Heartland Meadows

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Lillian & Ryan: A Love to Remember

Ryan and I met in 2019. We matched on Bumble, a dating app, and we began to talk. He asked me what my favorite food was, to which I replied sushi. I remember him being thrilled because sushi was also his favorite and he said he hadn’t found anyone else who liked sushi. So, he invited me out to sushi for our first date. We met at a restaurant in Turkey Creek; Kabuki. 	This was the first date I had ever been on that made my stomach flutter and my face red. I was nervous, which was unlike me. There I was, sitting in a booth across from a handsome young man with thick brown hair, green eyes, and a smile that made me giddy. His voice was assertive, yet his words were soft and alluring. I learned quickly that he was a talker; as was I. He told me that he was an EMT which I had already known from the pictures on his dating profile. I was never one for men in uniform, except for him for whatever reason. He was an outlier. I can’t remember what all was said between us that day, but I do remember that I walked out knowing that he was the man I was going to marry. 	Him and I fell hard for each other and dated for two years. We had shared an abundance of love and spent all of our time together. Then we got our first apartment; a one bed, one bath in Maryville, Tennessee. We loved it. We ended up adopting two fur babies as well; Oren and Bagherra. We enjoyed having our own space together and having our friends over. Things were great, and then I fell on hard times which led to a lot of strain on our relationship. We ended up separating which was extremely difficult for both of us. 	We keep in contact every now and then after a long moment of silence, but we were both on different paths in our lives. In 2022 I fell extremely ill. I had contacted Ryan about what was going on and how I was not doing well. He came and got me and took me to the hospital. Turns out I was in active heart failure with an active pulmonary embolism. If he hadn’t gotten me to the hospital when he did, I would have died. He saved my life despite all we have been through. He helped get me back on my feet as I recovered and then we parted ways again so we could each continue to grow. 	In 2024, we reconnected. We got to know each other again. While being in each other's presence felt familiar, we were different people. We were grown and matured; no longer kids. We had forgiven each other for our faults and became friends. We had both accepted that the fate of our relationship was as friends instead of partners; so we thought. After a couple months, we both faced a dilemma. The dilemma being: that we both still had love for each other. After some consideration, and communication we decided to try to make our relationship work. 	It has now been two years since we have gotten back together. He proposed to me on December 21st, 2025. Through forgiveness, perseverance, and commitment we have created a relationship that has been proven to withstand in times of great turmoil. Ryan and I’s relationship isn’t just love. It stands as a strong example of unbreakable union.

Our Story

Photos

A great friend and a welcome addition to the family, Ally is Lillian's little brother’s girlfriend with a true steadying spirit. She’s been incredibly supportive throughout wedding planning, jumping in with ideas, hands-on help, and a cheerful can-do attitude. We’re so grateful she’s part of our celebration in Knoxville on November 7, 2026.

Ally McCombs

Mother of the Maid of Honor. 
Warm, sweet, and full of fun—she’s always up for a laugh and brings kindness to every room. We’re so glad she’ll be celebrating with us in Knoxville on November 7, 2026.

Rebecca McCombs

Mother-in-Law of the Bride. 
Sandie Freeman has been a consistent, loving presence, since Lillian has joined the family. In Lillian's hardest of times, Sandie gave her the mom she needed.  She’s excited to celebrate in Knoxville and proud to stand beside Lillian on November 7, 2026.

Sandie Freeman

Daughter of Sandie Stafford. She welcomed Lillian into the family with open arms and is full of personality; Lillian is so excited to have her as a sister‑in‑law and to celebrate with her in Knoxville on November 7, 2026.

Jamie Stafford

Lillian and Sarah have been close friends for about nine years. Whether she’s right next door or six and a half hours away, Sarah is always there—attentive, reliable, and full of wisdom. She is a vital role model to Lillian and has been her rock during the toughest moments. Lillian couldn’t imagine celebrating the day without her by her side in Knoxville on November 7, 2026.

