Caesar Stair III officiates at the wedding of his son, Marshall, and Natalie Robinson. (Who knew that Caesar was a minister with the Universal Life Church?)
Attorney Caesar Stair III, the father of the groom, admitted that it was unusual to think of him officiating at a marriage ceremony — him being a well-known divorce lawyer and all. But that’s what his son wanted, so . . .
Last Saturday at the Knoxville Museum of Art, at an elegant evening ceremony attended by about 275 friends, Caesar did the honors. It was one of the best weddings we’ve ever attended.
The museum itself was a huge player in the event as guests were allowed total access to all three floors before, during and after the ceremony. They were even encouraged to bring their refreshments into the third floor gallery during the wedding itself, something I doubt would have occurred had the nuptials been held in a traditional house of worship.
The museum has never looked more beautiful, literally sparkling with stunning arrangements of flowers and twinkling lights on tree branches by Kae Lakenan of By Design, who staged the whole affair.
These flowers in the museum foyer set the scene.
Ted Smith, left, and David Butler during the cocktail party prior to the ceremony. David is executive director of the Knoxville Museum of Art.
Knoxville City Councilman George Wallace and his wife, Stephanie. The groom also is a member of City Council.
Knoxville Vice Mayor Duane Grieve and his wife, Marsha.
City Councilman Finbarr Saunders and his wife, Ellen Bebb.
Former Knoxville Mayor and Ambassador to Poland Victor Ashe, left, and Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett.
From left, former City Councilmen Ed Shouse and Larry Cox with my husband, Alan Carmichael. Ed currently is the Knox County Trustee.
Former Knoxville Vice Mayor Jack Sharp with his wife, Doris.
Former Knoxville Mayor (and current City Councilman) Daniel Brown with his wife, Cathy.
Natalie and Jim Haslam.
Jim Martin and Denise Monteleone.
Attorneys Tom Ford, left, and Dick Krieg.
Smoked salmon blinis were being passed.
Pesto shrimp.
Madeline, left, and Melissa McAdams.
Barbara Apking with Randall DeFord, center, and Wes Goddard.
Barbara and Bernie Bernstein.
Dorothy Stair, the groom’s mother, with Arthur Seymour Jr.
Joan and Victor Ashe with Karen Krieg, right.
From left, Ellen Robinson, Peter Acly and Erin and Rob Frost. Rob, a former member of City Council, now is the council’s attorney.
Mayor Burchett brought his little stepdaughter, Isabelle.
Neil and Maureen Dunn McBride.
Soon it was time to sit down for the ceremony. Here are Tank and Terry Strickland.
From left, Doris Sharp, Mary Spengler, John Thomas and John Kelley.
It soon became apparent the crowd was standing room only.
The flower girl, Elsie Stair, with her father, Caesar Stair, IV, waiting to make her entrance.
The mother of the groom escorted by her two already married sons, Caesar, IV, left, and Morgan.
The mother of the bride, Kathy Robinson, waiting to walk down the aisle.
Here comes the bride with her father, David Robinson.
Here’s the back of that fabulous dress.
The ceremony was sweet with all the audience members shouting, “We do!” as Caesar asked if we would promise to support the couple.
Moving in for the kiss!
Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Stair.
Time to move to the Great Hall, where Richard Jolley’s dramatic installation loomed over the festivities.
Kae Lakenan’s decorations were a perfect complement to the “Cycle of Life” installation. (Photo courtesy of Dani Rose Photography.)
Here’s a little tip for you. You will know you are at one of the year’s best parties when you see these two people.
Caterer extraordinaire Holly Hambright of Holly’s Eventful Dining.
And Jerry Kruse of The Pour Guys bartending service.
The gorgeous cake was by Magpies.
The food was spectacular. (Photo courtesy of Dani Rose Photography)
You can’t beat Holly’s Coquilles St. Jacques.
The dance band, The Coveralls, soon had the dance floor hopping.
The bride and groom took a spin to the song, “Wonderful Tonight.”
Dorothy Stair and Gay Lyons enjoying the party.
Tommie Rush and Ann Bailey.
The Bernsteins rarely let a dance floor go to waste!
Few did!
Sam Maynard and Renee Hoyos.
Jerry and Susan Becker.
David Butler, left, with Brian Salesky the maestro of the Knoxville Opera Company.
Natalie and Marshall broke away for a few moments to cut the cake. It turned out to be carrot cake! (Photo courtesy of Dani Rose Photography)
It seemed like no time at all until the happy couple was off and headed to their Italian honeymoon. (Photo courtesy of Dani Rose Photography)
Note on the photographs: Thanks so much to Dani Rose Thibus of Dani Rose Photography for letting me use some of her beautiful pictures.
Stunning. Congratulations, Natalie and Marshall!
So beautiful! There is nothing better than a sweet love story. Natalie and Marshall have a great one. Congrats!
The wedding location was appropriate to the Stair family also because Caesar was a key figure in the development of the Clayton Building at the Knoxville Museum of Art. It was a fabulous wedding. Sam and Renee get the “best dancers” award.
What a beautiful wedding & reception: the happy couple & their families, Natalie’s dress, Holly’s fabulous food, fun music & dancing with friends, gorgeous flowers, elegant tables–Caesar as officiant. I’m in agreement: A Masterpiece.
STUNNING! The most beautiful bride I have ever seen. They are a terrific couple.
Cynthia,
Absolutely gorgeous chronology of this grand affair.
Thanks, everybody! One of the best weddings – and best parties – I’ve ever attended.
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