tops weddings
DESCRIPTION
Beautiful weddings with Kentucky connections to inspire brides-to-be, their families and friends.TRANSCRIPT
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Priceless
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Keith YarberPresident/Publisher
Kristen OakleyAssociate Publisher, Sr. Account Manager
Melissa MeatyardEditor / Magazine Design & Layout
Amanda HarperHead Writer
Danielle PopeAccount Manager
Teri TurnerAccount Manager
Bu� y LawsonAccount Manager
Katherine TierneyAccount Manager
Whitney GlassAccount Manager
Judson RidgwayAdvertising Creative [email protected]
Top Marketing Group465 East High Street, Suite 201
Lexington, KY 40507859.543.TOPS (8677)
859.514.1621 (fax)TopsInLex.comLexScene.com
Cover Photo:Kendall & Joe (p59)
Photography by Melanie Mauer
8 Allison + Josh: Derby Day Celebration
16 Emily + Keena: Sweet Southern Nuptials
24 Courtney + Justin: Destination Mexico
32 Megan + Derek: Rustic Meets Elegant
39 Morgan + Adam: Backyard Whimsy
46 Amy + Josh: Engineering a Wedding
53 Laura + Joey: Destination Charleston
59 Kendall + Joe: Light and Bright
66 Maegan + Jamie: Horse Country Chic
76 Kaitlyn + Ben: Penguins, Feathers and Bats
84 Megan + JJ: Timeless Sophistication
91 Lindy + Blake: Wine & a Wedding
98 Advertiser Directory
Tops Weddings
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Photography by Conrhod Zonio
Allison & JoshMay 7, 2011
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gsAllison and Josh both went to Paul Laurence Dunbar HS and even dated for a while. But it wasn’t unti l
aft er college that they reconnected and started a serious relati onship. Their fi rst offi cial date was based on a bet—Josh, a hardcore Michigan fan, bet that if Michigan won the Ohio State - Michigan game that year, Allison would have to cook for him. If Ohio State won, however, he’d take her out. They ended up sharing a very romanti c dinner at Guiseppi’s. That was where he proposed years later. To bring things full-circle, they shared dessert at the site of their date in high school – McDonald’s!
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The couple had always agreed that there were three events they could never schedule their wedding on top of: a UK basketball game, a UK football game or The Kentucky Derby. Unfortunately, ti ming required that they have their wedding on Derby day. To be able to enjoy one of their favorite Kentucky traditi ons, they incorporated the Derby into their big day. They served hot browns and cookies shaped like jockey silks. Chocolate horseshoes were served with each slice of cake and some of the fl oral centerpieces were arranged in julep cups. A trumpeter played “Call to Post” before they entered the recepti on.
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The groom’s cake was a replica of a car that he spent a year and a half restoring, including a chocolate bourbon fi lling. The groom’s father admired the cake so much that he actually took it home with him!
The couple are self-proclaimed foodies. Having been to a lot of weddings, they chose to have heavy hors d’eouvres so that guests could munch throughout the night. More than anything, the couple wanted to ensure that everyone had a great ti me, enjoyed wonderful food and had fun dancing.
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TipI would suggest to anyone to do research on your vendors and ask for recommendations before book-ing any one or thing. Also, stick to what is most important to you. Pho-tography, food, and the band were the most important to us, and that is what we tackled first. Most im-portantly, enjoy being engaged and don’t let the stress get to you. Josh and I would have date nights where we merely enjoyed each other’s company and would not mention centerpieces, invitations, etc. Hav-ing a wedding coordinator if you can is the greatest resource and advocate you could ever imagine. My coordi-nator made my wedding planning as stress-free and fun as possible! Also, don’t be afraid to tell a vendor that you aren’t a fan of something like a food item, flower type, linens, etc. At the end of the day, it’s your wed-ding and vision, not someone else’s. So, try and remain true to yourself and what you and your fiance envi-sion, want, and value.
Funny Anecdote:
I somehow managed to sit on a purple hydrangea stem that fell off my bouquet when we were on the trolley en route to Thoroughbred Park. Needless to say, I had a silver dollar sized purple stain right in the middle of the backside of my dress. Not one person told me about it until be were done with pictures and at the church before walking down the aisle. My maid of honor and bridesmaids had been franti-cally on the phone with my mother and wedding coordinator during the pictures to figure out what to do. Once at the church, it took the team of Alicia (my coordinator), my mother, and Josh’s mother Tina us-ing a combo of Tide pens and some other substance to get the stain out. Luckily, after some time, it came out. I’m still shocked not one per-son let on about the stain for nearly 2 hours!
