Photographer: Scott Hayes Productions
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Apiary Fine Catering and Events
Wedding Dress Shop: Twirl Lexington
Suits: Geno’s Formal Affair
Wedding Planner: Doug Smith Designs + Events
Caterer: Apiary Fine Catering and Events
Wedding Cake: Tinker’s Cake Shop
Grooms Cake: Tinker’s Cake Shop
DJ: Clear Pro DJ
Stationary: Simply Done Invites
Florals: Doug Smith Designs + Events
Rentals: Bryants Rent-All and Purdon’s Rental & Sales
Hair & Makeup: Pink Lou Lou
Transportation: Gold Shield Transportation
Hotel Room Block: Hilton Lexington/Downtown
Bridesmaids Gifts: The Peppermint Palm
Reception Favors: Ruth Hunt Candy
Rehearsal Dinner Location: Tony’s of Lexington
Bridal Shower Location: Copper Roux
Bridal Show Attended: Bridal Bliss Classic
Registry: Bed Bath and Beyond
Engagement Ring and Wedding Bands: Rivard Fine Jewelry
Tell us your love story!
TJ and I worked in separate departments together at a large company in Lexington, had many mutual friends, but had never spoke to each other until his 30th birthday celebration. I only managed enough time with him to wish him a “Happy Birthday.” TJ approached me a few days later at work and asked me to dog sit for him while he traveled for work. I immediately accepted since I am an obsessive dog lover. Come to find out, he just lived down the street from me. I quickly fell in love with a pup named Tyson. TJ continuously asked me to dog sit. After one of his longer trips on the road, he came home and I never left. We always joke that I fell in love with the dog before him. Honestly, it’s true! We give our pup all the credit for bringing us together.
How did he propose?
Tj and I do not have an official “dating anniversary.” We have always used his birthday since that is the day we met. In December of 2015, we had planned to spend his birthday at Woodford Reserve and to have dinner at Tony’s of Lexington to celebrate. He had originally planned to propose on that day, but we unfortunately had an unexpected death in the family. We pushed our date back.
The December day we got to celebrate was a warm day, so Woodford Reserve was incredibly busy! I could tell something was up with TJ, but I knew there was no way he was proposing with so many people around. I was right! We continued on with our day, even walked the mall, and TJ had the ring in his shirt pocket the whole time. When we got home, he brought me downstairs.
With Tyson beside him, he dropped to one knee asking me to marry him and be Tyson’s “mom.” It was absolutely perfect- just us and the one that brought us together!
How did you choose your venue?
The Apiary was the first and only place we looked at. TJ and I wanted a September wedding and The Apiary had one Saturday open that month. It was rustic, but classic and formal. We could have both the ceremony and reception here, which was a big deal for us. We also loved that this venue had indoor and outdoor elements. It was everything we wanted!
What elements were most important for your wedding day to you?
The most important element of our wedding was that each part represented who we are. A friend of TJ’s created our signature drinks that represented us in a glass. We love our state of Kentucky and incorporated that into our invitations, our guest book, table names, and our wedding favors. Throughout the process, the vendors got to know TJ and I so well they helped bring everything together to represent us.
What advice would you give to other brides?
The best advice I could give is that this day is about two people– you and your groom. Make sure it is what you two want and surround yourself with a team of vendors that will make this happen.
