Riverwood Mansion: Two Weeks, Two Completely Different Experiences
As a wedding filmmaker, no two events are ever the same, and that’s part of what makes the job so exciting. But every now and then, the universe throws a curve ball, reminding us just how unpredictable and magical wedding days can be. Recently, I had the unique opportunity to film two weddings at the stunning Riverwood Mansion in Nashville, Tennessee—back-to-back weekends. One was a stormy, rainy affair, and the other was a sun-soaked celebration. Despite the differences, both had their own beauty and charm, and the contrasts were nothing short of cinematic. Here’s a look back at both weekends, and how weather can shape the wedding experience in ways you never quite expect.
Weekend One: Stormy Skies, Moody Romance
The first wedding at Riverwood Mansion was a rainy, stormy one. The forecast had been ominous all week, but nothing could prepare us for the sheer force of nature that greeted us on the big day. From the moment I arrived, I could feel the dampness in the air, and I could hear the steady tap of raindrops against the windows of the mansion’s grand interior.
At first, the stormy weather felt like it might put a damper on things, but as I started to film, I quickly realized it was adding a whole new layer of romance to the day. There’s something uniquely atmospheric about a wedding set against a dark, rainy backdrop. The mansion’s stately architecture looked even more dramatic against the grey skies. The rain created a soft, ethereal mood, and every shot felt like it was drenched in a sense of longing and intimacy.
As I filmed the bride walking down the aisle, I couldn’t help but notice how the soft lighting inside the venue, mixed with the rain trickling down the windows, turned everything into a dreamlike haze. The couple’s vows were tender, and the storm outside seemed to mirror the emotional weight of the moment. You could tell the rain wasn’t deterring anyone; if anything, it made the whole experience feel more personal and intimate.
Obviously the only choice was to move the ceremony inside, so I had to get creative with my camera placement in the somewhat narrow quarters. I filmed the couple sharing their pivotal moment of “I dos”, the sound of rain blending with their laughter—it was pure magic. The storm might’ve altered the plan for outdoor celebrations, but it gave us an opportunity to capture some beautifully dramatic shots that felt raw and real.
By the end of the day, despite the dreary weather, I was blown away by how it had elevated the wedding’s atmosphere. There was something so special about the intimacy the rain created, and I knew these were the kinds of moments the couple would cherish forever.
Weekend Two: Sun-Kissed Serenity
Exactly one week later, I returned to Riverwood Mansion for another wedding—this time, the forecast was clear, and the weather was absolutely perfect. The sky was a brilliant blue, and the sun bathed the grounds in a golden glow, making the estate look like something out of a fairytale. It was one of those textbook, spring days.
There’s something undeniably beautiful about a wedding in perfect weather, and Riverwood Mansion’s expansive grounds are the perfect setting for a sunlit celebration. The lush greenery, manicured gardens, and picturesque grounds sparkled under the sunlight, making for some stunning footage. I knew right away that this day was going to be filled with light, joy, and warmth.
As I captured the bride and groom getting ready, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation. There was a lightness in the air that only a perfect day can bring. The couple had chosen to hold their ceremony outside, and I was in awe of how the natural light illuminated their vows. You couldn’t help but feel the love between them as they exchanged promises under the blue sky, with the sunlight catching the glistening rings and the breeze ruffling the bride’s veil. The energy of the day was electric—everything felt effortless, and the sunny weather only added to the celebration.
During the reception, the guests danced in the party tent under string lights as the sun began to set, casting a warm, golden glow over the evening. The entire vibe was lighthearted, with laughter echoing through the place. The party went late into the night, and I found myself filming with the soft afterglow of the setting sun on the horizon, creating an almost surreal feeling in the footage.
The Power of Weather: How It Shapes the Story
Looking back at both weddings, I’m reminded of how powerful weather can be in influencing the mood and feel of a wedding day. The rainy wedding at Riverwood Mansion had an intimate, almost cinematic quality to it—the stormy skies created a sense of drama and vulnerability, while the sunny wedding brought out the joy, light, and celebration in full force. Both were incredibly beautiful in their own right, and each one told its own unique story.
As a filmmaker, I’ve learned to embrace the unpredictability of nature. You can plan every detail of a wedding, but the weather is one thing you can never control. What matters most is the ability to adapt and find beauty in whatever comes your way. After all, it’s not the weather that makes a wedding day memorable—it’s the love and connection between the couple and their loved ones. Whether stormy or sunny, that’s what I aim to capture.
At the end of the day, both weddings were a perfect reflection of the couples they celebrated—one intimate and moody, the other bright and joyful. Riverwood Mansion, with its timeless beauty, served as the perfect backdrop to both, proving that no matter the weather, every wedding day is one-of-a-kind.