HOPTOWN FA M I L I E S
SPRING 2020
s g n i d wed Y K SO IT ED
ION
Reliving
THE MEMORIES CHECK OUT OUR FEATURED WEDDINGS AND VENDORS
105 Walter Garret Lane, Oak Grove, KY 42262
For a tour and a customized quote please call 270.640-7144 For more information go to: www.visitygroveky.com
ABOUT US
CONTENTS 3
Dining Out
4
At Home
Hoptown Families is a magazine dedicated to the families of the southern Pennyrile. Inside the Southern Kentucky Weddings issue, you will find a host of stories and tips for planning a
6
Go and Play
8
Honest Mom
11
Engagements
12
Lynch’s Photo Tips
14
Ask Cheryl
16
Venue Spots
20
The Rustic
William Flood
24
DIY Weddings
Tonya S. Grace
25
Green Weddings
28
Dress Trends
30
Ruffled Willow
32
Gift Giving
33
Bachelor Party
36
Local Attractions
Crystal Larsen Studio
40
Wedding Flowers
Diane Croney-Turner
42
Wedding Checklist
wedding in the Pennyrile. EDITOR Zirconia Alleyne zalleyne@kentuckynewera.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS Zirconia Alleyne
Jon Russelburg Avery Seeger Diane Turner Michele Vowell Abigail Bridges Photography Ace & Chase Photography Billie-Shaye Style Photography
Heather Todd Photography Jesse White Kate Phelps Photography KDP_Kustom Dezigns Photography Lindsey Jones Lisa Adams Lynch Photography Megg Alison Photography Studio Llotus Tawny Nichelle Photography DESIGN Maegan Saalwaechter ON THE COVER BURDOC FARMS / PHOTO BY: STUDIO LLOTUS
KDP_Kustom Dezigns Photography TO ADVERTISE 270-887-3270 CONTACT US 713 S. Main Street Hopkinsville, KY 42240 270-887-3235
DINING OUT
DINING OUT
DaVinci at Novadell WRITER: MICHELE VOWELL
VENUE GOOD FOR: birthday party,
wedding or anniversary surprise party CAPACITY: Seats 140 guests
downstairs and 70 upstairs; front room can seat 30 guests ADDITIONAL INFO: Fully stocked
bar with several signature drinks, like the Novadell Smash, the Moscato Punch and the Moonshine Long Island, featuring locallyproduced Casey Jones Moonshine.
Aromas of fresh herbs and spices waft from the kitchen into the dining area of DaVinci at Novadell. Tables are finely decorated in red and white tablecloths and fresh flowers for Valentine’s Day. “I would describe it as really unique to Hopkinsville,” said Ashley Loden, manager. “We’re not right on the boulevard. We’re in a really pretty setting, you can watch the sunset.” In September 2018, Novadell Steakhouse ownership announced on social media the business would merge with DaVinci Little Italian Restaurant. The restaurants joined forces at 500 Novadell Way. Since opening in October 2018, DaVinci at Novadell offers the perfect marriage of rich, authentic Italian cuisine with the savory seasonings of an American steakhouse. Italian Chef Pavel Skorpil graduated from culinary school in northern Italy before bringing his talents to Hopkinsville. Skorpil creates the mouth-watering, full-flavored menu using only the best, fresh ingredients. “Everything that he makes is fresh. We don’t use any frozen foods,” Loden said. “His recipes are amazing --- everything he makes from his salmon to his pasta. It’s a wide variety.” DaVinci at Novadell offers about 40 options on its menu with each dish made-to-order. “Everything is about food. Food is your doctor. Everything is fresh,” Skorpil said. To start a meal, the chef recommends the Caprese, sliced vine ripe tomatoes layered with fresh mozzarella and basil, garnished with DaVinci dressing. Skorpil said, this season, the tomatoes will be grown on the grounds at Novadell. A classic appetizer or side for pasta and steak dishes is a basket of house-made fresh Foccacia bread with chef Pavel’s famous garlic dipping oil. “Foccacia bread we make every single morning,” Skorpil said. “The fresh oil with the garlic, people love that.” Loden said two of the top-selling entrees are the chicken parmesan and lasagna. In the Pollo Alla Parmigiana is hand-breaded fresh natural chicken breast topped with DaVinci tomato sauce, mozzarella and parmesan baked to perfection, served with a side of spaghetti. The DaVinci house-made lasagna features meat sauce, ricotta, mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
“Every morning we make the Ragu Bolognese sauce with fresh ingredients, never frozen,” Skorpil said. For seafood lovers, Loden recommends the pan-roasted all-natural fresh-cut filet salmon and Frutti Di Mare, which includes six fresh tiger shrimp, mussels, jumbo scallops, baby clams, fresh garlic, parsley and crushed pepper sautéed with DaVinci tomato sauce and served over fettuccine pasta. Steak lovers have several cuts to choose from at the DaVinci at Novadell. “When we merged we kept the Novadell side too. So, we have two different versions of steaks,” Loden said. “Pavel has one that’s marinated and has a balsamic glaze on it. We also have our filets, our porterhouse, our T-bone that we had when we were just Novadell. So, we have both those options. It’s really whatever you’re in the mood for.” Guests who dine in should save some room for the delectable desserts. Among the guests’ favorites Loden said is the tiramisu, an authentic Italian dish made of Lady Finger cookies dipped in marsala wine and coffee, covered with mascarpone cheese and cocoa. “We have a five-layer chocolate cake. They heat it up and the insides melt. Then we put ice cream and chocolate syrup on it,” Loden said. “It is delicious. It’s one of my most favorite things.” Other flavorful desserts are the Limoncello Mascarpone Cake, Cannoli and Gelato, Italy’s version of ice cream. Loden said when guests dine in they can expect high-quality food and service. “Not only will the servers give you an excellent experience, a manager will come check on you,” Loden said. “Pavel’s watching out the window (from the kitchen). There are a lot of checks and balances to make sure you’re happy.” David Barbee, who co-owns the restaurant with Skorpil and Randy Arnold, said guests will receive a great experience at DaVinci at Novadell. “We’ve got a very good chef. He’s top-notch when it comes to the quality of the food,” Barbee said. “We’ve got an extremely good staff. Nobody around has authentic Italian food like we have. Yes, we compete against chain restaurants. We are a little higher than most of them, but the quality of food is that much better.”
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AtwithHome the
Hunters A WHIRLWIND ROMANCE
FOR TAMARA AND CALVIN WRITER: ZIRCONIA ALLEYNE
M
eeting her husband through a dating app was the last thing Tamara Hunter, 41, expected to happen in August 2019. But after a memorable first date and a whirlwind romance with Calvin Hunter, 41, the two were married in a winter wedding at The Studio 3s in downtown Hopkinsville. “With Calvin, everything just flowed so naturally,” said Tamara sitting in their upstairs living room. The couple both had their own homes when they met — his in Mayfield and hers in Hopkinsville — but “Team Hunter” is blending their lives effortlessly.
Tamara’s home she shared with her teenage son, who is the last of her four adult children. His home was a bachelor’s abode that he shared with his 16-year-old son when he came off the road from driving trucks for a living. Due to his time on the road and not wanting to uproot Tamara, Calvin chose to move to Hopkinsville. The basement level of the home is what Tamara calls their apartment. It’s complete with their bedroom, a living room, a kitchen, bathroom and additional room for when Calvin’s son comes to visit. “I was so happy when we got him a room here,” Tamara said. “Family is one of my biggest things and everybody has to have a space.” Upstairs is another living space, which is mainly for the kids and guests; however Calvin has added a few personal touches, like a grandfather clock he had at his home. “I love clocks and watches, and growing up, my mom would always watch the Cosby Show and they had a grandfather clock. I always told myself when I get older and get my own place, that was one of the things I had to have,” he recalled. A bakers rack next to the clock displays a glimpse of their December wedding: Tamara’s plum and gold tiara sparkles on one shelf while their custom champagne
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flutes are next to a monogrammed “H.” A book of wedding photos reminds them of the big day. With the help of Amazon and their closest friends, the Hunters pulled off their wedding in just two months. It was small but intimate, Tamara noted. Their children, family and friends watched them commit to each other in an evening ceremony. “We probably spent more time picking the songs than anything because there was a certain vibe we wanted everybody to feel,” she said. The songs that made the cut — “You Are” by Charlie Wilson and “You For Me” by Johnny Gill. “I used to drive up and down the highway listening to song after song,” said Calvin of his career in long haul trucking. “I have a routine ... I just started playing song after song after song until I found the right song I was looking for.” Calvin said no one questioned them about the quick wedding and everyone who came supported their vows, which the couple wrote themselves. “I’ve been married once before and anybody that knows me knows that I don’t make rushed decisions,” he said, “so when I told my family I was getting married, they knew it was serious.” He proposed back at the Trail of Tears Park, where they’d spent a chunk of their first date getting to know each other, which Tamara remembers vividly. “It was the most romantic thing of my life,” she said. “We ended up missing the first showing of the movie because we were at the restaurant talking so long. “We went for a drive in the country and then we ended up seeing the
movie and went to Trail of Tears Park and talked until the sun was peeking in the trees. We really didn’t want the night to end.” Calvin said when he realized he wanted to marry Tamara, he asked her in hypotheticals to determine if she felt the same way. “I didn’t want to just come out and say it because we had only known each other for a few weeks and I thought she might head for the hills,” he laughed. “So, I thought what if I word it hypothetically just to gauge her interest.” Tamara was on the same page. “When you know, you know, and nobody has to tell you anything,” she said.
The Rustic Event Center
is located just a short drive north of Hopkinsville, KY overlooking a scenic 45 acre pasture. The Rustic is a 1500 SF hall with an additional 800 SF covered patio. There are two large sliding barn doors that open up to the patio which is equipped with 8 ceiling fans and mood setting string lights. The bucolic side yard is fenced and has grand old oak trees for shade with a bridal swing and 2 children swings. Quite often lovely sunsets can be enjoyed from the large front porch. The 2060 Woodburn Hay Rd., Hopkinsville, KY peaceful country setting and rustic details of 270.881.8247 the venue are difficult to describe so, please, therusticeventcenter@yahoo.com www.therusticeventcenter.com contact us for a viewing appointment.
