Mara + Tyler's Lexington Wedding

From the Bride: Tyler and I got engaged on a getaway to Bainbridge Island, just a ferry-ride from Seattle, where we were living at the time. Cuddled on a small bench on the rocky beach, looking out across the water at the Olympic Mountains, we knew we wanted to get married in a similarly beautiful outdoor space. We also wanted the ceremony and reception to feel warm and intimate. The lush gardens, elegant Orangerie, and cozy Winter Room at Apiary Fine Catering & Events in Lexington, my hometown, felt like the perfect space for our autumn wedding.

A moment I will treasure was when my mom and my sister/maid of honor helped me put on my dress and veil. It was such a sweet, special moment. They couldn’t be there when I picked out the dress with my dear friend, Michelle, in Seattle, so this moment was particularly meaningful. Their love and support means the world to me.

Our phenomenal vendors really brought our vision to life. Wild Roots Farmer Florist’s locally and sustainably grown florals added the perfect dreamy autumn colors and textures. The Apiary created an inspired seasonal culinary experience. Lyndsey Calico, our incredible planner from Planned to the Perfection of the Bluegrass, pulled every thoughtful detail together. Tracy Burch is a true artist, and she captured all the romance and joy of the day in stunning photographs that we will treasure. We are so grateful to all these lovely people.

Every aspect of our wedding felt so personal to us and to our family and friends. All of our siblings played important roles in the wedding. My talented future sister-in-law did my makeup. I’ll never forget Tyler’s expression as the doors opened, and I started to walk down the aisle. I didn’t expect him to cry, and, of course, that made me cry. Seeing each other for the first time in that moment was so emotional, and it set the tone for our ceremony and vows to be really vulnerable and personal. I think even our most stoic guests were touched. My brother officiated our ceremony, Tyler’s brother was his best man, my sister was my maid of honor, and each of them gave heartfelt and hilarious speeches. At the reception, everyone completely committed to the celebration—and to the dance floor. We challenged our guests to learn a choreographed group dance for the reception, Jisoo Yu’s and David Hart’s dance cover of “September” by Earth, Wind, & Fire. Practicing with family and friends was such a fun wedding weekend activity; everyone really got into the spirit! The song became sort of the anthem of our wedding. It was the perfect beginning to our marriage, dancing in the moonlight with the people we love most.

Photography: Tracy Burch Photography | Location: Lexington | Venue : The Apiary | Florals: Wild Roots Farmer Florist | Wedding Planner + Event Designer: Planned to Perfection of the Bluegrass | Cake: Happy Chicks Bakery | Music: (Ceremony) String Elegance (Reception) BMFSoundDesign | Stationery + Paper Goods: (Invitation Suite) Danielle Bleuse (Other Paper Goods) Splendid Moment | Hair: Christopher Johns Salon | Makeup: Cassie Delicath | Bride’s Attire: The Dress Theory