My apologies... all of the photos are stretched or shrunk. When I get time, I'll fix them. In the meantime, if there is something you would like to see, send me an email at susanlwhite@gmail.com .
The wedding and honeymoon have come and gone. The wedding was amazing!! And the honeymoon was awesome!
Scroll to the bottom for my vendor reviews, and be sure to check out my PHOTOS!!
http://picasaweb.google.com/susanlwhite/WeddingAndHoneymoonPhotos
http://picasaweb.google.com/susanlwhite/WeddingAndHoneymoonPhotos02
http://www.rebeccaruthphotography.com/weddings/williams/index.html
Susan & Bob
June 21, 2008
Welcome to my wedding bio!
Pre-wedding (engagement, planning, etc.)Vendor InfoFree STLWed Bio Builder
How we met Bob and I met in April 2004 on match.com. I had recently posted a profile and wasn't really expecting to meet anyone. Then, one day in early April, I received an e-mail from Bob. I could sense he was a warm, kind person by the tone of his e-mail. After exchanging a few e-mails, it was obvious that we had a lot in common (family backgrounds, education, interests, career, morals, religious beliefs, etc.). The thing that piqued Bob's interest in my profile is that we attended the same school, Tennessee Tech. After e-mailing for a few days, we chatted on the phone for a week or two and had our first date on April 23. We had dinner at Hall's on the River, spent a little time at Fort Boonesborough, then watched "The Count of Monte Cristo." Our second date was a month later, on May 23 (long story). Since then, we've been inseparable! There are lots of things I love about Bob, but the one thing that makes him so endearing to me is that he tells me "You're the best." Awww... :-)
Pre-wedding (engagement, planning, etc.)Back to Top
The engagementBob and I had been talking for awhile about getting married and had picked out my engagement ring and wedding band in February. I was soooo impatient about the whole thing, while Bob was the epitome of patience (as is always the case with us :-). One weekend I was really frustrated that he hadn't already popped the question. I was in a really bad mood and wasn't much fun to be around. Turns out, that was the weekend he proposed! It took place in my living room on Sunday, August 12. Bob had been suffering from a pinched nerve in his back, so he was unable to get on his knee. Nonetheless, it was a sweet proposal.
Pre-marital classesTo get our marriage off on the right course, Bob and I immediately enrolled in pre-marital classes at our church, Southland Christian. This was an 8-week course, covering topics such as communication, conflict, finances, sexual intimacy, and spiritual intimacy. It gave us a lot to talk about. We are currently involved in a Sunday school class called Biblical Portrait of Marriage. It is an 8-week video series. The first six videos examine the roles and responsibities of wives and husbands. The next six videos tackle challenging problems in marriage, including money, in-laws and sex. We plan to join another video series called Biblical Manhood/Womanhood after this one is completed. I am so glad Bob is willing to participate in these classes with me. They've given us a lot to think about and helped start conversations that we really need to have before we get married. Plus, we've met a lot of great people!
Engagement photosEngagement photo taken shortly after Bob proposed on August 12, 2007Formal portrait taken at Portrait Innovations in Collierville, Tennessee Formal portraits taken at Portrait Innovations in Collierville, Tennessee
Our Christmas 2007 postcard
RingsThe engagement ring and wedding band - Bob and I picked this out together. I LOVE it!!!!
Bob's wedding band
Invitations
I was going to create and print the invitations myself, but due to lack of time, we're having them printed instead. They will have an elegant pearl lattice border and come in a lined envelope with an RSVP card.
THE INVITATIONS HAVE BEEN MAILED!! (Purchased from David's Bridal)
Save the Date Cards
We mailed these cards with hotel information, a map, and driving directions to our out-of-town guests.
For my guests For Bob's guests (Created on VistaPrint.com)
Address Labels
(Created on VistaPrint.com)
Rehearsal Dinner Invitations
Thank You Cards
(Created with VistaPrint.com)
The CeremonyBack to Top
Bob and I will be getting married at Estes Chapel on the campus of Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. Wilmore is about 15 miles south of Lexington, Kentucky. The center aisle is 87 feet long!! Estes Chapel - facing forward Estes Chapel - facing left Estes Chapel - facing rightEstes Chapel - facing backI will put one of these on each of the chapel doors. I'm going to hang them with an ivory ribbon.(Wreaths purchased on eBay.)