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Romantic B&Bs WRITER: WILLIAM FLOOD
Your wedding planning likely includes finding the perfect place to host your reception and an ideal spot for a honeymoon. You want a memorable spot but perhaps you’re not prone to reckless spending. A generic hotel certainly isn’t appealing, but what are your options? There’s an ideal choice, appropriately romantic, local if you wish, and surprisingly affordable. It’s a bed and breakfast inn, typically forgotten in today’s era of online booking and AirBnB. Unlike chain hotels with their franchised sameness, B&Bs are unique properties with unmistakable ambiance. You’ll find cozy rural cottages, intimate and private; renovated historic homes filled with antiques and patina; and, historic building converted into lodgings, rife with exposed brick and timeworn floors. Within each, you’ll find an array of guest rooms, each offering its own character.
They are charming and romantic places, operated by innkeepers who treat you like a true guest. Many offer niceties like wine and cheese tastings, locally-sourced food, and evening entertainment. You’ll typically find them happy to tailor to your requests, whether it’s for private dining, accommodating dietary restrictions, or simply suggesting the perfect spot on their property for some “together time.” Plus, B&Bs are surprisingly affordable when you consider the caliber of the accommodations and that real morning meals and often other light fare are typically included in your stay. Finding a good bed and breakfast inn is a breeze; simply go to BedandBreakfast.com where you can select from over 30,000 properties worldwide. If you prefer to stay close to the Pennyrile area, there are plenty of charming options, including these five worth considering:
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G O A N D P L AY
Belle Air Mansion If your wedding travels include the Music City, the Belle Air Mansion is hard to top. The Antebellum mansion was built in 1832 in the Greek revival style. Once considered among Nashville’s most endangered historic properties, it’s now a restoration success story. The main mansion contains 10 bedrooms; a separate retreat house has five more. You can take a calm stroll through their 200-year-old rose garden, relax on one of the four porches or get a guided tour of the six-acre estate. And, it’s just five minutes from the Nashville airport.
Riverview Mansion Hotel Across the Ohio River in the small riverfront town of Golconda, Illinois, is the Riverview Mansion Hotel. Originally constructed as a private home known as the Gilbert House, it has served as a hotel since the mid-1920s. The riverboat-era building retains its 1890s architectural details, including stained-glass windows, tiled fireplaces and intricate woodwork from a bygone era. Today, the boutique hotel offers six guest rooms, including a river-view king. There’s an on-site restaurant and an intimate candle-lit lounge. If a country drive is in your plans, the Ohio River Scenic Byway and the Southern Illinois Wine Trail are nearby.
Maple Hill B&B One of the closest B&Bs to Hopkinsville is Maple Hill, located near Eddyville on beautiful Lake Barkley. The home was built in the 1850s and offers five guest rooms beautifully decorated with Victorian-era antiques. Guests can relax in old-fashioned claw foot bathtubs in private baths or enjoy quiet time in each room’s sitting area. The aroma of fresh-brewed coffee will gently awaken you. Head to the full breakfast in the main dining room or sneak away to one of the out-of-the-way nooks for some private dining. Outside, you can enjoy plenty of waterfront scenery, including a lake view gazebo, a pier dotted with Adirondack chairs and porches done up in old Southern style.
1895 Washington Hotel The name of this Paducah bed and breakfast reflects its era and a connection to George Washington’s family. The Queen-Anne-style Victorian home looks like a dollhouse painted in hues of blue, pink and violet. Inside, you’ll find 10-foot ceilings, gas fireplaces and stunning original woodwork. Accommodations include everything from intimate queen rooms to a five-bedroom suite; and, there’s a guest house with six bedrooms if you want to host your reception and guests there. All rooms feature hydromassage tubs. If you get hungry after breakfast there’s an onsite coffee shop and cafe.
The Inn at Woodhaven, Louisville About two hours away, this three-building inn is on Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail. The main building and carriage house were built in the mid1800s in the Gothic Revival style dripping with gingerbread trim. Eight spacious guest rooms feature king or queen beds, private baths, and spa whirlpool tubs. When not in your room, you can stroll among the gardens or enjoy complimentary beverages, after-dinner liqueurs, and desserts in the parlor or on one of the porches. In the morning, enjoy a restaurant-style three-course breakfast served amidst white tablecloths, fine china, and antique furnishings. Then, head out to enjoy the attractions of Louisville and the bourbon trail. 7 H O P TOW N FA M I L I E S // S P R I N G 2 0 2 0
HONEST MOM
Honest Mom Reviews BRIDAL SHOWERS WRITER: DIANE TURNER
I love weddings and everything that comes with them, registries, showers, parties, girl time and all of the stationary! Just so you can get an understanding of the depth of my passion know that I attended way too many bridal shows, like so many that I had years’ worth of subscriptions to various wedding magazines — and this was all before I was even engaged. Of course I always had to bring someone with me, and my poor friend Tiffany was elected the bride one time. She left with a keychain engraved with her name, a made-up groom named Todd and a wedding date. We still laugh about that keychain to this day. Now that you understand, let’s talk bridal showers. There are tons of bridal shower themes out there, thanks to Pinterest. Some of my favorites are: Monograms and Mimosas (or Margaritas), Bridal Tea, Stock the Bar, Around the Clock, Couples BBQ, Pampered Chef, Holiday, Brunch and Bubbly, Pancakes and Panties (aka personal/lingerie shower). Think of a theme, and I’m sure Pinterest can help you bring it to life. A great place to order invitations from is Etsy. There is a short turnaround for a custom invite that you can send to a local printer like Sprint Print. This is how I do the stationary for any shower or birthday parties. If you’re in need of a checklist for planning a shower, let’s first: 1) decide who is hosting 2) set the date & time 3) pick a location 4) pick theme/décor/food 5) assign jobs 6) mail invites at least 3-4 weeks in advance In the last couple of years the amount of venues for showers has grown tremendously in southern Kentucky. See some of the option available below.
LOCAL VENUES
Diane is the loving mother to Savannah Rae and her furbaby Sallie Mae. She has been married to her husband Jason for six years. After becoming a mother, she has learned a lot and loves to share that knowledge with fellow mommies who could find it useful.
CONTACT INFORMATION
CHURCH OR HOME BURDOC FARMS 1655 Pleasant Grove Road, Crofton
270-348-1483
CASEY JONES DISTILLERY
270-839-9987
2815 Witty Lane, Hopkinsville
FORBES EVENT CENTER
1002 S. Virginia St., Hopkinsville
270-987-9120
JOELLE’S CAFÉ AND BAKERY
225 Burley Ave., Hopkinsville
270-887-0002
NAIMOLI ESTATE 6000 Harmony Gove Road, Hopkinsville
270-887-6212
PENNYRILE FOREST STATE PARK
270-797-3421
20781 Pennyrile Lodge Road, Dawson Springs
STUDIO 3S 100 E. Sixth St., Hopkinsville
270-220-0354
SUGAR GROVE CARRIAGE HOUSE
270-886-2871
9650 Palmyra Road, Oak Grove
THE BRUCE 303 Conference Center Drive, Hopkinsville
270-707-7000
THE MAIN ST TAVERN
270-484-5066
801 S. Main St., Hopkinsville
THE MIXER 114 E. Sixth St., Hopkinsville
270-874-2416
THE SILO 110 John Rives Road Hopkinsville
270-632-6230
VALOR HALL 105 Walter Garrett Lane, Oak Grove
270-640-7144
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Built in 1952, our tobacco barn was named by Rustic Bride as one of the top 48 historic barns in the United States in which to get married. The Tobacco Barn venue has a vintage, boho and more natural feel, sitting in an open field, with 2 barns to use, a chapel barn and reception barn. A 150 year old fireplace, located on the back of the reception barn, is perfect for gathering to have s’mores or just hang out when the evening gets cool. There are also 5 chandeliers and string lights, throughout the reception barn, providing you with fairy-tale lighting. The chapel barn has white church pews and doors, an arch, plus string Edison light bulbs and chandelier, making it a one-ofa-kind location to say your I Do’s. The Keith Glen Venue is our newest addition at Burdoc Farms and is an industrial modern building with a wall of glass, from floor to ceiling, that looks over a pond with a fountain and swans. This venue is year-round, providing A/C and heat, so no matter what time of the year you get married, you will be comfortable. This venue sits in a grove of trees and has more of a woodlands vibe, with 100 year old trees surrounding the facility and the outdoor ceremony site.
1655 Pleasant Grove Road • Crofton, KY 270.424.8766 • burdocfarms@hotmail.com• w w w.burdocfarms.com
The Lazy Days Of Winter O ne of the favorite things about winter is relaxing and spending your weekends being a “couch potato” by binge watching your favorite movies, reading a book or having a picnic on your couch. There are some wonderful advantages of never coming out of your house. During these lazy days of winter is when you are thankful for having reliable, efficient and safe natural gas to heat your home. Natural gas is like the comfortable pajamas that you put on during cold winter days – it wraps you in a blanket of warmth and bliss. A natural gas furnace provides warm air that’s 20 degrees warmer than a heat pump. If you have natural gas logs, you can enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a fire without the cleanup and worry of running out of fuel. Even on the coldest days of winter, you can count on your natural gas furnace to keep your home cozy and your bank account flush. Here’s how natural gas appliances can provide your home with the comfort and convenience
Why choose natural gas?
you deserve and energy costs that you can afford.
Gas Heating: A natural gas furnace is the affordable and efficient choice to keep your home warm and cozy. There are furnace models that are up to 95 percent efficient and produce very low carbon emissions.
Gas Water Heating: You get more hot water for less money with natural gas. Whether it’s a traditional tank water heater or an energy-efficient tankless model, natural gas is the affordable and efficient energy to heat your water. Gas Clothes Dryers: A natural gas clothes dryer operates faster and cheaper than an electric dyer – which gives you more time and money to do what you want. Gas Logs and Fireplaces: Gas logs and fireplaces provide beauty and efficient heating, plus you can heat your home when the power is out. And best of all, no wood storage or clean up required!
