Real Wedding: Catherine & Andrew

Catherine & Andrew

Written by Catherine Kung

Photography by Mango Photography

“Even after all this time the sun never says to the earth ‘you owe me.’ Look what happens with a love like that - it lights the whole sky!” - Hafz

From the very second that we met, I knew that Andrew was going to have an enormous impact on my life. I just had no idea how magical and dramatic that change would be. Our story seems like a simple one: He is a commercial & fashion photographer, and I am a makeup artist who models occasionally... but how does a boy who grew up in Malaysia manage to find his love on the other side of the world in Louisville, Kentucky? When our stars crossed it was undoubtedly divine.

Our values, beliefs, and inspirations coincide so naturally. We both have an undeniable love for animals, so when Andrew decided to propose he got creative. On a chilly winter morning in January, he surprised me with a gorgeous oval diamond engagement ring amongst a room full of happy, waddling penguins at the Newport Aquarium! It was the most incredible experience and I was in complete shock. Friends and family now affectionately refer to us as “the penguin couple”.

Because of our appreciation for history and elegance, Louisville’s charming Whitehall House and Gardens was a natural choice for our wedding day and celebration. We planned an outdoor ceremony in their exquisite gardens and a festive reception on the pavilion. Creating an outdoor wonderland for our closest friends and family was going to be no small feat, so I entrusted every detail to Elite Events by Paula Coleman.

“Garden Opulence” became the theme, and I planned small details that I knew would be special to me. Sprigs of lavender for each plate, poetic ‘Juliet’ garden roses, French macaroons, and an abundance of carnival lights were just the beginning of my must-have list. Using the most romantic of color palettes, Paula Coleman took every dream I had and turned it into something more beautiful than I could possibly have imagined! Garlands of orchids delicately graced every towering arrangement while the scent of gardenias and lavender hung in the evening air. It was truly heaven.

As lovely as it was to look at, the favors were equally divine. Louisville is a food lover’s paradise and is full of crave-worthy restaurants and talented chefs, which is why we were beyond ecstatic when Chef Michael Crouch of Bistro 1860 - where we visit frequently - agreed to create a delicious menu for our guests. He and his team cooked up perfection! From his signature duck confit strudel to the champagne cocktails, life couldn’t have tasted better.

I danced like a teenager to 1960s oldies all morning in the bridal suite in preparation for the ceremony and in a not-so-subtle attempt to keep the rain away. But as our ceremony time grew closer, the skies argued with our intentions for outdoor nuptials. We made a last moment decision and held the ceremony inside the mansion’s beautiful main parlor.

As I descended the staircase on cue and saw all my friends and family so intimately gathered together, love filled the entire room and I was immediately brought to tears. It was the most beautiful thing to witness. Andrew and I read a declaration of purpose that we wrote for one another. Aimee Rhea & Alan Freeman blessed us by performing “Turning Page” accompanied by the Highland Chamber Players. Every single moment was pure enchantment, and the rest of the evening followed suit.

We kicked off the party with our first dance to “You are the Best Thing” by Ray Lamontagne and followed that with live music by Nervous Melvin that had everyone dancing all night. I couldn’t be more thankful for the happiness and joy that surrounds us. Our friends and family create a wholeness that is rare to find, as well as love and support that is irreplaceable. There aren’t enough words for us to describe our gratitude for all they have done.

The following morning was like waking from a dream. I remembered every lovely moment, every kiss, and every happy tear. We will spend the rest of our lives reminiscing about our most perfect of days, and continuing to nurture a love that would make storybooks jealous.

Event Styling, Floral Design and Decor: Elite Events, Inc. by Paula Coleman (paulacoleman.com) | Floral Supplier: Green Point Nurseries, Inc.(Hilo, Hawaii; greenpointnursery.com) | Gold Chivari Chairs: Fifty Chairs (fftychairs.com) | Catering & Bar Service: Chef Michael Crouch and his team from Bistro 1860 (bistro1860.com). | Dress Designer: Anna Sui | Location: Whitehall House and Gardens (historichomes.org) | String Quartet: Te Highland Chamber Players (highlandplayers.com)