Rachael and Mark's Classic Wedding

From the Bride: For our wedding, we wanted it to feel personal to us, but to also allow all the guests to feel comfortable. Mark was the first guy I met in undergrad at the University of Kentucky and we dated for seven years before getting married, so we had time to cultivate our likes and dislikes as a couple, and wanted to incorporate them into our big day. With our wedding being so close to Christmas and New Years, however, we did not want it to feel like a themed holiday party, but rather a classic and elegant evening to celebrate our love and new lives together. (Along with a great band and a fun party to top it all off!)

We started the day exchanging letters, delivered by my sister. We wanted to set the tone for the day before all the preparations began and were each able to take a quiet moment to ourselves. We each had different suites to get ready in and it was a relaxed and exciting morning with the ones closest to us. I made sure to incorporate personal touches in my clothes, including my great grandmother's fur wrap, my grandmother's aquamarine ring, and a matching bracelet that I got for my mom and sister. After getting ready, I had a first look with my dad, and then with my brothers, before going to see Mark. We took pictures outside on the rooftop, despite it being very cold. During our ceremony, our pastor surprised us by reading the letters we had written to him about why we wanted to get married. We also had a reading from Les Miserables, one of our favorite movies (and sing-a-longs on road trips). We had a private dinner following the ceremony for just the two of us while our guests enjoyed cocktail hour so we could fully appreciate the moment of becoming husband and wife. It was such a special moment where we felt like we could truly reflect on what just happened.

In our reception, the tables were set with dozens of candles and various floral centerpieces, as well as varied table sizes and tablecloths so each guest would feel like their experience was unique and special. Around the dance floor we had couches and blankets set up so guests could rest while dancing the night away to the band. We also had a popcorn bar with different types of popcorn already bagged or for guests to pack themselves for a late night snack. (Popcorn has always been our favorite snack to make in our popper at home). There was a wall of greenery with our initials for guests to take pictures in front of in the reception as well. The highlight of the night was Mark crowd surfing to one of our favorites- Drunk in Love by Beyonce. Mark says his favorite moment of the day was our private dinner to reflect on finally being husband and wife. It was the best night we could have asked for with the best vendors who made it all possible.

Photography: Drake and Eliza Photography | Videography: Colburn Video | Location: Louisville | Venue: The Omni Louisville (Reception and Getting Ready); Christ Church United Methodist (Ceremony) | Florals: J Elizabeth Designs | Wedding Planner: Marti Holnagel with Unveiled Details | Caterer: The Omni Louisville | Cake: Mert’s Cakes | Rentals: Events, LLC | Music: The Company Band | Transportation: Xtreme Transportation | Stationery + Paper Goods: Carlson Craft from Unveiled Details | Hair: Hotlocks Salon | Makeup: Carrie Lentz | Bride’s Attire: Watters from Rebecca's Wedding Boutique | Groom’s Attire: Macy's | Credits: (Bridesmaids’ Dresses) Sorella Vita from Rebecca’s Wedding Boutique; (Popcorn Bar) The Popcorn Station; (Alterations) Heather Green with Bombshell Boutique