– Allison
DetailsWedding Coordinator & Flowers: Alicia DeBoor, Great ExpectationsCatering and Ice Sculpture: Seasons CateringVenue: The Signature ClubCake: Jeanne Douthitt, Cakes by JeannePhotographer: Conrhod Zonio, Conrhod Zonio PhotographyVideography: ICVideoBand: Familiar FacesInvitations and Paper Products: Minuteman PressTrolley: Heaven Hill Distilleries TrolleyTown Car: Gold Shield TransportationMake-up: Hope Fothergill, Makeup HopeHair: Shelly WadeBridal Gown and Veil: Paloma Blanca / Rebecca’s Wedding BoutiqueBride’s Second Dress: Badgley Mischka from Bella RoseBridal Shoes: Badgley MischkaBridesmaid Dresses: Bill Levkoff from Rebecca’s Wedding BoutiqueTuxedos: Joseph Abboud, Geno’s Formal Affair
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Photography by David Blair
Emily & KeenaMay 21, 2011
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Having both grown up in Kentucky, Emily and Keena att ended Georgetown College and met through mutual friends. Their fi rst date together was to the movies, which conti nues to be one of their favorite things to do together. Keena graduated only months aft er they met and moved to Nashville, turning their relati onship into a long-distance one. Keena proposed to Emily at her sorority house in front of all her sorority sisters.
The couple chose to hold their wedding celebrati on at The Carrick House, which was reminiscent of an old Southern plantati on the couple had come to love in college. To personalize the ceremony, they hand-picked the music, chose meaningful scripture and placed memorial fl owers in remembrance of loved ones no longer with them.
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The groom and groomsmen wore hot pink detailed cowboy boots. The groomsmen donned Derby-themed Vineyard Vines ti es, which complimented the bridesmaids pink dresses.
The couple set up a photo booth with silly accessories, which was a real hit with guests. Keena surprised Emily with a hot pink themed candy buff et. She, in turn, surprised him with a Krispy Kreme tower instead of a groom’s cake. They also had cupcakes with icing in the shape of hydrangeas.
The couple exited the wedding through a tunnel of family and friends holding sparklers. Aft er the recepti on had fi nished, they had an aft erparty with a DJ, karaoke, buff et of fi nger foods and a bar at the Mariott Griffi n Gate Resort.
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TipEnjoy planning, you only get to do it once. Do not stress about everything being perfect, things will go wrong but somehow ev-erything will turn out better than you ever expected. It will truly be the best day of your life so en-joy that time and when you get caught up in the stress and excite-ment of planning remember that your wedding day is not about the flowers, the dress, the cake or the band. Your wedding day is about you and your new husband and celebrating the beginning of your life together with your closest family and friends.
Another word of advice is to en-joy the days following the wed-ding. The day after the wedding we spent time with our families opening gifts, telling stories from the night before and sharing in leftover wedding cake. It was so special to share that time and re-flect with our families together. We also waited to take our hon-eymoon because of the grooms conflicting work schedule. Four months after the wedding we went on our honeymoon; it gave us plenty of time to settle into married life and plan the trip of our dreams to France.
– Emily
DetailsPhotographer: David BlairVideographer: Jeremy White, Integrity Productions Baker: Nina ParsonsFlorist: Stephen Hein FloristVenue: Carrick HousePhoto Booth: Showtime Photo BoothCeremony Musician: Jamie WiggintonOfficiant: Reverend Shannon CookBand: The Company Band, Noc Noc Productions, Raleigh, NC
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La Luna Photography
Courtney & JustiuMay 26, 2011
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Justi n was Courtney’s personal trainer when he fi nally asked her out to a monster truck show. Their sporty beginning led to a beauti ful proposal at Talon Winery. Justi n fumbled to retrieve the box stashed in his sock and accidentally opened the box upside down, but he quickly readjusted and Courtney was quick to respond “Is that real?” Aft er their laughter died down, she said yes.
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The wedding was held on the beach, a few feet from the beauti ful, crystal-clear waters of Tulum, Mexico. Because it was an oceanside wedding, the groomsmen were decked out in linen suits with sandals. They wore green shirts to match Justi n’s green eyes.
Courtney fell in love with a bouquet that she found. It featured purple lisianthus. From that, she decided that the bridesmaids would wear lilac.
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The couple wanted a toes-in-the-sand experience for all of their guests. Custom made maracas added a litt le Mexican fl air to the seaside ceremony. During the recepti on, the bride and groom off ered a bar with Cuban cigars and pomegranate tequila. The dance fl oor was alight all night long as guests danced, mixed, mingled and enjoyed the beauti ful Mexico night.
