Our love story!
Michael and I worked at the same company, but in different buildings. We originally met through a mutual friend and coworker. I was preparing to train for a half marathon, and invited Michael to train with me. That’s the first and last half marathon for both of us!
How did he propose?
Michael proposed while we were on vacation in Norway. It was a place that has always been on my bucket list because my grandpa’s relatives immigrated to the United States from a small town in southern Norway in the 1800s. We had a day hike planned up Preikestolen (“Pulpit Rock”), which ends in an overlook of the fjords. Michael made me climb an extra, unmarked trail to a spot over the fjords without any other people, where he then proposed. We spent the next day in the small town named after my grandpa’s family, meeting distant relatives who still live in the old farmhouse.
How did you choose your venue?
We love being outside and wanted a venue that would allow for an outdoor wedding and reception. Budget was also very important to us. After checking out every possible venue in the greater Lexington area, we settled on Castle Hill Winery, due to its indoor-outdoor option (backup in case of rain), economical price-point, and free add-ons (tables and chairs).
What elements were most important for your wedding day to you?
We wanted to minimize stress for ourselves, our family, and our wedding party. We also wanted our many out-of-town guests to enjoy their first taste of Kentucky, so we included special touches like Crank & Boom ice cream and homemade bourbon balls. Our first look and bridal party photos were taken at Keeneland, and we were able to include our sweet dogs in our pre-wedding festivities.
What advice would you give other couples?
Find vendors that you can trust. I asked my makeup artist/hair stylist to change things up the morning of the wedding, and she made me feel absolutely beautiful. My florist took a rough concept in my head and put together bouquets and a hair piece that were better than I ever imagined. Our photographer made both of us feel comfortable throughout our wedding planning experience, providing advice as we considered our day-of schedule and guiding us through our wedding day. By finding vendors you trust, you take so much stress off of yourself and your family on wedding day!
VENDOR SPOTLIGHT
Photographer: Bourbon and Brides
Ceremony Venue: Castle Hill Winery
Reception Venue: Castle Hill Winery
Wedding Dress Shop: Twirl Lexington
Bridesmaid Dress Shop: Twirl Lexington
Men’s Attire: Men’s Warehouse
Caterer: Minton’s
Desserts: Crank & Boom
DJ: Chris Dedman Productions
Florals: Carol Lynn’s Originals & Events
Rentals: Bryant’s Rent-All
Hair: Evanlution Salon
Makeup: Evanlution Salon
Transportation: Gold Shield Transportation
Room Block Hotel: Hilton Lexington/Downtown
Bridal Show Attended: Bridal Bliss Classic
Rings: Rivard Fine Jewelry
Bridal Wedding Day Jewelry: Shelia Bayes Fine Jewelers
Alterations: The Needle’s Eye Alterations
