Taking Vows: Russell-Bussard
In the spring of 2021, Dara Russell and Mike Bussard were introduced by mutual friends. After dating for a year, Mike proposed on a fall 2022 getaway to Asheville, North Carolina. “We were tasting wine at the Biltmore Winery,” said Dara, “when he began telling me all the reasons he loved me, got down on one knee and popped the question.”
They married in July 2023 on the lawn of The Chattooga Club in Cashiers, North Carolina, with the Rev. Rodney McClain officiating. Nashville singer-songwriter and family friend Amy Stroup played the guitar and performed her song “Hold Onto Hope Love” to open the ceremony, and Carolina Music Planner presented violin and cello pieces throughout the ceremony, cocktails and dinner.
“One of the most joyful parts of the ceremony,” said Dara, “was having our four adult children stand up for us.” Dara’s daughters are Warner Dickson and Laine Dickson, and Mike’s children are son AJ Bussard and daughter Morgan Bussard. Sister of the bride Rebecca Howard was matron of honor, while Rebecca’s daughter River was the flower girl, and her son John did a reading.
Dara wore a gown by Romona Keveza, and her bridesmaids wore light blue tulle dresses by Jenny Yoo. They all carried blue and white bouquets by Meghan Lock, who arranged all florals for the event.
The reception was in an outdoor pavilion, where guests enjoyed a seated three-course dinner featuring sautéed trout and braised beef. In lieu of a wedding cake, there was a dessert bar including banana pudding verrines, key lime tarts, chocolate brownies and peach shortcakes. Preston Prince played ’80s tunes — perfect for dancing the night away.
The couple lives in Brentwood. Dara, a graduate of Baylor University with an M.A. from Belmont University, is a marriage and family therapist at Nashville Family Therapy. Mike has an M.S. from Northwest Missouri State University and is regional vice president at Pacific Life Insurance Company. Parents are Anne and Joe Russell of Nashville, and Gary and the late Betty Bussard of Tarkio, Missouri.