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TipA destination wedding is so easy! I highly reccommend it to anyone who is even thinking about it!
Funny Anecdote:
Best Advice for a destination bride—never send 4 grown men out to get tequila and cigars the day of the wedding! They arrived back with only TWO bottles of the pomegranite tequila I wanted for the “tequila bar” and they seemed to purchase $1,000 woth of cigars! LOL, leave it to a man to do that one.
– Courtney
DetailsDj: DJ BijanCatering, Florals, etc. : Dreams Tulum ResortHand-Made Maracas, Menus & Ceremony Programs: Mishka DesignsPhotography: LaLuna Photography
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Megan &DerekMay 28, 2011
Photography by Kortnee Kate
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On a fun night on the town with a friend, Megan was introduced to Derek and they hit it off right away. They were both born and raised in Kentucky and graduated from UK.
One night, Derek took Megan out to dinner and gave her roses and some champagne to chill for later in the evening. They headed back to her house to unwind aft er their romanti c evening. She made herself comfortable on the couch and noti ced that Derek was on the fl oor in front of her—he had hidden the ring under her couch aft er asking her parents blessing that day!
For their nupti als, Megan wore her grandmother’s diamond bracelet and her diamond earrings were a gift from her father. Her crystal headpiece was designed by her mother to match her gown’s details. Her bridal bouquet featured green cymbidium orchids, hydrangeas, roses and was laced with sterling lockets with pictures of parents and grandparents.
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Megan’s inspirati on for the recepti on site was “white, rusti c, elegant and birch/tree”. She left the details up to her fl orist, who balanced elegant pieces with rusti c details. Silver platt ers were lined with moss and candles while julep cups were wrapped with rope. Diff erent spaces in the Hilary J. Boone Center were treated diff erently, creati ng individual areas for guests to enjoy. This allowed everyone to travel through the site and have a very diff erent experience in each area.
Aft er guests said their fi nal goodbyes, the bridal party fi led into a bus and headed downtown to conti nue celebrati ng. The night was topped off with dancing, reminiscing and laughter before heading back to Gratz Park Inn.
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TipMy best advice to a bride who is just starting the wedding planning process is to give yourself enough time to enjoy the process of planning your wedding and only choose vendors you com-pletely trust. We had over a year and a half to plan everything and it made it so nice. We would work on things for a bit and then take a break and enjoy being a couple and come back to plan a few weeks later. This allowed us to not get lost in the rush of decision making and planning. Also the week of the wed-ding, we took every night and went out with family and friends and did some-thing fun. Enjoy the time you have with friends and family while they are in town, and enjoy having fun with your groom to be!
There is one thing I would have done differently. The day before the wedding I would have set aside an hour or two just to relax and be by myself. A little time to just soak in a tub, take a walk, or get some rest would’ve been a nice little mo-ment. Things get a little crazy at the last minute and you will have to make last second choices, having an hour set aside for myself would’ve been a nice treat.
Funny Anecdote:
When the photographers got to the re-ception site, they did not know the en-tire inside of the building was all done up, so they spent a lot of time photo-graphing outside, only to leave them 5 minutes to shoot the entire inside be-fore guests got there. They were literally running as hard as they could from spot to spot to take pictures.
– Megan
DetailsWedding Planner: Ginny AdkinsBand: Burning Las VegasDJ: Bluegrass BeatPhotographer: Kortnee Kate PhotographyPhoto Booth: Kortnee Kate Photography Videographer: Scott Hayes Flowers: Reception-Jeremy Rice from House; Church and Bouquets-John Kittenger from Best of FlowersHair/ Makeup: Ana Crane-SimpsonWedding Cake: Martine’sTent and Dance Floor: Purdon’s RentalsCatering: Hilary J Boone CenterBentley: Gold ShieldBluegrass Tours: Bus for Bridal PartyVenue: Hilary J. Boone CenterTuxedos: Geno’s Formal AffairMonogram and Invitations: Claudia EngleBridesmaid Luncheon/Bridal Suite: Gratz Park Inn
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Photography by Tara Young
Morgan & AdamJune 4, 2011
A dynamic couple self-branded as Jones + Kahn, Morgan was living in Dallas, TX when she first met Adam while visiting New York City for Memorial Day. They reconnected a year later, meeting for drinks with friends then sharing their first date over sushi in The Big Apple. When Morgan’s flight out of NYC was canceled, they got to see each other the next night. Eventually, Morgan moved into an apartment with Adam in NYC where Adam proposed in August 2010. Morgan’s dream was always to have a wedding in the backyard of her childhood home in Salem, IN. The couple has long considered Kentuckiana a part of their roots and they visit often, cherishing the peace and comfort of the area.
