Writing your own vows is one of the best ways to make a traditional wedding ceremony personal. It’s also one of the best ways to ensure a nearly total lack of dry eyes in the room.
Stephanie and Andrew were married at the beautiful Thoroughbred Center in Lexington, a world-class training center for thoroughbreds and the perfect follow-up to their Keeneland engagement session. Before I get into the ceremony, let me just say, the day had everything. There was a cat keeping the bridesmaids company (an excellent complement to the coordinating cat socks the groom and groomsmen all wore… see the photos below). There was laughter echoing from both the bridal suite and the groom’s suite as they dressed surrounded by their best friends. There were hugs and high-fives from parents and siblings and a whole lot of trying not to cry in between sweet moments of affection.
In their vows, they talked about how lucky they were to find one another, both of them mentioning how fitting it was that Andrew married a nurse, and both of them making promises to the other for their long future together.
One of my favorite parts of the ceremony is when I get to catch the reaction of friends and family as they bear witness. While Stephanie and Andrew exchanged rings, I looked over at their families seated in the front row. I watched them smiling, wiping tears. Those that had been married decades held hands and maybe, just for a minute, reflected briefly on that moment in their own lives. When all eyes are on the bride and groom, there are so many small, nearly imperceptible motions… light touches, knowing smiles, a wink from someone with years, if not decades, of marriage experience.
At the end of the night, after hours of dancing and twirling and laughing, we all made our way outside. It had started to mist, but the sparklers wouldn’t be dulled. They crackled brightly while Stephanie and Andrew walked past their loved ones. More high fives, more hugs, and a few kisses to the cheers of the crowd. Everyone was exhausted and happy, and even through the light rain, you could see it was the perfect end to the day.
Congratulations Andrew and Stephanie! I hope you are loving your new life in Florida!
Venue: The Thoroughbred Center (@thethoroughbredcenter)
Dress: Maggie Sotero (@maggiesoterodesigns) from Sophia’s (@sophiasindy)
Suits: Men’s Wearhouse (@menswearhouse)
Hair: Ziyan Salon (@ziyonsalonandspa)
Makeup: Sarah Franklin
Bridesmaids: David’s Bridal (@davidsbridal)
Photography: Summer Jasmine Photography (@summerjasminephoto)
Cakes: Nothing Bundt Cakes (@nothingbundtcakes)
Catering: J. Render’s (@jrendersbbq)
Venue Coordinator: Emily Orschell (@emilyorschell)
Officiant: Griff Ray
DJ: Riptide Productions (@riptideproductions)
2nd Shooter: Lucy Chesnut (@thewildarcana)
Summer Jasmine Photography 