01of 32WEDDING SHOWERSRachel DeebEven thoughCarly PearceandMichael Rayhad originally planned on an outdoor wedding, on Oct. 6, the country singers didn’t let all-day rainstorms dampen their joy. In fact, both felt the showers madetheir dayeven more romantic.The ceremony, held atDrakewood Farmnorth of Nashville, was moved from a cedar grove to a 19th-century barn on the 40-acre property. “Honestly, it was more magical and way more romantic than I think it would have been outside,” Pearce, 29,told PEOPLE.
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WEDDING SHOWERS
Rachel Deeb
Even thoughCarly PearceandMichael Rayhad originally planned on an outdoor wedding, on Oct. 6, the country singers didn’t let all-day rainstorms dampen their joy. In fact, both felt the showers madetheir dayeven more romantic.
The ceremony, held atDrakewood Farmnorth of Nashville, was moved from a cedar grove to a 19th-century barn on the 40-acre property. “Honestly, it was more magical and way more romantic than I think it would have been outside,” Pearce, 29,told PEOPLE.
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WINNING TEAM
The groom’s party huddled up for a pre-wedding hang in custom Chicago Cubs jerseys honoring Ray’s passion for the team. (He threw out a first pitch at a 2017 game.)
03of 32STYLISH COVER-UPCarly Pearce’s Hayley Paige getting-ready robe.Rachel DeebPearce donned aHayley Paige-designed robe during her hair and makeup session. Paige alsodesigned the breezy frockthat Pearce changed into for the reception.
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STYLISH COVER-UP
Carly Pearce’s Hayley Paige getting-ready robe.Rachel Deeb
Pearce donned aHayley Paige-designed robe during her hair and makeup session. Paige alsodesigned the breezy frockthat Pearce changed into for the reception.
04of 32PROMISES TO KEEPChris AshleeRay waited to write his vows until the morning of the wedding when, he said, he knew he would be “in the feel.” Just to lighten the emotions of the big moment, he made sure he included a few “funny little things” and inside jokes for Pearce, family members and friends. “if I go too sentimental," he said he feared, “I’m going to be a mess.”
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PROMISES TO KEEP
Chris Ashlee
Ray waited to write his vows until the morning of the wedding when, he said, he knew he would be “in the feel.” Just to lighten the emotions of the big moment, he made sure he included a few “funny little things” and inside jokes for Pearce, family members and friends. “if I go too sentimental,” he said he feared, “I’m going to be a mess.”
05of 32SUNSHINE IN THE RAINCarly Pearce.Rachel DeebPearce beamed in herSamantha Sleeperwedding gown,just the second dress she tried onback in February during her first shopping expedition in Nashville. Though untraditional, the dress checked all the boxes for Pearce: “I love lace, and I love elements of country, and I love elements of classy, and I love elements of boho.”Gazing back at herself in the dress for the first time, “I felt like I looked like me,” she recalled. “I wasn’t chasing trying to look like a bride. I just wanted a dress that felt very unique to me.”
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SUNSHINE IN THE RAIN
Carly Pearce.Rachel Deeb
Pearce beamed in herSamantha Sleeperwedding gown,just the second dress she tried onback in February during her first shopping expedition in Nashville. Though untraditional, the dress checked all the boxes for Pearce: “I love lace, and I love elements of country, and I love elements of classy, and I love elements of boho.”
Gazing back at herself in the dress for the first time, “I felt like I looked like me,” she recalled. “I wasn’t chasing trying to look like a bride. I just wanted a dress that felt very unique to me.”
06of 32BARN, STORMInside the barn.Rachel DeebRain drove the ceremony inside to Drakewood Farm’s “Love” Barn, a 175-year-old structure on the 40-acre property. Lanterns, greenery, fairy lights and soft draping turned the rustic barn into a magical space.
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BARN, STORM
Inside the barn.Rachel Deeb
Rain drove the ceremony inside to Drakewood Farm’s “Love” Barn, a 175-year-old structure on the 40-acre property. Lanterns, greenery, fairy lights and soft draping turned the rustic barn into a magical space.
07of 32PUT A RING ON ITRachel DeebAfter reciting his vows through tears, sniffles — and lots of laughter — Ray finally slipped a wedding ring on Pearce’s finger at the direction of wedding officiant Bill Cody, who’s an announcer for theGrand Ole Opry.