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Morgan’s mom travelled to NYC to go dress shopping with her. Morgan tried on a J. Crew dress, but didn’t initially know it was “the one”. Since it was sold out, Morgan kept shopping—without having any luck. When the dress became available again a few months later, Morgan bought it. The floral lace and delicate ruffle detailing perfectly suited the outdoor wedding.
Adam’s suit was by Ben Sherman. The silvery grey helped his bright pink boutonniere really pop. He paired it with a J. Crew tie and wore suspenders under his jacket, creating a dressy casual style.
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The bridesmaids each chose their dress style. They utilized Aria Dresses, which has a “Try-On” service that allowed each bridesmaid to have a sample mailed to them before finalizing the order. The six groomsmen wore coordinating suits from Men’s Warehouse.
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Flowers factored deeply into the décor of the ceremony. Bold pinks with striking greenery made a powerful visual impact. The ceremony site overlooked a small pond with a fountain.
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Bright pink flowers carried over into the reception décor, paired with a variety of glass vases to make several different arrangements on the tables. The Pavilion was located just a few steps from the ceremony site, a recreational building on the Jones family property used for entertaining. Instead of having all 250 guests mingling in a small space, they chose to have a family-style menu with a meat carving station.
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TipI would tell any bride just beginning the planning process to remember the day is all about committing your life to the person you love. Stay true to your love for each other and make the day a representation of your relation-ship. There will be other people to tell you what they would do or what you should do, but in the end, the day should be all about you and your husband to be. Also, for any brides planning a wedding from a distance, a wedding planner is a must-have. Our wedding planner made our dream day come true and Adam and I did not worry about the small details. She did an amazing job executing our vision and there is nothing I would change.
Personal Anecdote:
Although the months before our wedding were filled with anxiety and stress (Adam tore his ACL and was also diagnosed with Thyroid cancer, so after surgery for each he is now mobile and cancer free), we felt like we lived our vows before actually say-ing “I do.” Our bond and love were so-lidified throughout those few months and just seeing a healthy Adam walk down the aisle was the best part of the day.
– Morgan
DetailsGown: J. CrewGroom’s Suit: Ben ShermanWedding Planner: Marcie Hancock, A Thorough FareDJ: Masters of Music Kenny Sauter, LouisvilleCatering: Masterson’s, LouisvilleFlorist: In Bloom Again, LouisvilleJeweler: Haas Jewelers, New Albany, INPhotographer: Tara Young, LouisvilleCandy Buffet and Cake Balls: Wedding Cakes by Gallery House, LouisvilleWedding Cake: Sandy’s, Borden, INDecor: The Event Company - Decor Rentals, LouisvilleValet: Ready Valet, LouisvilleTent/Rentals: Reliable Rentals
After the couple cut the cake, Adam surprised everyone by taking the stage and singing a song to Morgan called “We’ll Always Have Tonight”, which he wrote.
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Photography by Amber Schmidt, Kentucky Studio
Amy & JoshJune 18, 2011
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Amy, whose hometown is Elkhorn City, and Josh, a Western Kentucky native, met while working at ECSI in Lexington. Having both graduated from UK, the couple share a love of being active and enjoying UK’s sports teams.Amy and Josh were engaged while on a cruise. Their first stop was Belize, where they were required to stay within a few blocks of the ship. Disappointed about not being able to wander around, they headed back to the ship to lounge by the pool. Josh proposed on the spot, eschewing his original plan to propose on the beach. Needless to say, Amy was surprised and forgot all about touring Belize.
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The ceremony and reception were held at Chrisman Mill Vineyard. It was important to the couple to choose a location that was central to their families, who live on opposite ends of the state. Having a venue that welcomed their pets was wonderful for Amy and Josh, as well. Their dogs were ring bearers in the ceremony.The bridesmaids chose their own dresses, each in the same color. The groomsmen’s ties coordinated, picking up on the deep turquoise of peacock feathers. White, green and pink flowers rounded out the arrangements, offering a powerful visual pop. Other ceremony pieces featured the same rich tones.
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Amy personalized her bouquet by wrapping the stems with lace from her mother’s wedding dress. Since she is a civil engineer and Josh is a mining engineer, having a structurally interesting cake was something the bride chose to highlight their occupations. Their officiant, Josh’s uncle, is also an engineer. His message for the ceremony was “the blueprint for a good marriage.”