Pew Bows (apple red and ivory)The red in these pictures doesn't look the same, but it is.(Pew bows purchased on eBay.)Here are a couple of photos taken at weddings at Estes Chapel.
Programs
The wedding programs are DIY. I'm going to print them on trifold paper and fold them like a fan.
The wedding party
I began researching my wedding gown and bridesmaid's dresses online. I was most familiar with David's Bridal, so I started there. I found their "design your wedding party" application and got to work! I chose the apple red theme right away and put together these pictures. The wedding party includes: Susan, BrideSally, Matron of Honor, sister of the bride Sarah, Bridesmaid, sister of the bride Rebecca, Bridesmaid, sister of the bride Aislin Drew, Flower Girl, niece of the bride Peyton, Ring Bearer, friend of the brideBob, GroomJohn, Best Man, brother of the groom Matthew, Groomsman, nephew of the groom Robert, Groomsman, friend of the groom Roy, Father of the Bride
The Wedding Party
Sally - Matron of HonorMe and my sisters with me and her son, Mason Sarah - Bridesmaid Becky - Bridesmaid with her son, Lucas Flower girl Guestbook attendantsDrew Staci and JoyBecky's stepdaughter
RingbearerPeyton
The Wedding Gown Sarah drove up from Nashville on Saturday, November 3, to help me select a wedding dress at David's Bridal in Louisville, Kentucky. The sales associate, Barbara, did a great job selecting several dresses that I liked. There is one that stood out. I won't tell you which one it is because I want my final decision to be a surprise. I've included at least one of each style I tried on that day.On Wednesday, November 21, I went to David's Bridal in Jackson, Tennessee, with my mom to try on dresses again and get her input. I ordered my dress!! Yippeeeee!! Which one did I get? You'll have to wait until June 21 to find out! :-) Simple dress with apple red sash (two styles shown)Dress with sheer sleeves and light blue beaded flowers Dress with light pink beaded flowers and organza overlayOrnate dress with tie in back Wrap dress with flower on sideSplit front dress with delicate necklineSimple wrap dress Halter dress with clear beading
Shoes
I wanted a little bit of color as a surprise. :)These were a great deal from Target. Only $16.99! They are SUPER comfortable.So comfortable, in fact, that I bought a black pair to wear to showers and the rehearsal.
Flair (for rehearsal)
I purchased these cute buttons from etsy.com. Hope I can convince Bob to wear his! :)
Hair
I actually like my hair the way it is. I'll probably put a little curl into it, but I'm planning to wear it pretty much how I wear it every day. I love the combination of the tiara and the veil, which you can see in some of the pictures above.
Tiara(Purchased at David's Bridal)
Jewelry
(Purchased on eBay)
Wedding party attire
Bridesmaid's dresses (apple red) Sally's Sarah's(Sally will be 5 months pregnant!)
Becky's
Flower girl dress (ivory and apple red)
Groom's tux Father-of-the-bride tux Groomsmen's tuxes (ivory tie and vest) (platinum tie and vest) (apple red ties and vests)
BouquetsI'm planning to make my bouquet and the bridesmaids' bouquets myself with my sisters. It will be a great time for us to enjoy each other's company before the festivities.My bouquet will be mostly red roses (Red France variety) with possibly some ivory and light pink roses. The bridesmaids will carry bouquets that are mostly ivory (Bianca variety), with some light pink accents (Emma variety). I ordered a test bunch of roses from http://www.freshroses.com/ and took pictures of the three varieties that I've chosen. The Bianca variety is creamy white and opens in huge layers. The Red France variety is a bright red rose with a medium-sized opening. The Emma rose is light pink with a cream base.
Guest book and pen
The guest book is white with a simple white bow (no picture yet). Here's the pen.
(Guest book purchased at Target on clearance for $5.Guest pen purchased at shopcountrykitchen.com.)
Unity candle (Unity candle and stand purchased on eBay.)
Flower girl basket
Ivory satin flower basket with apple red ribbons(Flower girl basket purchased on eBay.)
Ring bearer's pillow
Red and ivory satin with an ivory bow(Ring bearer's pillow purchased on eBay.)
ReadingDuring the ceremony, a poem my late grandmother will be read. I haven't decided who will read it.
