsmen’s formalwear: Generation Tux
Flowers: Kennedy Noel Florals
Catering: Central BBQ
Music: DeepBlu
Cake: Old Towne Bakery
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