Tell us your love story. How did you meet, how long have you been together, etc…
We originally met on Tinder, and after a few conversations we had our first date on Oct. 14, 2015 at West Sixth Brewery. Wednesday nights at West Sixth Brewery are yoga nights, so he also met some of my friends that day. He was very personable, engaging and did not mind that other people joined our date. Justin and I talked for hours that night and ended up going on two more dates within the week. We have been inseparable ever since!
How did he propose?
Justin took me on a surprise trip to China, Korea and Russia. He asked my bosses for the vacation time and my mom for my hand in marriage before we left. When we got to Korea we stood on top of a granite tower that was 560 feet tall and that is where Justin got down on one knee and asked me to marry him!
How did you choose your venue?
We mainly focused on space, food and distance. My top three priorities were: everyone had to be in the same room, the catering company would be able to make Caribbean food and the distance between the ceremony and reception was less than 15 minutes away. I also made sure the venue had plenty of windows and enough room to expand from our original estimate of guests.
How long were you engaged?
12 Months
What elements were most important for your wedding day to you?
Justin and I are the only ones from our families living in Lexington, Kentucky so it was very important for us to have everyone here with us on our special day. Since many family members would be flying into town we decided to balance out the environmental impact by not flying in any of our flowers. Three Toads Farms grew our flowers specifically for us here in Kentucky and they were beautiful! It was very important to have lily’s, especially dark pink stargazers, to represent the everlasting love, aspiration, commitment, success and passion as a married couple.
The choir was another important aspect of the wedding because they took the ceremony to another level. The choir’s music was so powerful and inspiring, it played out what our hearts felt and could not describe in words.
What advice would you give to other brides?
Take your time, think about why you are getting married and think about who you are marrying. Use those to create an event that encompasses and expresses the love you have for each other.
Vendor Spotlight:
Photographer: Melanie Mauer Photography
Ceremony Venue: Christ Church Cathedral
Reception Venue: The Carrick House
Bridesmaid Dresses: Twirl Lexington
Groom’s Attire: Stuart Mercer Gentleman’s Shoppe
Wedding Resource Center: Simply Love Studio
Month of Coordinator: The Bride’s Assistant
Caterer: Lundy’s Special Events
Stationery: C Buxton Designs
Florals: Three Toads Farm
Hair: Yasmeen Thompson, Bei Capelli Salon
Makeup: Image Insight
Transportation: Gold Shield Transportation
Videographer: Reel Special Productions
Hotel Room Block: Gratz Park Inn, Hilton Lexington/Downtown and 21c Museum Hotel
Groomsmen Gifts: L.V. Harkness & Company
Rehearsal Dinner Location: 21c Museum Hotel
Engagement Ring: Designs Unlimited Fine Jewelers
Rings: Helzberg Diamonds