Cooking Inside and Out: Natural gas is the first choice of professional chefs. It may be too cold for outdoor grilling now, but when the weather is right, you cannot beat a natural gas grill for outdoor entertaining and family fun. And don’t forget the gas lights, pool heaters, fit pits and patio heaters to complete your outdoor room.
Standby Generators: Natural gas generators provide electricity during a power disruption to keep your home warm, your refrigerator cold and the lights on. A home that uses natural gas for heating, cooking and clothes drying saves an average of $874 per year compared to homes using electricity for those applications. Not only is natural gas affordable and reliable, it can also make your life easier. What are you waiting for? After your movie is over and your hot chocolate is gone, search online to learn about all the benefits of natural gas. The best part, you don’t even have to leave your home.
BECAUSE IT’S THE BEST WAY TO KEEP
YOUR FAMILY WARMER AND
COZIER. atmosenergy.com/WhyChooseGas
S O KY W E D D I N G S
LEAVE YOUR WEDDING IN STYLE, Limos By Knight style! 270-684-4688
877-836-5842 Owensboro’s Leading Limousine Company Since 1998
The Bruce 12:00p – 4:00p Tickets are $5.00 in advance or $10.00 at the door Register online at: www.the-bruce.com 303 Conference Center Dr.| Hopkinsville, KY. (270) 707-7000
Merry me? A FOUNDERS SQUARE ENGAGEMENT WRITTEN BY: ZIRCONIA ALLEYNE
An inconspicuous chalkboard etched with the words “Merry me?” stood tall at the center of Founders Square Friday evening. An altar of candles sat its feet and a red-andblack striped blanket was where the marital magic would happen under the pavilion. Aaron Watson, 24, proposed to his girlfriend of four years, Andrea Nichols, 23, at the center of downtown Hopkinsville. “I wanted to do it here because of everything that’s going on rejuvenating our downtown,” said Watson, who moved to Hopkinsville when he was 11 years old. “I knew I wanted something downtown because this place is so special to me.” Southern Exposure owner and photographer Tony Kirves was close behind the couple capturing the moment as they walked to the center of the mat, and Watson got down on one knee. The two met while they were students at Murray State University. They moved back to Watson’s home town three years ago when their son Graham was born. Nichols
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now works in the OB-GYN department of Jennie Stuart Medical Center, which she calls “her home away from home.” After a brief proposal, Nichols said yes, and Watson slipped the ring on her finger. “I had no idea,” Nichols said as she wiped away happy tears. “I was completely caught off guard.” Watson’s parents — Derrick Watson, president and CEO of Hopkinsville Water Environment Authority, and Amy Watson, veteran NewsChannel 5 anchor — showed up shortly after with Graham, who darted to the pavilion for a brief celebration and photos. A surprise engagement party with Nichols’ family and friends waited the couple just a few blocks away at The Mixer restaurant and bar. A warm embrace sealed the deal — “We’re all going to be Watsons,” beamed Aaron as he hugged his fiance, son and parents. “I was completely shocked, but I’m so excited I get to marry the man of my dreams,” Nichols said.
Lynch ENGAGEMENT PREP
one
two three four five one two three four
WEDDING PREP
PHOTO BY: LYNCH PHOTOGRAPHY
Photography SESSION TIPS FOR CLIENTS
PICKING A WRITTEN BY: TONYA S. GRACE Two local photographers offer one piece of advice for couples who are planning their wedding ceremonies: Find your photographer
Set up a Pinterest board or collect Magazines to gather ideas that will help you choose your theme and ideal poses. We like for our brides to create a Pinterest board or vision board to help us capture every moment they’ve always dreamed of. Select your Location. We like to choose two locations. One for fun that incorporates your passion (ice cream shop, hiking trail or your favorite café etc.) and a second location where you can hang your picture on the wall in your living room for a lifetime!
early on. “Your top photographers book early,” said Danny Vowell, a former wedding photographer who noted that planning early can be an advantage for couples who want to have their pictures taken early. Scheduling a session with the photographer a day ahead of the wedding produces higherquality photos and takes the pressure off the couple.
Select attire that will coordinate well with each other instead of matching. A. The whole point of your
B. Make sure you are
C. Don’t be afraid to be
engagement session is to capture the two of your naturally in these amazing seasons of your lives.
comfortable. Photos turn out at the best when the couple is natural.
bold! Scarves, statement necklaces and anything of color that pops.
Photographer Michael Baxter of Southern Exposures echoed Vowell’s advice, noting that photographers’ schedules fill up quickly, “especially if the individual you happen to find specializes in wedding photography.” Both men said going online can be particularly helpful when searching for a
This would be a perfect time to test out any ideas you might want your hair and makeup on your wedding day as a trail run.
photographer. Online reviews let couples check out the photographer’s style, see samples of his work or have access to his gallery. Vowell suggests Thumbtack.com, which includes information about the photographers
Oh yea, remember to have fun! Come in the best mood. Listen to your favorite songs all morning and just be YOU! There’s no pressure when we capture your special moments. We like to have fun too!
and their services, prices and customer reviews. Social media sites like Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook are good sources for local photographers. Baxter noted that it’s also good to consider the venue where the photographs will be taken. If it’s a church, for example, let the photographer know of any rules like not going near the altar or
Decide on Your Budget. A budget will enable you to decide the grandeur of your wedding and when selecting the right photographer for you.
using flash photography during the ceremony. Additionally, he urged couples to know what they want and to have that conversation with the photographer.
Make sure you like your photographer’s personality! This is the prime time of your life and you want to create memories to cherish. I never book a wedding without capturing the couples engagement session because I like for the couple to know me enough and trust me on their special day. In return I want to ensure I can deliver up to the bride and grooms expectations.
This is your day! You shouldn’t have to worry about the photographer on your day. It is important to have a consultation with your photographer and walk them through your vision so every moment is captured just the way your heart desires. HAVE A BLAST! This is the moment we’ve all waited a lifetime for. Make it count. Remember, ten years from now you will look back at your Wedding Album and cherish your wedding day. In the future years to come your albums will be passed down from generation to generation.
“I would venture to say communication is probably the biggest thing,” Baxter said. Vowell also urged couples not to be lured by a cheap price. “You’re going to get what you pay for,” he said, advising the bride and groom to “invest in someone who has the expertise.” The couple’s only limit is their budget, said Vowell, advising couples search the surrounding area to find a good photographer in their price range. Vowell’s last piece of advice? Choose a photographer who matches your personality. Doing so, he said, ensures the photographer captures who you are.
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QA
S O KY W E D D I N G S
Q A
Q A Q A
ask Cheryl YOUR MOST COMMON WEDDING QUESTIONS ANSWERED The Kentucky New Era asked Cheryl Ward of It Takes 2 Event Planners in Hopkinsville to share some top concerns mentioned by couples when they are planning their wedding ceremonies. Here are the things that she hears from those couples:
I’m engaged, what’s the first thing I should book?
This is the question I get asked the most by couples. The first thing that any newly-engaged couple should do is book their venue. Venues can book up years in advance, especially in the prime wedding months. Being flexible with your date is also helpful if you’ve found your perfect venue. Your photographer should be the next vendor, because like a venue, they book quickly. Once you have booked those two vendors, go after things most important to you, i.e. your florist, DJ or caterer. Once you choose your venue, photographer, etc. be prepared to pay a deposit. Most vendors will not hold your date without a signed contract and non-refundable deposit.
I love this vendor, but I want to keep looking.
Q A
We want to do a lot of DIY for our wedding to stay on budget. Is that a good idea?
Q A
I’ve been planning my wedding on Pinterest for months, and I want my wedding to look like my Pinterest boards.
If you fall in love with a vendor, book them early! The good ones book quickly, and the longer you wait the more likely they will be unavailable for your wedding date. Vendors, such as the photographer can only shoot one wedding per day so if they are available and you love them, don’t hesitate. I don’t think I need a wedding planner…my mom, sister, friend said they would help out. Hiring a planner, even for just day-of coordination will be the best decision you made for your wedding day. A wedding planner helps you find and book vendors, make timelines and is with you from start to finish so couples can have a stress-free planning process. Assigning tasks to a parent, sibling or friend sounds like a good idea, but those people have been looking forward to your day as much as you have, and they want to enjoy it. Hire a planner to steam linens, decorate your tables and make sure the day goes smoothly.
Q A
Doing some DIY things before the wedding is a good idea to stay on budget, but don’t take on more than you can handle. Take on smaller tasks, like making your own invitations or signs for the ceremony and reception, but hire help to do the big stuff.
Pinterest is both a blessing and a curse for couples. Yes, you can get an idea of what you want for your wedding, but Pinterest is not budget-friendly. That beautiful cascading bouquet you’ve been eyeing costs hundreds of dollars. If you want your wedding to look like the photos you have pinned, be prepared to stretch your budget. A lot of couples do not realize how expensive things are until they are confronted with the cost. Be flexible and be willing to cut back on some elements if you want to save money. Here’s a great tip I give my couples: Any flower arrangements or décor you use at the ceremony can easily be moved inside for the reception. This will cut your cost, and your items get repurposed.
Where should we not cut costs? Don’t skimp on a photographer or a videographer. If someone says they will do it for $300, you are going to get $300 quality photos. Find someone who has photographed weddings before, and make sure it is someone you are comfortable with. At the end of the day, photos are what you get to keep and look back on for a lifetime.
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Q A
Q A
Can weddings be adult only without offending anyone? This is a tough question to answer, because undoubtedly, someone on your guest list is going to be hurt by this. If you have a small venue and many large families on your guest list, sending out “adult only” invitations may be your only option. My solution, if you don’t want a lot of kids running around at your wedding, is to hire a babysitter for the night. This can be an older child in your family who is coming to the wedding and can keep an eye on the younger kids while the adults dance and mingle.
Q A
Do we have to have an open bar? The answer is no! This is also a great place to cut costs for your wedding. You do have options though; you can do an open bar with a limited menu (beer and wine only) and have a cash bar for all other liquor items. Many of my couples typically do a combination of a host and cash bar. They will set a host bar limit, i.e. $1,000 and once the limit is reached the bar becomes cash only. This way, you are still allowing your guests to have one or two complimentary drinks without breaking the bank.
