Ellie + Matthew's Timeless Wedding

From the Bride: The most precious thing about our wedding were the people who surrounded, celebrated, and sent us off with joy into our marriage. Our grandparents have been lifelong friends, which connected our parents, aunts and uncles, and cousins in a way that is rare to experience at a wedding. Our wedding was unique in that most people knew or had a connection to everyone else at the wedding.

Our vendors were either family or dear friends, and if we did not know them before, we were friends by the end. My mom and her best friend did all of our flowers and decor. Flowers are one of my favorite things in life, so I had a complete vision, and what a precious time it was to work alongside of my mom and her best friend to create my dream florals. Matthew's dear friends from high school (now photographers) captured all of the preciousness of our day, and my dress and veil was purchased from a family owned bridal shop. My grandparent’s famous homemade chocolate chip cookies were on the menu for dessert. They are well-loved by our friends and family and were a sweet touch to the final moments of the reception as guests grabbed one on their way out for our sparkler send off. Purnell's Sausage (Matthew’s family) were given as a unique and classic wedding favor to our guests. We never heard the end of this as we laughed at social media posts where friends and family were laughing, yelling and waving their sausage in the air.

My bridesmaids and I choreographed a line dance to the song and we worked for hours the Thursday before the wedding to teach Matthew and his groomsmen the steps so we could surprise our guests during the reception.

My most favorite moment of the wedding day was the precious time Matthew and I spent together before our wedding ceremony. We did not do a first look, but we did meet up to exchange letters and pray over one another before we took our vows. I met him outside of the sweet chapel's entrance were we stood on either side of a stoned corner. We held hands, but did not see each other, as we read, laughed, prayed, and spoke eagerly of the day and our marriage to come. I wouldn't trade that moment for the world. My heart and spirit of anticipation and anxiousness were calmed in an instant by his voice and my hand in his. My husband's favorite moment was "walking into the reception hall and being blown away by how many people were there for us and to celebrate with us, as well as how amazing the place looked."

Photography: First Loved Photography | Videography: David Hidrogo | Location: Louisville | Venue: (Ceremony) Southeast Christian Chapel in the Woods (Reception) The Gatsby | Florals: Charissa's Floral Design | Caterer: Liska Coggeshall of Classic Cuisine | Cake: Sweet and Sassy Ahley's | Rentals: Reliable Rentals | Music: Hay DJ | Transportation: Jaco Limo | Stationery + Paper Goods: (Invitation Materials) Paper Source, (Programs) Sunshine Wedding Party, (Save The Dates) Costco | Hair: Laura Conard | Makeup: Olivia Shea | Bride’s Attire: (Dress) I Do...A Bridal Boutique (Shoes) Steinmart | Groom’s Attire: Macy's | Credits: (Invitation Illustration) Emmalee Lawrence (Bridesmaid’s Dresses) Rebecca's Wedding Boutique (Day of Coordination) Hummingbird Page (Lighting) Soundtraxx (Day of Bridal Cookies) Jeanette Burns