From the Bride: I was 31, when I met the man I would give my heart to. We met in March of 2018, were engaged 6 months later, and married on March 23rd, 2019. We planned a quick wedding, but I still wanted all the things I had envisioned as a little girl. However, now I understood the difference between reality and fantasy. I realized I didn’t want my parents or me to spend a fortune, but I still wanted my dream wedding. The theme of my wedding was Glam on a Budget! I utilized small local vendors, a lot of easy “DIY" projects, hunted the best sales, and utilized friends and family that had both desire and talent to help make my dream of a simple elegant wedding come true!

I have a type A personality, but I had no problem letting my mom utilize her skill and talent in planning and creating the décor for my wedding. From floral bouquets to glass table decor to flowing curtains and greenery, every room in the venue and the garden area was decorated beautifully. We were able to create a simple yet elegant ambiance from the ceremony which flowed into the reception. The wedding itself felt personal and magical. I felt like I was stepping into a storybook my mom helped me to create.

We also wanted our wedding to be convenient for our family and friends. We simplified things by choosing a venue to accommodate both the ceremony and reception. The hotels reserved for our guests were within a 4-minute drive to the venue. We chose filling snacks for the cocktail hour and a buffet style dinner to give our guests many choices. Everyone was happy and full!

I received great advice prior to the wedding from my amazing photographer who recommended that my husband and I eat our dinner during cocktail hour. It was the best thing we did for ourselves. I can speak for my husband when I say it was OUR favorite moment, besides seeing our puppies walk down the aisle in their suit and dress! After the ceremony we were escorted privately to our decorated reception hall and were able to take in all the glamorous décor, as well as eat and have our first private dance with the DJ playing our song. It was intimate and peaceful. It slowed down the day and allowed us time to take in the moments. During the dining portion of our reception we were able to go from table to table and greet our guests. Because we utilized cocktail hour for ourselves, we were able to make each guest feel special at the reception! Having the time to meet each other's family and friends was the second best part about our day!

Photography: Nathan Cornetet of Fusion Photography | Videography: Kevin Klepeis of Emerging Media Productions | Location: Louisville | Venue: NOAH's Event Venue | Florals + Event Designer: Vickie Johnston | Wedding Planner: Antoinette Young of Fabulously Planned | Caterer: Laysona Rucker of Donald's Catering Service | Cake: Michelle Himes of Shell’s Sweet Treats | Music: DJ Carl | Stationery + Paper Goods: Postable | Hair: Stephanie Bale of Hair by Stephanie Bale | Makeup: Louisa Kleinert with BlueBird Ink Beautique | Bride’s Attire: Bridal Warehouse | Groom’s Attire: Military Service Dress | Credits: (Bridesmaids’ Dresses) Azazie

Jessica + Jair's Special Day