Should we do a first look? This is entirely up to the couple! There are pros and cons to doing a first look, but ultimately, it is the couple’s decision. The pros are that it is more intimate and you can take most of your photos before the wedding ceremony, so you have more time at the reception. The cons, is that some people think it takes away from the “big reveal” and the emotion of seeing the bride walk down the aisle for the first time. Either way, it is what the couple feels most comfortable doing.
Q A
Do we have to have a sit-down meal for the reception? It is becoming more common for couples to nix a huge meal for the reception and do heavy appetizers and a late night snack. This creates a more social wedding environment and elevates the long lines for a buffet. Once the dancing starts, think about having sliders or other latenight snacks brought out so your guests aren’t hungry!
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THE SILO, HOPKINSVILLE
PHOTO BY: KATE PHELPS PHOTOGRAPHY
VENUE IS BEST FOR: weddings, reception, rehearsal dinners, other ceremonies and year-round photo backdrops CAPACITY: The main event space can accommodate up to 400 guests banquet style seating depending on the overall event and set up needs. The Gambrel Room, which is on the second floor of venue, is ideal for more intimate events, such as corporate meetings and rehearsal dinners for up to 70 people. PRICE RANGE TO RENT: Multiple wedding packages based on overall event guest count and the amount of time and space needed in the venue. ANY ADDITIONAL FEES: One-day and two-day event rental packages include the use of our round and banquet tables, beautiful brown X-back farm chairs, and white wooden folding chairs for outdoor ceremonies. UNIQUE DETAILS ABOUT THIS VENUE: • On-site Bridal House and Salon which is the original farmhouse on the property that has been completely renovated for bridal parties to rent for the day. • Paired with the use of the Gambrel Room, the Silo is able to provide space for everyone in the wedding party to have their own private space to get ready on the wedding day. • Open vendor policy allows each booking party to pick and choose their own vendors to provide professional services such as catering, photography, videography, music and specialty desserts. Any other need-to-knows: • Extensive inventory of in-house decorations for rent • Day-of wedding coordinating services • The Silo has its own liquor license and must provide on-site bar services if the client chooses to offer a bar during their event. • Large, on-site prep kitchen with a service entrance as a convenience to the vendors • Paved, well-lit parking lot and quality restroom facilities HOW TO BOOK: Email info@thesiloevents.com or call 270-632-6230
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Pick THE spot FIND THE VENUE FOR YOU IN SOUTHERN KENTUCKY WRITTEN BY: SOUTHERN KENTUCKY WEDDINGS
Choosing the venue for your big day can determine everything — what dress you wear, if the ceremony will be indoor or outdoor, etc. When choosing a venue in southern Kentucky, the options are truly endless. Whether you want to show off downtown or soak up tranquility on the countryside, there’s a venue here that’s just right for you.
CASEY JONES DISTILLERY, HOPKINSVILLE VENUE IS BEST FOR: wedding, rehearsal dinner, engagement party, showers and vow renewals CAPACITY: The bar area, reception space and deck can seat 135+ guests PRICE RANGE: Event pricing starts at $200 for smaller events and $700 for weddings ANY ADDITIONAL FEES: Event and wedding décor is the responsibility of the client UNIQUE DETAILS ABOUT THIS VENUE: Each wedding package includes white ceremony chairs, tables and chairs in the reception area, full use of our bridal and groom suites and a wedding planner though It Takes 2 Event Planners. • The property is nestled on 73 acres with a waterfall and a lake, which make the perfect backdrop for an event on the deck. ANY OTHER NEED-TO-KNOWS: A full-service bar with the largest bourbon selection in the area, to include Christian County’s first ever bourbon Casey Jones Small Batch Kentucky Bourbon HOW TO BOOK: email events@caseyjonesdistillery.com
THE HALL AT THE ALHAMBRA THEATRE, DOWNTOWN HOPKINSVILLE VENUE IS GOOD FOR: Rehearsal dinner and receptions CAPACITY: 65 seated or 80 standing PRICE RANGE TO RENT: $1,200-$1,500 on weekend dates ANY ADDITIONAL FEES: $50/ hour with a three-hour minimum for beverage services (cash or host options) CATERING: Beverage service provided in the building, and we work with a list of preferred caterers who can provide top-quality dining options for your event. UNIQUE DETAILS ABOUT THIS VENUE: • Overlooks the theatre auditorium with stunning views of downtown • State-of-the-art audio-visual services • Elevator service to second floor for guests ADDITIONAL DETAILS: Rental fee includes complimentary use of projector, screen, sound system and microphone, use of tables, chairs, 6’ tables, hi-tops and matching linens, parking, Wi-Fi, pre and post-event cleaning services and access to a full service event manager HOW TO BOOK: Email becky.green@pennyroyalarts.org or call 270.887.4295
HOPKINSVILLE BREWING CO., HOPKINSVILLE VENUE IS BEST FOR: Depending on the size of the event, the upstairs room is best for smaller parties like rehearsal dinners, bridal showers and engagement parties. The expansion space is good for larger events such as weddings and receptions. The entire property (including downstairs taproom and biergarten space) is also available, depending on the size of the party. CAPACITY: Upstairs room capacity is best suited for parties of 35 or less. Expansion space estimated between 55 and 85 people. The current space (downstairs taproom and upstairs room) has an occupancy of 99 people. PRICE RANGE TO RENT: Rates start at $125/ hour for upstairs room; new event space can be booked in 4-hour blocks (pricing has not yet been set). ANY ADDITIONAL FEES: Additional servers required for the expansion space; $25/server per hour. Additional seating and decor are the responsibility of the client. UNIQUE DETAILS ABOUT THIS VENUE: The expansion space is a working brewery with an industrial feel: exposed original brickwork dating to the early 1900s, stainless steel brewing equipment, concrete floors, etc. The upstairs room has a cozy feel with wood floors, exposed brickwork and a barn wood wall salvaged from a Tennessee tobacco barn. ANY OTHER NEED-TO-KNOWS: All housebrewed beers currently on tap will be available for events; with enough lead, we can take requests into our production cycle. HOW TO BOOK: Kate@hopkinsvillebrewingcompany.com / joey@hopkinsvillebrewingcompany.com
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NAIMOLI ESTATE, HOPKINSVILLE VENUE IS BEST FOR: wedding, rehearsal dinner, reception, engagement party, bed & breakfast CAPACITY OF THE SPACE: Multiple indoor and outdoor venues including a mansion, barn space and banquet hall for parties of all sizes PRICE RANGE TO RENT: $$ UNIQUE DETAILS ABOUT THIS VENUE: • 2 outdoor gazebos for ceremonies • Vineyard is on the property • Mansion has pool and hot tub with outdoor wet bars and kitchen ADDITIONAL INFO: Venue named Couples’ Choice Awards 2019 from Wedding Wire and Best of Weddings 2019 from the Knot HOW TO BOOK: Visit naimoliestate.com/weddings
MAPLE RUN FARMS AND LAVENDAR FARMS, RUSSELLVILLE VENUE IS BEST FOR: wedding, reception, rehearsal dinner and parties CAPACITY: Outdoor venue with several locations on the grounds for ceremonies and parties. A small reception barn can seat 50 guests. PRICE RANGE TO RENT: $2,000 for ceremony area on the grounds and reception barn ADDITIONAL FEES: Tent, tables and chairs will need to be rented through an outside vendor(s). ANY OTHER NEED-TO-KNOWS: Tent rental option available for more dinner and dancing space. UNIQUE DETAILS ABOUT THIS VENUE: A beautiful lavender field is in full bloom during the summer months. The lavender makes for a beautiful backdrop during your nuptials. HOW TO BOOK: Visit www.maplerunevents.com or call 615-480-7244
THE BRUCE CONVENTION CENTER, HOPKINSVILLE VENUE IS BEST FOR: wedding, reception, rehearsal dinner, engagement party and other events CAPACITY: Rooms are available for all party sizes. The Bruce can accommodate intimate ceremonies at its outdoor gazebo and up to 800 people in exhibit halls and ballrooms. PRICE RANGE TO RENT: $$ ANY ADDITIONAL FEES: All food and beverages must be prepared by the facility, including all outside alcohol. UNIQUE DETAILS ABOUT THIS VENUE: • Grand lobby • Marble tiled staircases and oak banisters • Can be divided into 16 different ballrooms and event spaces • New Holiday Inn on site HOW TO BOOK: Visit bruceconventioncenter.com or call 270-707-7000
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SOUTHERN SPRINGS EVENTS, CADIZ VENUE IS BEST FOR: wedding and reception CAPACITY OF THE SPACE: 250 guests in large barn; 60 guests in the Drake Room PRICE RANGE TO RENT: $$ UNIQUE DETAILS ABOUT THIS VENUE: Amenities include a bridal suite, groom’s lodge, the Drake meeting room, two large koi ponds, a gazebo with a pier over the water and a restored barn. ANY OTHER NEED-TO-KNOWS: Tent available for rent for outdoor events • Surrounded by farm land • Tree lined gravel drive HOW TO BOOK: Visit southernspringsevents. com or call 270-206-5447
THE STUDIO 3S, DOWNTOWN HOPKINSVILLE VENUE IS BEST FOR: wedding events (bridal showers — rehearsal dinners), birthday parties, engagement parties, gender reveals, baby showers, family gatherings, musical events, business events (training and offsite meeting space) CAPACITY: 70 guests seated, 100 guests standing PRICE RANGE : $150 — $300 ADDITIONAL FEES: Linens — $50 fee UNIQUE DETAILS ABOUT THE VENUE: • Industrial style venue equipped with 60-inch round tables and chairs • Styled with Edison lighting, white washed brick walls, ceiling draping • Built in photo wall • Hardwood flooring, bar space, dance floor area, DJ space etc. HOW TO BOOK: Call 270-220-0354, email thestudio3s201@gmail.com or Facebook messenger
BURDOC FARMS WEDDINGS AND EVENTS, CROFTON
PHOTO BY: BILLIE-SHAYE STYLE PHOTOGRAPHY
VENUE BEST FOR: wedding ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal & rehearsal dinners, banquets, corporate gatherings, family gatherings, reunions. CAPACITY: standing, 300+; sitting, 200 PRICE RANGE: $1,500 weekday weddings to $4,900 for Saturday weddings $500 to $1,500 for other events UNIQUE FEATURES: • 150 stone fireplace • 40 foot wall of glass • Pond with lights & swans • Historic barn • Conservation farm ADDITIONAL INFO: Venue named Best of Weddings and The Couple’s Choice award from The Knot for 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 HOW TO BOOK: Call 270-348-1483 or email
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The Rustic VENUE ACCOMMODATES SMALLER GROUPS WRITTEN BY: TONYA S. GRACE
The chandeliers add a little bit of glamour to its rustic charm, Kerry Hulslander said of the venue that she and her husband David Hulslander opened earlier this year in rural north Christian County. “The outside doesn’t say anything, but the inside is just amazing,” said Kerry Hulslander of The Rustic Event Center, the facility she and David created to fill a need for smaller venues at a less expensive cost. Kerry Hulslander said The Rustic is a dream come true for the couple. There was a time when the Hulslanders, who live in Hopkinsville, were looking for a place to host a birthday party and found nothing. Working as DJs at weddings and other events has also given them an opportunity to see event centers. But none of those facilities were suitable for smaller groups of people at an affordable cost. “We wanted to do a center that would accommodate smaller numbers of people, and (they would) not pay a large price,” Kerry said. So, she and her husband had a contractor build a frame. The contractor and David Hulslander worked to construct the building, and then David Hulslander and his wife did the wood work and added other touches. The wooden walls give the center its rustic feel, Kerry Hulslander noted, while certain features in the restrooms along with the chandeliers in the main room help create some glamour. Kerry credited the decorations inside the facility to the way she and her husband were able to work together to bring their vision to fruition. “I would have an idea,” she said. “(He) would make it happen.” Located at 2060 Woodburn Hay Road, The Rustic has already played host to a celebration of life and two weddings, and a reunion and a baby shower are scheduled for October, Kerry Hulslander said.
