Kali + Ryan's Louisville Wedding
From the Bride: From the beginning, Ryan and I shared a vision: to encapsulate the love we have for each other in every detail of our wedding. As our passions guided us - Ryan's love for coffee, my affinity for design, our shared love for card games, devotion to family, forging connections, the artistry of specialty cocktails, dancing, and the pursuit of creating enduring memories. Our wedding became a canvas for this shared journey. We incorporated unique elements such as custom newspapers acting as our programs, featuring everything from the ceremony order to a reception scavenger hunt, guest awards, a venue map, and a heartfelt memorial for my brother, who left us all too soon. The reception screamed Kali and Ryan as a full coffee station was open during cocktail hour, custom napkins with trivia, drink stirrers bearing our wedding crest, and specially crafted cocktails greeted our guests at every turn. The attention to detail extended to matchboxes, each adorned with a design featuring Ryan's favorite animal and our wedding crest, our guest books which were an old rotary phone for people to record voicemails and a Polaroid photo book to sign, a Photo Booth with props galore, and at every seat, a special gift was bestowed upon each guest - a deck of cards, designed by us with the intention for people to create shared experiences of their own wherever life takes them.
Beyond the visible details that garnered appreciation, some held profound personal significance. My wedding day jewelry, fashioned from the last three pearls of my grandmother's jewelry, and my "something blue" - a locket with photos of my little brother and me, so he could be with me in spirit, encapsulated a wealth of sentimental moments. Details like Ryan surprising me with my dream puppy as a wedding day gift touched everyone's hearts. While the two watches I got Ryan - one a collector's item and one shiny and new were moments saved just for us that we got to share and talk about during our first look before we boarded the party bus en route to the chapel where we would declare our vows and embark on the journey of a lifetime together.
However, the pièce de résistance unfolded after the heartfelt speeches, cake-cutting, and organized dances. Ryan and I orchestrated our second entrance into the reception with matching vans and loads of confetti cannons. I swapped my cathedral-length ballgown for a short party dress, setting the stage for an epic dance party, and elevating our wedding to the absolute next level. We danced our first dance to “In the Mood for Love” by Julie London. As the night drew to a close, Ryan and I shared a private last dance of the evening. Reflecting on the incredible day we had just experienced with our closest friends and family and all the personalized touches that made our wedding day uniquely ours. Walking through the sparkler exit, we were greeted by the sight of over a hundred people still there, waving and cheering. It was a moment of pure gratitude and joy, realizing that the people who have shaped us were present to witness the love we feel from each other every day. Undoubtedly, it was the highlight of our lives thus far.
Bride’s Advice: Wedding Planning Advice: Navigating the initial stages of wedding planning can be daunting, and while the well-intentioned advice to "do whatever you want, it's your wedding" holds true, the sheer array of decisions can be overwhelming. Instead, consider how you want to physically show, express, and share your love with your nearest and dearest. Reflect on the unique aspects of your relationship and explore ways to materialize those elements into a memorable guest experience. Start small with favorite hobbies, drinks, memories and build upon what that idea would look like in a physical form. Wedding Day Advice: Just let go of all expectations and let yourself be in the moment we had some pretty big blunders (like 2/3 of our flowers not being put out or used) and it was still the most magical day because of the people and the love shared. At the end of the day you’re married to the love of your life!
FEATURED VENDOR ***
FEATURED VENDOR ***
BRIDE’S ATTIRE: (Veil) Twirl Bridal Boutique
Photography: Calista Manfre | Videography: Melissa Moran | Location: Louisville | Venue: (Ceremony) Sojourn Midtown (Reception) Hurstbourne Country Club | Florals: Ellie Ingolia | Wedding Planner: Jules McAnallen | Event Designer: Kali Jakobi Long | Caterer: Hurstbourne Country Club | Cake: MJ's Treats | Rentals: The Rental Depot | Music: Epic Entertainment | Transportation: Limos.com | Stationery + Paper Goods: Minted | Hair: Katelyn Haley | Makeup: Randi Nguyen | Bride’s Attire: Magnolia Laine Bridal (Shoes) Kate Spade (Reception Dress) Sachin and Babi (Reception Veil) David’s Bridal (Reception Shoes) Vans | Groom’s Attire: Indochino (Shoes) Generation Tux (Reception Shoes) Vans (Watch) Hamilton Watch | Jewelry: Family heirlooms reset by a jeweler at Jareds | Credits: (Photo Booth) River Town Photo Booths (Guest Books) After the Tone, Catch This Moment