BRIDALBLISS
Lexington, Kentucky Vol. 5 • WEDDING PUBLICATION • FREE
Lindsay Whiting Photography
Aesthetiica Photography
FLOWERS + COORDINATING
Chris Cornwell Photographer
859-494-2209 | www.dougsmithdesigns.com | info@dougsmithdesigns.com
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Maria Montgomery 859.583.5393 maria121@buildabride.com
www.buildabride.com/maria-montgomery 4 • BRIDAL BLISS MAGAZINE
Bridal Bliss Classic Shannon Christie
Simply Love Studio Sarah Burton
Brdial Bliss Designer Jillian Jones
Creative Intern
Thank you for allowing Bridal Bliss Magazine to guide you through your wedding planning process for the past two years. We are so honored when we hear feedback and wedding stories from vendors and couples that have connected because of the magazine. Volume 5 is full of laughter, first looks, tears of joy and a fabulous vendor directory of local wedding professionals. If you want to bring Bridal Bliss Magazine to life check out Simply Love Studio, Lexington’s very own wedding resource center and our bridal show, Bridal Bliss Classic on January 6th at Hilton Lexington/Downtown. We can’t wait to meet you in person! WANT TO SEE YOUR BIG DAY IN
Sarah & Shannon
BRIDALBLISS? VISIT OUR WEBSITE BRIDALBLISSMAGAZINE.COM FOR SUBMISSION FORMS. PHOTOS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER. WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOUR PICS!
Allison Meade Bridal Bliss Magazine Volume 5, Winter 2019. Published semi-annually by Bridal Bliss Classic, LLC. P.O. Box 235, Georgetown, IN 47122. Copyright © 2018/2019. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reprinted without written permission. Bridal Bliss is a registered trademark of Bridal Bliss Classic, LLC. All Blissful Weddings are provided by photographers with contractual option and ownership as granted by those in photographs. All Bridal Advice is provided by those deemed expert professionals in their field of work. Due to submission from all creative contributors, all work is considered credible. Bridal Bliss Classic, LLC is not responsible for errors or omissions. It is the policy of Bridal Bliss Magazine to only publish the names of Vendors who offer their services in a professional capacity. Vendors who cannot be located with a website or other online search options will not be printed for publication. Our focus is on local weddings in Lexington, vendors whose primary location is outside of the Lexington geographical area may not be printed for publication. Bridal Bliss Magazine
reserves the right to alter or omit professional listings for the sake of publication. Bridal Bliss is not responsible for professional or photo credit omitted by the submitting expert for content or advertising purposes. Bridal Bliss Magazine serves as a resource of vendors. While Bridal Bliss, LLC believes the vendors included are professional and credible, Bridal Bliss, LLC and Bridal Bliss Magazine will, in no way, be held responsible for damages, refunds or non-performance by professionals featured within our pages with whom an individual might have an independent contract. All inquires can be sent to: Bridal Bliss Classic, LLC. Attn: Magazine. P.O. Box 235, Georgetown, IN 47122. 859-457-0824. Letters submitted to the editor will be considered for publication. By submitting a letter, you grant Bridal Bliss Magazine the right to edit for clarity and publication rights.
BRIDAL BLISS MAGAZINE • 5
Winter 2019
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Wedding Bliss 10 20 28 34 40 46 52 56 62 66 70 76 96 102 108 114 120 122 128 132 140 6 • BRIDAL BLISS MAGAZINE
Bridal Advice Madeline & Danny Hannah & Cody Abbie & Chris Meredith & Corey Rhea & Chad Janet & Kevin Courtney & Patrick Lauren & Cameron Courtney & Joe Michelle & Mohamed Ellie & Blake Kylie & Mason Danielle & Sladyn Alana & Christian Erin & Mike Erin & Matt Embry & Christopher Dani & Ben Marlee & Hayden Keely & Derek Brie & TJ
26 32 44 50 61 74 100 106 118 126
Choosing Your Bridal Hair & Makeup First Look vs. Traditional Look Rehearsal Dinners Pets in Wedding Festivities Healthy Habits Selecting a Wedding Venue 5 Wedding Planning Tips Wedding DJ and MC Picking The Perfect Getting Ready Location Beauty, Elegance, Uniqueness & Regality
Venue Map & Vendor Directory 82 84 86 87 87 88 88 89 89 90 90 90 91 91 91 92 93 93 94 94 94 95
Lexington Venues Venues Outside of Lexington Cakes & Sweets Catering Dancing Intruction Disc Jockeys Florals & Designs Formal Wear Gifts Hair & Makeup Health & Wellness Invitations & Calligraphy Music & Entertainment Officiants Photo Booths Photographers Planners Rentals Resource Center & Show Travel & Honeymoon Venues Videography
Special Features 38 80 127 146 147
Proposal Story: Katie & Matt Blissful Boutonniere Bridal Bliss Table Contest Proposal Story: Kaylee & Sam Volume 4 Launch Party
ON THE COVER Photographer: Willie Wilson Photography Venue: The Mane on Main
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MARIAH•MATT Photographer: Kevin and Anna Photography Venue: Ashford Acres Inn Dress: Meant To Be Boutique BRIDAL BLISS MAGAZINE • 7
“Lexington’s Venue with a View”
Located on the 15th floor of Chase Bank in downtown Lexington, the view from The Mane on Main is stunning. Floor to ceiling windows give a panoramic view of the entire city that is beautiful during the day and breathtaking in the evening. Separate rooms throughout the venue make The Mane a great place for not only your rehearsal dinner but your wedding ceremony as well. The Mane also has a bridal suite in the venue for your convenience. Rental fees for the Mane vary depending on time of year and always include tables and chairs for up to 250 guests. The Mane has exclusive catering with dupree catering + events.
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CONTACT Heather Martin - Venue Coordinator 859.231.0464 heather@themaneonmain.com www.themaneonmain.com Check out Facebook and Instagram for the latest event photos!
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ABBIE•CHRIS MADELINE•DANNY rainwater Willie Wilsonphotography Photography
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ENGAGEMENT: 8 Months STARTING BUDGET: $30,000 ENDING BUDGET: $50,000 STARTING GUEST COUNT: 300 ENDING GUEST COUNT: 400 FIRST LOOK: Yes! FIRST DANCE SONG: “Sweetest Devotion” – Adele
FAVORITE PART OF THE PLANNING PROCESS: I loved working with my planner! I loved the collaboration we had together. She saw the same vision I was seeing! LOVE STORY: Danny and I met at work. When he started I told my boss how cute he was, but thought nothing more of it. I was in charge of the office-wide March Madness brackets, he eventually invited me to go see KSR at a live remote. I thought it was a date, but I don’t think he did. It wasn’t until a few months later we really connected at the company Christmas party and the rest is history! IMPORTANT ELEMENTS: Having a religious ceremony was incredibly important to us, but I also wanted it to be personal. Second: pictures. I wanted beautiful, classic photography. After we met Willie Wilson the first time we both got in the car and said, “this is it!” It felt like we had known him for years. From a décor standpoint I knew I wanted big, beautiful, unique, wintery centerpieces and a cascading bouquet! I explained to Danny that he was not going to like how much flowers cost, but that they were just part of it!
PHOTOGRAPHER:
HAIR:
Willie Wilson Photography
PinkLouLou Design Studio
CEREMONY VENUE:
MAKEUP:
Christ Church Cathedral
Makeup by Kristin Gray and
RECEPTION VENUE:
PinkLouLou Design Studio
The Mane on Main
HONEYMOON:
GROOM’S ATTIRE:
All Inclusive Outlet
Stuart Mercer Gentleman’s Shoppe
VIDEOGRAPHER:
GROOMSMEN ATTIRE:
Progressive Photography
Macy’s
HOTEL ROOM BLOCK:
FULL SERVICE WEDDING
Hilton Lexington / Downtown
PLANNER:
BRIDESMAID GIFTS:
Natural Endeavors
Kendra Scott
CATERER:
REHEARSAL DINNER LOCATION:
Dupree Catering + Events
Nick Ryan’s
CAKE:
BRIDAL SHOWER LOCATION:
Tinker’s Cake Shop
Shakespeare and Co.
STATIONERY:
REGISTRY:
Cardinal and Straw Fine Paper
Anthropologie and Macy’s
Goods
RINGS:
FLORALS:
Rivard Fine Jewelry
Natural Endeavors
ALTERATIONS:
RENTALS:
The Needle’s Eye Alterations
Bryant’s Rent-All
DANCE LESSONS: Arthur Murray Dance Studio
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WOW your wedding guests with the food and gracious service of
Dupree Catering + Events - proudly hailed by many as the “best food in Lexington.” Executive Chef Janey Thompson leads a talented team that creates delicious, made from scratch, locally sourced farm-to-table food for every event. Whether you need catering for your engagement party, bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, or wedding reception - check us out for the best dining experience ever!
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Please visit dupreecatering.com to meet our team, see a list of venues and check out a few sample menus. Customized menus are always available. Contact dupreecatering.com 859.231.0464
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ABBIE•CHRIS HANNAH•CODY rainwater photography Dana Rogers Photography
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ENGAGEMENT: 11 Months STARTING BUDGET: $13,000 ENDING BUDGET: $21,000 STARTING GUEST COUNT: 215 ENDING GUEST COUNT: 190 FIRST LOOK: No FIRST DANCE: “Our Love”- Judah and the Lions HASHTAG: #TurningLane FAVORITE PART OF THE PLANNING PROCESS: Spending time with my mom and aunt, we had a blast! CHOOSING A VENUE: We love vintage homes! We wanted Cody’s family to come to town and experience the beautiful south, so we found Berry Hill Mansion (5 mins from our new home) and figured it was fate. IMPORTANT ELEMENTS: Just being present and being surrounded by people you truly love and people who truly love you. Having all of our family and friends who traveled from ALL over be there to show support was priceless, and truly made our day a dream.
PHOTOGRAPHER:
MAKEUP:
Dana Rogers Photography
Morgan Karr
CEREMONY & RECEPTION VENUE:
TRANSPORTATION:
Berry Hill Mansion
Gold Shield Transportation
SUITS:
VIDEOGRAPHER:
Crittenden Rawlings
Eppic Films
CATERER:
HOTEL ROOM BLOCK:
City Barbecue & Sweet Lilu’s
Capital Plaza Hotel
WEDDING CAKE:
REHEARSAL DINNER CATERER:
Sweet Lilu’s
Gumbo Ya Ya
GROOM’S CAKE:
BRIDAL SHOWER LOCATION:
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Holly Hill Inn
DJ:
BRIDAL SHOW ATTENDED:
A To Z Productions Mobile DJ
Bridal Bliss Classic
FLORALS:
REGISTRY:
Wild Roots
Pottery Barn and
RENTALS:
Bed Bath & Beyond
Oasis Productions
LIGHTING:
HAIR:
Oasis Productions
Dominique Danielak
Choosing your Bridal Hair & Makeup
Bri Swain & Sarah Zabawa Owners of GlamLex Events Kristin D. Photography Choosing hair & makeup styles for your wedding day is stressful. No one understands the amount of pressure women have today to look like the brides you see all over your Pinterest boards. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Let’s start from the beginning! What do you want your hair & makeup to look like? Do you want a rustic undone look with messy textures & flowers? What about an over the top fully glammed out smoky eye to go along with your bold & elegant wedding theme? These are the critical questions that need to be brought to light & not put on the back burner until the last second. The wedding day look is solely based off the entire ensemble of the bridal hair & makeup. In addition, the bridesmaid’s hair & makeup will play off of what you choose for yourself. Coming to a decision early on & consulting with your stylists will help you achieve that swoon worthy wedding look, every soon to be bride will be talking about for years to come. The number one thing we see as professional bridal stylists is that our brides are dependent on outside viewpoints of others. Whether it is family members, close friends or even friends on Facebook you haven’t talked to since high school (seriously, it’s happened)! No matter what anyone says your hair & makeup should be based off your own tastes, over all style & personal preferences. Try to stay in your comfort zone while you are swiping through style choices online. Look for photos that have similar hair colors, thickness & length. Not all hairstyles look the same on every person. Same goes for makeup, try to find makeup pictures that are your skin tone, face shape & whether you want a heavy glam or a soft natural look. Our job as stylists is to create the look that is exactly what you dreamed of & offer helpful advice along the way. Sometimes we can take two or three elements of different hair or makeup styles that you love & combine 26 • BRIDAL BLISS MAGAZINE
them to make one really beautiful look that is tailored to your needs. The main thing to do is trust your stylists; they are there to help you decide on what will work best for you. A smart thing to consider is to schedule a bridal trial with your stylists prior to the wedding day. The advantage of a bridal trial is to give you the opportunity to get a sneak preview of the entire bridal look before you say, I Do! During the trial you can go over different hair styles & makeup trends that you like & experiment in a stress-free environment. On the day of you will not be worrying about the outcome. Trials are a life savor! Can you imagine how nice it would be if you were picking out your venue & you could already see the whole place decorated prior to putting your deposit down? That’s basically
what a trial is for you bridal ladies, getting the whole experience before the day. Now the focus can move away from your gorgeous new look & more on the other dynamics of the wedding. You hired your stylist team for a reason so trust their advice it will make the process go a lot smoother. Bridal hair & makeup should not be a worry or a stress for your big day. Regardless of what you choose don’t let others or social media influence your opinions. Trust your stylist, do those bridal trials & we promise you will not be worrying about hair or makeup anymore. As stylists we want to help you feel confident & radiant so when you walk down that aisle you will feel like the gorgeous bride you are before you say I do!