Having both gone to UK, there were a lot of big blue touches in the couple’s big day. Their toasting glasses were etched with “UK”, they had UK cornhole boards at the reception and Amy wore a UK garter. The out of town guests and wedding party had an impromtu party at the couple’s house following the reception, carrying the fun and festivities well into the evening.
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TipHave monthly goals when planning your own wedding. If you spread out planning milestones well, you’ll be able to research more without feeling pressured to choose a ven-dor or make a decision you wouldn’t have otherwise made. If I could have done anything differently I would have made more lists for the day. The day of the wedding I kept calling Josh and our roommate to pick up random things I had forgot-ten to pack. I ended up completely forgetting the pinwheels I had made the flower girls to carry until it was time to go down the aisle.
– Amy
DetailsVenue / Catering: Chrisman Mill VineyardsFlorist: Suzi Hjorth of Magnolia Floral DesignCake: Caramanda’sBridesmaid Dresses: TwirlGroomsmen: Geno’s Formal AffairPhotographer: Amber Schmidt, Kentucky StudioHair: Chris at Insignia SalonMakeup: Brittany WhittenmoreViolinist: Amanda Marksley
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Photography by Richard Bell
Laura & JoeyJune 18, 2011
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Laura and Joey went to the same middle school and high school in Lexington while they were growing up, but their 4-year age diff erence kept them from meeti ng unti l they both happened to be at a party in 2005. Joey asked for her number–and sti ll has the piece of paper that he wrote it on to this day. Before Laura left to att end the University of Georgia, Joey gave her a promise ring. He proposed in February of 2010 at his house with his son, Hunter, present. Aft erwards, Joey threw a celebratory dinner at his parents’ house with both of their families.
Joey and Laura had taken a trip to Charleston the summer before they were engaged and thought it was beauti ful. They saw the view from Patriots Point and knew it was the perfect spot for their nupti als.
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Laura’s great grandmother’s hand-kerchief was wrapped around the bouquet. She wore a pair of David Yurman diamond and pearl earrings that Joey had given her as a wedding gift , as well.
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Guest’s welcome bags included a navy drink coozie, a Charleston visitor’s guide, a thank you note from the couple and a mini bott le of Maker’s Mark.
Laura’s godfather and her father’s childhood best friend, Mike Warner, performed the ceremony. Joey and Laura had writt en a list of 10 things that they loved about each other, which the min-ister read during the ceremony.
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During the recepti on, the band did an impromptu renditi on of “Jesse’s Girl”, changing the lyrics to “Joey’s Girl”. Guests enjoyed passed appeti zers during the cocktail hour and a savory assortment of dishes during the recepti on, which was held in a spot overlooking Charleston Harbor. For their grand exit, guests held sparklers as the couple exited the tent and drove off in a golf cart.
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TipI would definitely hire a wedding planner! It made everything so much more enjoyable knowing that all the details were taken care of and I really got to enjoy every moment of the wedding. I would also say go with your first instinct- it makes planning the wedding much easier and it usually ends up being what you will be happi-est with anyway.
Funny Anecdote:
While I was expecting Charleston in June to be hot, I don’t think I realized how the heat would affect me in the wedding dress, standing up there in front of my soon-to-be husband and all of our family and friends. During the exchanging of the rings, I started to feel faint and ended up having to sit down right in the middle of the ceremony! Joey saved the day though by get-ting down on one knee and we exchanged rings as I was seated. Although no bride wants this to happen, I am so thankful to have such a sweet husband and every-one was talking about how per-fect it was all night!
– Laura
DetailsCeremony Music: Classical CharlestonBand: New South PlayersFlorist: Charleston Florals Photography: Richard Bell PhotographyVideography: Hart to Hart Media, Inc.Catering: Belvedere CateringCake: Cakes by LindaGown: Allure Bridal from Ruth’s BridalHair: Emily LarkMake-up: Angela McKee
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Photography by Melanie Mauer
Kendall & JoeJune 25, 2011
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Kendall and Joe both grew up in Cynthiana. Their parents were friends, they att ended the same private school, they both went to the same church and Joe was on the Varsity basketball team while Kendall was a Varsity cheerleader. In spite of all of this, and in spite of being att racted to each other in high school, the two didn’t get to know each other unti l Kendall’s second semester at UK. A mutual friend introduced them, and they’ve been together since. Joe proposed during a sunrise walk on the beach in Florida near his grandparents’ home.
