Chuck Rapp and Joseph Gregory met in 1989 at an event called Heart Strings — a fundraiser for AIDS support organizations. “For nearly 34 years, we have been discussing the potential of marriage, but always agreed we didn’t need it,” said Chuck. “Then one day last spring, Joseph came home from work, sat down on the sofa in our living room and asked if I thought we should get married.” Chuck was shocked — pleasantly so. “I had been hoping for marriage for years,” he said.

Joseph and Chuck married October 28, 2023, on The Veranda at The Hermitage Hotel with Reverend Billy Henderson officiating. Since all parents are deceased, they asked two “lady friends” to escort them down the aisle. The couple wore golden-wheat-colored dinner jackets with black slacks and colored ties. Their two best men wore traditional black tuxedos.

Following the ceremony, The Hermitage Hotel chef offered guests the choice of beef tenderloin, glazed salmon or chicken breast stuffed with sun-dried tomatoes and mushrooms. The Nashville Blue Tones played an assortment of jazz during dinner and disco for dancing afterward. 

“We requested a groom’s cake from Dessert Designs,” said Chuck. “It was flavored with Grand Marnier, covered by dark chocolate icing and had edible gold cascading down the sides.”

LMA Designs created floral arrangements in fall colors, featuring three kinds of orchids and red hydrangeas. Alice Hendry helped organize everything.

The couple engaged painter Heidi Schwartz to paint the event as it happened. “What a gift she has,” said Chuck.

Chuck is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and the retired former director of admissions at Cumberland Heights. His parents were Dr. and Mrs. Harold Rapp of Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

Joseph studied music business at Belmont University and is an appearance stylist to the music industry. His parents were Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Gregory of Louisville, Kentucky.