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PUT A RING ON IT
After reciting his vows through tears, sniffles — and lots of laughter — Ray finally slipped a wedding ring on Pearce’s finger at the direction of wedding officiant Bill Cody, who’s an announcer for theGrand Ole Opry.
08of 32OFFICIALLY MARRIEDCarly Pearce, Bill Cody and Michael Ray.Rachel DeebCody, officiating his first wedding, had the honor of pronouncing Pearce and Ray “husband and wife.” The choice of Cody reflected the couple’s passion for the Opry. “It just feels special,” Pearce said, “because it’s kind of all-encompassing of country music and the Opry and our story. And his voice is just so sweet.”
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OFFICIALLY MARRIED
Carly Pearce, Bill Cody and Michael Ray.Rachel Deeb
Cody, officiating his first wedding, had the honor of pronouncing Pearce and Ray “husband and wife.” The choice of Cody reflected the couple’s passion for the Opry. “It just feels special,” Pearce said, “because it’s kind of all-encompassing of country music and the Opry and our story. And his voice is just so sweet.”
09of 32EVERLASTING LOVERachel DeebRay said he’s anticipating marriage will bring him “this whole other level of love,” adding, “I’m so excited to embark onthis next chapter of our lives together.” For Pearce, marriage is a confirmation that “I didn’t settle for something less than truly the person that I think was made for me.”
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EVERLASTING LOVE
Ray said he’s anticipating marriage will bring him “this whole other level of love,” adding, “I’m so excited to embark onthis next chapter of our lives together.” For Pearce, marriage is a confirmation that “I didn’t settle for something less than truly the person that I think was made for me.”
10of 32VINTAGE STYLERachel DeebPearce and her mom did most of the decor selections for the wedding, going for a look that reflected vintage and rustic tastes. The evening’s schedule featured cocktails, dinner, cake-cutting, dancing and a late-night snack.
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VINTAGE STYLE
Pearce and her mom did most of the decor selections for the wedding, going for a look that reflected vintage and rustic tastes. The evening’s schedule featured cocktails, dinner, cake-cutting, dancing and a late-night snack.
11of 32THE LOOK OF LOVERachel DeebProfessional acquaintances for years, Pearce and Ray have been a couple ever since their first date in June 2018. During an unforgettable evening at theNashville Palace, a honky tonk that’s a favorite haunt for both, the two locked eyes and knew they had met their match.“Oh, it’s her,” Rayremembers thinkingas he realized he was looking at his future wife. “It was that fast.” Pearce’s realization was simultaneous. “It was just this very certain moment,” she recalls, “more certain than I’ve ever been: ‘That is who you’re going to be with.’”
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THE LOOK OF LOVE
Professional acquaintances for years, Pearce and Ray have been a couple ever since their first date in June 2018. During an unforgettable evening at theNashville Palace, a honky tonk that’s a favorite haunt for both, the two locked eyes and knew they had met their match.
“Oh, it’s her,” Rayremembers thinkingas he realized he was looking at his future wife. “It was that fast.” Pearce’s realization was simultaneous. “It was just this very certain moment,” she recalls, “more certain than I’ve ever been: ‘That is who you’re going to be with.’”
12of 32COUPLED UPMichael Ray and Carly Pearce.Rachel DeebTime spent with family members and friends at the wedding brought the couple even closer together. “I didn’t think that I could possibly love this person more,” Pearce said, “but this weekend, I feel like we got to reconnect and got to grow together at a deeper level of commitment.”
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COUPLED UP
Michael Ray and Carly Pearce.Rachel Deeb
Time spent with family members and friends at the wedding brought the couple even closer together. “I didn’t think that I could possibly love this person more,” Pearce said, “but this weekend, I feel like we got to reconnect and got to grow together at a deeper level of commitment.”
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SOUTHERN STYLE
The newlyweds decided to go with food stations rather than a traditional, sit-down dinner. “We wanted everybody to feel comfortable,” Pearce told PEOPLE.
14of 32TABLE FOR TWORachel DeebPearce and Ray shared a table at their reception, which was decked out in floral arrangements that reflected the rustic look of the event.
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TABLE FOR TWO
Pearce and Ray shared a table at their reception, which was decked out in floral arrangements that reflected the rustic look of the event.
