Kristin and Michael Return to Lexington to Get Married
Kristin and Michael’s Griffin Gate Celebration
From the bride: When we got engaged we knew we didn't want to get married anywhere besides Lexington, the place where it all began. We immediately started planning our and expedited the processed due to the fact that my father had been recently diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer. We didn’t know how much time we would have with him, but we knew that we couldn't get married without him. We wanted to focus on the small details of the event to go along with our theme of a romantic southern wedding. Our labradoodle couldn’t make the trip to Kentucky so they chose to include her on their custom koozie design and SnapChat filter. I come from a long line of nurses so I chose to include my grandmother's, aunt's, mother-in-law's, and my own nursing pin on my bouquet. I also chose to sew in a piece of my mother's wedding dress into the bottom of my own.
The ceremony was formed into exactly what we were hoping for with the help of the maid of honor's fiancé conducting it. This made the ceremony very personalized and light-hearted because he has been a close friend of ours for years. In lieu of public vows for all to hear, we elected to share a private moment with each other and read aloud letters expressing our commitment to one another. This quiet moment before the chaos of the ceremony and reception ended up being the most meaningful part of our day right before our first look. I also did a first look with my father which was so special considering his prognosis. Another favorite moment was shared when everyone had exited the cocktail hour at the Mansion to go to the Bluegrass Pavilion Tent for the reception. We spent a few minutes together alone as husband and wife marveling at all the events of the day thus far. When exiting, we saw a lone golf cart outside and chose to commandeer it to parade over to the reception. These personal moments were paramount considering that 80% of the guests traveled from outside of Kentucky, representing 17 states coast to coast. Without realizing it, everything from the rehearsal dinner, ceremony, speeches, to the sparkler exit tied into the theme of love and it was clearly an outpouring from all involved. We were beyond lucky to have such amazing people be a part of our special day.
Photography: Laura Bodnar Photography | Videography: Colin Merritt | Location: Lexington | Venue: The Mansion at Griffin Gate - ceremony, The Griffin Gate Marriott Resort and Spa - reception | Florals: Carol Lynn Originals and Events | Wedding Planner: Jenny Gryczan of Griffin Gate | Caterer: Griffin Gate Marriott | Cake: Allee Williams | Rentals: Patio Lights by Goff Tents and Events | Music: DJ Connection | Paper Products: Invitations by Minted, Map/direction card and koozie design by Mallory McCamy, Ceremony Program by Etsy | Hair + Makeup: Griffin Gate Spa | Bride’s Attire: Stella York Gown by Twirl Boutique, | Groom’s Attire: The Black Tux | Credits: Ice Cream Bar by Crank and Boom; Bridesmaids dresses by Lulus; Jr. Bridesmaids Dresses by David’s Bridal; Mimoga (Yoga and Mimosas) on the morning of wedding