Sentimental and elegant, Lesley + Andrew made sure to pair their love of food and a meaningful celebration for their Kentucky wedding at the Holly Hill Inn. Thoughtful details included: keeping their ceremony and reception at the same location to get an extra hour to visit with guests, having Lesley’s childhood Sunday school teacher officiate the nuptials…or the bride’s favorite (and mine too) the blessing of the rings, where guests passed around the wedding bands; each getting a moment with the rings and bring well wishes upon the couple. So sweet and really special! PS – don’t miss Lesley’s Lazaro lace and satin gown. Such a a classic silhouette, traditional yet totally feminine and flattering. I love it!
Lesley + Andrew | May 19, 2012 | Holly Hill Inn, Midway, Kentucky | Dress Listing: Lazaro LZ3701
The Ceremony
It turns out that the Holly Hill Inn has a great front lawn with a beautiful old tree that has an altar quality, so it became our venue for both our ceremony + receptionl. Having the entire wedding celebration at the same place allowed us to spend a whole extra hour with our guests, which was absolutely priceless since we and many of our friends now live out-of-state. For me, planning our wedding was a real exercise in defining our priorities and values, both as individuals and as a couple, so I wanted to include people and ceremonies that could help us do that. My childhood Sunday School teacher, one of the most spiritual, loving, and genuine women I have ever known, graciously agreed to get ordained so that she could officiate our wedding. Second to having her pray over us, my favorite part of the ceremony was the passing of our wedding bands. Andrew and I were able to watch every single wedding guest touch and bless our rings as they were passed on a ring pillow made by my mom.
The Reception
Holly Hill Inn is by far and away the best restaurant in Kentucky, our home state. Food is very important to Andrew and me, so it was clear to both of us that we would have our wedding reception there. Our reception started with an hors d’oeuvre hour on the Holly Hill Inn porch while we took photos with our extended families. We then had a seated dinner in the restaurant, which is a converted farmhouse. Chef Ouita blew our minds with the menu. The rest of evening was spent catching up with friends and family over extra helpings of cake and champagne.
Lesley’s Dress Search
When I started my wedding dress search, I knew two things: lace and straps would be involved. Lace has always struck me as a wonderfully feminine and classic part of wedding dress. And, frankly, I feel completely awkward in strapless dresses. When I walked into the dress shop and started talking about my venue, flowers, and how I wanted everything on the day to be beautiful yet relaxed, the lady helping me went straight for that gorgeous Lazaro gown. The lace pattern is stunning, and the silhouette is timeless. It had a subtlety that made it even more beautiful. My hands started trembling when I looked into the dressing room mirror, and my mom’s face said it all—this was the one.
How Lesley Felt in Her Wedding Dress
Powerful, Feminine, Radiant
Why Lesley Decided to Sell Her Wedding Dress
I knew before I bought my dress that I would ultimately sell it. I’m too practical to do anything else. That, and I’m afraid that if I save my dress, Andrew and I will end up having all boys!
