By Morgan Winter

Photography by Tennessee Grace

On January 19th, 2019, Shelby Marie Hilliard, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wayne [Brenda] Hilliard of Halls, Tennessee, and Mr. Timothy Lloyd Green Jr. (TJ), son of Mr. and Mrs. Timmy [Tammy] Green of Curve, Tennessee, were joined together in holy matrimony. Cody Peery and Jim Talbert of Halls Church of Christ presided over the ceremony held at The Green Frog Farm.  

Growing up in the same small town, Shelby, an administrative assistant, and TJ, a farmhand, knew of each other through their several mutual friends but had never met. Then, one day, TJ direct messaged (DM’d) Shelby over social media. After a couple of months of chatting and getting to know each other through texts and phone calls, Shelby set aside her nerves and they met in real life. Their first date was at Shelby’s favorite restaurant, Chick-Fil-A.

TJ proposed to Shelby when she was on a trip to Dyersburg with her best friend, Lauren. The plan was to meet Shelby’s parents at Chick-Fil-A and then proceed to Lowe’s to get some shopping done. After they ordered their food, TJ handed Shelby his things explaining that he needed to step away. She grabbed a table with her parents and Lauren. The store exploded with commotion. The iconic Chick-Fil-A Cow walked around the restaurant, much to the delight of the children present.

Brenda, Shelby’s mother, took photographs of the Cow. Shelby commented, “Geez, you act as you’ve never seen the cow before.” The Cow approached Shelby and knelt, presenting her an engagement ring in a sandwich box. Shelby began crying, realizing what was happening. Amid a cheer of yes from the restaurant, Shelby asked, “TJ, is that you?” before stuttering out a joyful yes.

Shelby ordered her invitations from Etsy, tying into the rustic vintage feel of the future wedding. Carol Meeks, Pat Talbert, Meg Emerson, and Shirley Robinson threw the bridal shower and Carol hosted it at her home. Chick-Fil-A nuggets were served, harkening back to their engagement.

Shelby’s big day began at a balmy 62 degrees and then plummeted to a chilly 28 degrees. Lauren Kissell, Kayla Meadows, and Autumn Bailey, her bridesmaids, all wore plum floor length dresses from David’s Bridal. Their dresses featured a lace bodice with a ribbon to define their waists. Shelby’s flower girl was TJ’s daughter, Maddison Green, who also wore a white lace overlay dress, similar to Shelby’s, and a charming flower crown adorned her hair.  

Mori Lee designed Shelby’s wedding dress purchased at Rina’s Bridal Boutique. Rina’s also handled all the alterations and customizations of her dress. The sleeves and keyhole back were made of lace taken directly from other parts of the dress. Pearls and gemstones were scattered across the floral lace, adding a little interest and glitter to the dress. White cloth buttons ran up the side of her sleeves, with lace around the cuff. It fit Shelby impeccably.

For the good luck charms, Shelby borrowed her earrings. Her something old was her grandmother’s diamond from her wedding ring, which TJ and Mrs. Hilliard used as the center diamond of Shelby’s wedding ring, much to Shelby’s surprise. Her grandmother also provided the touch of blue: the bluebird of happiness perched in a wreath. A new pearl necklace for Shelby completed the tradition.

Brittany Hammock, owner, and stylist, at Creative Cuts in Halls, styled Shelby’s hair into a half-up style, with white flowers giving the illusion of upholding her hair. Elizabeth Eskridge, also of Halls, finished Shelby’s look with a brown smokey eye and nude lipstick, giving the bride an elegant look.  

TJ and Cody Hutcheson, Dustin Lynch, and Bobby Fitzhugh, his groomsmen, wore grey Vera Wang suits rented from Men’s Warehouse. TJ’s suit stood out with a plum bow tie and pocket square with a grey vest while Cody, Dustin, and Bobby wore plum vests and bowties. The ring bearer, TJ’s son Hunter Green, wore grey slacks and suspenders with a dark grey bowtie. Their outfits were finished off with brown leather oxfords.

Guests were ushered to their seats by the bride’s brothers, Marcus Burks and Michael Latham. As the wedding began at 3 pm, it started to snow, much to Shelby’s delight. The snowfall fulfilled her childhood dream of a winter wedding.

Christi Burks, Shelby’s sister and maid of honor, passed in 2016. However, Christi was still a part of her sister’s wedding. TJ carried her photograph down the aisle. Shelby glided down the aisle to beautiful music played by Mandy Mangrum Jones of Mississippi Harpist.

The reception was catered by French’s Catering of Dyersburg, TN and, where it all began, the Dyersburg Chick-Fil-A. Guests ate Chick-Fil-A nuggets, BBQ sliders with slaw, chicken salad croissants, mozzarella sticks, beef chip dip with wafers, and a selection of fruit. The wedding and groom’s cake was also made by French’s catering. The wedding cake was a simple white naked cake and was adorned with petite pink flowers and plum roses. The wedding topper said Mr and Mrs in flowing gold script. The groom’s cake added variety with its chocolate flavor and had the Chevrolet logo and gold flakes sprinkled upon it.

French’s Catering also created beautiful flower arrangements. Baby’s breath, plum roses, and petite pink flowers enhanced the wedding cake and table arrangements, tying into the groomsmen’s vests and the bridesmaids’ dresses. The flower arrangements brightened the reception area by adding greenery and lightening the wood plank and walls, keeping with the farmhouse aesthetic.  

After cutting the cake, TJ and Shelby’s first dance was “Home” covered by Tori & Jordan. All the special moments featured here were captured by Tennessee Grace Photography, including the bride and groom in the snowfall.

The newlyweds did not fly off into the sunset immediately following the wedding. They will be taking their honeymoon later this year to Canada.