Classic Griffin Gate Wedding
Carrie and Alex’s Classic Wedding
From the bride: Our wedding day was very traditional but with a few modern twists. We got married in a Catholic Church, but we shortened the ceremony to an abbreviated wedding service rather than doing a full Mass. At our reception, we did the three traditional dances (husband/wife, father/daughter, and mother/son), but we did not do a bouquet or garter toss. It just wasn’t our style, so we decided not to do it! Rather than handing out wedding favors, Alex and I placed a sign out at our reception stating that we made a donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society instead. It was a very well-received break from tradition!
Our reception venue was very bright and offered a large patio for mingling outside in addition to a large ballroom area where dancing took place. The patio was the perfect space for some of the other folks and husbands to escape from the dance floor, which was packed the entire night thanks to The Company Band! I would recommend them a thousand times over. They put on a fantastic show and played all the classic wedding dance floor songs while mixing in some more modern hip-hop and pop toward the end of the night.
My advice to brides: don’t follow tradition if you don’t want to! Do whatever is easiest and whatever you want for your day. I also recommend getting a band if you want your dance floor to be packed all night, and if it’s in your budget, of course. Finally, if you want lots of photos, a first-look is a must. Alex was very against it at first (as most grooms are), but it ended up being his favorite part of the day. Seeing the person you’re going to marry before your wedding doesn’t spoil it; in fact, it made the day even more perfect for us because we truly relaxed once we were together. This day is about the two of you, so don’t let your guests or other family members talk you out of what feels right.
Photography: Claire & Barrett | Videography: beDesign Films | Location: Lexington | Venue: Wedding - St. Peter Catholic Church; Reception - Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa | Florals: Hazelfield Farm | Caterer: Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa | Cake: The Sweet Shoppe by Beth | Music: The Company Band | Transportation: Thoroughbred Limousine | Paper Products: Invitations, Save-the-dates, table cards: Minted Hair & Makeup: Allison of Blush + Glow | Bride’s Attire: Allure Bridals from Lace Bridal Couture | Groom’s Attire: The Black Tux, Ties and pocket squares - The Tie Bar | Credits: Bridesmaids: Azazie; Alterations - Needle's Eye Alterations; Jewelry - Engagement rings & bands: Blue Nile; Bridal earrings & bracelet: Olive + Piper