The smaller venue will accommodate anywhere from 90 to 150 people, with the main space suitable for up to 90, Kerry noted. Open the patio doors, and there’s room for another 60. Kerry Hulslander said the facility features two large barn doors that lead out onto the patio, and near the patio is a grassy area where people can put up tents. A bridal swing on the property can be decorated with flowers and utilized for pictures of wedding couples. A children’s swing for young guests hangs from another tree. The patio itself is large enough for six round tables and chairs, while the inside of the venue can accommodate 10 round tables and, at no additional charge, four banquet tables. There is also a serving area that can be utilized by caterers or for a potluck if preferred, Kerry said. She noted that the serving area is another issue that became apparent as she and her husband considered a venue of their own. A lot of places require clients to use their caterers. “We wanted them to be able to do what they want with the serving,” explained Kerry Hulslander, pointing to other features like a dressing area for the bride, a large mirror and a vanity with a make-up mirror. In the future, the Hulslanders plan to add an area where men can get ready for their event; right now, they have use of the restrooms. Additionally, the venue is soon to include a gazebo. “Our plan is to put a bell in the top of it so the bride and groom can ring a bell symbolizing just gotten married,” Kerry Hulslander noted. She said anyone interested in the couple’s small, rustic venue can find The Rustic on Facebook by searching for The Rustic Event Venue. The Hulslanders may also be reached by phone at 270-881-8247.
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www.graciousme.com Blue Creek Centre • 4537 Ft. Campbell Blvd. 270.886.8090 • Mon.-Fri. 9-5:30 Sat. 9-2 Small Events Room For Rent In The Visitor’s Center Behind Museum
Visit Gracious Me! to complete your Bridal Registry.
Small Weddings & Receptions Call For Information And Prices
304 N. Jefferson St., Princeton
270.365.3114
www.adsmore.org adsmoremuseum@gmail.com
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R E A L LOV E
PAIGE & COLTON
Ellis
PHOTOGRAPHER: Tawny Nichelle Photography VENUE: Burdoc Farms CAKES: Sprinkles and Confetti CATERING: North Meets South DJ: We Bring the Party Events DRESS: Wedding Belles FLOWERS AND COORDINATING: The Ruffled Willow HAIR: The Chameleon Salon MAKEUP: Kari Willen
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Do-It-Yourself GET CREATIVE AND PULL OFF A DIY WEDDING WRITTEN BY: JON RUSSELBURG
Weddings are supposed to be one of the happiest days of your life. But the days, weeks and months leading up to the wedding can be stressful. You have to plan the wedding, seat the guests in a way that everyone gets along, and most importantly, you have to figure out a way to pay for it all. The easiest way to save money, other than going to the courthouse, is to “Do It Yourself.”
OUTDOOR WEDDING Are you looking to have an outdoor wedding? If you are on a tiny budget, Land Between the Lakes is a great area for your nuptials. There are almostnever-ending public banks on both Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley on the LBL side. According to the LBL website, weddings of more than 75 guests or ceremonies that include live or recorded music or a catered meal will require a permit. If you decide to have an outdoor wedding at LBL, seating will be hard to come by. Have no fear, you can do seats yourself as well.
SEATING
INVITATIONS
FLOWERS
LIGHTING
Pick up some 2-by4s at Lowes and build your own benches. The type of bench and design is up to you, just be sure that it is sturdy enough to hold a few people. After the benches are built, run some sandpaper over the lumber to get rid of any splinters. Then, paint them a color that matches your wedding.Be sure to paint them a few days or weeks before the wedding to let everything completely dry out.
Wedding invitations always seem more expensive than you expect. This is a cost you can easily cut, but it will take some man hours. You can purchase great artistic card stock paper at the local Hobby Lobby. Buy a few bottles of wine — or whatever you like to drink — and invite your friends over for a wedding invitation party. Every invitation will have its own flare, but be sure to double check the work the next morning, depending on how much wine was consumed.
While you’re at Hobby Lobby, take a look at the fake flowers. Don’t worry: fake flowers have come a long way over the years. Though you might not want to use them in bouquets, they still make for great decorations. For instance, if you have a small, clear glass bowl, place a fake version of your favorite flower in the bowl and fill it with water. The water will make the flower look real and it works perfectly as a centerpiece for your reception.
Remember those Christmas lights you want to throw away every year but decide you might want to use them someday. Now is your chance to use them. Clear Christmas lights can make for perfect mood lighting at both your wedding and reception. Hang them over the bride and groom as they say their vows, or hang them up in the reception room. If you don’t own any Christmas lights, wait until a few days after the holiday and pick up leftovers at department stores for pennies on the dollar.
FOOD: Keep the food simple and delicious if hiring a caterer simply isn’t in your budget. With the help of the best cook in your family, you can set up a build-your-own potato bar or taco salad and nacho station for the main course. For dessert, consider a sliced apples and toppings station or DIY s’mores. Buy a few chafing dishes or borrow some crock-pots to keep the food warm while your guests serve themselves.
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Green weddings SUSTAINABILITY CAN BE A SMALL PART OF YOUR BIG DAY WRITTEN BY: TONYA S. GRACE
What do you do with 150 votive candleholders after the wedding? Leave them with your wedding planner, said Debra Harris, whose company Visions By Debra not only offers design and décor services for homes, businesses and other venues, but also plans about 10 wedding ceremonies a year in the local community. In the beginning, Harris hated to waste any food that was left over after the ceremonies, so she started giving it away — maybe to a family chosen by the couple or to the Salvation Army. Then she started looking for other ways that items could be reused, for ways to help the bride and groom stretch their dollars or even to pass on the joy of the couple’s special day. Ask Harris if her company offers sustainable or “green weddings” — one of the popular trends in the marriage scene, and she’ll reply “not really.” But through the years, Harris has honed her craft to
include finding ways to “give back,” she said. Food can be donated to Salvation Army or local charities. Leftover fresh flowers can be fashioned into smaller arrangements and shared with nursing homes, shut-ins or churches. And if there are things used in the ceremony that the couple likely won’t use again — i.e., those 150 votive candleholders, aisle runners and other similar items — the couple can donate those items to Harris, who uses them in other couple’s wedding ceremonies. The money the next couple saves on those candleholders can be used for something else —the photographer, for example. “They can use the money they have where they want it,” noted Harris, who said sharing items with other couples is both economical and helpful. Harris noted that other wedding planners she talks to are taking similar approaches. They’re aware
of the trends toward sustainability, she said, but have never put a name on it. “I don’t even think we realized we were being responsible,” Harris said. “I think it’s just a natural thing.” Harris said she hopes to see more of the same efforts in the future. “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” she said. “I think making that footprint smaller is about being thoughtful, not just to our environment but to other people.” It begins with those first gestures, Harris said, gestures like having the caterers box up the leftovers from the wedding reception and deliver them to someone in need or taking flowers to nursing homes to help brighten the day of someone who may not be able to get out. “That’s what we do to kind of give back and give to the environment,” she said.
