Tell us your love story!
Cody and I have a deep passion and respect for the art of debate, which led us both to join the Mock Trial Competition Team our freshman year of high school when we met. Our friendship grew in high school but it wasn’t until the Valentine’s Day of our senior year of high school that Cody asked me out. We decided to attend different colleges and the distance was never easy, but it made our relationship stronger and the reunions sweeter.
How did he propose?
It is a family tradition to spend the Fourth of July weekend on the lake at my family’s houseboat. One morning Cody was building a fire pit and asked me to help him gather firewood. I followed him and after a bit of walking we came across a tree with a bag hanging from it and a spot to sit. Cody took the bag down and opened an envelope with a poem he wrote for me, then he got down on one knee. He pulled a ring out of his pocket and told me down to the second of how long we had been together, and then asked me to marry him.
Cody videotaped the whole engagement and had personalized Fourth of July engagement shirts for us in the bag hanging from the tree.
How did you choose your venue?
Ever since I was a little girl I loved the Kentucky Castle and for as long as I can remember I told my parents that I wanted to get married there one day. Then, when I met Cody it was a perfect match because a “King” cannot get married anywhere but a castle.
What elements were most important for your wedding day to you?
There were three elements that were most important to me, and were my essential splurge items. The first was my dress since I grew up watching “Say Yes to the Dress” with my mother and father. I wanted to have that special experience with my mom and dad and chose to take only them to shop for wedding dresses. Finding the perfect dress strengthened the bond between my parents and I, and we decided not to tell anyone a single thing about the dress until the special day. The second element was the venue because it set the stage for the rest of the wedding. I wanted the venue to have an unforgettable and grand effect on the guests. Finally, the third element was the photography. I knew I wanted our day to be highly documented and made sure we hired a photographer without an hour limit.
What advice would you give to other brides?
I encourage brides to sit down at the forefront of getting engaged and decide what they want for their wedding day. It is always good to ask for opinions but brides must learn how to politely decline overbearing opinions. I also encourage brides to be vocal with their vendors so everyone can see your vision and create your fairytale wedding. My overall advice for any bride is to enjoy the day. Wedding planning can be crazy and stressful, but if you truly enjoy the day that is all that really matters.
VENDOR SPOTLIGHT
Photographer: Conrhod Zonio Photography
Ceremony & Reception Venue: The Castle Post
Men’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Wedding Resource Center: Simply Love Studio
Caterer: The Castle Post
Cake: Martine’s Pastries
Ceremony Music: Electria Strings
DJ: C.D. Productions Mobile DJ
Florals: Fields in Bloom
Rentals: Goff Tents & Events
Travel Agent: Maureen Halsey – Wright, Memorable Travels
Rehearsal Dinner: Bella Notte
Bridal Show Attended: Bridal Bliss Classic
Registry: Belk, Macys and Bed Bath & Beyond
Lighting: C.D. Productions Mobile DJ
Alterations: The Needle’s Eye Alterations