CAPTURE THE MAGIC OF THE MOMENT.
Treat your wedding like the adventure it is, with experience-driven images and instant film. Get more than just photos on your special day. Tell your love story with images that keep the heart beating. For a taste of my recent love stories, visit danarogersphoto.com
@danascamera
@lovers_film BRIDAL BLISS MAGAZINE • 27
ABBIE•CHRIS Rainwater photography Photography rainwater
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ENGAGEMENT: 12 MONTHS STARTING BUDGET: $23,000 ENDING BUDGET: $31,000 STARTING GUEST COUNT: 130 ENDING GUEST COUNT: 150 FIRST LOOK: Yes
FIRST DANCE: “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran
HASHTAG: #guskeyingdowntheaisle
FAVORITE PART OF THE PLANNING PROCESS: Tastings!
CHOOSING A VENUE: The Signature Club of Lansdowne had plenty of room for our expected guests, beautiful furnishings, and a dance floor to die for. When we found it, I immediately knew it was the perfect place to celebrate the start of our marriage with our closest friends and family!
ADVICE: Take time to invest in pre-marital counseling. Trust me, you will grow closer as a couple and the time to connect as just the two of you will be priceless. Also, utilize Sarah at Simply Love Studio! We would’ve been so lost without her recommendations.
PHOTOGRAPHER:
TRANSPORTATION:
Rainwater Photography
Gold Shield Transportation
CEREMONY VENUE:
VIDEOGRAPHER:
Central Christian Church
Colin Merritt Wedding Films
RECEPTION VENUE:
HOTEL ROOM BLOCK:
The Signature Club of Lansdowne
Hilton Lexington/Downtown
TUXEDOS:
BRIDESMAID GIFTS:
Geno’s Formal Affair
Belles of the Bluegrass and Things
MONTH OF COORDINATOR:
Remembered
The Bride’s Assistant
RECEPTION FAVORS:
WEDDING RESOURCE CENTER:
Donation to Boyle County Animal
Simply Love Studio
Shelter
CATERER:
PHOTO BOOTH:
Type A Catering
Art House Photo Booth
CAKE:
REHEARSAL DINNER LOCATION:
Tinker’s Cake Shop
Nick Ryan’s
DJ:
BRIDAL SHOW ATTENDED:
KY Sounds
Bridal Bliss Winter Classic and
STATIONERY:
Bridal Bliss Evening Classic
The Bride’s Assistant
REGISTRY:
FLORALS:
Bed Bath & Beyond
The Bride’s Assistant and J. Lynn
WEDDING RINGS:
Designs
Shelia Bayes Fine Jewelers
RENTALS:
LIGHTING:
Purdon’s Rental & Sales
KY Sounds
HAIR & MAKEUP: Something Blue
First Look vs. Traditional Look
WHY WOULD YOU DO ONE OVER THE OTHER?
Cindy Dover Cindy Dover Photography One question you may be asked during your initial photography consultation is, “Are you planning on seeing each other before the ceremony?” The reason a photographer asks this question will help to decide how much time you need for photography coverage on your wedding day. WHAT IS A FIRST LOOK? The First Look is a newer tradition allowing the couple to have a private moment together to see each other for the first time before the ceremony. You have the opportunity to hug, kiss, reflect, pray and cry without an audience. It makes timing in the day much more relaxed and less stressful. WHAT IS A TRADITIONAL LOOK? The Traditional Look is when the Groom sees the Bride for the first time as she walks down the aisle. It used to be thought of as bad luck to see the bride before the wedding. This tradition dates back to when there were arranged marriages as a business deal between the families. This prevented the couple from calling off the wedding or leaving one at the alter.
That brings us back to the planning of photography hours you want for your wedding day. First, take into account several scenarios for your day. Are the ceremony and reception at same location or different locations? How many locations will you be traveling to for couple pictures? Do you want creative photography or traditional photography? Do you want indoor and/or outdoor portraits (time of year)? CEREMONY AND RECEPTION AT THE SAME LOCATION There is no additional travel time for guests and they will proceed to the reception shortly after the ceremony. The First Look will provide the time to complete the majority of photography before the ceremony. The reception can begin immediately after the ceremony, starting the celebration and not keeping your guests waiting. You will need approximately 30 minutes for guests to head to the reception, while you do any last minute pictures with extended family and get ready to celebrate. If you choose the Traditional Look, many couples provide a cocktail hour for their guests while they are waiting for the bridal party to arrive. During this time, family portraits, wedding party and couples portraits are photographed. You will need a minimum of 90 minutes before you are announced into the reception. CEREMONY AND RECEPTIONS ARE AT DIFFERENT VENUES The amount of time between the ceremony and reception will indicate how much time you have for photographs. You will also encounter
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travel time between the two locations. With a First Look, the majority of your photographs are complete and you will proceed to the reception after the ceremony. The Traditional Look allows guests to head to the reception and wait for the couple to arrive. Couple, wedding party and family formals will be taken after the ceremony. However, if the reception is two or more hours after the ceremony, there will be plenty of time for the photographs after the ceremony. The Traditional Look would work for this timeline. Weddings are a time to bring family and friends together. Couples feel these are the most important photographs to capture. To ensure that all of these memories are captured, a timeline of wedding photos need to be scheduled and organized. Here is guideline of approximate amount of time needed to photograph the people involved with the wedding. Bridesmaids, Groomsmen and Wedding Party - 45 - 60 minutes - timing can depend on locations, size of bridal party and variety of poses. Family Portraits - 30 - 45 minutes - timing can vary depending on size of family and family combinations. Bride and Groom - Couple, Individuals of Couple - 60 minutes The First Look or the Traditional Look are two completely exciting and emotional experiences, they should not be compared. There is no right or wrong way to see each other for the first time. Your photographer will be there to capture the important moments of your day no matter how the timing might work.
ABBIE•CHRIS MEREDITH•COREY rainwater photography Keith & Melissa Photography
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ENDING GUEST COUNT: 150 HOW MANY DRESS SHOPS DID YOU TRY ON DRESSES AT? 5 FIRST LOOK: Yes FIRST DANCE SONG: “At Last” – Beyonce FAVORITE PART OF THE PLANNING PROCESS: Having my mother help me accomplish it all! LOVE STORY: We met at a retreat before our freshman year of undergrad. I came home after meeting Corey and told my mother I was going to marry him. We dated. We broke up. I moved to LA. He moved to Pittsburg. I moved back to Lexington and he moved to Louisville. After being apart for six years, I received anonymous flowers on my doorstep and a journal explaining that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me. Less than a year later we made it down the aisle together. I can confidently say because we know what it is like to be apart, life is so much better together. IMPORTANT ELEMENTS: It was important to us that we be able to tell a bit of our own love story at our wedding so we wrote our own vows. I read mine from a journal that Corey had given me 7 years prior. ADVICE: Keep your engagement short! You can plan a wedding quickly. Seek savvy vendors who know what they’re doing.
PHOTOGRAPHER:
HAIR & MAKEUP:
Keith & Melissa Photography
Tangled Salon
CEREMONY & RECEPTION VENUE:
VIDEOGRAPHER:
Mustard Seed Hill
Mark Manning Films
DRESS:
HOTEL ROOM BLOCK:
Meant To Be Boutique
The Barr House Inn
MEN’S ATTIRE:
GROOMSMEN’S GIFTS:
Macy’s
Macy’s
WEDDING PLANNER:
REHEARSAL DINNER LOCATION:
Laura Butler, LexEffect KY
The Barr House Inn
CATERER:
REHEARSAL DINNER CATERER:
Sweet Lilu’s
Lil’s Coffee House
WEDDING CAKE & GROOM’S CAKE:
BRIDAL EVENTS ATTENDED:
Sweet Lilu’s
Bridal Bliss Classic, Diamond Rings
DJ:
& Pretty Things and Vacation Bridal
Music Matters
School
FLORALS:
REGISTRY:
Danielle Jones, Leestown Road
Macy’s
Kroger
RINGS:
RENTALS:
G.D.A. Jewelers
Bryant’s Rent-All
ALTERATIONS: Juliya’s Alterations
ABBIE•CHRIS KATIE•MATT
rainwater photography Bourbon and Brides Kentucky Wedding Photography
Our Love Story
I met Matt in high school through my brother. Matt was a senior and I was a sophomore, and soon after we met, we became a couple. We dated throughout the rest of my high school years, but broke up my freshman year of college. After not seeing each other for almost two years, we got to catch up when he came to my brother’s graduation party. It was evident that we had both grown a lot in the two years we were apart, and I found myself disappointed when he said he had to leave the party. Later that night, I texted him to see if he would like to get together and catch up some more. The next day we grabbed lunch at our old favorite spot, and we have been inseparable ever since.
Proposal
We had been discussing our future for a long time leading up to our engagement and decided we would wait until I graduated college. After graduation, our conversations about a proposal became less frequent, so I assumed it wasn’t going to happen anytime soon. It was such a busy time with having just graduated, I understood why he might be waiting until after summer. That didn’t stop me from dropping hints about wanting a proposal sooner rather than later though! After seeing that he wasn’t picking up on my hints, I started to get a bit discouraged. Little did I know, he was right in the middle of working with my family, friends, and a wedding photographer to make our engagement as special as it could possibly be! Leading up to my birthday, Matt suggested that we should wait to do our private dinner together the Friday after my birthday so I could celebrate with him all of my friends and family on the actual day. I kept asking him what we were doing and his response every time was that it was a surprise. Throughout the week, he kept dropping hints 38 • BRIDAL BLISS MAGAZINE
that made me believe we were going to a nice dinner downtown. It never once crossed my mind that this could be “the night,” because all of my friends were out of town, my mom had plans with a friend, and I saw what I thought was the restaurant confirmation pop up on his phone. When we got downtown, we started walking towards the restaurant, but were stopped by two women taking pictures of each other. One of the ladies got our attention and explained that she is a wedding photographer and giving the second girl a lesson. She kindly asked if she could take a picture of us to show her “student” how she maneuvers the camera. One picture turned into us agreeing to walking further into Victorian Square to kill time before our reservation, and help them out in exchange for free professional pictures. As we went through a couple of poses, the ladies then asked Matt to stand a little behind me for different focus areas. Next think I know, I
am turning around to Matt on one knee! I truly was so surprised that I couldn’t stop shaking to even show everyone the ring afterwards!
After the Proposal
It turns out that my friends and family are all really good actors because all of their plans that would conflict with a proposal were never true! After I said yes, Matt pointed out that my mom and brother were across the street watching from inside a restaurant. After celebrating with his parents and my mom and brother, we were told to head to my mom’s house. As I stepped out of the car, I immediately started crying (again) at the sight of all my closest friends and family. Matt and my family truly went above and beyond to make me feel like the luckiest girl in the world! Matt asked for my mom and brother’s blessing two weeks prior to proposing. I am told that the two weeks in between were filled with nerves from everyone, hoping that I
wouldn’t find out! Matt asking them means the world to me. Having lost my dad at such a young age, those two are who I have always leaned on. Their support was so important to me, and I think it is safe to say that we are all over the moon to have a man as amazing as Matt join the family!
BRIDAL BLISS MAGAZINE • 39
ABBIE•CHRIS RHEA•CHAD rainwater photography Bradley Quinn Photography
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ENDING GUEST COUNT: 200 FIRST LOOK: No FIRST DANCE SONG: “Can’t Help Falling in Love” – Elvis Presley FAVORITE PART OF PLANNING: Cake tasting and designing LOVE STORY: We meet on a commercial set. Chad wasn’t supposed to be there, but one of Rhea’s friends bailed and sent Chad in his place. CHOOSING A VENUE: We wanted a bright, modern venue that could host our ceremony and reception. When we found Limestone Hall we knew it was the one! IMPORTANT ELEMENTS: The environment for our wedding day was important to us! We wanted our friends and family to feel loved, blessed and to share in our joy. Every decision we made was meant to foster those vibes!
PHOTOGRAPHER: Bradley Quinn Photography CEREMONY & RECEPTION VENUE: Limestone Hall WEDDING DRESS: Renee’s Bridal KY SUITS: Geno’s Formal Affair CATERER: LaDonna’s Catering CAKE: Bit of Whimsy Cakes DJ: DJ Lexo STATIONERY: Lynn Imaging FLORALS: Stems HAIR & MAKEUP: Becca Hooker, Atea Salon HOTEL ROOM BLOCK: 21c Museum Hotel Lexington BARTENDING SERVICE: Amendment 21 Event Bartending BACHELORETTE PARTY: Centered
Rehearsal Dinners
Kaitlan Terry 21c Museum Hotel Lexington Wedding festivities can be truly overwhelming. You are meeting with multiple vendors to ensure that no detail is missed on the most important day of your life. One commonly put to the last minute wedding detail is the rehearsal dinner. Nowadays, the rehearsal dinner is not thought about until one to two months before the wedding and then there is the added stress of going over budget and venues already being booked. The rehearsal dinner is one of the few moments that you get before the big day, where all of you and your fiancé’s closest family and friends get to meet and relax. Here are some important things to keep in mind when selecting the perfect venue for your rehearsal dinner. AMBIANCE What kind of vibe do you want your rehearsal dinner to have? This is extremely important! Remember, everyone who is attending your rehearsal dinner is also attending your wedding. Therefore, make sure that you are creating variety for your guests when it comes to your venue and menu selections. Couples will often choose to incorporate their wedding colors and the same type of décor as the wedding into their rehearsal dinner, but this is a completely separate party! Use this night to do something different and not follow the normal traditions. If your wedding is more formal, try having a more relaxed dinner for example. It is ok to go outside of the box and show off a different side of yourself.
