This Spring, Nashville’s Independent Radio set out to prove that nothing, not even a global pandemic, could cancel love. From April 15th to May 15th, couples across Nashville submitted their entries to “From This Steam Forward” for a chance to win a virtual wedding. From there, we turned it over to you to decide. After thousands of votes from all over the world, Kayla Witty and Nathan Schneider emerged as Music City’s favorite lovebirds.
Kayla and Nathan have an incredibly unique relationship––ranging from a 5-year engagement to traveling the world together––so it was only fitting that the couple finally said “I do” during a global pandemic. The winners of #FromThisStreamForward received hundreds of votes from across the world to tie the knot in the virtual wedding of their dreams. With over five thousand viewers, and all their love & support, Mr. & Mrs. Nathan Schneider would make their debut to the world on Sunday, May 24. Time was of the essence, and Kayla quickly made plans with help from LVD Bridal, The Party Line, and T Villager Designs.
The day began at Riverwood Mansion with set-up by PioPlay’s camera crew. As the crew got set, the happy couple posed for their wedding portraits with Details Nashville on the sprawling lawn. They are radiant. As the clock ticked down to the ceremony’s start, viewers watched Kayla and Nathan’s heart-warming reaction to the exact moment that Lightning 100 announced them as the winning couple. The viewers were then transported to the venue via a virtual tour of the premises.
Thousands of loved ones (and some just happy to watch love persevere) then watched as the bride walked down the aisle to her groom, featuring a one-of-a-kind recording of “If We Were Vampires” by Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires. Strangers and friends alike were bound to get teary-eyed as they witnessed the unfaltering love and happiness emitting from the couples’ smiles. Lightning 100’s very own Lt. Dan Buckley ordained their wedding, and had the honor of officially introducing them to the world as husband and wife.
Just a few days prior, Nathan and Kayla had requested “The One Thing” by Gabe Dixon for their first dance song. But they had no idea that Gabe would actually be live-streaming a special message and acoustic performance just for them.
“You’re the one thing I did right / God knows I’ve been wrong a million times / But you’re the one thing I did right.”
Gabe Dixon, lyrics from “The One Thing”
The couple’s performance company, The Young Americans, closed out the ceremony by virtually serenading them with an acapella version of “We Wish You Love,” instantly bringing tears to their eyes. The performance is a wedding tradition among the alumni, and physical distance could not stop the newlyweds’ closest friends from sending in a unique video version as a surprise for the Schneiders.
Kayla and Nathan’s friends & family were also able to virtually send them love & well wishes for their future. A common theme among the messages was that no couple was better suited or more deserving of such an unconventionally beautiful wedding, and the entire team here at Lightning 100 completely agrees.
If you would like to wish Mr. and Mrs. Schneider congratulations, or to experience their love yourself, you can still watch the big day on-demand below:
And of course, don’t forget to contribute to their registry. Keep scrolling to see the wedding gallery and their virtual guestbook!