WITH LOVE
By Lyndal White
LOVE that points to rainbows and butterflies,
Sunsets and fluffy clouds
LOVE that flows between us so forcibly
That each of us can always feel the spirit of the other
LOVE that bears a clenched fist against that which is wrong
And an open hand to accept that which is good
LOVE made strong by honesty, respect and fidelity
LOVE that links its arm with mine in the presence of trouble,
Sorrow and disappointment
LOVE that allows me freedom to grow and be myself
But keeps me within our togetherness
LOVE that bears me up when I stumble and supports
Me when I am weak
LOVE brave to defend the things in which we believe
Yet gentle to tenderly cradle a child
LOVE that waves a friendly greeting, reaches out in compassion
To those less fortunate… and gathers flowers
LOVE that labors and grows weary, and in weariness,
Clings to me for strength and rest
LOVE that does its best to build a good life for us, and in so doing,
Does its bit to make this a better world
LOVE that reaches out to me in need and enfolds me
When I have needs of my own
LOVE that draws our hearts together in faith and trust,
And reaches around me… and on to God.
“Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.” – Romans 15:5-7 (KJV)
Attendant's Gifts
Bridesmaids
I've purchased these striped tote bags and will be filling them up with lots of goodies for my bridesmaids!Including...
(Bags purchased from fellow KnottieMonogrammed items purchased on eBay)
Flower girl
(Flower girl purse purchased from BrideStuff.com)
(Hannah Montana pajamas purchased from crazyforbargains.com)
Ring Bearer
(Transformer pajamas purchased from crazyforbargains.com)
Groomsmen
TBD
My mom
(Hankie and candle purchased from eBay.com)
My dad
(Personalized desk clock purchased from ExclusivelyWeddings.com)
Bob's parents
The RehearsalBack to Top
The rehearsal dinner will take place at Asbury's Student Dining Room. We'll have roast beef, baked ham, baked potatoes, corn, salad, rolls, and beverages. Yum!
More importantly, what will I be wearing?!? I have these two dresses to choose from. I bought them from Target during a great sale!
Either of these dresses will look great with these shoes, also from Target.
Bling
(Necklace and earrings purchased from fossil.com)
The ReceptionBack to Top
Photos
Here are a few photos taken at receptions held at Asbury.
Wedding cake
I'd like a simple cake similar to this one. LOVE IT!! The entire cake will be frosted with white buttercream icing. The decorations will include white scrollwork and pearl dragees. The bottom tier (16"x16") will be a fake (oven is too small). The next tier up (14"x14") will be white cake with Bavarian Cream filling. The next tier up (10"10") will be white cake with Red Raspberry filling. The top tier (6"x6") will be white cake with buttercream filling. We will elevate the top two tears with a layer of red roses between them.
My sister, Sally, will be making the cake for me. She made her own wedding cake and also Becky's cake.
The cake will be topped with a small arrangement of red roses and a W. Imagine this on top of the cake, except imagine it upside down. :-)(Cake topper purchased from TheKnot.com)
I purchased the cake serving set on TheKnot.com at a steal! It has a simple white bow and will be engraved with our names and wedding date.
Toasting glasses
(Toasting glasses purchased from countrykitchenusa.com)
Groom's cake
Bob enjoys playing the number puzzle game Sudoku. The groom's cake will be chocolate with chocolate buttercream icing and Chocolate Bavarian Cream filling. We will top it with a Sudoku puzzle made of white and chocolate fondant. Each square of the Sudoku puzzle will be 1"x1".
Bob collects old issues of TV Guide. Another idea is to put one of Bob's favorite TV Guide covers on the cake.
Tables
I plan to put these on reception tables as centerpieces.
(Topiaries purchased from eBay)
The reception tables will be further decorated with white candles and scattered rose petals. I like these candles and petals...(Silk petals purchased from eBay)The bride and groom table, cake table, the candy buffet table, and the gift table will have white candles (shown above) and vases with ivory, red, and pink roses for the centerpieces.
Favors
For favors, we'll have a candy buffet with white, silver, and red candies. Here's some of the candy and serving pieces I'm considering. Candy selections include salt water taffy, mint chocolate lentils, cinnamon imperials, chocolate coated peppermint sticks, white yogurt-covered pretzels, chocolate truffles, Hershey's kisses (with personalized labels), Hershey's bars (with personalized labels), malted milk balls, jelly beans, and peppermints. I bought various glass containers, scoops, and tongs. I tied ribbons around the handles of the scoops and tongs and I want to do something to decorate the glass containers as well. I bought cellphone bags, on each of which I will place a silver sticker with "Susan & Bob - June 21, 2008" in red font. I purchased most of my candy and serving supplies online. I also plan to create labels for each of the containers to let guests know what's in each container. I like the idea of putting up a sign above the buffet... something like "Susan & Bob's Sweet Shop" or "Love is Sweet, Grab Some Treats" I bought some red and cream posterboard at Michael's. I'll post photos of the bags, containers, and sign after I finish them.