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Photo by Glint Sutidos PROXIMITY TO CEREMONY This is not thought about enough! Sometimes, couples are in a hurry to book something or their budget has already been capped by the time they are looking for a rehearsal dinner venue. The stress of the rush and budget will lead a couple to book the first available place they can find. This can sometimes be far from the venue or your guest’s accommodations forcing your loved ones to drive quite the distance. FOOD AND BEVERAGE The food should WOW your guests. Have you eaten at the venue before or tried the caterer’s food? This is a dinner with the most important people in your life, make sure that the food is good and that there is enough of it to go around! When it comes to choosing whether or not to have a bar, just remember that the real party is the next day. Hosting a bar for an hour or two is a great way to allow your guests to relax before the wedding, while not having to go over the top. You want them to show up for the big day feeling their best! BUDGET A rehearsal dinner should not be stressful! It should be an exciting and easy kickoff to the wedding weekend. When thinking about the cost of the meal, remember that many
great venues include their own catering which makes the process easier; however venues that allow you to bring in catering can prove to be more cost effective. Almost any catering company or venue that includes catering can customize their menu to make it unique to the couple. DÉCOR Lexington has some gorgeous venues that need very little décor to make your dinner fantastic! Simple and personal is best for the rehearsal dinner especially since the guests are your closest family and friends. Some popular décor selections for your tables are photos of the couple, empty bourbon or wine bottles from your favorite places, candles, and small flower bouquets. Anything personal you can add to the venue will make a lasting memory for you and your guests. The rehearsal dinner should feel fun, relaxed and stress free. Take your time to select a venue that fits the two of you as a couple and has excellent food to wow your guests. If you start planning early, you will have your choice of venues and not feel rushed to select a place that you wouldn’t normally choose. Make sure to budget for your rehearsal dinner so that you can kick your wedding weekend off with the perfect evening!
MAKE A STATEMENT Say more than “I do” on your wedding day. Express your unique style with a venue that lets you be true to you. From rehearsal dinners to intimate ceremonies to farewell brunches, make it memorable in the galleries of 21c. > Learn more at 21cLexington.com
#21cWeddings 167 W Main Street, Lexington | 859.899.6800 BRIDAL BLISS MAGAZINE • 45
ABBIE•CHRIS JANET•KEVIN rainwater photography Kevin and Anna Photography
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ENGAGEMENT: 13 Months STARTING GUEST COUNT: 140 ENDING GUEST COUNT: 118 FIRST LOOK: Yes FAVORITE PART OF THE PLANNING: Menu planning and tastings! PROPOSAL: Kevin told me our boss, who is a hobby pilot, wanted to practice take offs and landings with two people. We were flying around and the guys started pointing out landmarks and fun things. Then Kevin pointed out “Marry Me?” that he had painted at this parent’s house! CHOOSING A CEREMONY VENUE: We chose Limestone Hall as our ceremony venue because it is the old courthouse and we are both lawyers! IMPORTANT ELEMENTS: Food was the most important to us, we love to eat! Venue and flowers were second because we love to entertain!
PHOTOGRAPHER:
TRANSPORTATION:
Kevin and Anna Photography
Gold Shield Transportation
CEREMONY VENUE:
HOTEL ROOM BLOCK:
Limestone Hall
21c Museum Hotel Lexington
RECEPTION VENUE:
PHOTO BOOTH:
The Apiary
Picture Perfect Photo Booth
MONTH-OF COORDINATOR:
REHEARSAL DINNER
Sarah Mudd
LOCATION:
CATERER:
Tony’s of Lexington
Apiary Fine Catering and Events
BRIDAL EVENTS ATTENDED:
WEDDING & GROOM’S CAKE:
Bridal Bliss Classic and Vacation
Tinker’s Cake Shop
Bridal School
STATIONERY:
REGISTRY:
Daffodils Fine Stationery
Macy’s
FLORALS:
ALTERATIONS:
Fields in Bloom
The Needle’s Eye Alterations
RENTALS:
DANCE LESSONS:
Bryant’s Rent-All
The Ballroom House
HAIR & MAKEUP: Cha Cha’s
Pets in Wedding Festivities
Kevin and Anna Thompson Kevin and Anna Photography Your pets are a part of your family and having them be a part of this special time in your life is a must! It can be really fun to involve your pets but it can also be a bit stressful. We have personally seen our couples bring horses, dogs, and cats. You can incorporate your fur babies in a number of ways that fit both them and your needs. It is important to be aware of how to best take care of them while also making sure that they are a part of the fun. The engagement session is a great way to incorporate your pet into your celebrations. The wedding could be a bit overwhelming for your pet so this would ensure that you have photos of them while also making some special memories with them. Here are some tips: 1. Bring someone to be in charge like a parent, sibling, or friend - It is important to
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have someone to take care of your pet during your engagement session. Even if they are well behaved it helps to have someone there to hold the animal and allow them to explore. You don’t have to worry about them and can focus on your engagement photos but still have them close by for any pictures you want with them. 2. Make sure your location allows pets - Do some research before your session so that you know where your pet can and cannot be. You want to make sure that everyone will have a great time. 3. Pet Attire - Make sure to think about the way the animal’s collar or leash looks. You work so hard to put your outfit together so making sure that your pet coordinates with your outfit is also important. Some other fun ideas can be flower collars or outfits. 4. Bring toys and treats to help get their attention during the photos. You can also download sound apps to help get their attention as well. This works particularly well with horses to make sure their ears go up. We have had a lot of success using them with all animals. The wedding day is also a great time to incorporate your pet. This is great for very well-behaved pets that do not get stressed around a lot of people. You want to be able to focus on your special day and not be worried about your pet. Here are some tips so that you can incorporate them into your wedding day. 1. Length of the Day - Wedding days can last anywhere from 8-12 hours. Make sure that you will have one person in charge of your pet. Your pet may be really confused as to why you cannot be with them every moment so make sure that it is someone they can trust. Make sure this is not someone from your bridal party. Their plates will already be full on your wedding day which might make it difficult for them to take care of your pet but still enjoy the festivities. 2. Photos - To help keep your pet calm only section out a portion of the day where you will need your pet to be there. They don’t need to be there the entire day. A great time to have them at your wedding is during the bride/groom photos and the ceremony. Keeping them any longer can result in stress due to loud noises and a lot of people. Only you know what your pet can and cannot handle. 3. Dress Them Up - This is fun time to put your pet in a suit, wear a bowtie or flower crown. Just make sure it is something comfortable they can wear and something that
will last the entire time they will wear it. Make sure to do a trial run before the wedding day so that you know it will be comfortable for them. 4. Here are some of the most creative ways we have seen people incorporate their animals. One of our grooms surprised his bride with a puppy as a gift right after their first look. We have seen a couple’s dog be the ring bearer. They tied the rings to the dog’s collar and had him sit next to one of the parents until they called for him to bring the rings up. There are all kinds of creative ways you can incorporate your pets into your wedding day. Just have fun with it!
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ABBIE•CHRIS COURTNEY•PATRICK rainwater photography Amanda Phillips
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ENGAGEMENT: 31 Months STARTING BUDGET: $25,000 ENDING BUDGET: $40,000 STARTING GUEST COUNT: 245 ENDING GUEST COUNT: 225 FIRST LOOK: Yes FIRST DANCE SONG: “Speechless” – Dan & Shay FAVORITE PART OF THE PLANNING PROCESS: Working with Renee’s Bridal to design my custom wedding dress! PROPOSAL: We were in the middle of a Christmas photo session and he got down on one knee! IMPORTANT ELEMENTS: My dress of course! Plus, venue, twinkle lights and the weather cooperating. ADVICE: Spend as much time as you can taking photos, the day goes so quickly.
Picture courtesy of Simply Done Invites
Picture courtesy of Simply Done Invites
PHOTOGRAPHER:
FLORALS:
Amanda Phillips
Simply Garden
CEREMONY VENUE:
HAIR:
Castle & Key Distillery
Hair by CJ
RECEPTION VENUE:
MAKEUP:
Frankfort Country Club
Something Blu
WEDDING DRESS:
TRAVEL AGENT:
Renee’s Bridal KY
Maureen Halsey – Wright,
SUITS:
Memorable Travels
Geno’s Formal Affair
VIDEOGRAPHER:
FULL SERVICE WEDDING
Britney The Director
PLANNER:
PHOTO BOOTH:
Kim Jent
Bearded Brothers Photo Booth
WEDDING RESOURCE CENTER:
REHEARSAL DINNER LOCATION:
Simply Love Studio
Barrel End Farm
CATERER:
REHEARSAL DINNER CATERER:
Frankfort Country Club
Napa Prime
CAKE:
BRIDAL EVENTS ATTENDED:
Sweet Lee’s Bakery
Bridal Bliss Classic and Vacation
DJ:
Bridal School
Lynn Toler Mobile Disc Jockey
REGISTRY:
STATIONERY:
Macy’s and Bed Bath & Beyond
Simply Done Invites
RINGS: Fred Meyer Jewelers
LAUREN•CAMERON ABBIE•CHRIS Ariana Jordan Photography rainwater photography
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ENGAGEMENT: 6 MONTHS ENDING BUDGET: $20,000 STARTING GUEST COUNT: 200 ENDING GUEST COUNT: 180 FIRST LOOK: Yes
FIRST DANCE: “Wonderful Tonight”- Eric Clapton
HOW MANY DRESS SHOPS DID YOU TRY ON DRESSES AT? Three FAVORITE PART OF THE PLANNING PROCESS: Decorating the barn and seeing the final product.
CHOOSING A VENUE: My family owns Talon Winery & Vineyards & I am the event manager. It was never any question about where I was going to get married. it’s so beautiful and such a special place, there’s not another venue like it.
ADVICE: Everything is clear as day as soon as you turn to walk down the aisle. Nothing else matters, everything disappears except the fact that you’re about to marry the love of your life. Things you were worried or stressed about before the wedding, they disappear. Things that may not have gone exactly how you wanted, they no longer matter. People are there to see you commit yourselves to each other, that’s the most important thing on your wedding day and that’s the thing you should focus on the most.
