Halle + Aleksi's Castle & Key Wedding!

The first time Aleksi came to Kentucky to visit for Christmas, we went to Castle & Key as a family for a bourbon tasting. So when we got engaged and started exploring venues, we knew it had to be on the list. I'm so grateful it worked out for us because it truly made for the most magical and picturesque day. I felt like a princess getting married in the most beautiful gardens of a castle - but with such strong Kentucky influence of bourbon barrels rolling in the background and the smell of yeast in the air, it was even more perfect.

Of course the day came and went in such a blur, getting hair and makeup done with all my best friends, trying not to cry while taking pictures in 90 degree heat during the first look with my dad, and reading Aleksi's letter to me for our first touch. But after the heat settled, some Old Fashioneds were consumed, and bellies were full of Sweet Lilu's incredible food, the dance floor got rowdy and the cigar bar took off without a hitch.

However, when I think about what made this day so special, I have to admit it was this: A little backstory - I moved to Finland in 2018 to pursue a graduate degree and shortly after, I met my husband, who is Finnish. We built a beautiful life in Finland filled with the most genuine friends and family so I have to say I think the best part about our wedding was the fact that we had so many people, also including our American friends and family, who came all the way to Kentucky to witness our unity. When I first moved to Finland and started to meet people, most of them had never even heard of Kentucky. I remember feeling so humbled and loved when one of Aleksi's best men, who doesn't speak English very well, gave his best man speech in English, warranting tons of laughs and hoots from our other guests. Not only was it so surreal that these people showed up for us in my home state, but that they found it just as remarkably beautiful as I've always thought.

We really had a difficult time deciding our wedding song. We had another one picked and actually changed it to “Falling Like the Stars” by James Arthur, the week before the wedding. We would listen to James Arthur in our apartment in Finland together while making dinner so it felt more us.

Bride’s Advice: Don't sweat the small stuff - after the big day, you won't remember and neither will your guests. The focus is on your love and that will shine through outweighing any forgotten details or snafus.

***FEATURED VENDOR***

***FEATURED VENDOR***

VENUE: Castle & Key Distillery

Photography Addie Fresca Photography Location Frankfort Florals The Wild Rose Wedding PlannerChristina Daugherty with Castle & Key Caterer + Cake Sweet Lilu's Rentals Bryant's Rent-All Music Randy Trent with Clear Pro DJ Transportation Gold Shield Stationery + Paper Goods Truly Engaging Hair Claire Thompson and Autumn Bailey of Beheld Makeup Makeup by Sarah Lynn Bride’s Attire Suzanne Neville from Ladies of Lineage Groom’s Attire Suit Supply Jewelry Ring Concierge Credits (Earrings) Ladies of Lineage (Strings) SMT Music (First Dance Lessons) First Dance Lexington (Cigar Bar) Kentucky Gentlemen Cigars