Hannah Ellis and Nick Wayne.Photo: Lauren Dixon Photography // Micki Moon Photography
Hannah EllisandNick Wayneare married!
The two country singers tied the knot atReba McEntire’s former home, theEstate at Cherokee Dock, in Lebanon, Tennessee, on Sunday — and PEOPLE has all the exclusive details.
Ahead of the big day, Ellis, 30, told PEOPLE that she’s dreamed of having an outdoor wedding her “entire life.” “When we saw the backyard overlooking the water at Cherokee Dock we knew it was the perfect place for us,” she said.
The wedding party.Lauren Dixon Photography // Micki Moon Photography
Hannah Ellis and Nick Wayne.Lauren Dixon Photography // Micki Moon Photography
With its “beautiful” outdoor area and a “spacious and open room” for the reception, the venue also helped ease Ellis' concerns aboutCOVID-19.
For the big day, the bride wore a Rue de Seine gown fromThe Dress Theoryin Nashville, while the groom wore a custom tux fromRichards Bespoke. “The lining of Nick’s tux is old-school golf details since that is such a big part of his life,” Ellis said.
Hannah Ellis' wedding dress.Lauren Dixon Photography // Micki Moon Photography
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The invitations and the rings.Lauren Dixon Photography // Micki Moon Photography
The accessories.Lauren Dixon Photography // Micki Moon Photography
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Ahead of the ceremony, Ellis and Wayne — who recently released his EPTo: Hannah, comprised of love songs written for Ellis throughout their relationship — did their first look in private.
“Nick had the idea that we should do it walking down the aisle, but before anyone arrives,” Ellis said. “It will feel like the real thing, but it will be just the two of us. It’s going to be a really special moment.”
Hannah Ellis.Lauren Dixon Photography // Micki Moon Photography
Nick Wayne.Lauren Dixon Photography // Micki Moon Photography
Nick Wayne and Hannah Ellis.Lauren Dixon Photography // Micki Moon Photography
“He has been so influential in my spiritual walk,” she said. “It will be so special to have him be part of this day.”
Then for the main meal, they had pizza. “It’s our favorite food, so we thought, ‘Why not?'” Ellis said.
Cutting the cake.Lauren Dixon Photography // Micki Moon Photography
Ellis and Wayne first started dating six-and-a-half years ago, while living across the hall from each other in their downtown Nashville apartments.
“We met at a house party that my next-door neighbor was throwing and thought nothing of it,” Ellis said. “Over the next year we became friends, then best friends and [then we] finally figured out we were each other’s person.”
Ellis said she knew Wayne was “the one” when a family tragedy hit.
“I remember thinking, ‘What would settle me right now?'” she said. “And all I wanted to do was just sit next to Nick. Not talk or cry. Just sit with him. That’s when I knew he was different. For Nick, he says one day he just knew.”
While they have “never been in a rush” to get married, Ellis said she and Wayne talked in 2019 about getting engaged in 2020. Wayne thenpopped the questionin June of that year.
As to what keeps their relationship strong, Ellis said it’s “communication” and “being open about how something feels, where we’re going, the plans and goals we are setting, and also our faith.”
“We wake up every morning and have coffee and read a few chapters in the Bible together,” she said. “That small habit really helps us stay connected. I guess when we are back on the road, we can do it over Zoom.”
The couple is now looking forward to forever — and some new music from Ellis — but first comes the honeymoon.
“We are going to Cabo,” Ellis said. “Nick has never been to Mexico, and we cannot wait to relax and not talk about wedding plans!”
source: people.com