15of 32THE WEDDING PARTYRachel DeebThe couple selected theirsix bridesmaids,five groomsmenand best man to reflect every aspect of their lives. Among the bridesmaids were Ray’s younger sister, a songwriter and Pearce’s best friend from childhood. Among the groomsmen were Ray’s cousin, a childhood friend and two musicians from his band.The best man and groomsmen kept it dressy casual in suspenders. The bridesmaids all wore gowns in blush tones that complemented the color of their hair.
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THE WEDDING PARTY
The couple selected theirsix bridesmaids,five groomsmenand best man to reflect every aspect of their lives. Among the bridesmaids were Ray’s younger sister, a songwriter and Pearce’s best friend from childhood. Among the groomsmen were Ray’s cousin, a childhood friend and two musicians from his band.
The best man and groomsmen kept it dressy casual in suspenders. The bridesmaids all wore gowns in blush tones that complemented the color of their hair.
16of 32REASONS TO LOVEPearce said what she loves most about her new husband is “his selfless heart”: “He is constantly thinking about how to make, not only me, but the people around him happy.” For Ray, his bride is the person who “brings out the best” in him. “I just love the fact,” he says, “that she makes me wake up every day, without her even knowing, to want to always put my best foot forward.”
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REASONS TO LOVE
Pearce said what she loves most about her new husband is “his selfless heart": “He is constantly thinking about how to make, not only me, but the people around him happy.” For Ray, his bride is the person who “brings out the best” in him. “I just love the fact,” he says, “that she makes me wake up every day, without her even knowing, to want to always put my best foot forward.”
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YUMMIES
18of 32JAMAICA-BOUNDRachel DeebPearce and Ray are putting off their honeymoon until December when both have a break in their busy touring schedules. They’ll be heading toSandals Resort in Jamaica. “We are going to stay in one of those over-water bungalows, drinking all of the drinks and hanging out, and never coming back, right?” Pearce teasingly asked her husband. Ray teased back: “Yeah, I’m going to try to find a gig at a local bar.”
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JAMAICA-BOUND
Pearce and Ray are putting off their honeymoon until December when both have a break in their busy touring schedules. They’ll be heading toSandals Resort in Jamaica. “We are going to stay in one of those over-water bungalows, drinking all of the drinks and hanging out, and never coming back, right?” Pearce teasingly asked her husband. Ray teased back: “Yeah, I’m going to try to find a gig at a local bar.”
19of 32A BIT OF THE BUBBLYChris AshleeRay’s best man and groomsmen became his cheering section when he popped a champagne cork to celebrate his wedding day.
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A BIT OF THE BUBBLY
Ray’s best man and groomsmen became his cheering section when he popped a champagne cork to celebrate his wedding day.
20of 32DOLLY-ED UPRachel DeebFor the reception, Pearcechanged into a Hayley Paige-designed dress“that felt kind of like something that maybe Dolly would have worn when she got married.” The flowing skirt, with a slanted hemline, was perfect for an evening of dancing, and the overall look, Pearce said, was “a little more party-ish.”
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DOLLY-ED UP
For the reception, Pearcechanged into a Hayley Paige-designed dress“that felt kind of like something that maybe Dolly would have worn when she got married.” The flowing skirt, with a slanted hemline, was perfect for an evening of dancing, and the overall look, Pearce said, was “a little more party-ish.”
21of 32MR. AND MRS.Carly Pearce and Michael Ray with Lindsay Ell and Jake Owen in background.Rachel DeebEntering their wedding reception, Pearce and Ray soak in the applause from family members and friends, including fellow artistsLindsay EllandJake Owen(left). The couple kept their guest list small. “When you do this for a living,” Pearce said, “I feel like you either have to go big or go really small, and we really wanted it just to be about the people that know us as Carly and Michael.”
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MR. AND MRS.
Carly Pearce and Michael Ray with Lindsay Ell and Jake Owen in background.Rachel Deeb
Entering their wedding reception, Pearce and Ray soak in the applause from family members and friends, including fellow artistsLindsay EllandJake Owen(left). The couple kept their guest list small. “When you do this for a living,” Pearce said, “I feel like you either have to go big or go really small, and we really wanted it just to be about the people that know us as Carly and Michael.”
22of 32BUSTIN' A MOVERachel DeebDuring their grand entrance to the wedding reception, Pearce and Ray enjoyed showing off a few moves to their guests’ delight.
