Katrina + Ian's Louisville Wedding

From the Bride: The easiest decision we had while planning the wedding, was choosing the Kentucky Derby Museum for our reception. Ian was extremely close to his papaw growing up, who owned and raced horses. They spent many weekends together at Churchill Downs, so it already felt personal. To add some nostalgia, we used names and jockey silks of some of the family’s favorite horses throughout the years as table numbers, along with some Derby winners. Ian incorporated his papaw into the day by wearing his old wedding band and watch. Ian’s mother and aunt also made sure his papaw was there to celebrate (in cardboard cutout form). We also could not have a Derby themed reception without the bugler playing the call to post and My Old Kentucky Home!

I was a nervous wreck the morning of the wedding until the moment I turned around at our first look and saw Ian with tears streaming down his cheeks just like mine. We were both so excited for this day to finally be happening.

While the guests were enjoying cocktail hour, we got a sneak peek of the reception hall fully set up with no guests. When we walked through the doors, the romantic smell of our florals added to the beauty of the room!

It had taken me days to find the song for the father daughter dance, but I ended up not even paying attention to the lyrics during the actual dance. My dad – a tough country type of dad – took the time to tell me how happy he was that Ian was part of the family and that I had found someone as genuine as him for a husband. Even though so many people were focused on us, it felt like it was a special moment with just us there on the dance floor.

The groom’s cake was a fun surprise for Ian, who had played collegiate golf at Centre College. By having that separate cake, Ian was able to have his favorite cake flavor (chocolate) and the guests had more cake flavor options also.

My favorite project was the horseshoes that served as party favors/seating assignments. We used authentic horseshoes that had been worn from horses at Churchill Downs, collected by the trainer that Ian’s family worked with when they owned horses. We cleaned and painted them before adding a personal note that was attached to each horseshoe to show how appreciative and thankful we were for our guests to be there celebrating with us!

Photography: Elaina Janes Photography | Videography: Will Campbell Productions | Location: Louisville | Venue: (Ceremony) St. Agnes Catholic Church (Reception) Kentucky Derby Museum | Florals: Denizen | Wedding Planner: One Fine Day Kentucky | Event Designer: Denizen, Sarah Trasatti of Ky Derby Museum | Caterer: Rosemary's Catering | Cake: Merts Cakes | Rentals: Fifty Chairs | Music: Hay DJ | Transportation: Pegasus Limousine | Stationery + Paper Goods: Cartwheels Papers & Gifts | Hair: Beka Ballard | Makeup: Chloe Brown | Bride’s Attire: Stevie by Maggie Sottero from Rebecca’s Wedding Boutique (Veil) ZANDER by Maggie Sottero from Ivory & Beau Bridal Boutique | Groom’s Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Credits: (Bridesmaids’ Dresses) David’s Bridal (Custom Monogram) Courtney Ballard of Hip South