Tell us your love story!
We met the way any classic love story begins, with video games.
In 2014, a mutual friend introduced both of us to a game named “Destiny,” which we would later find out is the most ironic name imaginable. Our friend asked Ben if he would like to play with his friend, Dani, which Ben heard as “Danny,” only to be pleasantly surprised to meet me instead. We played online together for a month and discovered our mutual interests which drew us closer together. Video games led to watching TV, which led to going to the movies, which eventually led to him asking me on our first date. Our mutual love of all things nerdy has continued to be a powerful bond for us over these past four years together. Everything led up to when he finally proposed after three years.
How did he propose?
Ben proposed in a very grand manner! We both went to the same college, and I worked a lot of the backstage for the theater performances. Since Ben worked at the university and had many connections, he received permission to use the theater where most of the senior recitals were held. He told me that we were going to a friend’s viola recital. When I arrived, I found rose petals leading to my seat where there were more flowers and a special program. Inside was a beautiful note about how we met and our relationship. As I was reading, the lights dimmed, and our violist friend came out along with a small group of our close friends. They began to play together and Ben walked on stage and sang to me. The medley included some of our favorite Disney and Broadway songs. During the final song, “Only Us,” which would eventually become our first dance song, he walked out to my seat and got down on one knee and asked if I would marry him. That’s when I said yes! A roaring applause broke out from the balcony by friends and family who had come to see the whole thing take place! It was an amazing proposal!
How did you choose your venue?
We looked at many venues. We started in Nashville, where we both live, but we quickly realized it was an expensive city to get married in. So, we decided to look at Lexington because my family lived there, and it was a great middle ground. When we looked around Lexington, we began with Talon Winery as our first stop. We were amazed by how beautiful it was and how nice the people were. We toured in the winter, so we had to imagine how it would be in the summer when the vines were full. After seeing Talon, none of the other venues felt as perfect for our wedding as it was.
What elements were most important to you for your wedding day?
From the beginning we wanted a unique and memorable wedding. We wanted to have an unforgettable day, not just for us, but for our families and friends. In making for such a unique day, it was important for us to make everything not just different, but us. Our rule we had for decoration was that there would be no merchandise. Aside from our cake toppers, all of our decorations were from our homes. This made it more of a challenge, but one that was exciting. It ended up being quite an adventure to put together.
What advice would you give to other brides?
I think one of the best things I did for myself as a bride was to delegate tasks out. Split up tasks you need done between different people. I had my maid of honor take care of the music and organizing the musicians. Ben’s mother took care of the flowers, and we had a coordinator that was able to be a buffer. By delegating, I was able to take time on the wedding day to rest and enjoy those moments. It’s important to remember your wedding day isn’t something you should be stressing about, it’s something you should enjoy and soak in. I also recommend making an itinerary for the entire weekend. Provide as many details as you can because it helped people know what was going on. Just make sure to take everything in and enjoy the day.
VENDOR SPOTLIGHT:
Photographer: Bourbon and Brides Kentucky Wedding Photography
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Talon Winery & Vineyards
Wedding Dress: Vivi’s
Men’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Caterer: City Barbeque
Cake: Tinker’s Cake Shop
DJ: Pulse Mobile Entertainment
Rentals: Purdon’s Rental & Sales
Hair & Makeup: Nicole McGrew
Videographer: DMZ Productions
Hotel Room Block: Residence Inn by Marriott Lexington South/Hamburg Place
Favors: Custom Mason Jars, City Barbeque
Rehearsal Dinner Location: Sutton’s Restaurant
Bridal Show Attended: Bridal Bliss Classic
Lighting: Pulse Mobile Entertainment
Hand Painted Table Signs: BelleArtDesigns
Ceremony Music: Natalie Bell