Here are some of the containers I've purchased for the candy buffet.My kitchen is now completely packed with boxes of candy and glass containers!Notice the Bob's Sweet Stripes peppermints. ;)
I also like the idea of giving the kiddies something to do during the reception and providing a favor for those who don't (or won't) eat candy. For the kids, we've got activity books and crayons. For the adults, we've wrapped a crossword puzzle and pencil with a bow. Both the pencils and the bows are personalized with "Susan & Bob - June 21, 2008".
Coloring books and crayons for the kiddies(purchased from eBay)
Wedding-themed crosswords and personalized pencils for additional favors(DIY crosswords, pencils purchased from eBay)
Here's the crossword I created with Eclipse Crossword (http://www.eclipsecrossword.com/).
Slideshow
During the reception, we'll have a slideshow with pictures of me, Bob, and our families. It will run continuously throughout the reception so guests can watch at their leisure. Here are a few of the photos I'm going to include in the slideshow.
Me and my 3 younger sisters
Me and Bob in September 2006
Music
We're not having a DJ or a band... just playing some MP3s from my laptop. We're planning to play songs that represent the love Bob and I have for each other. There will be a mixture of upbeat, fun, soulful, and meaningful songs mainly from the 60s and 70s. Here is the playlist, in alphabetical order...
Ain't No Mountain High EnoughAin't That LoveAlways & ForeverAnd I Love You SoAt LastBaby I Need Your LovingCan't Help Falling In LoveCan't Take My Eyes Off YouCelebrationChances Arehapel Of LoveCould I Have This DanceGroovy Kind Of LoveHallelujah I Love Her SoHave I Told You Lately?Heavenly DayHelp YourselfHold Me Thrill Me Kiss MeHow Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)I Only Have Eyes For YouI Say A Little PrayerI Second That EmotionI'll Be ThereIt Takes TwoLa-La Means I Love YouLet's Stay TogetherLove Will Keep Us TogetherMore Today Than YesterdayMy GirlMy GuyReach Out I'll Be ThereStand By MeSugar SugarSweets For My SweetTennessee WaltzThis Magic MomentThree Times A LadyUnchained MelodyUnforgettableWe Are FamilyWhen A Man Loves A WomanYou And IYou Are So BeautifulYou Belong To MeYou're My Everything
After the reception, Bob and I will leave to a shower of bubbles. I like these from TheKnot.com and plan to tie ivory and red ribbons around them. The ribbons will be personalized with "Susan & Bob - June 21, 2008."
Photos from Bridal Showers
Albany - Hosted by Bob's mother and aunt
April 20, 2008
Me and Bob at the tea(Doesn't he look handsome in a jacket and tie?)
The gift tables right before we started packing them up
Me the night before getting ready to open gifts(They wanted to display them on the gift tablesat the tea so everyone could see what everyone gave us.)
Jackson - Hosted by Staci, Joy, and Peggy
May 3, 2008
Joy, Staci, me, and Peggy The ladies at the shower Me, Joy, and Sarah Opening gifts after lunchMom, me, and Sarah getting ready to leave for the shower(Look, ma... I have horns!)
Lexington - Hosted by Teresa
May 31, 2008
Lexington - Hosted by Karen H.
June 18, 2008 - photos TBD
Hair trial, mani, pedi
Things got a little crazy!
The end result
This is the polish I'll use for my fingers and toes for the wedding.
I got a fun color for my toes for the trial.
DIY projects
Here's a list of the things I'll be doing by myself or with the help of others...
* Slideshow - ALMOST DONE!* Reception music - DONE!* Flower and bouquet arrangements - FLOWERS AND SUPPLIES ORDERED!* Wedding and groom's cake - SUPPLIES ORDERED!* Crossword puzzle and pencil favors - DONE!* Candy buffet - CANDY, CONTAINERS, BAG LABELS, SCOOPS, TONGS, AND BAGS PURCHASED;NEED TO CREATE LABELS FOR CONTAINERS!* Programs - ALMOST DONE!* Hair and makeup - TRYING OUT VARIOUS BRANDS OF FOUNDATION AND LIPSTICK!
