Russell Bates and Ben Scott met through mutual friends in Nashville in August 2019. Russell proposed in Cabo San Lucas over dinner at Sunset Monalisa. They celebrated with a bottle of Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé.

The wedding took place in November 2022 under a tent in the Wills Perennial Garden at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens in Nashville. Reverend Guy Griffith officiated, and saxophonist Tim Coleman played wedding music. “The ceremony was perfect,” said Ben. “The weather and rain cleared up to create an exceptional fall evening that was crisp, but comfortable.”

Russell and Ben both wore custom Canali tuxedos and Eton tuxedo shirts from Levy’s. Their Charvet bow ties and Tom Ford shoes were from Bergdorf Goodman, and they both sported cufflinks and studs designed by David Yurman and watches by Breitling.

Groomsmaids wore black luxe chiffon dresses by Jenny Yoo. They carried white orchids and white roses by LMA Designs, who created all florals for the occasion. High Tone Entertainment, I Love This Band, and DJ Drew Bennett brought the tunes for dinner and dancing at the reception in Cheekwood Mansion and the Swan Lawn beyond. 

The Clean Plate Club catered the dinner, and Bruce Pittman Inc. Weddings & Social Events planned the event. “Bruce did a fabulous job of creating a warm and welcome cocktail hour for us,” said Ben. “We had a stunning champagne tower as a main feature along with our gorgeous cake by Dessert Designs. And of course, we served the signature cocktail in our house, Lychee Martinis.”

After a wedding trip to Positano and Venice in Italy, the couple returned to their home in Belle Meade. Russell, a graduate of Lipscomb University, is an audit partner at Deloitte, while Ben, an alumnus of University of Louisville, is district director of operations for Brookdale Senior Living. Parents are Jerry and Linda Bates of Centerville, Tennessee, and David and Karen Scott of Louisville, Kentucky.