2015 Platinum Rehearsal Dinner Details
When we saw this Rehearsal Dinner setting we were overwhelmed
Daniel & Jeanie - 2015 Platinum Wedding of the Year: Photography Chris Cornwell unless noted l 606.233.2905 Kentucky l www.chris-cornwell.com
The Rehearsal Dinner setting left us utterly captivated, a symphony of stunning details that transported us back in time to the opulence of the Great Gatsby era. The overarching theme paid homage to this iconic period, infusing the atmosphere with a sense of glamour and sophistication. What truly elevated the ambiance was the thoughtful curation by the groom's mother, who brought down her personal collection of vintage tea cups, aged books, homemade frames, swag garland, and a meticulously crafted tulle table skirt all the way from Indiana to Kentucky for this special occasion. The result was a tableau of refined femininity, each table adorned with an exquisite setting that mirrored the elegance and grace of a bygone era.
For the mother of three grown men, Emma took this opportunity to revel in a moment of feminine creativity and expression. The attention to detail was evident in every element, from the vintage tea cups that whispered tales of yesteryear to the homemade frames that added a personal touch to the decor. The swag garland and tulle table skirt draped each table with a delicate charm, transforming the venue into a haven of vintage allure. This rehearsal dinner wasn't just a prelude to a wedding; it was a visual ode to a timeless era, a testament to Emma's flair for design and her dedication to creating a setting that transcended the ordinary.
In the heart of Kentucky, amidst the anticipation of impending nuptials, Emma's artistic touch transformed a simple rehearsal dinner into a spectacle of refined elegance. The infusion of vintage elements, from the tea cups to the swag garland, created an atmosphere that resonated with the essence of the Great Gatsby era. Emma, the mother of three grown sons, embraced the opportunity to immerse herself in the world of femininity, curating a setting that celebrated both the past and the present. The Rehearsal Dinner became a canvas of sophistication, a harmonious blend of vintage charm and maternal creativity, leaving an indelible mark on the memories leading up to the wedding day.
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I won't bore you with all the guest and family stuff but wanted to show how the guests got in the spirit of the party theme - An Evening with Gatsby! The rehearsal party was a great big hit and so was the Distillery, especially for us Northern Folk- so "kudos to the pink, Emma"!
EVENT PLANNER Emma McCormack (Mother of Groom)
EVENT STYLIST/FLORALS Doug Smith Designs & Events (Doug Smith and Glenn Blind) 859-494-2209
SWEETS & DESSERTS Martine’s Pastries
MUSIC Ken Davis
VENUE The Woodford Reserve, Dryer Room
RENTALS Chattanooga Tent Company
BRIDE’S DRESS Parker
BRIDE’s SHOES Betsey Johnson
HEAD PIECE Beholden
FINE DETAILS: EMMA'S personal collection Vintage tea cups , old books, homemade frames, swag garland, tulle table skirt
Flower Girl Dresses/Platinum Wedding of the Year 2015 Rehearsal Party
Our story begins as most good stories do, in a bar.... My girlfriends and I decided to meet up with some mutual friends and there I met a man so passionate about life that I had to know more about him! After four years of dating, I was celebrating what I thought was my birthday treasure hunt, finding poems with clues to lead me around the city to places full of our greatest memories. Finally I found him under a tree where a picnic and home made carrot cake (my favorite) was set. I tried to cut the cake but hit a purple box wrapped in shiny foil hidden inside. Still thinking it just another clue I opened to the box to find an incredible diamond ring inside. In disbelief, I did not even notice Dan next to me on one knee, gently reaching out for my hand and asking the question every girl hopes to hear from the love of their life. Needless to say I said "Yes!" followed by both parties crying happily in celebration.
Most stories would end here, however my new fiancé surprised me once again with a helicopter landing next to us to whisk us into the city, landing in front of our families and friends toting balloons and flowers. Our night finished with a dinner at the tallest restaurant in the city, followed by a luau party on the water.
So if you thought the engagement was over the top, you can certainly understand my excitement at planning our wedding. First the perfect spot, Lexington Kentucky as it is here in Kentucky I am from. Vast green fields filled with beautiful horses and white picket fences are just the first thing our guests saw on their journey. To have our guests rest their heads during our wedding weekend, we chose the historic, Gratz Park Inn, where every room is decorated differently with southern charm. Dudley's On Short became a hot spot for early arrivals, along with many quaint downtown bars and restaurants. The rehearsal dinner was held at the Woodford Reserve Distillery and it was something out of a fairytale, planned to a perfect "T" by the groom's mother (Emma McCormack). Blush drapes fell from high above a golden chandelier, illuminating the clear tent near the water, under which plush chairs and tables were covered with English roses and old books tied with lace. White couches could be found inside, with drapery sweeping from the rafters, and a hand-picked dessert bar to satisfy anyone's sweet tooth.
If this weren't enough to make one pinch themselves, the next day we finally celebrated our sensational wedding day. St Peter's Catholic Church was the setting which was small enough to make for a pleasantly intimate setting. The aisles were painted with blush roses sitting in silver mint julep cups, the groomsmen crisp in tuxes, the bridesmaids adorned in Sue Wong attire, the flower girls sparkling in their matching tulle and champagne silk flower girl dresses heavily covered with Swarovski crystals by Pegeen... It was all quite a sight to behold. A string quartet played while I walked down the aisle in my Lazaro wedding dress to my bubbling husband-to-be, wearing a long crystal encrusted veil covering my face. Professional quality performances from family members Bill Hyland and Mary McCormack brought goosebumps to the more than 120 guests in attendance. After the "I Do's," my new husband and I threw open the church doors ordained with our initials in green moss to find our families ready with hundreds of flower petals to shower upon us. We stepped into a white vintage Bentley which took us away to the reception.
Luxury buses brought guests down a long road lined on either side with trees to Spindle Top Hall, a historic southern mansion. Outside on the patio we served drinks and hors d'oeuvres were passed around as guests enjoyed modern songs played by the string quartet, cigar rolling, bourbon and olive oil tasting, and a backyard arena of games including corn hole, horseshoes and croquet. Plated dinner followed complete with golden silverware and miniature horses used as placeholders. Unprecedented best men and maid of honor speeches were made, followed by our first dance, and a show-stopping choreographed "mother-son sampler dance" (check your YouTube soon). The Metro Music Club band was flown in from Utah and provided live studio-quality music the entire night.
Finally after the cakes were cut and smashed into faces, discarded shoes in leu of flip flops for dancing, and photo booth pictures had been captured, a final send-off was made with each guest releasing a lighted lantern into the sky. My husband and I could not feel more blessed for such family and friends. The best news is that we are now expecting a little girl, and true to McCormack tradition, getting pregnant on our Bali Honeymoon. We hope to be fortunate enough to be able to do for our little girl, what we were able to experience at our wedding.