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Kendall had a rose made from her late grandmother’s suit and placed it in her bouquet. Her mother’s handmade rosary was draped down the stem. The bridesmaids wore silk shantung dresses by Lynn Lugo.
Kendall knew from the beginning that she wanted to make the ceremony, which was held at Christ the King Cathedral, very personal. Their main focus was taking a large group of people and making the day special for everyone. She and Joe chose a reading that her parents used in their wedding, chose music that they grew up singing in their home parish and delivered communion to each of their guests. Kendall and Joe share the same godparents, who brought up the gift s in the ceremony.
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DetailsReception Venue: The Carrick HouseCatering: Lundy’sPhotographer: Melanie MauerPlanner: Resa BrowningFlorist: Resa BrowningCake: Judy RamseyBand: The Sensations
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Photography by Karen Powell
Maegan & JamieJune 25, 2011
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Jamie, a lawyer, grew up on a farm in Central Kentucky. Maegan moved from Dallas, Texas to work on her family’s farm (Diamond A Farms) and she is now a thoroughbred breeder. The pair met at a friend’s house aft er Jamie’s band had played his 10-year high school reunion. A mutual friend introduced them and they hit it off immediately. Their fi rst date was out to Keeneland, followed by dinner in Midway. They were engaged in Asheville, NC on Maegan’s birthday.
The groom’s aunt and uncle held a welcome party at Keene Place on the Thursday before the wedding. Their rehearsal dinner was held at Idle Hour Country Club. On the day of the wedding, the groom’s other aunts, uncles and grandmother held a brunch at Jonabell Farm.
The bride’s family’s horse farm was the biggest inspirati on for the ‘Southern Elegance’ aff air. Maegan wanted to incorporate lots of hydrangeas and peonies throughout the celebrati on.
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Maegan wore a Monique Lhullier dress. She wore pearl and diamond earrings, as well an anti que blue sapphire and diamond bracelet she borrowed from her sister, which acted as her ‘something old, blue and borrowed.’ Her wedding dress, of course, was new. The bridesmaids’ dresses were from a Bella Bridesmaids in Maegan’s hometown of Dallas, Texas.
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The bride has always loved the look of using indoor furniture and chandeliers outside, so she incorporated that as part of the cocktail hour. Near the recepti on tent, inti mate seati ng areas were constructed with chandeliers, couches, swings and arm chairs. The bar helped create a great lounge in the country for the recepti on site, complete with signature cocktails in mason jars.
Rusti c details brought out the elegant country farm theme. Monogrammed pillows and signs helped personalize the wedding, including both their monogram “N” and the bride’s family farm’s logo. A country/bluegrass band played during the cocktail hour. They were followed by a 12-piece band for dancing.
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To keep the many children in their families entertained, the couple set up special kid’s tent featuring crayons, pinwheels, Play-doh, craft supplies and mason jar fi refl y catchers. Southern fried chicken fi ngers and pomme frites were served as the kids worked hard on their creati ons.
The couple drove off from the wedding in a golf cart, waving to their guests and taking in their last few glimpses of a truly special day.
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TipTake ideas from everywhere! I would look in wedding magazines, but also home, garden, and many more types of magazines. It’s so fun to see unique ideas and incor-porate them into your wedding!
Funny Anecdote:
When Jamie’s band took the stage and started playing, the out-of town-guests looked up and saw that the lead singer was the min-ster who had performed the cer-emony. Everyone loved it! They definitely stole the show from the other bands!
– Maegan
DetailsPhotos: Karen PowellFlowers: All OccasionsPlanner: Melody, All OccasionsEntertainment: Rupert’s Orchestra for dancingVenue: Bride’s Family Farm, Diamond A FarmsCatering: Wiltshire Pantry (Louisville)
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Kaitlyn & BenJuly 30, 2011
Photography by Shaun Ring
Kaitlyn & BenJuly 30, 2011
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Kaitlyn & BenJuly 30, 2011
Kaitlyn & BenJuly 30, 2011
Ben and Kaitlyn met while att ending UK, but remained “just friends” unti l 2 years aft er they graduated. They began to date long distance and never lived in the same city unti l their wedding. Kaitlyn has been a huge fan of the Newport Aquarium for a long ti me, and the couple discovered the “Pitt er Patt er Splatt er” fundraiser, in which people help penguins paint pictures with their feet to raise money for the aquarium. As a birthday present, Ben took her to the Newport Aquarium and had the penguins “paint” a proposal.
Instead of wedding favors, they chose to make a donati on to “The Wave Foundati on” to benefi t the Newport Aquarium.
