Stephanie + Joshua's Louisville Wedding

From the Bride: We fell in love with our venue during our venue shopping. Josh's face lit up so brightly as we stepped into the classic hotel. He was easily excited by the stunning American Oak covered walls as well as the incredible back story of the room's past life. At that moment, I knew this gorgeously ornate and historic hotel would be the perfect site for our wedding reception! There was something about the countless cigars and bottles of Kentucky bourbon shared in that space over the years coupled with a hint of style and mystery from the remnants of prohibition era activity that made us both excited to have it as the backdrop for our special day.

As a bride, planning her own wedding day, once we had the location locked down, I was able to let the venue help inform our choices for decor, atmosphere, and details. We ended up with a very classic and romantic black-tie affair, with passed hors d'oeuvres, a seated dinner, and an open bar, of course! From there we added even more details that were special to each of us, starting with our wedding colors--Josh's favorite color is blue and mine is pink, which led to our baby blue and peach theme. We kicked off our reception with our first dance, which was to our song ”Adorn” by Miguel (we actually danced to the acoustic cover by Cole Vosbury). For our dessert bar we had funfetti cakepops (Josh's favorite), mini cannolis (my favorite and an ode to my Italian heritage), and Bourbon Balls (a sweet nod to Kentucky). During our golden hour portrait session, Josh and I changed into matching custom baby blue Nikes which are embroidered with our wedding date. This was an extra special detail as we will get to wear these for many years to come and remember how wonderful our wedding celebration was!

There are many other aspects that made our wedding day particularly special. I wore a necklace made out of a string of pearls that my grandmother left me after she passed, and it was comforting being able to carry a piece of her with me through the day. While Josh and I went the traditional route and did not have a first look, that meant I got to have a beautiful first look moment with my father. Josh was able to have his 13-year-old son stand up with him as his best man, which was so sweet to see. Saint James Catholic Church, where we had our ceremony, is over 100 years old and one of the most stunning churches in all of Louisville, and our presider, Father Gary, is probably one of the funniest priests you've ever met. From the ceremony, our bridal party traveled to our reception in a classic trolley car, which was only fitting when traveling from a 120 year-old church to a 120-year old hotel. Our signature cocktails were a Basil Lemon Drop Martini (my favorite) and a Maker's Mark Manhattan (Josh's--using Maker's as an homage to the county he grew up in). Finally, a friend of Josh's DJ'd our reception, and we danced the night away to an amazing mix of music, both old and new. It was truly a magical night that we will remember for the rest of our lives.

Bride’s Advice: We wanted a variety of sweets for our reception, so we decided to have a dessert bar in addition to our cake. I was worried that we would run out of cake, so I made a point to order enough so that each guest could have a piece, plus the other desserts. I really wish someone had talked (or yelled) some sense into me. You do not need that much dessert, I REPEAT, you do not need that much dessert! We had so much left over even after saving the top tier for our first anniversary, and it made me so sad to waste it!

Photography: Amanda Karis Photography | Videography: Chase Carter | Location: Louisville | Venue: (Ceremony) Saint James Catholic Church (Reception) The Seelbach Hotel | Florals: Blooms by Essential Details | Caterer: The Seelbach Hotel | Cake: J Bakes and Co. | Rentals: Fifty Chairs | Music: DJ Bobby Fogle | Transportation: Miller Transportation | Stationery + Paper Goods: Minted | Hair: Sabrina Gahafer | Bride’s Makeup: Beauty by Katie | Bride’s Attire: Essence of Australia from Rebecca's Wedding Boutique | Groom’s Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Jewelry: Olive and Piper | Credits: (Favors) The Sweet Takes Bakeshop (Bridesmaids’ Dresses) Azazie (Rehearsal Dinner) Buck’s Restaurant and Bar ( Wax Seals) Artisaire (Drink Toppers) The Edible Design Co.