PHOTOGRAPHER:
TRANSPORTATION:
Ariana Jordan Photography
Gold Shield Transportation
CEREMONY & RECEPTION VENUE:
VIDEOGRAPHER:
Talon Winery & Vineyards
DMZ Productions
WEDDING DRESS SHOP:
BRIDAL PARTY GIFTS:
Twirl Lexington
Talon Winery & Vineyards
SUITS:
RECEPTION FAVORS:
Geno’s Formal Affair
Custom Bottled Wine, Talon Winery
MONTH-OF COORDINATOR:
& Vineyards
Doug Smith Designs + Events
REHEARSAL DINNER LOCATION:
CATERER:
Malone’s Prime Events &
DaRae & Friends Catering
Receptions
CAKE:
BRIDAL SHOWER LOCATION:
Tinker’s Cake Shop
Equestrian Woods Country Club
DJ:
REGISTRY:
DMZ Productions
Macy’s, Target and Bed Bath &
FLORALS:
Beyond
Zachary Brady Designs
WEDDING BANDS:
RENTALS:
Feather Your Nest
Mr. Linen
LIGHTING:
HAIR:
DMZ Productions
Keith Foster
ALTERATIONS:
MAKEUP:
Darling Sew Shop
Caroline Lee Makeup
DANCE LESSONS: Arthur Murray Dance Studio
859-213-0651
403 Marquis Ave. Suite 100 Lexington, Kentucky www.wellnesswithapurpose.com
Follow Us:
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Healthy Habits
Corey Hawes MS, RDN, CNSC, LD and Natalie Hawes RDN Performance Rebecca Stephenson Photography Brides often stress about the weight they want to lose just before the big day almost as much as the wedding planning itself. Unfortunately, many struggle to do so in a healthy and effective manner. Losing weight starts with eating healthy, proper portions, the right food choices and a good regimen. Proper portions of foods can make a world of difference. Eating too much or too little food can cause weight gain. When you overindulge in foods, your stomach expands to accommodate more food, your mind starts to expect so much food every time, and your body stores those excess calories as fat. On the other hand, failing to eat sufficiently causes your metabolism to slow down in an effort to conserve every calorie you consume for fear of starvation. Reading nutrition labels is a great start to determining how much to eat of each item- even foods that appear healthy have a limit. It is important to pay attention to serving sizes because many packaged foods contain more than one portion, often times encouraging overconsumption. It is not recommended to eat out of the container as this makes it difficult to judge portions, allows faster-eating habits, and promotes mindless eating. It takes about 20-30 minutes for your brain to recognize that you are full; therefore, eating slowly will decrease the desire to overeat. In addition, eating while multitasking (such as watching T.V. or reading a
Kate McStay Photography
wedding magazine) denies your mind the opportunity to appreciate what is being taken in, leading to delayed satiety and overeating. Taking the time to prepare a plate and focus on eating might save you several hundred calories over the course of a day! Including all five-food groups across daily meals supports a filling, energy boosting and nutrient-packed diet. Avoiding certain food groups or severely limiting them leads to nutritional deficits that ultimately cause symptoms such as brittle hair and nails, digestion issues, weight gain or fatigue. Carbohydrates have received a bad name online, leading to various fad-diets that require restriction of daily carb intake that includes healthy grains, fruits, and vegetables. The problem with restricting carbs is that they are not solely responsible for weight gain, but they are the main source of energy for your body! It is ideal to eat nutrient-rich carbs (apples, wholegrain toast or beans) rather than “empty calories” or foods that do not offer nutritional value outside of the carbs to provide the most benefit per a snack or meal. Dairy is another food group that has been shamed, but done in the right way can be beneficial for bone health and protein needs. Low-fat or non-fat dairy, harder cheeses, and dairy high in protein (like cottage cheese) are great additions to a wellrounded diet. Having said this, quality of life
is also crucial to any successful diet. Enjoying a dessert or guilty pleasure on occasion is beneficial for satisfaction and mental fortitude when dieting, but use moderation and make healthy substitutes when possible. Build your plate with half fruits and vegetables, one-quarter grains, and one-quarter meat. In addition, using a smaller plate (7-9”) will aid you in controlling portions and feeling satisfied when eating meals. Lastly, establishing a good routine will help you keep on track. Eating three meals a day with snacks in between is ideal for a healthy diet. This regimen supports your metabolism throughout the day and deters situations in which overeating occurs due to hunger. In addition to healthy eating, physical activity is highly recommended. While eating healthy goes a long way, physical activity is what forms your body into the “ideal” shape. It may be beneficial to consult a dietitian to develop the best plan for you and your needs as they are clinically trained to recognize individual needs and work with various diet preferences/restrictions. Remember, weight loss does not have to be complicated. When your total caloric intake is negative when factoring in intake and exercise, you will lose weight. A healthy and safe weight loss is 0.5 to 2 pounds per a week; so planning ahead is the best weight loss method! BRIDAL BLISS MAGAZINE • 61
ABBIE•CHRIS COURTNEY•JOE rainwater Brett Barnettphotography Photography
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ENGAGEMENT: 9 Months STARTING BUDGET: $30,000 ENDING BUDGET: $28,000 STARTING GUEST COUNT: 200 ENDING GUEST COUNT: 150 FIRST LOOK: No FIRST DANCE SONG: “Cover Me Up”- Jason Isbell HASHTAG: #happilyeverhatton FAVORITE PART OF THE PLANNING PROCESS: Planning it with my mom! PROPOSAL: Joe asked my Dad’s permission! Once granted he spoke to my mom prior to getting the exact replica of her ring. The ring is diamond and a Morganite stone. On Christmas Eve, Joe proposed. I loved that he did it with just the two of us together. IMPORTANT ELEMENTS: Family, music, photography, peace of mind and the ceremony in the same location as the reception to make things easy for everyone!
PHOTOGRAPHER: Brett Barnett Photography CEREMONY & RECEPTION VENUE: Churchill’s SUITS: Men’s Wearhouse WEDDING PLANNER: The Caterer CATERER: The Caterer WEDDING CAKE: Sweets By Cindy DJ: Hey Mista DJ FLORALS: A Lasting Impression RENTALS: The Caterer REHEARSAL DINNER LOCATION: Historic Boone Tavern Hotel & Restaurant RINGS: The Castle Jewelry
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ABBIE•CHRIS MICHELLE•MOHAMED rainwater Globalphotography Services
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ENGAGEMENT: 3.5 Years STARTING GUEST COUNT: 250 ENDING GUEST COUNT: 200 DRESS SHOPS VISITED: 3 FAVORITE PART OF PLANNING: the décor and dress! PROPOSAL: His family had my family over for dinner. We spoke on the phone that day and I could tell her was unusually nervous. He told me to dress nice for dinner. After dinner was over he asked me to get him something from the kitchen and when I returned he was on one knee! IMPORTANT ELEMENTS: The décor was very important to me. I had a vision in mind and wanted to see it come to life! My dress was also very important. I went to three stores before finding the perfect one at Twirl!
Picture courtesy of Simply Done Invites
PHOTOGRAPHER: Global Services CEREMONY & RECEPTION VENUE: Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa WEDDING DRESS: Twirl Lexington SUITS: Geno’s Formal Affair CATERER: King Tut Mediterranean & Indian Grill CAKE: Martine’s Pastries STATIONERY: Simply Done Invites
SPECIAL DÉCOR: Natural Endeavors DESIGN & FLOWERS: A Design Décor, Crist Creona Designs and Doug Smith Designs + Events RENTALS: Bryant’s Rent-All and Purdon’s Rental & Sales LIGHTING: A Design Décor ALTERATIONS: Michelle Meissner Bridal Couture
T H E D AY Y O U ’ V E A LW AY S DREAMED OF The Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa offers six distinctive and luxurious locations to set the stage for your wedding and reception. With three indoor and three outdoor venues, each area holds the romanticism of the South and the charm of this classic hotel.
ASK ABOUT OUR NEW OUTDOOR CEREMONY LOCATION FOR YOUR PERFECT DAY!
G R I F F I N G AT E M A R R I OT T R E S O R T & S P A 1 8 0 0 N E W TO W N P I K E , L E X I N GTO N , K Y 4 0 5 1 1 T 8 5 9 . 2 3 1 . 5 1 0 0 w w w . f a c e b o o k . co m / g r i f f i n g a t e l e x G r i f f i n G a t e M a r r i o t t We d d i n g s . co m
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ELL•CHRIS ELLIE•BLAKE rainwater Joy Monétphotography Photography
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ENGAGEMENT: 8 Months STARTING BUDGET: $25,000 ENDING BUDGET: $26,500 STARTING GUEST COUNT: 150 ENDING GUEST COUNT: 120 FIRST LOOK: Yes FIRST DANCE SONG: “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” – Natalie Cole FAVORITE PART OF THE PLANNING PROCESS: Seeing my vision come together! PROPOSAL: Being such a planner, type A, curious person it is nearly impossible to surprise me. If Blake would have let me, I probably would have planned my own proposal. He wanted to catch me completely off guard so I wouldn’t overthink everything. I went to a work event on a Thursday night. I took a friend along with me who drove. After the event she pulled into a park, gave me a wooden box and just ran out of the car. In the box was just about every picture we had ever taken together and a letter that ended with instructions to follow the path of candles through to the park. He was waiting on one knee! HOW DID YOU CHOOSE A VENUE: I loved The Round Barn. It included so much more than just the space, which made the planning process so much easier. Plus, the Bayou Bluegrass team was great to work with and made the whole process fun and less stressful.
PHOTOGRAPHER: Joy Monét Photography CEREMONY VENUE: Centenary United Methodist Church RECEPTION VENUE: The Round Barn Stable of Memories MEN’S ATTIRE: Macy’s MONTH-OF COORDINATOR: Bit By Bit Events CATERER: Bayou Bluegrass Catering DESSERTS: Magee’s Bakery DJ: Kentucky Pro DJ RENTALS: Canvas Event Furniture HAIR: Hair By Maddie Woof MAKEUP: Nikki Miner Makeup TRANSPORTATION: Gold Shield Transportation VIDEOGRAPHER: White Owl Weddings HOTEL ROOM BLOCK: SpringHill Suites by Marriott REHEARSAL DINNER LOCATION: Malone’s Prime Events & Receptions WEDDING DAY JEWELRY: Kendra Scott and Zales LIGHTING: Bryant’s Rent-All ALTERATIONS: The Needle’s Eye Alterations
Selecting a Wedding Venue
Jessica Pantatello Director of Events & Co-Owner, The Galerie Congratulations, you are engaged, let the busiest year of your life begin! Whether you are planning your wedding yourself, with family and friends, or have the help of a wedding industry professional – there are some big decisions ahead of you. Where do you start? The two most important elements to establish the overall feeling of your wedding (besides you and your fiancé of course!) will be the dress and the venue. With so many beautiful properties in Central Kentucky, you are sure to find a space that fits your vision for the big day, but how do you know when you’ve found “the one”? Before you start visiting venues, decide what is most important to you and your fiancé. Establish a list of must-haves, nice-to-haves, deal-breakers, target guest count – and of course, a budget. Pro Tip: Venues typically book 9-12 months in advance of the wedding day. If you have your heart set on a particular venue or specific date, make booking the venue your first priority! It can all be a little overwhelming, so here are my Top 8 Topics to keep in mind while you are evaluating venues: PRICING Sometimes venues offer different rates depending on the month or day of the week. Every venue sets their pricing differently, so be sure to ask which months the venue considers Peak vs. Regular Season or does the venue have year-round pricing? If you are flexible with your date, having your wedding a week earlier or later can offer significant savings! CAPACITY Keep in mind the reception-style can alter the venue’s capacity. For example, a cocktailstyle reception allows for a higher guest count compared to a buffet-style reception. Be sure 74 • BRIDAL BLISS MAGAZINE
to find out the venue’s capacity for plated, buffet and cocktail-style receptions. SINGLE LOCATION FOR CEREMONY AND RECEPTION A growing trend in recent years is to hold both the ceremony and reception in a single location. If you are planning have your ceremony and reception in once place, ask the venue whether or not there is an additional cost to hold both on the property. It’s also a good idea to ask where the guests will go in between the two events. (For instance, an indoor happy hour space, a separate building on the property, etc.) LINENS AND DETAILS Depending on the storage space a venue has, they may or may not choose to offer services like tables, chairs, linens, flatware etc. Questions to ask your venue: Does the venue have tables, chairs, linens etc.? Are they included in the rental cost, or do they need to be rented separately? Is there a charge for setup or breakdown? WEDDING DAY Depending on the overall size of the venue property, you might be the only wedding scheduled that day or you might be sharing the property with other weddings or private events. To avoid confusion for your guests, ask the venue if your wedding will have rental exclusivity, or if there will be other parties sharing the property. If you will be sharing the space make sure you have signage to help direct your guests to the correct ceremony or reception site! A PICTUREPERFECT SPACE Between the happy tears and slay-worthy updos, some of our favorite wedding photos are captured while the bridal party is getting ready. Ask the venue if there is a designated area for the bridal party to get ready - will it be large enough to accommodate all of your bridesmaids, hair and makeup folks, and any other essential friends or family members you want to be included? CATERING Typically, a venue
will offer one (or more) of these four catering options which range from casual to a more formal experience: the ability to bring in your own food, select your own caterer, choose from a list of preferred vendors, or use inhouse catering services. Be sure to get a full understanding of your venue’s catering policy. For instance, The Galerie does not have an inhouse catering staff so we have a very flexible vendor policy. Couples are able to choose the caterer they would like to work with or even have the option to bring in their own food if they prefer! PAYMENTS Let’s get down to brass tacks – your venue payment can often be one of the first and largest expenses of your wedding, so understanding the payment policies of your venue is very important. Some good questions to ask the venues you are considering: Does the venue require a deposit or down payment? When is the full balance due? Am I able to pay off my balance in installments? Pro Tip: All venues have different policies and procedures – so don’t make assumptions! While your venue is a big part of the wedding day, just keep in mind the absolute most important thing is to celebrate that person you have chosen to spend the rest of your life with!
Keith & Melissa Photography
ABBIE•CHRIS KYLIE•MASON rainwater photography Bradley Quinn Photography
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ENGAGEMENT: 8 Months STARTING BUDGET: $20,000 ENDING BUDGET: $20,000 STARTING GUEST COUNT: 300 ENDING GUEST COUNT: 250 FIRST LOOK: No FIRST DANCE SONG: “The Way You Look Tonight” – Tony Bennett FAVORITE PART OF THE PLANNING PROCESS: Meeting all of the incredible wedding vendors and forming a team of talent for my wedding day! PROPOSAL: Mason proposed where we had our first official date. Well, sort of. He proposed at the location where we were supposed to have our first date! Little to our knowledge Kentucky Native Café is only open seasonally. We attempted our first date in the winter, so we ended up at a different spot on that first date. The day he proposed he asked if I would like to walk around the green house first. We came to a beautiful room filled with flowers and the next thing I knew he was down on one knee! CHOOSING A VENUE: After touring The Livery, I was in love the space. It presents the perfect mix of historical elegance and bohemian vibes.