Special Occasions Plus
Tuxedo & Suits Special
8995
$
Groom’s Tuxedo FREE Program
Wedding Gown Sale Bridesmaids Dresses 53 Colors
99
$
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Starting at Appointments Available
Flower Girl Dresses
Where dream weddings become a reality. 1204 S. Liberty St., Hopkinsville 270.885.1730
Contact us at www.visionsbydebra.net
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BETHANY & CHRIS
Cadle
PHOTOGRAPHER: Billie-Shaye Style Photography VENUE: Burdoc Farms | Keith Glenn CAKE: The Peanut Butter Sucker CATERING: Bauerhaus Catering DJ: Lt Dan’s DJ DRESS: Wendy’s Bridal Cincinnati FLORALS: Sango Village Florist HMUA: Locks by Lesie VIDEO: Gray Productions
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Wedding wardrobe SHOP OWNERS SHARE TRENDS FOR THE BRIDES AND GROOMS WRITTEN BY: MICHELE VOWELL
Before walking down the aisle to exchange vows, couples should spend a little time researching, reviewing and trying on their attire for their wedding day Cherie Hyams, owner of Special Occasions Plus Bridal in Hopkinsville, and Tina Ziobro, owner of Ziobro’s Formals in Princeton, offer some insight to today’s trending styles for brides and grooms. “People are leaning back to the more formal weddings and larger weddings,” Ziobro said. “We are seeing larger wedding parties. They are going more formal. They are wearing the suits. They are getting away from the vests and ties.” Ziobro said wedding trends change about every five years. “People have seen everyone do the other type for so long that they want a change; they want to be different,” she said. Hyams said she believes many styles become popular through Pinterest. “Pinterest still doesn’t tell you where to find that dress, what brand it is, so it makes it difficult for the girls to find that dress,” she said. “So, they still have to go shop to find that dress.” To help her customers, Hyams said she often consults her fashion books and researches the styles for them. “I’m not a big store, but I’m more of a one-on-one bridal consultant,” she said. This year Hyams said she has noticed her customers are leaning toward more straight bridal gowns and the boho style. Ziobro said her customers are asking for sleeves on their straight or A-line gowns. “Anything goes,” she said. “It just depends on the individual person.” Both Hyams and Ziobro agree that lace is popular for wedding dresses. “Lace is still good, but it has changed in the last year or so,” she said. “Some of them like the satin and others feature the Alencon lace. Some of the Alencon lace has glitter in it.” Ziobro said cathedral-length veils are now in style for today’s brides. Bridesmaids dresses now feature styles from the late 1970s and early 80s. “Flutter sleeves are coming back … they like them in the flowy chiffon (fabric),” Ziobro said. “Many dresses have pockets.” Hyams noted bridesmaids’ dresses are made in colors in dusty blues, mauves and sages. She said flowers for bouquets are in more neutral colors with more greenery as accents.
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FOR THE MEN Both consultants agree tuxedos and suits are both in style. “They mainly keep with the classic look,” Ziobro said. “If it’s going to be a navy suit, then it will have a navy vest and navy ties. Some do go with a little color to match the bridesmaids’ dresses, but most of the time they’ll only do it in the ties.” Hyams said tuxedo styles have changed quite a bit in the past two years. “Tuxedos have gone from the baggy, basic look to a more fitted, slim-cut-type versus a suit. They are going more with the thinner legs,” she said. “Even my bigger guys can get in these slim cuts and they look good.” Hyams said traditional black is still the standard for tuxedos and suits, but colors are also in style. “I’m seeing more of your bright blues, your indigo blue, your bright navy,” she said. “If they are using bridesmaids’ dresses that are black, they tend not to go with a black tux, they’re tending to go with grays or khakis and tans.” Accessories for tuxedos and suits still include bow ties, said both consultants. “Bow ties have been in for about three years now,” Hyams said. “They are tending to (match) their vest color to the suit color. They get a (splash) of color with the ties.” Ziobro added that grooms and groomsmen accessorize in other ways, too. “The men do tend to do the pocket squares with the boutonnieres,” she said. “Bow ties are still in, but we are also seeing the long ties, the Windsor ties, as well. Some do both. They’ll have the groom in one and the wedding party in the opposite style tie.” Hyams offered brides and grooms some advice when shopping for their wedding wardrobes. “You’ve got to have your matching colors. It’s very important,” she said. “If you don’t have color swatches of your bridesmaids’ dresses when you start booking your tuxedos, it’s a big issue because you’re going to have several shades of different colors.”
S O KY W E D D I N G S
SPECIAL OCCASIONS PLUS BRIDAL, 1204 Liberty St., is open 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. For appointments, call 270-885-1730. ZIOBRO’S FORMALS, 219 W. Main St., Princeton, is open from noon to 6 p.m. MondayFriday. They are open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. For appointments, call 270-365-0145.
Flowers - Locally grown, uniquely beautiful... designed for you. Martin Farm, Gracey, Ky Call Martha or David at 270-235-5063 freerangeflowers.net 2 9 H O P TOW N FA M I L I E S // S P R I N G 2 0 2 0
Ruffled Willow TELLING LOVE STORIES THROUGH FLOWERS WRITTEN BY: DIANE TURNER
PHOTO BY: LINDSEY JONES
S O KY W E D D I N G S
PHOTO BY: LYNCH PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTO BY: HEATHER TODD PHOTOGRAPHY
Danielle Renshaw was born in Russellville, but moved to Hopkinsville when she was 3. Her grandparents owned their own floral shop where her grandfather designed arrangements for brides and families in the Russellville area, but that’s not where she discovered her love for floral design. The owner of Ruffled Willow, a floral design and event coordinating business, found her niche during the recession of the early 2000s. The Fosters who owned The Garden Patch, a downtown floral and gift shop once located in the now Planters Bank Latham Building, took a chance on Danielle and gave her the foundation for her future. After The Garden Patch closed its doors, she used the skills she learned, in her own words, “to build her craft and design style” as a freelance florist and event coordinator for over 10 years. The name Ruffled Willow had a lot of thought behind it. It’s important to stand out in a niche market, I wanted my business to be the first page to pop up when people searched,” said Renshaw. “I love the movement and design of a willow tree, and my favorite flowers are ruffled, such as peonies and ranunculus.” No wonder her favorite style of arrangement is something with movement, texture and unique luxury flowers. Each client is unique and at her home-based
studio, Danielle’s mission is to craft a personal relationship with each client in order to learn what they dream of for their special day. “We want to tell their love story through their flowers,” said Danielle. Depending on the size of the project other freelancers are sometimes called in to help. She would also like to bridge the diversity gap in the industry. Ruffled Willow recently worked with Vanessa Lynch, of Lynch Photography, in a diversity photo shoot to showcase brides of backgrounds. Since opening a year ago Danielle and the team at Ruffled Willow have had some great accomplishments. Danielle was nominated for the Intrigue Floral Awards, has arranged floral décor for several conferences and meetings including the United Way and Latham Society, 30 weddings, numerous daily deliveries and flower subscription services members. A big accomplishment was an invitation to help prepare for one of the banquets honoring inductees for the NASCAR Champions Week in Nashville this past December. Wedding packages for floral design start at $1,500. Danielle said she can work with any budget to provide something for a couple’s special day. She loves to work with all of the local venues in Hopkinsville and is available for destination weddings. Often clients don’t want to keep all the arrangements after the event, and Renshaw has a solution 3 1 H O P TOW N FA M I L I E S // S P R I N G 2 0 2 0
for that. If a client doesn’t want the arrangements, the team will pack them up and delivery them to local hospice patients, hospitals and nursing home facilities. It is a scientifically proven fact that flowers lift spirits. While wedding florals take up the majority of the workload for Ruffled Willow, they aren’t just about floral design the team also offers coordinating and planning packages for weddings. After setting up for several weddings, Danielle and her team began noticing that not every detailed was covered. “A wedding should be seamless and stress-free,” she said. “I don’t want any detail left out, that’s when we started the coordinating and planning side of the business.” Packages for event planning and coordinating start at $1,000 and can be customized. Other services provided include Daily Delivers, Subscription Services and Floral Arranging Classes. Flower subscriptions are offered as a weekly ($110) bi-weekly ($65) or monthly ($40). Follow @ruffledwillow on Facebook and Instagram for locations of upcoming classes. Danielle Renshaw has been married to her husband Joey for 12 years. They have a daughter, Addison, who is 10, a son, Logan, who is 8, and a cat named Rose. You can contact her at www. ruffledwillow.com, hello@ruffledwillow.com or 270-498-3788.
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The guide of giving GIFT IDEAS FOR GROOMS AND GROOMSMEN WRITTEN BY: AVERY SEEGER Finding the perfect gifts for the groom and groomsmen can be a difficult thing. Luckily, we sat down with It Takes 2 Event Planners’ owner Cheryl Ward who gave several tips on what to get the guys for the big day. FOR THE GROOM FROM THE BRIDE
It’s fairly typical for the bride to gift something to the groom on the wedding day. Ward tells brides to get him something personal while also practical. “I always suggest something personalized to the couple,” Ward said. “For example, I got my husband a watch, which is a very popular gift. It’s something they can use and you usually get something engraved on the back of it.” Ward suggested getting the watch engraved with the wedding date or a special saying often used between the two of you or your nicknames for each other. She added that watches given as a wedding gift are a bit more expensive than an everyday watch and can be worn for special occasions in the future. If a watch is not appealing, Ward suggested custom cufflinks for the groom to wear with his suits. Outside of the realm of clothing but still practical is a custom engraved liquor bottle, whiskey decanter or even a small whiskey barrel. “You can have their name engraved on it and have some kind of liquor they can age and then pour into it. Then, on their one-year anniversary the couple can share it together,” Ward said. She noted that Casey Jones and Jack Daniels distilleries offer custom engraved liquor bottles.
FOR THE GROOM FROM THE GROOMSMEN
While it might be more common for the bride to have a bridal shower, men can have their own smaller get together, giving the opportunity for the groomsmen to gift the groom before his big day. “I love doing (what I call) ‘Stock the bar’ parties,” Ward said. “So, the guys get together and they do like cigars and alcohol for the groom. Which is a really good gift because a lot of the stuff people register for it’s a lot of kitchen things, maybe towels, and it’s great to have that stuff. “But, having stuff in the bar where you can have friends over is a little bit more of a social gift, and stuff like that can get expensive, so it’s a nice present for the groom, especially if they have a favorite spirit.”