Photo must-have shots
People arriving for the rehearsal
Bride's rehearsal bouquet
Bride and groom with Brother James before rehearsal
Bridesmaids and groomsmen walking up the aisleFlower girl and ring bearer walking up the aisleWedding party waiting at the altarGroom waiting at altarBride and Dad walking up the aisleBride and groom at the altar
Brother James talking to bride and groom during rehearsalGroom's parents during rehearsal
Bride's parents during rehearsal
Bridal party during rehearsal
Groomsmen during rehearsal
The rehearsal kissBride and groom proceeding back down the aisle
Flower girl and ring bearer proceeding back down the aisle
Bridesmaids and groomsmen proceeding back down the aisle
Parents proceeding back down the aisle
Guests arriving
Guests mingling
Bride and groom talking to wedding party
Bride and groom talking to parents and family
Bride with parents
Groom with parents
Bride and groom with both sets of parents
Bride with sisters
Groom with brother
Bride and groom with Brother JamesBride with flower girl
Bride with ring bearer
Toast makers (if any)
Attendants opening gifts
Bride and groom saying goodbye at the end of the night
Guest book open on table
Flowers
Pews
Candelabras
Unity candles
Entrance to chapel
Sign at chapel
Chapel windows
Dressing rooms
Bride's dress on hangerDetails of dress, shoes, garter, veil, tiara, jewelry
Bouquets
Groom's wedding band
Flower girl basketBride getting ready with mom, bridesmaids, and flower girl
Bridesmaids doing bride's hair and makeupBride and bridesmaids getting dressed, applying makeup
Bride with all the bridesmaids
Bride with matron of honor
Bride with individual bridesmaids
Bride with mom
Bride with father
Bride with flower girl
Women putting on corsages
Visitors who stop by the dressing room before the weddingMom helping bride with one last detail, such as veilBride checking herself out in mirror
Bride making her way to the chapel (walking down the hall with dad)
Groom's tux on hanger
Details of tux, shoes, tie, vest, cuff links
Bride's wedding band
Ring bearer pillow
Groom getting ready with dad and groomsmen, ring bearer
Groom checking himself out in mirrorGroom with all the groomsmenGroom with individual groomsmenGroom with mother
Groom with father
Groom with ring bearer
Groom with ushersMen putting on boutonnieres Visitors who stop by the dressing room before the weddingGroom making his way to the chapel (walking down the hall with groomsmen and Brother James)
Groom with all the men (groomsmen, father, ring bearer)
Groom with each groomsman
Groom with family (parents, brother)
Groom with extended family (parents, brother, sister-in-law, nephew)
Groom’s parents
John, Michele, Matthew
Robert, Apryl
Martha, Richard
Jean, Jim
Marguerite, Tommy
(groom leaves)
Bride with all the women (bridesmaids, mother, flower girl)
Bride with each bridesmaid
Bride with family (parents, sisters)
Bride with extended family (parents, sisters, bro-in-laws, niece, nephews)
Bride’s parents
Sally, Chris, Mason
Sarah, Daniel
Becky, Andy, Drew, Lucas
Susan, Staci
Susan, Joy
Bride alone
(everyone leaves, groom returns)
Groom waiting at altar
Bride waiting outside chapel doors
Bride walking down aisle
Groom watching bride walking down aisle
Bride arriving at front of chapel
Bride and groom talking alone at front of chapel
(wedding party and family return)
Bride and groom
Bride and groom with bride’s parents
Bride and groom with bride’s family
Bride and groom with bridal party
Bride and groom with groom’s parents
Bride and groom with groom’s family
Bride and groom with groomsmen
Bride and groom with Brother James
Groom with ushers
Guests arriving at the chapel, signing guest book
Ushers escorting guests to their seatsUshers lighting candelabras and unity candlesPianist and organist playing
Fathers escorting moms to their seats
Brother James, groom, and groomsmen entering chapelBridesmaids walking down the aisleFlower girl and ring bearer walking down the aisleWedding party waiting at the altarClose-up of groom waiting at altarClose-up of bride just before she makes her entranceBride and Dad walking down the aisleBride and groom at the altar
Brother James talking to bride and groom during ceremonyAltar from the back during ceremonyWide shots of audience during ceremony
Groom's parents during ceremony
Bride's parents during ceremony
Wedding party during ceremony
Reader
Bride and groom as they light the unity candleFaces of bride and groom as they exchange vowsClose-up of bride's and groom's hands as they exchange ringsThe kissBride and groom proceeding up the aisle
Bride and groom outside chapel after ceremonyFlower girl and ring bearer proceeding up the aisle
Bridesmaids and groomsmen proceeding up the aisle
Parents proceeding up the aisle
Guests leaving chapel