PHOTOGRAPHER: Bradley Quinn Photography CEREMONY & RECEPTION VENUE: The Livery MEN’S ATTIRE: Macy’s WEDDING PLANNER: White Cat Weddings & Events CATERER: Bayou Bluegrass Catering DJ: Tiger’s DJ Services FLORALS: Jeanie Gorrell Floral Design RENTALS: Events With Design HAIR: Hair By Maddie Woff TRANSPORTATION: Gold Shield Transportation VIDEOGRAPHER: Blankenship’s Videography and Photography HOTEL ROOM BLOCK: DoubleTree Suites by Hilton REHEARSAL DINNER LOCATION: REGISTRY: Macy’s RINGS: The Faithful Platform
Boutonnières BLISSFUL
Wild Roots Farmer Florist
Wild Roots Farmer Florist
Carol Lynn Originals & Events
Ellis Florists & Gifts
PaperHeartBlooms
Carol Lynn Originals & Events
Michler’s Florist, Greenhouses & Garden Design
Kreations By Karen
Doug Smith Designs + Events
Doug Smith Designs + Events
Photography credit: Cassie Lopez Photography, Mario Nixon Photography, Sarah E Dunn Photo and Design and Bourbon and Brides Kentucky Wedding Photography. 80 • BRIDAL BLISS MAGAZINE
Did you know that the “Horse Capital of the World” is not only a location for Central Kentucky couples to get married, but a destination wedding spot? Our beautiful countryside, and convenient location offers repurposed barns, gardens, ballrooms, distilleries and more. You’re sure to find the perfect venue to fit your style, budget and guest count right here in Central Kentucky! Photos by Kevin and Anna Photography
BRIDAL BLISS MAGAZINE • 81
Five by Five Photography
1. Hilton Lexington /Downtown
Say “I do” at the Hilton Lexington / Downtown! Our luxurious venue will enhance all of the special occasions surrounding your Wedding – from your Welcome Party and Rehearsal Dinner to your Ceremony, Reception and Honeymoon. With the help of our event specialist, every detail will be custom-designed to reflect your personal taste and vision! 82 • BRIDAL BLISS MAGAZINE
lexingtondowntown.hilton.com
Love the Renauds
2. Limestone Hall
Limestone Hall lives in the top floor of the recently renovated historic courthouse. Featuring an open floor plan with three customizable rooms – Limestone Hall is open to all vendors and competitively priced. Check it out when planning your wedding or next event!
limestonehall.com
Willie Wilson Photography
3. The Mane on Main
Located on the 15th floor of the Chase Bank building, the view is hard to beat! Floor to ceiling windows give a panoramic view of the entire city that is beautiful during the day and even more breathtaking in the evening. Separate rooms throughout the venue make The Mane a great place for not only your reception, but your wedding ceremony as well.
themaneonmain.com
Jessica Lynn Hatton Photography
4. Copper Roux
Located minutes from downtown Lexington, Copper Roux is the perfect location for your upcoming wedding, rehearsal dinner, cocktail party, banquet, or meeting. Inspired by all things Kentucky, Copper Roux incorporates a Bourbon and Equestrian theme that is ideal for Lexington. The space offers a contemporary design with rustic elements, a lovely custom bar area and great patio. An open floor plan allows flexibility of set up and full use of the gorgeous space.
bayoubluegrass.com
Kevin and Anna Photography
6. Campbell House Curio Collection by Hilton
Available Summer of 2019 a NEW venue is being created at The Campbell House Curio where our indoor pool is being transformed into an authentic Kentucky venue that will feature touches of the equine community and history that is part of our legacy. This NEWLY created venue will have close to 7,000 square feet of open space that will have you appreciating the uniqueness of what Lexington and Kentucky proud is all about. We are also REDESIGNING our current ballroom that is close to 4200 square feet to have some of the same design features as the NEW venue.
7. The Signature Club of Lansdowne
Weddings at the club are simply elegant. You can create an event that has a truly romantic and beautiful backdrop for the most special day of your life. It is sure to leave your guests with a lasting impression and create a lifetime of memories for you.
signatureclub.org
Rochambeau Photography
5. The Round Barn Stable of Memories
Located in the heart of Lexington, the Round Barn Stable of Memories is one of Lexington’s historic landmarks and architectural treasures. After being restored as a museum, The Round Barn offers a historic but elegant location for any special event or wedding. A gorgeous chandelier hangs from the center creating a warm ambiance. Second floor area/overlook can be used as an additional event space, small wedding ceremonies, cocktail hour, displays and much more
bayoubluegrass.com
Rebecca Stephenson Photography
8. Fairyhouse Hall
Step back in time to Fairyhouse Hall Club. With our magical Georgian manor house and formal stone walled garden. As Lexington’s only private country enclave and culinary/ epicurean experience, Fairyhouse Hall embodies the richness of cultured life in the south
fairyhousehall.com
thecampbellhouse.com
Kevin and Anna Photography
9. White Haven Fields
10. Residence Inn South Hamburg
Tucked within Lexington on a breathtaking family farm, White Haven Fields combines the stunning beauty of the Bluegrass countryside and the proximity of the greater city. As a small, family business, our attention to detail and ideal setting present an exceptional venue for unforgettable outdoor weddings.
Natural beauty and southern lifestyles combine in Lexington. Easily explore the Bluegrass Region from the comfort of our allsuite Lexington hotel located walking distance to Hamburg Pavilion. Enjoy the comfort of home & service that will be remembered for a lifetime!
12. The Thoroughbred Center
13. Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa
whitehavenfields.com
Nestled among the rolling hills of the Bluegrass, we offer an exceptional wedding venue offering both indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception locations. With affordable rates and an experienced staff to assist you with all of your planning stages.
thethoroughbred-center.com
11. Courtyard Lexington South Hamburg
Ideally located just minutes from downtown Lexington and many of the area’s top attractions, the Courtyard Lexington South/Hamburg Place puts you near it all! Relax in comfort and leave the details to us when planning your stay.
crestlinehotels.com
crestlinehotels.com
Marriott International
The Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa sets the stage for a truly distinctive wedding that evokes the spirit of Lexington, Kentucky. Our array of reception venues includes an authentic antebellum mansion and a rolling, scenic lawn. Also benefit from an array of on-site amenities, including an award-winning culinary team.
marriott.com/lexky
14. The Polo Barn at Saxony
In the heart of the Bluegrass, family owned & operated for the last 50 years, this working horse farm offers a unique space to enjoy your entire wedding weekend in a beautiful, peaceful and private setting.
polobarnatsaxony.net
BRIDAL BLISS MAGAZINE • 83
BLISSFUL MAP OF CENTRAL KENTUCKY
nicholasville
The Barn at Springhouse Gardens
Bluegrass Hall
The Barn at Springhouse is the perfect blend of rustic and elegant. Just minutes from Lexington, our historic tobacco barn is surrounded by beautiful gardens with many options for outdoor ceremonies and a wonderful setting for enjoying your special day.
Nestled in the heart of Kentucky, Bluegrass Hall is a blank canvas that is a perfect fit for every style and budget. Our brand-new, all-inclusive venue offers 4,500+ square feet that is equipped with a spacious catering kitchen, a bridal suite, and a state-ofthe-art lighting and AV system.
Moonlight Fields Wedding Farm
Taylor Made Farm
On A Whim Photography
springhousegardens.com
thebluegrasshall.com
This is the new, premier wedding farm of central Kentucky. We want to help make your wedding REMARKABLE. We don’t merely want to rent you space on the farm, We want to help make your wedding magical. When you book your wedding at Moonlight Fields you get our personal cell phone numbers. That way if you have any questions you can call or text us. We are here to serve you.
moonlightfields.com
harrodsburg Terrapin Hill Farm
stanford
Historic Shelby Manor at Arcadia Farm
Terrapin Hill Farm offers a casually rustic and unique setting for your celebration. There are several picturesque outdoor ceremony sites, a covered pavilion, and many other amenities including options to stay overnight. Our flexibility allows you to create the wedding of your dreams!
terrapinhillfarm.com/weddings
bryantsville
A. Osborne Photography
Surrounded by lush green grounds and beautifully landscaped in petunias, roses, and hydrangeas, Shelby Manor is one of the most distinctive historic homes in Kentucky. We offer history and elegance on 625 acres of bluegrass countryside
The Ashley Inn
arcadiaevent.net
lancaster Starlit Heights
Keith & Melissa Photography
The nostalgic Ashley Inn is the most romantic location for your indoor or outdoor destination wedding. Say your vows lakeside, under a weeping willow, on the front lawn of the antebellum mansion, or in a rustic horse barn. Our openair, fully enclosable Carriage House is perfect for your reception, and comes equipped with all the facilities you need.
ashleyinnbandb.com
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Mark Rush Photography
Home to one of the highest points in Central Kentucky, Starlit Heights offers exceptionally breathtaking views. Enjoy the peaceful, romantic atmosphere throughout your event in The Pavilion, our covered open-air building with amenities. Conveniently located just off Highway 27.
encoreatstarlit.com
Discover the venues at historic Taylor Made Farm, home of Kentucky Derby Winner California Chrome and named the March 2018 Tops in Lex “Wow Wedding Venue”! Five unique spaces and endless event enhancements all Taylor Made for You!
taylormadefarm.com
Versailles
Cynthiana
morehead
Ashford Acres Inn
The Galerie
Located in the heart of historic Downtown Versailles, just minutes from both Keeneland and Woodford Reserve. The Galerie is one of Central Kentucky’s premier wedding destinations. Originally constructed in 1922, The Galerie’s nearly 8,000 square feet of interior event space was thoughtfully reimagined in 2018. While maintaining the timeless beauty and elegance of this historic property, the new four-room bridal suite, groom’s suite and family lounges were designed with modern couples in mind!
MeadowView Weddings and Events
Wedding Venue close to Lexington, Georgetown, & Paris with catering, wedding cakes, ceremony & reception rentals, and day of coordination for weddings with up to 200 guests. Call 859-298-2989 or email info@ashfordacresinn.com to set up your FREE wedding consultation at Ashford Acres Inn. ashfordacresinn.com
MeadowView Weddings & Events is a premier event venue located in Morehead, KY on Kentucky 801 and is only minutes from scenic Cave Run Lake. We are a rustic, yet modern fully climate controlled building that can cater to any style of event. Contact us today for your FREE tour and consult.
eventsatmeadowview.com
thegalerieky.com
lexington
Paint lick The Denny House
richmond
Copper Fox Event Center
Terry Enterprises
Picture yourself marrying your true love in a romantic historical mansion, between the Greek Revival pillars on the front steps, on the lush grounds under a tree, or under the twinkling lights in the newly renovated rustic tobacco barn. The Denny House is your perfect choice just minutes from Richmond, Berea and Lancaster.
dennyhouse.com
Copper Fox, an old two-screen movie theatre, has been transformed into the perfect location for your wedding! Beautiful design and a neutral color palette allow for you to make this space your own. Open to all vendors, and customizable for any size event and access all day! copperfoxevents.com BRIDAL BLISS MAGAZINE • 85
Vendor Directory
Central Kentucky is rich in tradition, horses, bourbon & amazing Wedding Professionals. Whether you are looking for the perfect dress or stunning flowers, we’ve got it all. The Vendors listed in our 2019 Vendor guide are sure to help you impress your guests and plan the wedding of your dreams!