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BUSTIN' A MOVE
During their grand entrance to the wedding reception, Pearce and Ray enjoyed showing off a few moves to their guests’ delight.
23of 32STAR WEDDING SINGERJake Owen.Rachel DeebHitmakerJake Owenserenaded the couple for their first dance with “Made for You,” a romantic ballad off his latest album. Raymade the ask months ago: “I told him the date, and he immediately went to his calendar, and was like, ‘I’m in. I would love to. I’ve never been a wedding singer before.’ So it all worked.”
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STAR WEDDING SINGER
Jake Owen.Rachel Deeb
HitmakerJake Owenserenaded the couple for their first dance with “Made for You,” a romantic ballad off his latest album. Raymade the ask months ago: “I told him the date, and he immediately went to his calendar, and was like, ‘I’m in. I would love to. I’ve never been a wedding singer before.’ So it all worked.”
24of 32FIRST DANCERachel DeebNeither Ray nor Pearce consider themselves good slow dancers, and Pearce predicted before the wedding that their first dance would be “like the step-touch that you did in high school.” As it turned out, the dance was a highlight for the couple. “I cried a lot,” Ray said.
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FIRST DANCE
Neither Ray nor Pearce consider themselves good slow dancers, and Pearce predicted before the wedding that their first dance would be “like the step-touch that you did in high school.” As it turned out, the dance was a highlight for the couple. “I cried a lot,” Ray said.
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TIERED UP
The cake.Rachel Deeb
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DON’T YOU DARE
27of 32TAKING THE CAKERachel DeebOn the other hand, Pearce had no trouble decorating her new husband’s face with a little cake and icing.
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TAKING THE CAKE
On the other hand, Pearce had no trouble decorating her new husband’s face with a little cake and icing.
28of 32SWEETEST KISSRachel DeebPearce finished off the cake smash with a smooch, in case there was any doubt it was all in good fun.
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SWEETEST KISS
Pearce finished off the cake smash with a smooch, in case there was any doubt it was all in good fun.
29of 32SMASH HITCarly Pearce and Michael Ray.Rachel DeebOf course, Pearce also knew that the prank was in keeping with Ray’s own sense of humor. “I don’t think a lot of people know, but he’s one of the funniest, if not the funniest person I’ve ever met in my life,” Pearce said.
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SMASH HIT
Carly Pearce and Michael Ray.Rachel Deeb
Of course, Pearce also knew that the prank was in keeping with Ray’s own sense of humor. “I don’t think a lot of people know, but he’s one of the funniest, if not the funniest person I’ve ever met in my life,” Pearce said.
30of 32SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLECarly Pearce and Michael Ray.Rachel DeebThe expression says it all: Pearce simply couldn’t help herself when it came to this dubious wedding tradition.
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SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE
The expression says it all: Pearce simply couldn’t help herself when it came to this dubious wedding tradition.
31of 32ON THE GUEST LISTMichael Ray, Lindsay Ell and Carly Pearce.Chris Ashlee Photos“Criminal” singerLindsay Ellwas one of the few faces familiar to country fans at the wedding. Both Ell and Pearce were in CMT’s Next Women of Country class of 2017. Ell also included a Pearce co-write, “Always Kiss the Girl,” on her 2017 album,The Project.
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ON THE GUEST LIST
Michael Ray, Lindsay Ell and Carly Pearce.Chris Ashlee Photos
“Criminal” singerLindsay Ellwas one of the few faces familiar to country fans at the wedding. Both Ell and Pearce were in CMT’s Next Women of Country class of 2017. Ell also included a Pearce co-write, “Always Kiss the Girl,” on her 2017 album,The Project.
32of 32HAPPILY EVER AFTERRachel DeebPearce and Ray are eagerly looking forward to a lifetime together. “I hope that in 50 years I can look at this person and love him more than I do now, which is a whole lot,” Pearce told PEOPLE. When Ray imagines the distant future, he said he hopes “there will be another country couple that looks at our story and sees that, through it all, we still kept each other first.”
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HAPPILY EVER AFTER
Pearce and Ray are eagerly looking forward to a lifetime together. “I hope that in 50 years I can look at this person and love him more than I do now, which is a whole lot,” Pearce told PEOPLE. When Ray imagines the distant future, he said he hopes “there will be another country couple that looks at our story and sees that, through it all, we still kept each other first.”
source: people.com