Bride and groom togetherBride and groom with Brother James Bride and groom with all parentsBride with parentsBride and groom with bridesmaidsBride with her entire immediate family Bride and groom with whole wedding party
Bride with guest book attendantsBride and groom with groomsmenGroom with parentsGroom with his entire immediate family
Wedding bands (on and off hands)
Bride and groom signing wedding certificate
Best man signing wedding certificate
Brother James signing wedding certificate
Shot from outside reception siteReception details such as guest book, centerpieces, decorations, table settings, favors table, candy buffet table, cake table, punch, buffet table, cake serving pieces, and toasting glassesGuests arriving
Bride and groom walking from chapel to reception
Bride and groom arrivingBride and groom at head table
Wedding party at head tableParents' tablesGuests' tables
Guests watching slideshow
Anyone who happens to danceBride and groom whispering to each other during dinnerBride's and groom's parents talking to each other during dinnerBride and groom talking with the guestsKids playing Bride and groom cutting the cakeBride and groom feeding each other cake Bride and groom drinking punchBouquet toss
Bride with woman who catches bouquetRemoving, tossing, and catching of the garterBride and groom leaving
Guests blowing bubbles
Details of car decorations (if any)Rear of car departing
Honeymoon
Bob and I are planning to take a road trip through Asheville, North Carolina; Columbia, South Carolina; Charleston, South Carolina; Savannah, Georgia; possibly Augusta, Georgia; and Peachtree City, Georgia. It will be a long, fun week of road tripping, one of our favorite activities to do together! I am so looking forward to finally having a trip for us that is purely for pleasure.
Back to Top
Registries
Amazon.com TargetMacy'sWal-martBed, Bath, & Beyond
Vendor InformationBack to Top
Brother James recently retired from preaching. His most recent full-time job was as pastor at First Christian Church in Albany, Kentucky. He is the only pastor who knows both me and Bob. When we started thinking about who we wanted to marry us, he was the first person that jumped to both of our minds.
Here he is, pictured with his wife, Mary.
Cake Supplies
Wilton.comCountry Kitchen SweetArtsKitchen Krafts
Bridesmaid Dresses - David's Bridal
Invitations - David's Bridal
Save the Dates card, Thank You cards, and Rehearsal Dinner invitations - VistaPrint.com
Vendor ReviewBack to Top
Bob and I got married on June 21, 2008 at Asbury. Hope these reviews will be helpful to someone! :)Asbury Theological Seminary (Wilmore, KY) - AWe had our rehearsal dinner, wedding, and our reception at Asbury. We chose Asbury because we wanted an all-inclusive location (ceremony venue, reception venue, and catering) that was affordable. In summary, everyone at Asbury was willing and able to help with whatever we needed. Kari, the events coordinator for the seminary, is very busy and was not as responsive as I would have liked, but as the wedding day approached, that got better. She and her intern, Diane, were amazing the day of the rehearsal and the wedding. They helped us out with lots of things that I think are above and beyond what a coordinator should do. The wedding day went by so smoothly. As for the reception, it was so much better than I had envisioned. The Asbury catering staff, headed by Melissa, helped us out with anything and everything. She and her staff set up the entire room, including the candy buffet. They helped us clean up afterward. The food was awesome and the service was amazing. On both Friday and Saturday, we ended up being there about an hour longer than our contract stated, but they did not charge us for the extra time. I don't think there is anything the Asbury stuff wouldn't be willing to do for a bride. I really cannot say enough great things about my experience at Asbury. The people are wonderful, the location is beautiful, and the service was amazing. If you're considering Asbury, they allow dancing, but no alcohol or smoking.Rebecca Ruth Photography - www.rebeccaruthphotography.com (Wilmore, KY) - ARebecca is a fairly new photographer. She graduated from Asbury in the spring of 2007. We booked her in October 2007. She has since almost tripled her base package price. In the base package, you get all of the photos on a DVD, a 100-page coffee table book, and a $50 Shutterfly gift certificate, which will get you well more than 250 prints of your choosing. She gives you a copyright release for all of the photos, so you can do whatever you like with them. Her husband, Tyler, also takes photos on the wedding day. She is very accommodating to what you want and is very responsive. From what I've seen of the