CAKES & SWEETS
MV Photography
Batter & Buttercream Custom Cakes (859) 661-1333 www.batterandbuttercream.com
Bella’s Mini Donuts (859) 707-6065 www.bellasminidonuts.com
Bit of Whimsy Cakes (859) 582-5010 www.bitofwhimsycakes.com
Morgan Ravenscraft Photography
Confused Confections (859) 263-0555
Crank & Boom 859-288-2176 www.crankandboom.com
Desserts by Rebecca (859) 684-5191 www.dessertsbyrebecca.com
Martine’s Pastries (859) 231-9110 www.martinespastries.com
Spotz Gelato (502) 682-3750 www.spotzgelato.com
Tinker’s Cake Shop (859) 252-9636 www.tinkerscakeshop.com
Five by Five Photography
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CATERING
Bourbon and Brides
Bayou Bluegrass Catering (859) 523-3915 www.bayoubluegrass.com
City Barbeque (502) 804-5946 www.citybbq.com/catering
Catering by Donna (859) 269-0978 www.donnapottercatering.com
You, Me Studio
Dupree Catering + Events (859) 231-0464 www.dupreecatering.com
Wes Brown Photography
Gourmet Goodies (859) 887-1027 www.gourmetgoodiesbythelma.com
Kevin and Anna Photography
Kevin and Anna Photography
LaDonna’s Catering (606) 309-3187 www.ladonnascatering.com
J. Renders Southern Table & Bar (859) 533-9777 www.jrendersbbq.com
Minton’s (859) 948-1874 www.mintonsat760.com
Type A Catering (859) 619-3198 www.typeacatering.com
DANCE INSTRUCTION
Aarthur Murray Dance Stuido (859) 278-7711 www.dancestudiolexingtonky.com
The Ballroom House (859) 309-1362 www.theballroomhouse.com
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DISC JOCKEYS
Love The Renauds
Kevin and Anna Photography
Clear Pro DJ (859) 327-9187 www.clearprodj.com
C.D. Productions Mobile DJ (859) 806-2792 www.cdprodj.com
Five by Five Photography
Kentucky Pro DJ (859) 200-5156 www.kyprodj.com
Kevin and Anna Photography
KY Sounds (859) 333-6858 www.kysounds.com
HiFi DJ (859) 319-9473 www.facebook.com/hifilex
Kieth & Melissa Photography
SoundWave Mobile Disc Jockey (859) 314-7908 www.soundwavemdj.com
FLORALS & DESIGN
Kevin and Anna Photography
Bel Air Florist and Gifts (873) 873-3203 www.belairfloristandevents.com
Bourbon and Brides
Blooms ‘n Blossoms (859) 421-9915 www.bloomsnblossomsky.com
Carol Lynn Originals & Events (859) 253-0545 www.carollynnevents.com
Events Delight (859) 327-1947 www.eventsdelight.com
Fleur de Lys Designs by Suzanne (859) 806-1677 fdld.ky@gmail.com
The Malicotes
Doug Smith Designs + Events (859) 494-2209 www.dougsmithdesigns.com 88 • BRIDAL BLISS MAGAZINE
Chloe Lane Photography
Foley’s Florist and Gifts (859) 986-8175 www.foleysfloristandgifts.com
Nadia’s Elegant Events (859) 539-2211 www.nadiaselegantevents.com
PaperHeartBlooms (502) 316-8981 www.paperheartblooms.com
FORMAL WEAR
Wes Brown Photography
Build-A-Bride (859) 583-5393 www.buildabride.com/maria-montgomery
Bradley Quinn Photography
Renee’s Bridal KY (850) 291-2174 www.facebook.com/kyreneesbridal
Melissa & Gary Photography
Meant to Be Boutique (859) 523-4711 www.meanttobeboutique.com
Geno’s Formal Affair (859) 276-1461 www.gfatux.com
Bella Grace Studios
Twirl Boutique (859) 309-2493 www.twirlboutique.com
GIFTS
The Crazy Bunny Lady (859) 552-2060 thecrazybunnylady1@gmail.com
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HAIR & MAKE-UP
Kevin and Anna Photography
Simply Blue Studios
Hairchitexture (859) 492-0706 www.hairchitexture.com
Hair Nation Salon and Spa (859) 252-4247 www.hairnationsalonandspa.com
Image Insight Aesthetics and Artistry (859) 379-9150 www.imageinsight.me
HEALTH & WELLNESS Lion and Dragon
Yoga Bodyworks, LLC Roy & Brenda Johnson, LMT Specializing in: Ancient Bodywork Techniques
859-227-8546
info@lionanddragonyoga.com Arena Chiropractic (859) 213-0651 www.wellnesswithapurpose.com
Image Insight Aesthetics and Artistry (859) 379-9150 www.imageinsight.me
Mimoga Events (772) 370-5156 www.mimoga.com
INVITATIONS & CALLIGRAPHY
Typeset Design
Daffodils Fine Stationery (859) 312-0335 www.daffodilslex.com
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Lexington Lettering (502) 338-4811 www.lexington-lettering.com
Lion and Dragon Yoga Bodyworks (859) 227-8546 www.lionanddragonyoga.com
MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT
Graceful Harp (859) 948-5247 www.gracefulharp.com
Emily Fife, Harpist (270) 860-9354 www.emilyfifeharpist.com
Be Square Band (859) 576-2542 www.betherewithbesquare.com
OFFICIANTS
Bourbon and Brides
Wes Brown Photography
Rev. Jeff Eller - The Marrying Man (859) 221-0529 www.kyminister.com
KY Sounds (859) 333-6858 www.kysounds.com
PHOTO BOOTHS Kentuky's Premier Photo Booth Company
Art House Photo Booth (502) 233-1278 www.arthousephotobooth.com
Bearded Brothers Photo Booth (859) 955-0099 www.beardedbrothersphotobooth.com
Clear Choice Photo Booth (859) 353-3005 www.clearchoicephotobooth.com
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PHOTOGRAPHERS
Becky Willard Photography (502) 370-6375 www.beckywillardphotography.com
Cindy Dover Photography (513) 276-8203 www.cindydoverphotography.com
Jessica Lynn Hatton Photography (859) 433-0680 www.jessicalynnhatton.com
Kevin and Anna Photography (859) 576-5075 www.kevinandannaweddings.com
Life Art Photography, LLC (859) 248-4899 www.lifeartphotographyllc.com
Rochambeau Photography (859) 327-4978 www.loverochambeau.com
Seriously Sabrina Photography (859) 536-4742 www.seriouslysabrina.com
Wes Brown Weddings 606-219-4065 info@wesbrownphotography.com
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Dana Rogers Photography www.danarogersphoto.com dana@danarogersphoto.com
Keith & Melissa Photography (859) 338-6738 www.kmrussellphotography.com
Rebecca Stephenson Photography (859) 414-6877 www.rebeccas_weddings.com
PLANNERS
Aaron Stringer Photography Allow Me Events (606) 521-5904 www.allowme-events.com
Doug Smith Designs + Events (859) 494-2209 www.dougsmithdesigns.com
Love the Renauds LexEffect Planning + Management (859) 230-5365 www.lexeffectky.com
Kevin and Anna Photography Planned to Perfection of the Bluegrass (859) 699-4979 www.plannedtoperfectionbluegrass.com
Nina & Wes Photography Great Expectations KY (859) 576-3406 www.greatexpectationsky.com
Antonio Pantoja Film & Photography Tailored For You Events (859) 227-4187 www.tailoredforyouevents.com
RENTALS
Bryant’s Rent-All (859) 252-0408 www.bryantsrentall.com
Celebration Lighting (606) 344-1300 www.celebrationlightingky.com
Goff Tents & Events (859) 887-5272 www.gofftents.com
Purdon’s Rental & Sales (859) 266-1197 www.purdonsrental.com
Events with Design (859) 260-1456 www.eventswithdesign.com
Rebecca Stephenson Photography Special Events (859) 420-9942 www.specialeventsky.com
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RESOURCE CENTER & BRIDAL SHOW
Wes Brown Photography
Keith and Melissa Photography
Bridal Bliss Classic (859) 457-0824 www.bridalblissclassic.com
Simply Love Studio (859) 550-3825 www.simplylovestudio.com
TRAVEL & HONEYMOON
Mark Cox & Sandals Resorts Cruise Planners (859) 825-8831 www.bigbluetravelplanners.com
VENUES
The Malicotes 21c Museum Hotel (859) 899-6800 www.21clexington.com
Wes Brown Photography Embassy Suites (859) 455-5000 www.embassysuites.com
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Terry Enterprises The Campbell House Curio Collection by Hilton (859) 519-1317 www.thecampbellhouse.com
Copper Fox Event Center (859) 230-5365 www.copperfoxevents.com
Marriott International Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa (859) 288-6110 www.marriotthotels.com/lexky
Love the Renauds The Heartwood (859) 230-5365 www.theheartwoodlex.com
Honey Heart Photography Hilton Lexington / Downtown (859) 281-3758 www.hiltonlexington.com
Love the Renauds
Willie Wilson Photography The Mane on Main (859) 231-0464 www.themaneonmain.com
Limestone Hall (859) 230-5365 www.limestonehall.com
Patty’s Imaging
Todd Pellowe MeadowView Weddings & Events (606) 356-5237 www.eventsatmeadowview.com
The Polo Barn at Saxony Farm (859) 619-3523 www.polobarnatsaxony.net
Starlit Heights (859) 229-6490 www.encoreatstarlit.com
VIDEOGRAPHY
The Thoroughbred Center (859) 293-1853 www.thethoroughbredcenter.com
Seriously Sabrina Photography ALT Productions, Inc (859) 629-0672 www.altproductions.net
Chip St. Charles Cinematography (859) 940-5447 www.stcharlescinematography.com
Mark Manning Films (270) 403-8758 www.markmanningfilms.com
Reel Special (859) 221-3885 www.reelspecial.com
Jenfolio Wedding and Portrait Photography & Videography (801) 499-7732 www.jenfolio.com
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ABBIE•CHRIS DANIELLE•SLAYDN rainwater photography Created With Grace Photography
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ENGAGEMENT: 9 Months STARTING GUEST COUNT: 200 ENDING GUEST COUNT: 180 HOW MANY DRESS SHOPS DID YOU GO TO? 1 FIRST LOOK? No FIRST DANCE SONG: “Higher Love” – James Vincent McMorrow FAVORITE PART OF PLANNING PROCESS: Working with Simply Love Studio at the end of the planning to pull everything together and make my day-of timeline. LOVE STORY: We are both from the Lexington area, but met at freshmen orientation at UK! IMPORTANT ELEMENTS: I wanted to make sure that my family and bridal party felt pampered and stress free. We wanted a traditional ceremony with a minister that knew us personally and could deliver a touching message. ADVICE: It will all come together. Just take a breath and enjoy the few days leading up to it!
PHOTOGRAPHER:
FLORALS:
Created With Grace Photography
Blooms ‘n Blossoms
CEREMONY & RECEPTION VENUE:
RENTALS:
Spring Valley Golf Club
Goff Tents & Events
WEDDING DRESS:
HAIR:
Twirl Lexington
Hair By Maddie Woff
BRIDESMAID DRESSES:
MAKEUP:
Twirl Lexington
Studio Rouge by Haley Barnette
TUXEDOS:
VIDEOGRAPHER:
Men’s Wearhouse
Colin Merritt Wedding Films
WEDDING RESOURCE CENTER:
HOTEL ROOM BLOCK:
Simply Love Studio
Hilton Lexington / Downtown
OFFICIANT:
REHEARSAL DINNER LOCATION:
Chris Hahn
Equestrian Woods Country Club
CATERER:
REGISTRY:
Spring Valley Golf Club
Macy’s
WEDDING CAKE:
ENGAGEMENT RING:
Tinker’s Cake Shop
Gem Source
DJ:
ALTERATIONS:
Clear Pro DJ
Darling Sew Shop
STATIONERY: Simply Done Invites
5 Wedding Planning Tips
Whitney Franklin Director of Event Sales, Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill Throughout your wedding planning adventure, you will find a great number of “top 5” lists to help along the way. Keep this list in your back pocket to help relieve some wedding planning stress, and remember to enjoy your day! 1. HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER This is one you will read time and time again throughout your wedding planning, with good reason, so take it seriously. If you don’t want a full-service wedding planner, at the very least hire a month-of coordinator. You don’t want your mom, your mom’s best friend, or your cousin playing the go-between with you and your vendors. Give it all to the planner and let your loved ones enjoy your special day. One other wedding planner note: If you do choose to have a full-service wedding planner, choose that person before choosing your vendors. Many full-service planners want to be a part of planning your wedding from day one – helping you put all the pieces together – and they can provide great recommendations for all your vendor needs to make the magic happen. 2. DON’T FORGET ABOUT FOOD IN YOUR WEDDING BUDGET Many couples focus on other details besides their wedding menu – it’s just food, right? – and also underestimate the cost of that food and beverage. You start Pinteresting flowers and lighting and the dress (oh, my!) and those pick quickly away at your overall budget. Please remember the food and beverage aspect of the day. Wedding guests will skip an entire day of 100 • BRIDAL BLISS MAGAZINE
meals for an impending wedding feast. Don’t let them down by making food + beverage a last-minute decision with what’s left of your budget. Let them eat cake (and a good meal)! 3. REUSE YOUR BRIDESMAID FLOWERS AT THE WEDDING RECEPTION. Yes, your bridesmaids look beautiful standing beside you during the ceremony with those lovely flowers. Fast-forward to the reception and those bridesmaids are ready to drop those flowers and get on the dance floor. Instead of ordering more flower arrangements for the reception, have empty vases preset at guest tables where those bridesmaid flowers can be placed. It will save you money and also give those flowers a second purpose: making your reception look just as fabulous as the ceremony. 4. RENT AN EXTRA LINEN If you need fifteen table linens for your wedding reception, rent sixteen. You never know when a gust of wind will knock over a glass of water on an already-set table before the reception begins or your grandmother brings a surprise item to display and an extra table is needed. Plan ahead! 5. THE UNEXPECTED WILL HAPPEN, AND THAT’S OKAY! You will plan and plan and plan – all the details outlined, underlined, and checked
off in your wedding binder – and something will always go a little left of the middle. It is very likely you will not even notice the tiny detail that ends up differently than planned; it IS your wedding day, after all. More than anything, you need to remember to enjoy your day. The cliché statement, “it goes by so fast,” is so true, and you don’t want to wake up the next morning thinking of anything but the wonderful memories you made.
Photo: Sweet Tea Weddings
Photo: Amy Jackson Stallings
Photo: Unknown
Photo: Kevin & Anna Photography
Lexington’s most versatile wedding location
New vibrant outdoor reception space with horse farm backdrop
Over 29,000 sq. ft. of indoor & outdoor venue options
Wedding Packages starting at $1,275 thethoroughbredcenter.com | 859.293.1853
ABBIE•CHRIS ALANA•CHRISTIAN rainwaterPhotography photography Burtch
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ENGAGEMENT: 17 Months STARTING BUDGET: $12,000 ENDING BUDGET: $18,000 STARTING GUEST COUNT: 150 ENDING GUEST COUNT: 100 FIRST LOOK: No FIRST DANCE SONG: “I Found You” – Alabama Shakes FAVORITE PART OF PLANNING PROCESS: touring venues. HOW DID YOU MEET? We met the good old-fashioned way. The Internet. In January of 2015 there was a pitch for a new dating app, Coffee Meets Bagel on Shark Tank. Christian and I watched independently and decided to give the app a try. After a few weeks of messages and texts we decided to meet in real life. IMPORTANT ELEMENTS: My family is from Jamaica. It was important for me to have tropical elements shine through. Florals, colors and flavorful foods were the driving forces for our perfect day. We wanted our Southern and Jamaican families and friends to come together and celebrate! ADVICE: Be confident in your choices. Don’t let others force you to make decisions. Invest in a great photographer and delicious food!
