WOW Wedding

Walters e

EST. 10 02 20

Sarah Al

IT ALL STARTED WITH A DATING APP.

story by amanda harper photos by mothwing photography

When social media manager and blogger Sarah took notice of an insurance agent on Bumble, she decided to break the ice with a little humor. She messaged him with a line from the commercials: “What are you wearing, Alan from State Farm?”

Alan knew he wanted to keep that ice broken. So when he took her to Merrick Inn for their first date, he insisted she order the fried chicken and that they eat it with their hands so they would be totally comfortable. “That set the tone for his attention to detail and learning each other’s love languages,” Sarah says. The venue the couple selected for their wedding day is one that holds a special place in their hearts. “Harkness Edwards Vineyards was one of the first places to make Winchester feel like home after we relocated for Alan’s job. We had my 24th birthday celebration there with all of my closest friends. After we got engaged, it was our first choice of venue for our wedding, but they were not holding large events at the time,” Sarah explains. After COVID changed all of their plans, they opted to do a smaller, intimate event with fewer than 20 people – which put their dream venue back on the table. Because the day naturally became more simplified with the smaller guest list, the couple chose to make the venue, flowers, and paper goods the stars of the show. “For Your Party, a woman-owned small business, designed all of our details and favors including cups, napkins, drink stirrers, can coolers, and more,” Sarah says. “Alexandra Pallos truly captured our bright and bold, yet whimsical goal for florals with a stunning ceremony arbor in addition to bouquets and centerpieces for the reception.” The bride tied a pearl ring that both her mother and grandmother wore for their own weddings into her belt. The couple had handkerchiefs embroidered that they will one day pass on as heirlooms. From a live painter capturing the day to seeing their dogs after the first look moment, the couple made sure to include heartfelt moments into their day. “Don’t cut corners on things you feel are sentimental to you, Sarah advises. “Don’t miss out on the opportunity to celebrate exactly the way you want to because of pressures from others. At the end of the day, marriage is about you and your partner – no one else.”

For other brides, Sarah suggests knowing your strengths and wants. “If planning isn’t your forte or causes you stress – hire help! Hiring month of and day of coordinators with Bourbon City Events changed my whole mood towards the final weeks of lining up our day,” she says. “There are no rules for weddings; make your own. Create a day with no regrets.”

SA HAIR Bri Swain, Glam Lex MAKEUP Caroline Lee Makeup STATIONERY/SIGNAGE For Your Party MUSIC SkyMyles Entertainment Rae Pawley Art LIVE PAINTER Thoroughbred Limousine TRANSPORTATION 21c Lexington ACCOMMODATIONS

e vendor team

Alexandra Pallos Floral FLOWERS White Brick Market Rentals, RENTALS Bryant’s Rent All Blush by Hayley Paige BRIDAL GOWN Twirl Boutique BRIDAL BOUTIQUE Azazie BRIDAL PARTY Brooks Brothers GROOM/GROOMSMEN

Mothwing Photography PHOTO Reel Special VIDEO Harkness Edwards Vineyards VENUE City Barbeque CATERING Cakes by Tosha CAKE Bourbon City Events PLANNER

Light Summer Appetizers

It’s hard to fi nd an appetizer that you know will please everyone, so it is nice to have a healthier option for your guests mixed in with the comfort foods. Whether you choose a cucumber roll up or tofu skewer, your guests will appreciate your diet-friendly options!

BY HALEY NORRIS Owner of Haley Michelle Designs

www.haleymichelledesigns.com

Cucumber Feta Rolls

Cranberry and Prosciutto Crostini Avocado, Cream Cheese, and Salsa-Stuffed Puff Pastries

Garlic and Herb Zucchini Roll Ups

Left: Watermelon Feta Blackberry Skewers Below: Grilled Tofu Skewers

Loaded “Faux-tato” Skins

reach out to these local caterers...

Lundy’s Special Events • Bayou Bluegrass Catering • Apiary Fine Catering + Events • Ranada’s Bistro + Bar Dupree Catering + Events • DaRae & Friends Catering • Season’s Catering • Selma’s Catering + Events • Type A Catering & Events