FOR THE GROOMSMEN FROM THE GROOM
The groom giving gifts to the groomsmen as a thank-you for taking part in the wedding has been quite popular over the years. One of the most popular gifts for groomsmen is a flask; however, Ward recommended giving something a little different from the trend. “Realistically, you’re not really going to use that,” Ward said. “It’s a great novelty item for the day of, but once you get to a certain age and you’ve been to so many weddings, you can only have so many flasks.” In the same way, she recommended staying away from gifting things personalized with the wedding date as that mostly only means something to the couple getting married. Instead, Ward suggested gifting custom socks, a bowtie, tie or, what she calls, “men’s experiences.” Ward shared that at some men’s suit stores, they will offer custom suit fitting where the groomsmen can get fitted for a suit, have a cigar and cocktail and at the end of the day, they can keep a tie. “It’s a really great gift for the groomsmen from the groom because (the tie is) something they can continually use, rather than something they’d have to rent and then give back,” Ward said. The groom can also treat the group of guys to something they wouldn’t normally do. For example, getting them all a hot shave and haircuts the week before the wedding day. Incorporating some kind of food or drinks with that can make an event out of grooming. 3 2 H O P TOW N FA M I L I E S // S P R I N G 2 0 2 0
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Bachelor party IDEAS AND TIPS FROM A LOCAL WEDDING PLANNER WRITTEN BY: AVERY SEEGER
Planning a bachelor party can be a daunting task knowing that it is meant to be a memorable day for a groom and his closest friends. Luckily, local wedding and event planner Cher yl Ward has some ideas and tips. Ward suggests looking at packages offered by businesses that are solely focused on planning them. Ward said that she assumes most people in the Hopkinsville area travel to bigger city Nashville for bachelor parties. “There are people in Nashville that that is their No. 1 job and you can use them as a great resource,” Ward said. “They actually have full-out bachelor and bachelorette packages because they’re making it a business planning those in Nashville.” She suggested when consulting with those businesses have an idea of at least a few things the group would like to do. From there, you can pick a package suited to the party. Possibly more important than that is finding out how much the group is willing to spend on the bachelor party, as it’s tradition for the bridal party to pay for the bachelor party, Ward said. “When you start planning you have to be really realistic in expectations,” Ward said. “So, I always tell everybody to talk to your bridal party about what they’re willing to spend because the cost of it is going to be on them, traditionally.” She suggests that the groom and groomsmen consider chipping in a bit of money as well, especially when planning a bigger, more expensive bachelor party.
Ward added that she can help plan bachelor or bachelorette parties. “ You don’t need a planner at all to have a bachelor party,” Ward said. “But, if you’re going to do something large-scale, it’s easiest to book a package that’s tailored to what you want.” For a low-key bachelor party, Ward suggested keeping it local. “ We have amazing resources right here in Hopkinsville,” she said. “We have Hopkinsville Brewing Company, Casey Jones and now the Mixer. So, you can hire transportation and do a local area
bar crawl.” She added that a bar crawl can be ex panded out to Pembroke and Clarksville where there’s MB Roland Distillery, Strawberry Alley Ale Works, Old Glory Distillery and more. Another idea to keep it simple would be doing an old pasttime if the groomsmen have been friends since college or high school. “They can do something they used to do growing up. W hether it’s that they love hunting — my husband and his groomsmen went to the gun range. “You can do something that’s
really personalized to the group that they’d really enjoy during the day and then later have more of the typical bachelor party with going to bars,” Ward said. Some other ideas centered around that sentiment that she offered was playing a sport together and doing something active. However, the most impor tant thing Ward suggested is finding something that everyone will enjoy. “It doesn’t have to be your typical bachelor party,” she said. “You can also make a weekend out of it; it doesn’t have to be just one day.”
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R E A L LOV E
HALLIE & SHELBY
West
After being together for four years, we both wanted our wedding to be a day to remember. From the onset we both knew we wanted the day to be focused on what is important to us: family, friends, flowers, good food, music and of course our dogs. Our wedding was held in the countryside. It was very romantic with soft, muted pinks and greenery. We wanted it to feel like something out of a fairytale, very whimsical with a vintage feel and elegant touches. We couldn’t be happier with how it all came together; it was the fairytale we dreamed of! PHOTOGRAPHER: KDP_Kustom Dezigns Photography VENUE: Southern Springs Events CAKE/ DESSERTS: The Farmhouse Cakery COORDINATOR/FLORIST: Ruffled Willow DRESS: Ziobros Formals HAIR: Alex Wimberly MAKEUP: Bethany Gray MUSIC: Brandon Burk
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R E A L LOV E
ANGIE & MIKE
Atkins
PHOTOGRAPHER: Diane Croney-Turner VENUE: Bride’s parents’ home with country scenery COORDINATOR: Maria Brown and Maria Lloyd CATERING: GiGi’s Kitchen DECOR/FLOWERS: Kathy Johnson
We pulled this little ceremony off in 28 days because we were going to the courthouse. Our church photographer, Diane Croney Turner, took our photos because she wanted to give us a gift and that was it.
JAMIE & DEVONNA
Manson My favorite part of the day was the look on my husband’s face when I walked down the aisle singing because only a few people knew that I planned on doing it. My husband had no clue, and the tears rolled down his face once he realized I was the one singing.
PHOTOGRAPHER: Jesse White VENUE: Western Kentucky Fairgrounds (Old Convention Center) DJ: Envy Lee FOOD: Food Giant in Guthrie HAIR: Dorika “Dee Dee” Johnson MAKEUP: Mia Renee
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Attractions 12 THINGS FOR GUESTS TO DO IN OAK GROVE WRITTEN BY: BRITNEE OHMAN
OAK GROVE WAR MEMORIAL WALKING TRAIL A 0.875-mile walking trail that pays homage to the veterans from all U.S. wars and conflicts by displaying a series of markers along the wooded trail. Special monuments are on site for Vietnam War Veterans and a heartfelt poem for soldiers. WAR MEMORIAL DISC GOLF COURSE The War Memorial Disc Golf Course is an Intermediate Level, 18-hole course, set in the beautiful wooded setting of the War Memorial Walking Trail. The PDGA professionally designed course is flat with mature trees! Signs for the golf course were recently updated and are easier to read. We have score cards available inside the Oak Grove Tourism/Valor Hall Office during regular office hours. VICEROY BUTTERFLY GARDEN A Certified Monarch Waystation. This space not only plays host to these enchanting creatures, but it serves as a place of relaxation and reflection. 1890S HISTORIC SCHOOL HOUSE The building, which the Tourism Commission has tried to restore with as much originality as possible, portrays a one-room schoolhouse setting from the late 1800s. Complete with antique children’s and teacher’s desk, along with potbellied stove and blackboard, the Oak Grove School will truly take its visitors back in time. It will serve as a display for many of Oak Grove’s historical artifacts and documents. The school house was also utilized as a location of filming for the movie “Silent Natural” in March 2018. Those interested in touring this piece of history please call 270439-5675. DON F. PRATT MEMORIAL MUSEUM Located within Fort Campbell, the museum traces the history of the “Screaming Eagles” from World War II engagements to Vietnam to current operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The museum contains many artifacts from the historic parachute drop into Normandy prior to D-Day and the evolution of today’s only “Air Assault Division”. Outside the museum, various aircraft, military equipment and monuments are on display. These massive machines are sure to capture the imagination of every child and child-at-heart.
JEFFERSON DAVIS MONUMENT Located 11 miles North of Oak Grove off Exit 89 from I-24, This 351-foot concrete obelisk was constructed to honor Jefferson Davis; the President of the Confederacy during the Civil War. The monument is located at the site of Davis’s birth. An elevator ascends to an observation room for a panoramic view. There is a visitor center, a gift shop, a playground and a picnic area on the grounds. MB ROLAND DISTILLERY A small-scale farm distillery using local grains to produce quality, handmade distilled spirits. To include various whiskies, rum, our authentic “True Kentucky Shine” and whatever else we get an itch to try out. We are open for tours, tastings and product sales at our distillery located off I-24 Exit 89. Tours and tastings are free of charge and are given as soon as possible. Tours typically last anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on how many questions are asked. We ask that groups of 10 or more call ahead to schedule a tour. Call or e-mail for additional information. Make sure to check out the events page for more information on events such as; “Pickin’ on the Porch,” “Vintage & Crafts Fair,” and “Summer Tiki Party! OAK GROVE RACING & GAMING Opening in July 2020! Get ready for a whole new game! The anticipation is building for the exciting Oak Grove Racing and Gaming facility, which will feature over 1,200 thrilling games, 5-story hotel, great restaurants, live horse racing and equestrian center, event space and more! LAND BETWEEN THE LAKES A 170,000-acre outdoors playground, Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is just a short drive from Oak Grove. LBL is an inland peninsula formed when the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers were impounded, creating Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, one of the world’s largest man-made bodies of water. The area provides opportunities for boating, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, camping and over 200 miles of hiking trails. LBL also features the Homeplace 1850, a working farm that displays life in the region during the 19th century, a planetarium and one of the largest remaining herds of buffalo in the United States.
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S O KY W E D D I N G S
MURALS OF THE CITY Oak Grove has many murals to show off the artistic talents of one resident, Brad De La Torre. He is an award-winning body-paint artist but has become very well known for his murals across the area. You can find his amazing work at the Oak Grove War Memorial Walking Trail Park, Top Flight Hot Dogs, & JP’s Hot Chicken in Oak Grove, Kentucky. Additionally, other murals whom the artists are unclear have popped up on the side of many businesses within the city. It’s a great scavenger hunt to find them all! SPRING INTO SUMMER SALUTES FORT CAMPBELL FESTIVAL Held Annually on Memorial Day Weekend, this is the largest festival in Christian County and is completely free! Saturday features a parachute jumper skydiving show, a big named artist concert, and fireworks at the end of the night. Both days of the festival will include opportunities for lots of free family fun! The carnival rides are free and require no tickets or armbands. Though the other activities change every year, past festivals have included ziplines, balloon artists, caricature drawings, robots, family friendly stage shows, train rides, laser tag, and more! ANNUAL BUTTERFLY FESTIVAL Held on the 4th Saturday every September. Come and interact with live butterflies in their habitat in our Butterfly House. Watch our family friendly stage shows, take a ride on the train, or get your face painted. Take pictures like Hollywood star at our Golden-Globe styled step & repeat banner. There is something for everyone to See, Do and LEARN! There are also free, nature focused arts and crafts for the children to create and take home. The Annual Butterfly Festival is one of the most popular events in the region, has won awards both regionally and internationally, and is completely free!
