Ashby + Will's Ashland Wedding

From the Bride: Our wedding day was filled with such joy and felt like a celebration from the moment it began. We got married in our hometown of Ashland, KY at a beautiful venue tucked into the hills of eastern Kentucky. Will and I began dating as sophomores in high school in that same little town, so it was only fitting to say "I do" there. As is the nature of a high school sweetheart’s wedding, this day was long anticipated! We wanted our family and friends, who saw this day coming for 7 years, to truly enjoy each moment alongside us.

On a sunny Sunday afternoon, we began our new life together in classic Kentucky fashion. Nearly every detail of the day could be tied back to our lives together and our Kentucky roots. As guests arrived to the ceremony, they were greeted with Southern hymns and classical music played on the piano and violin. Music plays a huge role in our lives, so we knew we wanted to feature live music during our day. Reflecting our personalities, our ceremony was traditional with a modern twist and officiated by a dear mentor/friend. I loved the incorporation of magnolia leaves throughout our florals. I wanted something a little different than the usual eucalyptus greenery in wedding florals, and magnolia leaves were the perfect southern touch! Along with magnolias, I loved the blue and white chinoiserie that we had throughout our decor. We collected different ginger jars throughout our engagement to hold floral arrangements, and our table setting featured Will's great grandmother's blue and white china. After the ceremony, guests were invited to the back patio, where they enjoyed our signature drinks and charcuterie cups and found their seat on the bud vase seating chart made by the bride.

Once guests arrived to their seat at the reception, they found a small box wrapped in the same ribbon and gold wax seal as their wedding invitation. Inside the box, guests were treated to a Blanton's bourbon ball, handmade by Sharon Pinson, the bride's Meme. The wedding party entered to the same song heard throughout Kroger Field when the UK football team storms the field, Grove St. Party, which definitely got the party started! Dinner was fried chicken with all the fixin's, the obvious choice for our summer wedding. The reception was filled with delicious food and drinks, heartfelt speeches, dancing, and a whole lot of love. We shared a small vanilla cake for the cake cutting tradition, but we served our guests blueberry and/or peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream! Cobbler seemed like the perfect Kentucky detail for our 4th of July weekend wedding.

We had 3 signature drinks! Our "His" drink, the Golden Groom, was a crisp bourbon sour. Our "Hers" drink, the Blushing Bride, was a refreshing mixed cocktail with white wine, pink lemonade, and peach schnapps. Our third drink was "The Daisy," named after our beloved dog. This cocktail was a wonderful choice for 4th of July weekend - a delicious red wine sangria. All of our drinks were created and served by The Wedding Slingers. Our late night snack was a popcorn bar with flavors from Scragglepop Kettlecorn. Our guests thoroughly enjoyed the drinks and snacks!

We danced our first dance to “At Last” by Etta James. The stars of the dance floor were the ladies of our "Something Blue Crew," the bride's dearest college friends all dressed in shades of blue. Once the champagne tower was poured and the dancing had come to a close, all of our guests made a circle and sang "My Old Kentucky Home," as is the tradition at the end of UK basketball games. While our guests prepared for our sparkler exit, we shared a private last dance to Luke Combs's "Better Together." July 3, 2022 was truly our dream of a wedding come true!

Bride’s Advice: There will always be a new trend on TikTok and more inspiration on Pinterest than you can even imagine, but you do not have to do it all! Choose some key details and elements that reflect you as a couple and plan your day with that in mind. In ten years, your guests will not remember the color of the napkin or the font of the program! Have fun with the details, but do not let them overwhelm you. At the end of the day, your wedding is a celebration of you and your spouse. The planning should be fun!

Photography: Meagen C. Photography | Videography: Alyson Biggs Films | Location: Ashland | Venue: Eastern Grace Events | Florals: Jewlies Flowers | Wedding Planner: Kelly Hanni | Caterer: Carlos Catering | Cake: Meg’s Bakery | Rentals: Bryant’s Rent-All | Music: (Pianist) David Miller (Violinist) Connor Taylor (DJ) Jonathan Charles | Stationery + Paper Goods: (Invitation Suite) Zola (Wedding Crest) Elmwood Paperie (Custom Bar Napkins) Rubi & Lib (Vow Books, Programs, Welcome Sign ) DIY by Bride | Hair: Ariel Castle | Bride’s Attire: Lis Simon from Couture Closet Boutique (Veil) Bel Aire Bridal from Couture Closet Boutique (Perfume) Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel | Groom’s Attire: Tommy Hilfiger (Shoes) Johnston & Murphy (Cologne) XX Artisan Teal by John Varvatos | Jewelry: (Ceremony Earrings) Ralph Lauren (Reception Earrings) SJ Bailey Co. (Bracelets) Maple & J, E. Newton (Engagement Ring and Band) Pollock's Jewelers Groom Watch - Seiko (Wedding Band) Blue Nile | Credits: (Bridesmaids’ Dresses) Revelry