Carson + John's Kentucky Vineyard Wedding

From the Bride: John and I have known each other since we were 13 years old. We were friends throughout junior high and high school but moved completely different directions after graduation. Imagine my surprise when I drove home for a visit from Nashville and ended up reconnecting and falling in love with that shaggy haired boy from junior high. Fast forward a year, and John and his two sweet kids, John Owen and Baylee, proposed to me downtown Paducah, Kentucky. Our engagement took place in the fall, so I knew our wedding would have to be the following year. I have always dreamed of a fall wedding. I love the colors outside, the perfect weather, and the crisp fall smells.

Planning a wedding during the year of 2020 was no easy task. Being a "covid bride" brought many worries and concerns leading all the way up to our special day, but it was nothing less than perfect. Our wedding was located on a beautiful vineyard, Manea Vineyards, in Western Kentucky. The venue had the perfect rustic vibe and the vines - WOW, they were incredibly breathtaking. With rain targeting our wedding, we popped in and out of the vines during the dry weather for some stunning photos. The ceremony was moved to a covered area, but we kept the most perfect view of the vineyard behind us. I will never forget walking down the aisle and seeing my future husband smiling at me, then looking at my future step-son right beside him smiling just as big. The photographer captured the most memorable moment during our first kiss when he covered his eyes - the cutest thing. The ceremony was truly unforgettable. One of my closest friends was our officiant, making every word so special and precious to us.

During the reception, we had the best pretzel wall. It was a crowd favorite for an appetizer as well as a late night snack. John's favorite wedding day moment was definitely the corn hole boards. My sister, and maid of honor, and her fiancé made us the sweetest personalized corn hole boards and we were able to incorporate them into a fun activity during the reception. My favorite moment is very hard to choose. I will never forget how it felt to walk down the aisle holding John's hand after we were first announced as husband and wife. The giddy feeling, the happiness, the excitement is different than I have ever felt before. I also loved the sweet moment that we took to sneak outside during the reception and brave the rainy weather for a beautiful picture. In fact, I obsessively checked the weather for a week straight leading up to our wedding praying that it would not rain. It's crazy how the rain ended up being one of my most treasured moments. When I look back on October 10th, 2020, I will never forget all of our family and friends that traveled hours to celebrate us during the middle of a pandemic. We were completely and utterly surrounded by laughs, dancing, and most importantly, love, all night long.

Photography: Rebecca Ann Aesthetic Videography: Dylan Street Cinema Location: Paducah, Kentucky Venue: Manea Vineyard and Events Center Florals: The Paisley Peacock Caterer: Fazoli’s Cake: Jennifer Broughton Purcell Rentals: Celebrations Events and Tents Music: Michelle Bradley Hair: Katie Williams Makeup: Emmy Ward Cosmetologist Bride’s Attire: Anne’s Bridal Groom’s Attire: Mister Penguins