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Each bridesmaid was given a ring in their favorite color, each made from Kaitlyn and Ben’s grandmothers’ butt ons. They also recieved monogrammed oriental robes and monogrammed purses.
The groomsmen received custom Louisville Slugger bats, engraved with their initi als. The bride got a pink one, as well!
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Kaitlyn loves feathers, but didn’t want to overdo the inclusion of them. They were a part of her fascinator, her bouquet, the fascinators worn by the maids of honor and a few other special pieces. The bride wore a ring made from beads and pearls that were from both her mother’s and mother-in-law’s wedding dresses, as well as a bracelet made from her grandmother’s earrings and butt ons. The rosary and lace from her mother’s fi rst communion were included in the bouquet and she wore her mother’s veil.
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During the recepti on, Ben (a medi-cal student) donned surgeon garb to retrieve the garter from under Kaityln’s dress. What he found, instead, was a bott le of Smirnoff Ice. As Kaityln says—he got iced! His groom’s cake celebrated his love of golf as well as his medical aspirati ons.
A custom-made bar sign featured illustrati ons of the couple’s favorite drinks; he chose Sam Adam’s Sum-mer Ale, she chose the Dirty Shirley and together they chose Maker’s Mark and water.
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TipMake your wedding your own. It’s great to get ideas from maga-zines, websites, and blogs but when it comes down to it… you should make it your wedding. Put your own personal touches on the day. Looking back you won’t remember how much was spent on your dress, the flowers, or the band. What you will remember is the way your groom looked at you the first time he saw you in the dress, the single flower placed on the alter in memory of people who couldn’t be there, or maybe that one song that brought all of your friends and family out on the dance floor to dance the night away.
Funny Anecdote:
One of the male guests at the wedding forgot his socks. At the reception he danced so hard that he got some horrible blisters. He decided to make a quick trip to one of the drugstores around the corner. Instead of buying band-aids he bought duck tape! He re-turned to the reception with both of his ankles entirely wrapped in Duck Tape. During one of the last songs that guest came up to the bride, pulled off his shoe, and ex-claimed… “Duck tape really can fix anything!”
– Kaitlyn
DetailsFlorist: FlourishMakeup & Hair: Ana Crane-Simpson/Applied Cosmetic Svcs.Invitations: Amo InkPhotography: Shaun Ring PhotographyVideo: Scott HayesReception Venue: The Henry ClayChurch: St. Boniface Catholic ChurchBridesmaid Button Rings: Jeri’s Custom OriginalsString Quartet: Highland Chamber PlayersBridesmaid Dresses: TwirlCustom Bar Signs: Architette StudiosCaterer: The Silver SpoonPre-Dinner Tarts: Love at First Bite Cake: Mert’s CakesLinens: BBJ Linens & Linen HeroBridal Jewelry and Fascinator: Maui Crane—Love RocksBand: Soul Explosion
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Alicia Fierro of Aesthetiica Photography
Megan &JJJuly 30, 2011
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Megan and JJ met in high school at the country club in their hometown of Hazard, KY. Megan was lifeguarding at the pool and JJ was playing golf. JJ played football at the ti me and Megan was a cheerleader, which of course caused them to take noti ce of each other. JJ went on to play football for the University of Kentucky from 2004-2008 and they’re both avid Wildcat fans. The pair was engaged in Washington, DC at the rooft op bar of Hotel Washington, overlooking the nati on’s capital. Megan was so taken by surprise that she gave JJ the wrong hand to place the ring on.
The ceremony was modeled aft er the 1984 wedding of the groom’s parents. A trumpeter played Trumpet Voluntaryas Megan was escorted to the altar by her father. The brooch the bride wore in her hair was purchased by her maternal grandmother.
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For good luck, the bride wore her grandmother’s wedding band as her “something old” and her bouquet was wrapped in a pearl and crystal rosary belonging to the offi ciant, Father Michael Chowning, for her “something borrowed”. Megan had her mother’s wedding gown custom-tailored and shortened into a cocktail dress for the recepti on.
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The wedding party included seven bridesmaids, six groomsmen, two att endants and one ring bearer.Family and friends from all stages of the bride and groom’s lives were included. They were dressed in elegant, classic atti re that complemented the day’s ti meless style.
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The couple loved the elegance and beauty of Downtown Lexington and the Hyatt Regency’s Patt erson Ballroom. The wedding colors were black, white and ivory. The recepti on focused on a regal, candle-lit, sophistocated, ti meless feel.
Steve Butt leman, the offi cial bugler for Churchill Downs, played “Call to Post” to announce the arrival of the bride and groom, then took the stage to play “My Old Kentucky Home”.
