Kentucky Couple Wed at The Beautiful Monastery

Emilee and Kevin’s Romantic Monastery Wedding

From the bride: My husband and I both agree on our favorite moment. We chose to have a first look and to read personalized vows to one another. Both of us knew we'd be a mess and chose to have that moment privately rather in front of all of our guests. It was the best moment of the whole day. We laughed, we cried, we hugged and we kissed. It was the moment all my nerves washed away and I immediately felt at ease. I love that no one other than the photographer and videographer heard our sweet words to one another, so that they are really something just for the two of us.

I was obsessed with the super fun, floral bridesmaid dresses. I knew I wanted something different, non-traditional, and something that my girls could wear again. They turned out perfectly! I dressed my Matron of Honor in a similar style, solid color Jenny Yoo so she would stand out. Our head table was everything I imagined! Tall, floral centerpieces on a wooden vintage table, with a gorgeous runner of greenery and candlesticks. The fun name plates were custom made for each bridal party member and was topped off with a sprig of rosemary! And, I loved our dessert table. We wanted to have the traditional cake cutting, but made sure to include other fun desserts like gourmet popcorn and Malley's Chocolate from Cleveland, which is where my husband is from! We accompanied the dessert table with cute craft bags so our guests could sneak some treats home.

Our advice to bride and grooms is to find 10-15 minutes to be alone, and "take it all in.” My husband and I made a conscious decision to "take in all the details" but we were unsure how we were going to make that happen. Luckily, we had a little extra time between cocktail hour and the reception. We were done taking our couples portraits and were asked by our wedding coordinator if we would like to go join the last few minutes of cocktail hour, but we chose to decline. We took that opportunity to walk hand and hand through our reception space before everyone was welcomed back in. It was our moment to be alone and finally see all the details we worked so hard on putting together. It was easily our second most favorite moment of the day. So my advice to brides…as crazy as the day will be, really try and take some time to be with your husband for 10 minutes, to admire everything coming together. To appreciate everyone who made the effort to join you for your special day. It's totally surreal and to really remember those moments makes the day that much more special.

Photography: Ji Chérir Photography | Location: Mount Adams, OH| Venue + Caterer: The Monastery Event Center | Videography: Streetlight Studio | Florals: Sherwood Florist | Rentals: All Occasions Event Rental | Cake: Patricia’s Wedding Cakes | Music: Airwave and Ault Music, Richard Goering and Evelien Woolard Paper Products: Style + Grace Designs & Honeybee and Home Co. | Hair: Benefit Salon & Spa | Makeup: Makeup By Lindsay, Makeup and Skincare by Jessica | Bride’s Attire: Made with Love from Hyde Park Bridal | Groom’s Attire: Suit Supply