The personal little details that make a wedding unique are why I continue to fall in love with each new “I do” every single day. This Southern celebration took the idea of tender touches and ran with it, from the Groom wearing his grandfather’s dress shoes to a repeat of the Bride’s parent’s first dance song from their own Kentucky wedding years ago. Natalie Watson and Keepsake Films captured every magical moment, helping our VAULT shine even brighter – more this way!
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From the Bride… I grew up visiting family in Kentucky every holiday and summer. The music, food, scenery, and traditions are embedded in my heart. Both our late and living grandparents were champions of hospitality. Mine of the Southern variety and his big Italian family style; we wanted the reception to have that warmth. The groom and I share a love of bourbon, music, and the great outdoors and I wanted to share the magic of Kentucky. Many of our guests had never visited the Bluegrass State (we were sure to arrange a distillery visit). As a prop/wardrobe stylist I dove whole heartedly into designing an ethereal and dreamy event.
Every detail was personal. My uncle officiated the ceremony and we wrote our own vows. The aisle was flanked by two lions to represent our matching Leo birthdays. The groom wore his grandfather’s dress shoes and his cousin sang “Can’t Help Falling In Love” which was my parent’s first dance song at their KY wedding 35+ years ago. My mom sewed and pressed 400 ft of bunting to hang in the sailcloth tent, a lot of which came from old dance costumes, dresses, and my old fabric from fashion school. I took a lot of pride in collecting the vintage crystal and creating DIY details. Comfort food was served family-style on the same china set my grandparents used for their dinner parties. Queen Anne’s Lace, a staple of my grandfather’s farm, was featured in every floral arrangement. A bluegrass quartet graced the ceremony and cocktail hour, a nod to our love of music and my Appalachian roots. A phenomenal funk band lead the dance party at the reception complete with the groom and I standing in for a song before our exit.
If I could summarize the day in a word, it would be one that many guests have used to describe the festivities: magical. The clouds parted and the sun beamed just at the moment of our pronouncement and kiss (and moments later the strings played “Here Comes The Sun”). A pleasant surprise to us, our venue had a sculpture show on display throughout the grounds. The weather was perfect even though the forecast said rain. The rare harvest blood moon lit up the sky, a night before its peak. Most importantly we got to celebrate the magic that is true love, share the beauty of Kentucky with friends and family, and through personal details honor those who have passed that made us who we are.
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Photography: Natalie Watson | Cinematography: Keepsake Films | Wedding Coordination: AshBy Wedding And Event Planning | Floral Design: Jaclyn Journey | Wedding Dress: JLM Couture, Inc | Cake: Sweet Surrender | Wedding Invitations: Sweet Letter Press | Rings: Tiffany & Co. | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Catering: Wiltshire Pantry | Hair: Simply Makeup | Band: Clyde Brown Band | Groomsmen's Attire: Jos. A. Bank | Venue: Yew Dell Gardens | Ceremony + Cocktail Hour Music: Banjo Cats | Linen Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Photography - Assistance: Katherine Stinnett | Rentals: Party Central | Tent Rentals: Camargo