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R E A L LOV E
SARAH WATSON & JOHN MORGAN
Francis
My husband and I got married on Nov. 2, 2019 at Southern Springs Events in Cadiz. Our vendors truly made our day the most magical. I couldn’t have dreamt up anything better! PHOTOGRAPHER: Kate Phelps Photography, Bowling Green VENUE: Southern Springs Events DRESS: Modern Trousseau, Nashville WEDDING COORDINATOR AND FLORAL DESIGNER: Danielle Renshaw w/ Ruffled Willow HAIR: Erin McGee MAKEUP: Parker Gray VIDEOGRAPHER: Hunter Ezell
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R E A L LOV E
MIRANDA & JEREMY
Bridges
It was a boho jewel tone wedding and it rained! But that means good luck on your wedding day! We did something a little different for our ceremony. We decided to bring in and start a tradition with our family called the foot washing ceremony. Jesus washed the feet of his 12 disciples as a sign of devotion and the humbleness of being a servant. So me and my husband decided this was the best way to show love in its truest form to one another.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Crystal Larsen Studio VENUE: Southern Springs Events CATERING: Four Seasons DJ: Swetmusic DRESS: David’s Bridal, with lace topper from Kimberly Phillips Clothier FLORIST: Ruffled willow HAIR: Emaly Reynolds MAKEUP: Macy Nichols
SARAH & TRAVIS
Lee
On Nov. 2, 2019, we got married at Burdoc Farms in Crofton, Kentucky. It was a beautiful (but chilly) day. Our ceremony was outside with the most beautiful natural backdrop we could have asked for. We then celebrated with our closest friends, family and our two pups at our reception inside the Keith Glenn Venue on site. At the end of the night, we were able to sneak away in order to get some pictures at the lantern festival just down the road. It was such a magical day we will always remember! PHOTOGRAPHER: Megg Alison Photography VENUE: Burdoc Farms WEDDING PLANNER/ COORDINATOR: All Things Prim and Proper CATERING: Mr. Taco food truck DJ: DJ AJ Martin FLORIST: Free Range Flowers PHOTO BOOTH: The Tin Lens VIDEOGRAPHER: Film Studio 619
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Wedding flowers
S O KY W E D D I N G S
5 USES WHEN THE PARTY IS OVER WRITTEN BY: MARTHA WHITE, FREE RANGE FLOWERS
If your heart is set on keeping your flowers, try drying your bouquet. Hang the tightly tied bundle upside down, in a cool dark place for several weeks and see how it goes. You can always save just a few select flowers from the bouquet; or add the dried flower petals to a tall glass vase to create a rainbow of colors and smells. The internet is a great resource for learning how to dry, press or preserve flowers. Google search “how to dry flowers” for a tutorial by proflowers.com; another search reveals “how to press flowers” finds ftd.com/blog/create/how-to-press-flowers. There are also professionals who will do the work for you. One of our favorites is Annie Smith at pressedgarden.com. She has preserved over 500 bouquets since starting her business creating petal art. It’s a great option if you plan ahead for it. An online search for “professional floral preservation” also finds keepsakefloral.com and suspendedintime.com, among other services. Share the floral joy by passing them on to others. Be sure to
keep the flowers in water until you can deliver them. For example: • Flowers may be given to wedding guests or relatives • Nursing homes and rehabilitation centers will sometimes accept floral donations — most have rules about what they will accept, so be sure to check beforehand • Some churches will take floral donations and will do the work of donating the flowers themselves. Check with your church to see if this is a possibility • A tradition gaining in popularity is to place wedding florals at the resting place of friends and relatives who have passed away. • And of course, you can always remove the tape, wire and pins from your flowers and compost them in your own garden. You will never really forget the excitement of your wedding day and you will always have your pictures to remind you of that special day in your lives. Now you have the option of preserving some of your flowers as another way to memorialize those special moments.
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PLANNER: DEBRA HARRIS
WEDDING WIRE COUPLE’S CHOICE AWARD WINNER 2018
WEDDING CHECKLIST You said yes. Not sure what to do next or where to begin? First take a deep breath and allow Visions to offer a game plan. If you are fortunate enough to have a year to plan begin with the suggestions on our checklist. As a planner I have noticed in our area most weddings are planned in six months. If you only have six months check out one of my favorite resources at www. weddingwire.com/wedding-ideas/your-six-month-wedding-planningtimeline. But whether you have 12 months or 6, to plan your wedding, take the time to enjoy the process, be flexible, and delegate, delegate, delegate.
10 -12 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING Place your engagement announcement in your local newspapers Discuss with your partner what each of you want your wedding to look like. Begin looking through bridal magazines, wedding blogs, etc. Decide on the style of your wedding formal, informal, religious or civil. Set your budget and establish priorities. Most couples today pay all or most of the cost of their wedding. If your parents are contributing sit down with them discuss what their contribution will be. Decide on the number of guests you want to attend your wedding. Begin compiling your guest list and obtaining their addresses. This information is important in deciding the size of the venue you will need. Set the date. The most popular months for weddings are May, June, July, August, September and October. Now that you have your date consider mailing your Save the Date cards. This is also a good time to set up a wedding web site.
4 - 6 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING Work on your ceremony. Select readings, the music and any special ceremonies for example unity candle ceremony, sand ceremony, etc. Schedule a meeting with your Officiant include him/her in the process. Make a list of music choices for your reception. Plan special events you want to include, such as your first dance, bouquet toss, shoe game, etc. Schedule a meeting with band or DJ to go over your choices. Secure any necessary transportation Hire a hair stylist and make-up artist and set up a trial run Select a rehearsal dinner venue. Make a list of persons attending and schedule the rehearsal time. Provide guest list for person(s) hosting your showers. Tip: Write thank you cards for gifts when received. Purchase your wedding rings
2-4 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING Mail out invitations. Set up a tracking system for your RSVPs. Select gifts for your attendants, your parents and for each other. Meet with photographer and videographer to finalize Reserve any rentals needed for your ceremony and reception. Shop for and reserve formalwear for groom and his merry men Book honeymoon and obtain necessary documents if leaving the country
If you lead a busy life or already feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional wedding planner.
1-2 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING
Check on the availability of your wedding Officiant.
Work on wedding day timeline
Locate and reserve your ceremony and reception venues. If planning an outdoor wedding consider a backup plan.
Purchase a guest book
Attend bridal fairs and expos to get inspiration and meet vendors
Order or make wedding favors for your guests Obtain marriage license
6-8 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING
Send a change of address to your post office
Choose your bridal party and begin making decisions about yours and their clothing and accessories.
Schedule a dress fitting. Take your shoes, veil, and appropriate
Block hotel rooms for out-of-town guests and book your own suite for the wedding night.
Follow up on RSVPs not returned
Set up your bridal registries. Post to your wedding web site If there is no on site catering at the venue you selected begin reviewing caterers and tasting their food. This is a great time to plan your menu. Tip: Know when the final guest count is required. Interview and listen to bands or DJ’s for your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. Start listening to songs you want for your ceremony and reception. Interview and get estimates from florists. Go to these appointments armed with photos of bouquets, centerpieces, and other florals that you love. Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask for a comparable flowers if the ones that you love is out of your price range or out of season.
Order invitations and personalized stamps. Tip: Set your RSVP deadline date should be two weeks prior to the date your final guest count is to be provided to the caterer. Invitations are mailed six to eight weeks prior to your wedding date.
Confirm final guest count with caterer and venue Prepare the necessary documents in which to change your name Prepare seating plan
1 WEEK PRIOR Finalize transportation Pack up all items for the day of your wedding. Tip: Don’t forget the rings and marriage license. Prepare payments and tips for Officiant and any vendors not already paid. Put in clearly marked envelopes and give them to someone you trust to hand out at the reception Assign someone to pack up your gifts and belongings after the reception. Tip: don’t forget to pick up the cake topper and toasting goblets Relax and enjoy your wedding, family, and friends
CUT ME OUT
Interview and review the work of photographers and videographers.
undergarments.
R E A L LOV E
KACI & THOMAS
Hawes
Thomas and I met when I was 12 years old and dated when I was in high school. Life got in the way, and we broke up and ended up getting back together 13 years later. We got married on Oct. 26, 2019 at the Country Plantation House in Greenville, KY, and it was everything we did not expect. A major storm rolled in and the ceremony was forced inside, which turned out absolutely perfect, minus losing power half way through the ceremony. After we said our vows and walked down the aisle as husband and wife, the weather cleared up, the sun came out, and we were able to go outside and enjoy the venue. This was the imperfectly perfect wedding that was still the best day of our lives. PHOTOGRAPHER: Abigail Bridges Photography VENUE: Country Plantation House, Greenville COORDINATOR: Sandy Davis, Greenville CAKE: Cakes to Di For CATERING: Country Planation House DJ: Country Plantation House (provided) FLOWERS: Free Range Flowers, Gracey HAIR/MAKEUP: Savannah Olivia Beauty MUSIC/PHOTO BOOTH: Picture Perfect Events and Photobooth VIDEOGRAPHER: Wild Fern Weddings
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R E A L LOV E
KAILE & DAVID
Gardner
Jan. 4, 2020, was absolutely perfect! We celebrated our marriage with family and friends, and the most memorable part of our day was finally getting to say “I do” in our hometown surrounded by the ones we love most. David and I were both born and raised in Hopkinsville so when Lisa and Hunter suggested we go downtown to capture unforgettable memories, that is exactly what happened. We will always remember saying “I do” of course, but stopping traffic in the middle of downtown Hopkinsville was special. It seemed as though the whole world stopped for a moment to capture our new beginning as Mr. and Mrs. Gardner in a town we love most!
PHOTOGRAPHER: Lisa Adams/KDP Kustom Dezigns Photography CEREMONY: First Christian Church RECEPTION AND CATERING: Hopkinsville Golf and Country Club COORDINATOR: Prim and Proper Designs Courtney Smith CAKE: Marilyn Stewart BAND: Cayce Burke’s FLOWERS: Ruffled Willow HAIR: Tiffany Brunson and Erin McGee MAKEUP: Lauren Campbell VIDEOGRAPHER: Hunter Ezell
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