“Irrational act” leads to fabulous time for all

Ben and Sara Hedstrom Pinnell shortly after they exchanged vows.

Landscape architect Sara Hedstrom loves downtown Knoxville. That’s where she chose to open her business, Hedstrom Design. But she selected a rustic location this weekend for her wedding, which was both gorgeous and fun. She and Ben Pinnell committed what the minister, the Rev. George Doebler, described as “an irrational act,” by marrying on Saturday evening at the charming RT Lodge in Maryville.

Doebler cracked up the bride and groom as well as the entire congregation when he said before administering the vows, “Getting married does not make sense. But fortunately, I’ve spent years working  in a mental institution, so I’ve had some experience in this area.”

While all brides are beautiful, Sara was a knock-out. And Ben was as handsome as I’ve ever seen him. Anticipating that the celebration would be one of the best ever, we took Sara up on her recommendation and booked a room for the night at the RT Lodge. That way we didn’t have to worry about driving back to Knoxville via Alcoa Highway (a.k.a. “I’ll Kill Ya Highway!)

You know you are attending a fun wedding when you arrive to find that the bar is open BEFORE the ceremony and guests are taking drinks into the wedding tent. We joined our Knoxville next-door neighbors Jennifer and Greg Dunn for a quick one before going into the tent.

Jennifer and Greg Dunn

With the temperature in the 90s, we were glad to find personal “air conditioners” in each of our chairs.

Alan models his souvenir fan.

And then it was time for the main event.

The Rev. George Doebler waits at the end of the aisle with the groom and his best man.

The groom’s father, Burke Pinnell, walked one of the bridesmaids, who happened to be his daughter Carey Sullivan, down the aisle.

Burke Pinnell and Carey Sullivan

Lots of children were in this wedding (unlike my own wedding, which had exactly none!). Here are just a few of the flower girls.

These young ladies took their jobs very seriously.

Wow. What a dress! Sara says she picked it out in about an hour during  a visit to Asheville.

Paul Hedstrom walks his beautiful daughter down the aisle.

Here's that fabulous dress from the back.

There were only a few tears. They came during the vows.

The ceremony itself was short and sweet.

OK. Now time for the party! Bars opened again and delicious pimento cheese and crackers were provided to accompany the drinks.

Sien and David Moon were there with their kids.

From left: Kreis and Sandy Beall, Patricia Robledo and John Craig

Kati Blalock. She swears both these drinks weren't just for her!

From left, Scott and Christi Branscom and her brother, Russ Watkins

Sherri Lee and Rev. George Doebler

Julia and Gary Bentley took advantage of the lodge's comfortable furnishings.

David Moon looks comfortable.

We came across these two bachelors. Watkins says going to weddings makes him nervous and he makes it a point to NEVER bring a date to a wedding. “They get the wrong idea,” he explained. “They start squeezing your arm at meaningful moments. It scares me to death!”

Russ Watkins, left, and Gregg White

The Greenbrier Trio played during the cocktail hour.

The Greenbrier Trio

During this time, Sara walked to a grassy area to join the rest of the wedding party for photos.

Picture time!

All the guys in the wedding party. Ben stands between his father and his new father-in-law. His brother is on the far right.

Sara and all the guys in the wedding

Sara and all the girls in the wedding party

Sara, Ben and all the children in the wedding party. Don't they look natural together? Just saying . . .

Sara’s good friend Missy Sprouse flew in from Wyoming to take the wedding photos. Sorry this picture is blurry — she’s the photographer, not me!

Missy Sprouse in action

After the photos, it was on to the reception tent, which was decorated with origami butterflies and dragon flies. Very festive.

Origami insects

Casual bouquets decorated each table.

The first dance

The groom dances with his mother.

I've never seen so many cakes at a wedding. Alan was in heaven.

I loved the sweet little cookies.

Children took advantage of the firepit to make s'mores!

When we returned to the main lodge near 11, we ran into the bride taking a breather between dances. We are told late-night snacks of chicken wings and soft pretzels were served, but we opted to call it a night and head to our room.

Best wishes to the happy couple, who are planning a fly-fishing honeymoon in South America.

Happy bride catching her breath.