PHOTOGRAPHY: Burtch Photography CEREMONY & RECEPTION VENUE: Waveland State Historic Site SUITS: Geno’s Formal Affair WEDDING RESOURCE CENTER Simply Love Studio WEDDING PLANNER: Amanda Carrico CATERER: Fida’s Caribbean Cafe CAKE: Caramanda’s Bake Shoppe DJ: KY Sounds FLORALS: The Added Touch RENTALS: Purdon’s Rental & Sales HAIR: Melanie Day, You’ve Got Curls OFFICIANT: KY Sounds REHEARSAL DINNER CATERER: Red State BBQ BRIDAL SHOWER LOCATION: Palmers Fresh Grill
Wedding DJ and MC
Claire and Barrett
Jason Henninger Kentucky Pro DJ Planning the wedding reception of your dreams can be just as important as planning the ceremony and vow exchange. As you arrive at the reception, you will want to ensure that someone is a visible host and organizer to announce your arrival and significant moments throughout the evening. Often times, this person is your DJ team or Band Leader. We call this person the Master of Ceremonies or MC. The MC is an integral part of your wedding day. It is much more than just talking on the microphone. The MC is a direct representation of the couple and their families. You want your MC to be professional and polished on the microphone. The Master of Ceremonies is a person that has a lot of duties, most of which, if done correctly, are behind the scenes, off the microphone. They are the director of the event, not the producer. Much like the director of a play, they make sure everything and everyone is in place, ready to go, so that when they say, “Lights, camera, action,” it flows smoothly for the audience, rather than a bunch of ill-prepared actors sort of walking around the stage bumping into each other. The Master of Ceremonies directs, informs, and guides you and your guests throughout the entire evening. They need to be able to speak clearly and professionally to match your style. A DJ that is an announcer will say, “It’s time for the first dance”, or, “It’s time for the toasts”. A Master of Ceremonies makes sure all 106 • BRIDAL BLISS MAGAZINE
Five By Five Photography
champagne glasses are filled, the VIPs (couple, Best Man/Maid of Honor, Father of the Bride, etc.) are in the room, ready to go and know where to stand, how to hold the mic, how to begin and end their toasts and what to do after they’re done speaking. The MC has double-checked with your vendor team (the photographer, videographer, planner, kitchen staff, etc.) to make sure everything is ready to go and everyone is ready before anyone is introduced to give a toast. Can you make a great movie without a great director? The MC transitions dozens of moments smoothly, so that it’s not simply a laundry list of to-do items (bouquet, garter, first dance, etc.), but a smoothly orchestrated, entertaining, engaging and emotional day for the couple and all of their guests. Most bands and DJ’s got into the business to entertain via music, not for public speaking. When you are interviewing your DJ or Band, ask them if they are comfortable being a MC? Ask them if they have had any formal training as an MC? When was the last time you had training and what exactly was the training? Anyone can make an announcement on the microphone, it’s critical to have someone who has invested in training and is prepared for your event. When introducing the honored guests it is
important for your DJ/MC to be present on the dance floor and inspiring your guests to participate. That is very hard for just a DJ. If there is a MC dedicated to crowd motivation, coordinating and inspiration and a DJ who just focuses on mixing awesome music, the potential of the wedding reception goes from being great, to being flawless. The addition of a great MC can turn your event into a polished, clean, seamless experience for you and your guests. Even if you have a band booked for your entertainment, adding an experienced MC can help keep your event moving and allow the band to just focus on what they do best: playing great music.
Five By Five Photography
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ABBIE•CHRIS ERIN•MIKE rainwater Willie Wilsonphotography Photography
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ENGAGEMENT: 17 Months STARTING GUEST COUNT: 280 ENDING GUEST COUNT: 250 FIRST LOOK: No FIRST DANCE SONG: “500 Miles” – Sleeping At Last and The Proclaimers FAVORITE PART OF THE PLANNING PROCESS: Working Together! We got to see what was important to the other person when hosting an event and learn to disagree nicely. CHOOSING A VENUE: 80% of our guests were from out of town so we wanted to have all events and locations close together. St. Paul is our home church so it was an easy decision. For the reception, we loved that The Carrick house offered multiple spaces for the cocktail hour as well as indoor/outdoor space for the reception. The Hilton Lexington / Downtown was very convenience accommodations. IMPORTANT ELEMENTS: It was incredibly special that my mom made sure we could use my grandfather’s car on our wedding day. He and I were very close and although he has passed, having the car at our wedding made it feel like he was with us.
PHOTOGRAPHER:
Willie Wilson Photography CEREMONY VENUE:
Historic St. Paul Roman Catholic Church RECEPTION VENUE: The Carrick House TUXEDOS:
Geno’s Formal Affair
WEDDING PLANNER: LexEffect KY CATERER:
Lundy’s Special Events CAKE:
Batter & Buttercream Custom Cakes FLORALS: Stems
VIDEOGRAPHER: Reel Special
HOTEL ROOM BLOCK:
Hilton Lexington / Downtown
REHEARSAL DINNER LOCATION: The Bell House
REHEARSAL DINNER CATERER: Blue Door Smokehouse ENGAGEMENT RING: Rivard Find Jewelry ALTERATIONS:
The Needle’s Eye Alterations DANCE LESSONS:
Arthur Murray Dance Studio
ABBIE•CHRIS ERIN•MATT rainwater photography Keith & Melissa Photography
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ENGAGEMENT: 10 Months STARTING BUDGET: $30,000 ENDING BUDGET: $38,000 STARTING GUEST COUNT: 150 ENDING GUEST COUNT: 150 FIRST LOOK: Yes FIRST DANCE SONG: “Simple Song” – The Shins FAVORITE PART OF THE PLANNING PROCESS: All of it--Especially the flowers! PROPOSAL: I am from Hopkinsville and last August the town was the center of the solar eclipse. Matthew proposed shortly before the eclipse in front of about 40 of our friends & family on my childhood farm. IMPORTANT ELEMENTS: I really wanted to focus on the flowers and keeping a cohesive style from the ceremony to the reception. I loved the pops of color throughout the reception and the overall look. ADVICE: Do a first look, it gets rid of all the jitters!
PHOTOGRAPHER:
Keith & Melissa Photography CEREMONY:
First Presbyterian Church of Winchester RECEPTION:
Winchester Opera House TUXEDOS:
Jos. A. Bank
COORDINATOR:
Natalie Johnson, Winchester Opera House CATERER:
Winchester Opera House CAKE:
Confused Confections BAND:
Superfecta FLORALS:
Neal Linville, Winchester Opera House HAIR:
Mollie Monthie Radden HOTEL ROOM BLOCK:
Hampton Inn Winchester
REHEARSAL DINNER LOCATION: Hall’s On The River REGISTRY:
Macy’s and Bed Bath & Beyond ALTERATIONS:
Darling Sew Shop
Picking The Perfect ‘Getting Ready’ Location
The Malicotes
Michelle Franzetti Franzetti Photography One area of wedding planning commonly overlooked is the importance of planning your location and plans for getting ready on the big day. It has become customary for photographers to join the wedding party during dressing preparations to record important moments like putting on the dress, adding boutonnieres, and sweet moments with close friends and family. Getting ready photos make beautiful additions to your wedding album to help tell the story of your day. These images can be even better if a few elements are in place. Here are 5 tips to keep in mind when selecting a space to prepare for your wedding day that will help those investments shine and help give you stress-free prep-time. GREAT LIGHT If I had to pick the one thing I need as a photographer to give you great photos, it is great natural light! Natural light is any light that comes from the sun. Regardless of the style your photographer, light allows for more flexibility and creativity when a camera is involved. If you are visiting your getting ready space options, try to stop by in the morning hours to see what the light would look like while you are prepping. Your makeup artist will also appreciate a well-lit workspace. The more light, the better! COLORS It is important to be mindful of the colors in the rooms you will have access to for getting ready photos. It is best to avoid very bold colors because they can result in what photographers call color casting. When light bounces off a bold color, for example a bright green, it can cause a green tint on other areas the light hits such as your face or dress. Prioritize spaces with more neutral colors and 118 • BRIDAL BLISS MAGAZINE
your photographer will use your wedding details to bring your own personal style to the space. This makes for a great cohesive wedding album. SPACE TO SPREAD OUT Having multiple rooms/spaces can be a lifesaver on a wedding day. It allows you to enjoy your preparations without feeling crowded or overwhelmed. You can ask guests to store their items in one room so the room you are taking photos in can be free of distractions. When you are crowded in to a space too small, you are more likely to spend time searching for items or even tripping over them. Having more space means a calming
atmosphere. DISTANCE FROM CEREMONY SITE Sometimes wedding timelines do change. It is great to be close to the ceremony site or first look location to ease any anxiety about moving from one location to the next. Some venues offer great getting ready locations on site which is a fantastic bonus. Having both sides of the wedding party get ready in the same location can be convenient for things like communication, commuting, and your photographer. However, it can be tricky to keep the lucky couple from seeing each other throughout the day. Some people prefer to stay in one area all day long while others benefit from a change in scenery. CLEAR SPACE Last but not least, having clear space to work with can make your photography options much more versatile. Keep an eye out for spaces that have some open room between the furniture and even a nice clear wall. This will allow for options like a perfect first look with bridesmaids or the father of the bride. Clear open space allows your photographer to focus on you and all the details you put so much thought into. You will spend almost a third of your wedding day in the space you choose. Nothing is more important than you having a space you feel comfortable in. If you feel lost in this decision, reach out to your photographer or makeup artists and they will likely have a list of great suggestions!
TIE THE KNOT Talon Winery Lexington, KY
Schedule your Talon tour today! events@talonwine.com 859-971-9797
www.talonwine.com
ABBIE•CHRIS EMBRY•CHRISTOPHER rainwater Scott Hayesphotography Photography
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ENGAGEMENT: 13 Months CEREMONY GUEST COUNT: 40 RECEPTION GUEST COUNT: 150 FIRST LOOK: No
PROSPOSAL: Christopher built me a front porch, covered it in flowers and lit tons of candles. He waited until evening and invited me outside. We were in our sweats, but it was very sweet and very us.
PHOTOGRAPHER: Scott Hayes Productions CEREMONY VENUE: Whistling Arch Trail at Red River Gorge RECEPTION VENUE: Outbach Farm MEN’S ATTIRE: Macy’s CAKE: Caramanda’s Bake Shoppe FLORALS: Beaumont Kroger RENTALS: Bryant’s Rent-All REHEARSAL DINNER LOCATION: Miguels Pizza GROOM’S RING: Jewelry Centre ALTERATIONS: Hems & Such Alterations
ABBIE•CHRIS DANI•BEN
rainwater photography Bourbon and Brides Kentucky Wedding Photography
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ENGAGEMENT: 11 Months
STARTING GUEST COUNT: 135 ENDING GUEST COUNT: 105 FIRST LOOK: No
FIRST DANCE SONG: “Only Us” – Laura Dreyfuss and Ben Platt
FAVORITE PART OF THE PLANNING PROCESS: Each of our tables were a different Disney theme, so we spent many weekends exploring stores to find the perfect accents for each table.
CHOOSING A VENUE: We live in Nashville, but would have family and friends traveling for the wedding, so Lexington was a neutral location. Talon Winery & Vineyards was our first venue tour. We were amazed at how beautiful it was and how nice the event team was. The barn is beautiful with the lighting and we felt it would be perfect for our wedding!
PHOTOGRAPHER: Bourbon and Brides Kentucky Wedding Photography CEREMONY & RECEPTION VENUE: Talon Winery & Vineyards WEDDING DRESS: Vivi’s MEN’S ATTIRE: Men’s Wearhouse CATERER: City Barbeque CAKE: Tinker’s Cake Shop DJ: Pulse Mobile Entertainment RENTALS: Purdon’s Rental & Sales HAIR & MAKEUP: Nicole McGrew VIDEOGRAPHER: DMZ Productions HOTEL ROOM BLOCK: Residence Inn by Marriott Lexington South/Hamburg Place FAVORS: Custom Mason Jars, City Barbeque REHEARSAL DINNER LOCATION: Sutton’s Restaurant BRIDAL SHOW ATTENDED: Bridal Bliss Classic LIGHTING: Pulse Mobile Entertainment HAND PAINTED TABLE SIGNS: BelleArtDesigns
Beauty, Elegance, Uniqueness and Regality the ceremony. Live musicians can work with the couple to pick music and have it arranged in a way where it flows seamlessly from the prelude music, to the processional, to the bridal entrance and beyond.
