Lindsay and AJ's Lexington Wedding

From the bride: When AJ and I began wedding planning, we both agreed that we wanted to celebrate love. Not just romantic love, but the love between family and friends. We also wanted our wedding to reflect us. We invited guests from over twenty-seven different states and wanted to make sure the out-of-towners were comfortable and had an enjoyable weekend. Our venue was all-inclusive for our traveling loved ones. Lexington also holds a special place in both of our hearts. I was born and raised in Elizabethtown, KY. AJ’s from Knoxville, TN. We went to UK for undergrad; AJ played football for Coach Brooks from 2006-2010. We met several years later at Tin Roof, through mutual friends. We have since moved to Nashville, but Lexington will always be home. We really hoped that our wedding weekend would be an experience for our guests to meet and mingle. We delivered guest bags to the hotel, which included snacks, Ale8 and Jim Beam (our favorite cocktail), custom M&Ms, hot sauce from one or our favorite eateries in Nashville, and Advil, of course.

In lieu of exchanging gifts, AJ and I exchanged handwritten letters, for which I am ever thankful. These letters are in the process of being framed and will be hung in our bedroom. Per tradition, my something old/borrowed were my late aunt’s diamond earrings, something new was my dress, and something blue were my Stuart Weitzman shoes. I wore a cathedral length veil, which my now mother and father-in-law purchased for me the day I bought my dress. I gave each of my girls monogrammed totes full of snacks, day-of jewelry, matching flip-flops, and cosmetic bags. AJ gifted his groomsmen with etched decanters and bourbon glasses. We did our first look outside on the golf course followed by several portrait and group photographs. The lush greenery and limestone bridges made the perfect backdrops.

Our wedding day was a nice 79 degrees and sunny – in early July. It was absolutely perfect. I made double-sided program fans for each of our guests including a welcome sign. Our ring bearer carried a customized football, which included a garter for the ring. This was a nod to AJ and our ring bearer’s love for the sport. The football was printed with our ring bearer’s name and date of our wedding. Our flower girl, who was two at the time, carried a flower wand that I made out of white flowers, white feathers, and ribbon to match the bridesmaid dresses. My bouquet had two photographs attached – one of my late aunt and another of my dog. My bouquet and AJ’s boutonniere included one matching flower. We were married by our mutual friend, Cameron Faulkner. AJ and I collectively wrote our vows. We included a moment during the ceremony in which we turned to face our guests. I will never forget turning around and seeing our smiling friends and family. Our recessional was “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” by Stevie Wonder.

Our reception, as we intended, was one huge party. Aesthetically, we wanted a romantic, glowy vibe, which included whites, golds, and greenery. An hour before we were announced, our guests were severed three passed appetizers and a personalized Bourbon Punch (bourbon and Ale8). We walked immediately into our first dance. After the cake cutting, we did a sparkler “re-entry”. We asked our guests to go outside to capture a guest photo. Per the recommendation of our photographer, most guests leave before the end of the reception. Taking the photo well before the end of the night ensured that we were able to capture as many guests as possible. After the photo, we came back inside the tent and the real party started. Our guests were served sliders and fries towards the end of the reception. Once the reception ended, AJ and I went to Tin Roof, where it all began. Our day was amazing and are honored to share it with the other Kentucky couples awaiting their special day.

Photography: Kate McStay Photography | Videography: Kyle Parks, Autumn Crest Films | Location: Lexington | Venue + Catere: Griffin Gate | Florals: Elizabeth Farlin, Kroger Beaumont | Event Designer: Jenny Gryczan, Mariott Griffin Gate | Cake: Mondelli's | Rentals: Pemberton's | Music: Clear Pro DJ | Paper Products: Invitations & Save the Dates: Minted, Seating Chart, Programs, Escort Cards, Menus, Bar Menu - Etsy - Paper Dainty, Custom Cocktail Napkins - Etsy, GubbaGumma | Hair: Rebecca Martin, Studio 111 at the Woodlands | Makeup: Erica Slade | Bride’s Attire: Maggie Sorento from Rebecca's Wedding Boutique | Groom’s Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Credits: Bridesmaid Dresses by Alfred Sung; Caricature Artist - Rob Maystead