A Downtown Paducah Wedding

What a awesome way to end the 2015 wedding season! I had been waiting for Rachel & Walt’s wedding for several reasons: it was my last wedding of the year (!!!), I love love love winter weddings, the ceremony was at one of my all time favorite portrait locations – Grace Episcopal in Paducah, I knew a lot of their wedding guests (which makes receptions so much fun!), and I love love love Rachel & Walt to pieces!

Neil and I met the ladies at Revolution H hair salon for a few “getting ready” pictures before heading to the church for bridal details. If hair and makeup doesn’t happen at the church, it’s definitely beneficial for the salon to be located just a few blocks away! Travel time was minimal so we were able to spend quality time at the salon and I wasn’t rushed fitting in all of Rachel’s stunning bridal details – she had so many!

Rachel and her ladies got ready in the library which provided a great backdrop, abundant natural light, and the ladies’ bathroom was connected! I cannot say enough about the importance of having natural light and an eye-pleasing backdrop for when a bride gets into her gown! Due to daylight savings and an evening ceremony, Rachel & Walt chose to have a first look and all portraits took place before the ceremony. That way there wasn’t much downtime between the ceremony and reception and the guests headed straight to the Grand Lodge for dinner. It was a win-win for everyone involved!

This necklace!!! Rachel’s grandfather bought it for her grandmother in France years and years ago.

Give me a old but sturdy and hardy wood door and I will hang a dress on it. Guaranteed.

You may recognize these shoes from this wedding! I definitely didn’t mind photographing them a second time… they are gorgeous!!!

Finishing touches on Rachel’s hair and both she and her mom got choked up. This.Was.It!

I always ask my brides and mommas to glance at each other while the mommas help their daughters get dressed, but this was not directed. They did this all on their own. And I LOVE them for it!

Another This.Is.It moment for Rachel as her momma puts her grandmother’s necklace on her.

Most would be drawn to look at Walt’s facial expression, which he held from the second he heard Rachel come outside until she touched his shoulder. But I am drawn to his white knuckled fist – trying to control the emotions of the moment.

Oh the joy!

Bride & Groom portrait time…. You don’t married at Grace Episcopal and not pose at the gate entrance to the garden!

Ah! It’s show time! Forever begins now!

Another deep breath as his bride walks down the aisle.

The Grand Lodge was the prettiest I’d ever seen it!

And YES that is an armadillo cake!

Coolest wedding favor award goes to Rachel & Walt: Mistletoe sprigs!

Ceremony Venue | Grace Episcopal Church
Reception Venue | The Grand Lodge on Fifth
Dress Store | Chrislyn’s Formals
Dress Designer | Justin Alexander
Bridesmaid Dress Store | Chrislyn’s Formals
Groomsmen Attire | Men’s Wearhouse
Stationary | Wedding Paper Divas
Videography | Kevin Klepeis, Bluegrass Wedding Films
Hair Stylist | Lauren Hayden, Revolution H
Makeup Artist | Revolution H
Florist | Anthony Hunter
Catering | The Grand Lodge on Fifth
Band | The Cruisers
Cake | Blue Pinky Bakery