photos she took for us and the photos on her web site, she's not one to do a lot of fancy tricks or special effects to photos; what she takes is what you get with some subtle editing. The colors are vibrant and she gets all of the important shots without being intrusive. When we were unable to narrow our choices to the number she quoted us, she was willing to include more in our coffee table album and didn't charge us extra for it. I really appreciate a professional who goes above and beyond her contracted responsibilities. Overall, we were very pleased with her and highly recommend to her to anyone in the central Kentucky area. She is willing to travel. See her web site for details.2Groses.com - BI ordered flowers from 2Groses and arranged them myself. Why 2G? Two of my sisters had used them and had a good experience. The prices are reasonable and the service is great. If you are using roses, you can order a "test bunch", which will help you select colors. I am really glad I did this because the ones I thought I would use (by looking at the photos and descriptions on their web site) were not the ones I ended up using. The only thing that bugged me is that the red roses I ordered were extremely thorny from top to bottom. I was expecting them to be partially de-thorned. In fact, the web site says "All our roses come with the bottom half stripped of leaves and thorns." They were not. I had planned to do a solid red bouquet and ended up using a completely different flower for my bouquet and in pink rather than red.Pepper Lane Salon (Nicholasville, KY) - BThe owner, Patricia, did my mani, pedi, and hair. Her daughter did my makeup. I made an appointment 3 weeks before the wedding to do a trial for my hair and mani/pedi. Patricia did not seem to understand that. When I got there, she trimmed my hair and talked to me about what she would do to it. I had to ask her to actually do it. I learned quickly that I had to be very clear in what I asked for and repeat it to make sure she understood. Anyway, I loved what she did for my hair. I didn't want anything overly extravagant. She did exactly what I wanted. As for my makeup, I did not have a trial for it. On the day of the wedding, I put on my own foundation and lipstick, and her daughter applied my eye makeup and blush. I was VERY pleased with the eye makeup, but the blush was the wrong color for me. I wish I had just let her do my eyes. Oh well, you live and learn. Overall, I was happy with the service I received on the wedding day. As the last minute, Patricia was even able to work in my sister (one of my BMs) and did her hair, which looked wonderful!David's Bridal - A-I saw somewhere on TheKnot to avoid the store in Lexington due to unhelpful and even rude customer service personnel, so I went to Louisville for my initial try-ons. I worked with Barbara, who was amazing! Once she got a good idea of what I was looking for, she kept bringing me dresses to try on along with accessories (veils, jewelry, shoes, etc.). I did not order my dress that day and instead ordered it from my hometown in Tennessee. Once I ordered my dress (the Tuesday before Thanksgiving), it only took 2 weeks to arrive, although I was quoted 12 weeks! Something I really appreciated about DB is that you can take photos of the dresses. I've been with my sisters to other bridal shops where you can't take photos of the dresses. I was glad DB didn't have that policy. We also got the BM dresses from DB. They have a great variety of dresses in all of the available colors. Each BM picked out dresses that looked perfect for them. The only negative part of the DB experience is that they dropped their maternity lines and my MOH was 5 months pregnant. Fortunately, she found an empire waist dress that she fit in. We also used DB for our invitations. I did a lot of research to find the best price for the style that I chose. DB had the best price, by far. They arrived in faster than the quoted time and in perfect condition.MW Tux - AWe chose MW Tux because they coordinate the colors of their ties and vests with DB. The guys looked wonderful. The tuxes were available as ordered. No problems whatsoever. Enough said.Vistaprint - AI used Vistaprint.com for save the date cards, thank you cards, and rehearsal dinner invitations. I liked that I could use my own design and save it on their web site. The prices are extremely reasonable, and sometimes you can even get things for free (plus shipping). The web site estimates 21 days for regular shipping; I got everything I ordered within 10 days.I think that's it. I did a lot of stuff myself, so I don't have a review for the cake, music, videographer (my dad), etc. If you'd like more info, let me know.
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