Tell us your love story!
Danny and I met at work! At the time, we both worked for an advertising company where I did marketing and event coordination, and Danny was a Financial Analyst. When he first started, I remember telling his boss how cute he was— but he was a few years younger so I didn’t think much of it. He eventually invited me to go see our favorite radio show (KSR) at a live remote. I thought it was a real date, but I don’t think he did at the time— I still give him a hard time about this! A few months later we really connected at our company’s Christmas party, and the rest is history. I can’t imagine doing this life without him!
How did Danny propose?
From early on we knew this was the real deal. Needless to say, I was counting down the days to getting engaged. I am a planner and perfectionist, so I had all kinds of parameters about our engagement. I wanted something private, but also wanted pictures and to be able to share it with our friends and family. In the weeks before we got engaged, I kind of knew something was coming. On Derby Day, we had plans to go to the Farmer’s Market before our plans for that evening. It was drizzling and rainy outside so I wasn’t sure I wanted to go, but Danny convinced me. We walked around hurriedly as it was starting to rain, and then we started heading back to the car parked behind our church. On our way, he motioned over to the beautiful courtyard garden attached to our church. I lost it. There were tons of pictures of us, a bottle of Champagne, and even the hidden photographer I had requested. We called everyone and celebrated all weekend. It was more perfect than even I could have planned!
How did you choose your venue?
Our guest count kept growing, and I was insistent on a winter wedding. We would be married in our church (Christ Church Cathedral), but the hard part was deciding where the reception would be— you don’t have a lot of options for a 400 guest count. My planner, Joanna, worked hard to find us a venue. Nothing seemed to fit the theme we wanted for our day, and I was sure the last venue we went to look at wouldn’t either. But, as we walked into the beautiful Mane on Main, I knew our wedding was going to be as beautiful and perfect as I had hoped. It was truly perfect.
What elements were the most important to you for your wedding day?
I wanted a religious ceremony but also wanted it to be personal. Our priest gave a beautiful homily that made people both laugh and cry!
I also wanted beautiful, classic photography. We met with several photographers before making a decision. After our engagement shoot, I knew we had made the perfect choice. Willie fit right in, and made me feel comfortable when I had little “high-strung” moments.
What advice would you give other brides?
Hire a planner! I also had a multi-tab spreadsheet we called “the Bible.” It had an impeccably organized guest list, addresses, budget sheets, notes, payment dates, and more in one document. Organization is key! If you can’t do it yourself, definitely hire someone!
Try not to get overwhelmed. Danny always said, “it’s going to be okay, we’ll get through it,” and he was right. We got through it and were blessed to have gotten to do it together!
VENDOR SPOTLIGHT
Photographer: Willie Wilson Photography
Ceremony Venue: Christ Church Cathedral
Reception Venue: The Mane on Main
Groom’s Attire: Stuart Mercer Gentleman’s Shoppe
Groomsmen Attire: Macy’s
Full Service Wedding Planner: Natural Endeavors
Caterer: Dupree Catering + Events
Cake: Tinker’s Cake Shop
Stationery: Cardinal and Straw Fine Paper Goods
Florals: Natural Endeavors
Rentals: Bryant’s Rent-All
Hair: PinkLouLou Design Studio
Makeup: Makeup by Kristin Gray and PinkLouLou Design Studio
Honeymoon: All Inclusive Outlet
Videographer: Progressive Photography
Hotel Room Block: Hilton Lexington / Downtown
Bridesmaid Gifts: Kendra Scott
Rehearsal Dinner Location: Nick Ryan’s
Bridal Shower Location: Shakespeare and Co.
Registry: Anthropologie and Macy’s
Rings: Rivard Fine Jewelry
Alterations: The Needle’s Eye Alterations
Dance Lessons: Arthur Murray Dance Studio
