It finally happened! Carly Pearce and Michael Ray tied the knot yesterday!
Ray, 31, and Pearce, 29, launched their lifetime collaboration on Sunday before about 100 family members and friends on a Nashville-area farm, PEOPLE confirms exclusively.
According to People:
Ray, 31, and Pearce, 29, launched their lifetime collaboration on Sunday before about 100 family members and friends on a Nashville-area farm, PEOPLE confirms exclusively.
The wedding took place at Drakewood Farm, about 15 miles north of downtown Nashville. Located on 40 rolling acres, the venue features a 19th-century mansion, three barns and a pavilion.
It all seemed to offer the vibe that Pearce was looking for: “Earthy and whimsical and romantic and elements of country.” Though the couple had hoped for an outdoor wedding, the weather didn’t oblige. All-day rainstorms drove the ceremony into one of the farm’s charming barns.
Ray insisted on waiting until Pearce walked down the aisle to see her for the first time as his bride. She surprised him with an untraditional gown featuring a high neckline, full-length sleeves, and a short pencil skirt cloaked in a full-length piece of sheer lace. “I just wanted a dress that felt very unique to me,” she said of the Samantha Sleeper design.
The couple exchanged vows they’d written themselves during the emotional ceremony, which was officiated by Bill Cody, a country radio DJ and announcer at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry. The choice reflects Pearce and Ray’s passion for the Opry. “It just feels special,” said Pearce, “because it’s kind of all-encompassing of country music and the Opry and our story. And his voice is just so sweet.”
The guest list turned out to be short on celebrity names with “Criminal” singer Lindsay Ell perhaps the only recognizable name to most country fans. “We really wanted it just to be about the people that know us as Carly and Michael,” Pearce said.
Pearce and Ray brought in some star talent for their first dance: Jake Owen serenaded the couple with “Made for You,” a romantic ballad off his latest album. Ray made the ask a few 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.”
Congrats to Carly and Michael! We can't wait to see more pictures and hear more about it!