Sarah Waters

Lizzie and Lillian have been close friends for the past ten years after meeting at work when Lillian was in high school; they’ve been inseparable ever since. Lizzie is the sister Lillian never had — fiercely loyal, endlessly supportive, and always ready with an adventure. Lillian is so grateful to have her standing beside her in Knoxville on November 7, 2026.

Lizzie Mowery

John Jones

Jacob Mendez

Hayden Beasley 

Cody Edwards

Terry Smith

Scott Stafford 

Wedding Party

What to Wear to a Semi-Formal Wedding

41 Sites to Buy Wedding Guest Dresses

The 15 Best Places to Buy a Suit

Polished but comfortable- Sunday Best

Dress Code

Q + A

Drury Inn & Suites Knoxville West

Hyatt Place Knoxville/Downtown has a fitness center, shared lounge, a terrace and restaurant in Knoxville. With free WiFi, this 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and an ATM. The property is half a mile from the city center and a few steps from East Tennessee History Center. All rooms at the hotel come with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with free toiletries and a hairdryer. All guest rooms will provide guests with a fridge. The breakfast offers buffet, continental or American options. There's an in-house bar and guests can also use the business area. Popular points of interest near Hyatt Place Knoxville/Downtown include Market Square, Knoxville Convention Center and University of Tennessee Neyland Stadium. McGhee Tyson Airport is 11 miles from the property.

Hyatt Place Knoxville Downtown

Just 3 blocks away from the fine dining, local shops and entertainment of downtown Knoxville, this hotel offers traditional southern hospitality with contemporary amenities, including an on-site restaurant and bar. Free WiFi is available. Every room at The Tennessean Hotel provides a 55-inch flat-screen HDTV with premium cable channels and a radio with Bluetooth connectivity. A small refrigerator and coffee machine are also included. The Drawing Room offers a rotating seasonal menu featuring fresh farm-to-table fare. Guests can enjoy a European breakfast in the morning or hand-crafted cocktails, fine liquor and small plates in the evening. The 24-hour front desk concierge service is available to assist in providing insights and resources for experiencing all the city has to offer. University of Tennessee is a 4-minute drive away from the hotel. Market Square and Old City are both less than 0.9 mi away.

THE TENNESSEAN Hotel

Travel

Tanger Outlets Sevierville — A large outlet mall with a wide mix of brand-name shops, food options, and seasonal sales; about an hour from Knoxville.

Tanger Outlets Sevierville

Dollywood — Tennessee’s beloved theme park with rides, live music, craft demonstrations, and seasonal festivals; great for families and groups. Located in Pigeon Forge (2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd), it offers roller coasters, a kid-friendly area, dining options, and regular events—call (800) 365-5996 or visit https://www.dollywood.com/ for hours and tickets.

Dollywood

Gatlinburg SkyPark — Scenic open-air chairlift to an 1,800‑ft overlook with panoramic Smoky Mountains views; at the top enjoy walking trails, an observation deck, seasonal wildflower displays, and a café. Located at 765 Parkway, Gatlinburg; call (865) 436-4307 or visit http://www.gatlinburgskypark.com/ for hours and seasonal events.

Gatlinburg SkyPark

Market Square — A pedestrian-only hub steps from downtown Knoxville (18 Market Square) filled with outdoor patios, local eateries, coffee shops, and boutique stores. Seasonal farmers’ markets, live music, and community events give it the city’s lively, friendly vibe—perfect for a relaxed meal, people-watching, or grabbing a coffee before exploring nearby shops; call (865) 215-4248 or visit the city’s Market Square page for event schedules.

Market Square

Knox Box Karaoke — Lively downtown karaoke bar with a welcoming, feel-good vibe where guests can sing together or watch local talent; great for late-night groups and celebrating after the reception. Located at 522 S Gay St Unit 102, Knoxville; call (865) 240-4183 or visit https://www.knoxboxkaraoke.com/ for booking and hours.

Lillian & Ryan

Lillian & Ryan

Dress Code

SEMI-FORMAL

Ideas & Advice