In lieu of favors, the bride and groom made a donati on to the Kentucky Children’s Hospital.
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TipPlanning your wedding can be both exhilarating and exasperating so it is easy to get caught up in the stress of it. But when the double doors open to everyone you love standing before you, and your eyes are fixed upon your husband-to-be, there is no greater feeling possible. You find your peace. Therefore, I urge you to simply enjoy every moment. Through all of the chaos and excite-ment, try not to lose sight of what is important.
Loving my husband was never meant to be a private emotion. Therefore, it was very important to make sure that every detail of our wedding high-lighted our love for each other. Be sure that the details of your wedding fit both of your personalities and showcase your love. This will make your wedding much more intimate, romantic, and meaningful.
– Megan
DetailsWedding Planner: Always Planned-Rayna OrtweinFlowers and Décor: Davida PatrickPhotographer: Alicia Fierro-Asthetiica PhotographyReception Band: Groove Addiction-Nashville, TNWedding Cake: Martine Holzman-Martine’s PastriesBridesmaid Dresses: Twirl Boutique-Ty McBrayerInvitations and Programs: The Blu Sash-Donia SimmonsHair and Make-up: Ana-Crane SimpsonIce Sculpture: Season’s CateringTransportation: Gold Shield
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Photography by Jesse Caylor and Joe Ratliff with Jesse Caylor Photography
Lindy & BlakeAugust 6, 2011
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Lindy and Blake fi rst met at Crossroads Chris-ti an Church. Their fi rst date was shared with friends over dinner and a movie. When the couple fi rst visited Talon Winery, it was a truly magical place for them. They knew it was the perfect place to celebrate their nupti als.
The couple’s invitati ons and save the dates featured a large ampersand . They had a large wooden ampersand (built by Joan Hayse) at the wedding festi viti es for guests to pass around and hold for photos.
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The recepti on was held in the Cabernet Barn. Its rusti c, Tuscan feel appealed to Lindy and Blake. The large, inviti ng space welcomed guests to enjoy the beauty of the winery as well as the wedding festi viti es. They created plenty of space for a dance fl oor and passed out fl ip fl ops for guests to slip on. Everyone sampled mini-hot browns, sangria & shrimp and grits as they enjoyed the lovely August day.
The bridesmaids wore spiced wine hued short chiff on dresses that complimented the groom and groomsmen’s tan suits. Lindy wore a ribbon from her grandmother’s wedding dress att ached to the underside of her dress.
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For the couple, the most unique part of their wedding was the originality and simplicity. The minister had known the couple for over 6 years and created a very personal Ceremony. The bride did a number of DIY projects for the wedding, including the banners, programs and ribbon sti cks.
With the help of Valerie Long, the couple designed their own save the dates and printed them themselves, to save cost. They also printed their own ceremony programs.
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TipHave fun! Planning a wedding can be ter-ribly stressful if you let it. Create things on your own for your wedding and it will be more fun for you. Ask for help from friends and family and you will find that it becomes much eas-ier and you will gain many ideas from these close friends!
– Lindy
DetailsWedding Planner: Megan CreasyDJ: Complete Music and VideoCaterer: DaRae and FriendsFlorist: Doug SmithWedding Cake: Tinkers
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CatereringBaby Cakes Cupcakes859.317.9619bb-cakes.comSeason’s Catering859.266.6661seasonsevents.com
EntertainmentBeth Mankel 859.619.2440 bethmankel.com
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VenuesArtsPlace859.255.2951lexarts.org
A Storybook Inn 859.879.9993 storybook-inn.comCardome Center502.863.1575cardomecenter.comCasanova’s Banquet Room 859.559.2049 casanovaky.comCastlePost859.879.1000thecastlepost.comCelebration Center of Lex-ington859.272.3414celebrationcenteroflexington.comDoubletree Suites by Hilton859.268.0060doubletree1.hilton.comGratz Park Inn859.231.1777gratzparkinn.comHilary J. Boone Center@ the University of Kentucky859.257.9066uky.edu/boonecenterKeeneland859.288.4367keeneland.comLexington Center859.233.4567lexingtoncenter.comLexington Opera House 859.233.4567 x3289 lexingtonoperahouse.comNick Ryan’s Saloon859.233.7900nickryans.comSpindletop Hall859.255.2777spindletophall.comSutton’s Restaurant859.268.2068suttonsrestaurant.com
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Wedding PlanningPEARLpearllexington,comWeddings by Michele859. 913. 9132weddingsbymichele.net
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