Emily Fife, Harpist Instrumental Ceremony Music Gina Munger Photography A harp is a beautiful instrument to have as part of any wedding ceremony or cocktail hour. When a guest walks into a wedding ceremony and there is a harpist playing, they are often struck by the beautiful atmosphere of elegance, uniqueness and regality that has been created. A harpist elevates the ambiance and creates a beautiful environment for a wedding. It is also a great instrument for creating an intimate experience for your wedding guests. A harpist in the state of Kentucky is truly a rare gem. For that reason, it could be something you have never even thought about having as part of your special day. MUSICAL VERSATILITY & FLEXIBILITY Any experienced harpist has the ability to play the timeless classical requests that couples have come to know and love, as well as, play more modern and contemporary musical pieces. Some of the top requested pieces in 2018 were: Canon in D by Pachelbel, Jesu’, Joy of Man’s Desiring by Bach, Ave Maria by Bach/ Gounod, Bridal March by Mendelssohn, A Thousand Years by Christina Perry, Perfect by Ed Sheeran, Hallelujah by Cohen, All of Me by John Legend, Marry Me by Train, Marry You by Bruno Mars, and A River Flows In You by Yiruma. Having live music at a wedding ceremony gives the musicians ability to adjust a piece to lengthen it or end it at any time, or create a carefully timed crescendo or glissando for a bridal entrance or special moment within 126 • BRIDAL BLISS MAGAZINE
Having a professional harpist perform at your wedding is fairly unique. A harpist can virtually play almost any type or genre of music chosen by the couple. A harpist has the standard wedding music on hand and mastered. However, with enough advanced notification, many harpists are happy to accommodate special music requests. A common practice is to get unknown music to your instrumentalist at least 6 weeks prior to your wedding to ensure that an adequate amount is available for the piece or pieces to be learned. It never hurts to book your harpist early – at least 12 months or more in advance, if possible. A harpist has the ability to play indoors or outdoors. With the modern couple opting for non-traditional wedding sites, the harp is able to be setup and play outside or in a wedding barn. Most harpists only require and request that they not be asked to play in the rain, though shade is greatly appreciated on a very hot day. Another great option is to hire the harpist to play at both the wedding and then the cocktail hour of the wedding. It’s fairly easy to move the harp from one place to another if the wedding ceremony and cocktail hour are in the same general location. A harpist does not require amplification or electricity, though many harps have amplification features built into their
harps and can be amplified electronically, making it easy in all venues large or small for the harp music to be heard. BUDGET AND AFFORDABILITY When planning a wedding, considering your budget is important. Most harpists play as a solo instrumentalist and can handle all of the musical selections needed for your wedding and/or cocktail reception. A harpist can meet all musical needs with one instrument instead of using multiple musicians or groups at your wedding, making it an affordable option. Harpists can play together with other instruments or accompany vocalist if desired. Hiring a harpist can truly be your one stop shop for wedding music for your special day.
WINNER
Doug Smith Designs + Events
BRIDALBLISS Table Contest
Rebecca Stephenson Photography
As an added element to the Bridal Bliss Summer Classic, Vendors were invited to design tables to show off their creative talents. Guests of the event were invited to vote for the favorite table. Each of our professionally designed tables showed off themes, color-schemes and planning options. The Floral and Wedding Planning team at Doug Smith Designs + Events were the winner of our contest. For more looks at these fabulous tables, visit the photo albums on the Bridal Bliss Classic Facebook page. Ron Morrow Photography
Ron Morrow Photography VENDOR SPOTLIGHT: Purdon’s Rental & Sales Rentals - Linens & Place Settings Callie Lynn - Artistic Lettering Martine’s Pastries - Sweetheart Cake
Rebecca Stephenson Photography
Wes Brown Photography
LaDonna’s Catering
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ABBIE•CHRIS MARLEE•HAYDEN rainwater photography Becky Willard Photography
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ENGAGEMENT: 3 Months STARTING BUDGET: $7,000 ENDING BUDGET: $7,500 STARTING GUEST COUNT: 300 ENDING GUEST COUNT: 330 FIRST LOOK: No FIRST DANCE SONG: “Evening Sun” – Jon Bryant FAVORITE PART OF PLANNING PROCESS: Everything! PROPOSAL: I knew the proposal was coming, but he still wanted to surprise me. Our favorite date was at the Kentucky Theater which is close to where I work. One of my co-workers accidentally spoiled the surprise by telling me their sign read “Marlee, will you marry me?” A few hours later Hayden picked me up from work and we walked by it, I pretended to be surprised. The ring did catch me off guard though becuase it is a black diamond and so, so perfect. CHOOSING A VENUE: We chose Copper Fox Event Center because they allowed us to bring in our own caterer and it was very affordable. MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENTS: We wanted good photos to remind us of all of the sweet moments that day!
PHOTOGRAPHY:
CAKE:
Becky Willard Photography
Sonny’s Sweets
CEREMONY:
BRIDE’S BOUQUET:
Trinity Church PCA
Carol Lynn Originals & Events
RECEPTION VENUE:
ENGAGEMENT RING:
Copper Fox Event Center
The Faithful Platform
WEDDING DRESS: The Steel Magnolia
ABBIE•CHRIS KEELY•DEREK rainwater photography Brandon Keith Photography
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ake the most stunning, hot, August Kentucky day; add in a big white tent complete with 17 Bridesmaids and 13 Groomsmen and you’ve got the unforgettable wedding of Keely Potts and UK’s own Derek Willis. Every element of the day told the personal tale of Keely and Derek. Signature cocktails called The Piston & The Hopper were named for their pets. Images of their engagement joy adorned the congregating barn complete with fresh fruit and a donut sampling. White florals throughout honored Keely’s grandmother and the time spent gardening with her and remembering the sweet elegance of white flower gardens. The ceremony backdrop was a stunning rustic tee pee accented with more white florals and greenery as homage to Derek’s Native American heritage. Perhaps the largest contribution to personalization came in the form of the bridal party. All were asked to stand witness because of their importance and significance to the couple about to be joined. “We have so much love for our friends and absolutely adore them all. They each play such an important part in our relationship, it was impossible to only choose a few.” explained Keely. “Each of our friends are so unique and different. Individually, they bring so much of everything into our lives. We knew our wedding wouldn’t be ‘our’ wedding without having them all involved.” The real party started with the iconic first dance. The chosen song, “You are the Reason” by Calum Scott was sung live in a surprise performance by Isaac Humphries. “We had joked about him singing for a year! He had never heard the song and learned it within four days!” laughs Keely. This definitely ranked as one of the favorite moments from the day. Thinking back, there is only one thing Keely might have done differently. “I was really adamant about not doing a first look. I think if I could go back, I would have taken advantage of this time. The chaos after the ceremony meant we lost a lot of photo time.”
PHOTOGRAPHER:
RENTALS:
Brandon Keith Photography
M&H Tent Rentals
CEREMONY & RECEPTION VENUE:
HAIR & MAKEUP:
Highland Sod Farms
Planet Salon and Spa
WEDDING DRESS:
LASHES:
Modern Trousseau Louisville
Jillian Sapp, Planet Salon and Spa
BRIDESMAID DRESSES:
EYEBROWS:
David’s Bridal
Alizee Nails
TUXEDOS:
OFFICIANT:
Men’s Wearhouse
Josh Rhye
COORDINATOR:
VIDEOGRAPHER:
Honey Lane Weddings
Woodland & Ivory
CATERER:
CALLIGRAPHY:
Heartland Sports Pub
Riley + Ko
CAKE:
WATER COLOR PAINTING:
Martina’s Cakes
Moppy Palette
DESSERTS:
ENGAGEMENT PARTY LOCATION:
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
Belle’s Cocktail House
DJ:
ENGAGEMENT PARTY DESSERT:
Masters of Music
Nothing Bundt Cakes
FLORALS:
ENGAGEMENT PARTY CATERER:
J. Elizabeth Designs
Willie’s Locally Known
FLOWER WALL: J. Gardenia
ABBIE•CHRIS BRIE•TJ rainwater photography Rebecca Stephenson Photography
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ENGAGEMENT: 12 Months STARTING GUEST COUNT: 125 ENDING GUEST COUNT: 175 FIRST LOOK: No FIRST DANCE SONG: “The Luckiest” – Ben Folds HASHTAG: #brieandtjsayido FAVORITE PART OF THE PLANNING PROCESS: Designing the entire weekend of events from the moment our guests arrived in Kentucky through the finale of the wedding festivities! LOVE STORY: TJ was the General Manager of Jonathan at Gratz Park where I applied for a hostess position. TJ says that I came floating in to apply for the job and he knew right then and there that I was the one, in my pink dress and high heels. IMPORTANT ELEMENTS: The ceremony was paramount. Each piece had a family driven component. My Aunt married us. Both of our grandfather’s poetries were read. We lit my parents’ wedding candle, followed by the traditional vows and separate short vows in our own words to each other. Other important elements were dinner, drinks & dancing! TJ selected each song that played during the reception while I selected the string selections for the ceremony and cocktail hour. ADVICE: Stay true to yourself and hire a day-of coordinator!
PHOTOGRAPHER:
VIDEOGRAPHER:
Rebecca Stephenson Photography
Love The Renauds
CEREMONY & RECEPTION VENUE:
HOTEL ROOM BLOCK:
Fairyhouse Hall
Hilton Lexington / Downtown
MEN’S ATTIRE:
BRIDAL PARTY ACCOMMODATIONS:
Men’s Wearhouse
Fairyhouse Hall
MONTH-OF COORDINATOR:
FAVORS:
Christina Burton Events
Martine’s Pastries
CATERER:
REHEARSAL DINNER LOCATION:
Jonathan’s Events
Fairyhouse Hall
WEDDING CAKE:
REHEARSAL DINNER CATERER:
Martine’s Pastries
Athenian Grill
GROOM’S CAKE:
ENGAGEMENT RING:
Martine’s Pastries
The Castle Jewelry
FLORALS:
WEDDING BANDS:
Stems
Shelia Bayes Fine Jewelry
RENTALS:
ALTERATIONS:
Bryant’s Rent-All
The Needle’s Eye Alterations
BRIDE & BRIDESMAID’S HAIR:
BARTENDING SERVICES:
Alicia Sapp, Koncrete Blonde Hair
Corto Lima
Studio
WELCOME COCKTAIL PARTY:
GROOM & GROOMSMEN’S HAIR:
Hilton Lexington / Downtown
Matt Gossett, Evolutions Salon
WELCOME BRUNCH:
TRANSPORTATION:
Hilton Lexington / Downtown
Gold Shield Transportation
ABBIE•CHRIS KAYLEE•SAM rainwater Wes Brownphotography Potography
Nothing tops the perfect engagement story until you add in a little romantic holiday to complete the package. Being whisked away for a fabulous weekend of fun is the perfect cover for the ultimate moment that will begin the rest of your lives together. Amazing and captured engagements have become a significant trend over the past few years. Having a photographer on-hand to document the exact moment that four little words turn into a forever memory is the first bit of planning that turns into the biggest day of some couples lives. There are so many options for adding planning details to the engagement that will make it exclusively special and a story to tell grandchildren in years to come. If you are planning to pop the big question during a get-away, there are still plenty of things you can do in advance, from your own backyard, to help alleviate some of stress or anxiety. We recently heard the story of how Sam Purdon from Purdon’s Rental & Sales proposed to his girlfriend Kaylee. We recommend taking a page from Sam’s book, and using local wedding pros to plan and execute your engagement story. When Sam decided to propose to his girlfriend Kaylee, Chicago became the destination of choice. A weekend away would keep her from suspecting his ultimate plans. After purchasing her stunning ring from Joe Rosenberg Jewelers, Sam turned to the floral and wedding planning team of Doug Smith Designs + Events to help him secure the destination accommodations and floral decor that would create the perfect romantic atmosphere. Next, he found the perfect stationery professional to create some personal art detailing sentiments that would be sure to melt Kaylee’s heart. Simply Done Invites was able to work with Sam to achieve both the look and the exact designs he was going for. Slipping the signage into his suitcase was an easy task.
Finally, bringing a Kentuckylocal, expert and well-reputed photographer was the icing on the cake. Sam didn’t want to spend hours searching through Chicago Photographers he didn’t know and whose style he wasn’t familiar with. Instead, he turned to a local photographer, Wes Brown of Wes Brown Photography, who was sure to produce the perfect images he was looking for. According to Sam, “I couldn’t have created this special moment without the help of the professionals. They were able to point me in the right direction and help me create the perfect day. Being able to talk to them in person, not just via phone or email, helped me keep my secret and feel confident that my vision was happening.” If you are considering an outof-town engagement, consider the following plans you can make LOCALLY to ease the anxiety: photographer, stationery, planning, ring shopping, clothing
shopping, video, cake or sweets, travel planners or any specialty gift provider. Often, most of the things you might want or need are right here in your local area. There is no need to wait until you arrive at your destination to make these plans and arrangements OR try and plan from afar. Bring a little CentralKY flavor to wherever you are headed. Planning it all with locals in advance will keep the focus on the big moment to come!
VENDORS VENUE: Kroger Field PHOTOGRAPHER: Kate McStay Photography STATIONERY: Simply Done Invites FLORALS: Doug Smith Designs + Events FAVORS: Sweets By Cindy BRIDAL BLISS MAGAZINE • 147
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