For Tayler and Ramsey Simmons, a chance interaction turned into something much more. “During my first semester at Western Kentucky University, Ramsey and I shared a geography course. We met once again in an economics course the following semester and ended up sitting next to each other every day.” Though a great friendship flourished, a trip to Bonnaroo with friends featuring a front row, main stage performance by Sir Paul McCartney under the stars was just the opportunity they needed for sparks to ignite. “Good memories were formed, to say the least,” laughs Tayler, “and after Bonnaroo, not a day has gone by that we haven’t spoken to one another six years later!” Throughout the remainder of college, through many jobs and moving cities, the lovebirds have stayed together.
Once Ramsey proposed, the happy couple excitedly commenced planning for their October 2018 wedding date. “I came across The Barn at Cedar Grove and fell completely head over heels,” exclaims Tayler. “It had everything that we needed!” The gorgeous outdoor ceremony spot sealed the deal for the couple as it reminded them of a shared love for the outdoors and the many hours spent hiking together during their early dating years. Because both the bride and groom were born and raised in Kentucky, (Ramsey in Scottsville and Tayler in Bowling Green), The Barn at Cedar Grove fit the centralized location they desired allowing both families to attend their wedding without having to travel very far. Further, Tayler and Ramsey were also thrilled with their decision to use the venue because of the incredible staff who were super helpful throughout the entire process, making it a joy to work with them for both their ceremony and reception.
Adorned in beautiful pearl earrings from one of her grandmothers and carrying a Treasure Chest Florist bouquet featuring a sentimental broach from her other grandmother, Tayler was stunning as she walked down the aisle to meet her groom in a Justin Alexander dress from Steel Magnolia of Somerset. Ramsey, an avid collector of brightly colored socks, selected a fun pair to wear with his navy Calvin Klein suit as he waited for his bride to meet him at the altar. During their vows, as Ramsey went to grab Tayler’s ring to place on her finger, he lost his grip on it and her wedding band went rolling across the concrete floor of the barn right into the skirt of her dress! “I bent over, picked it up, and we tried again! Nerves are really high on your wedding day, no matter how much planning you do, and that little moment is one of my favorites that we still laugh about today,” says Tayler.
Similarly, “Aside from the moment we said, ‘I do’, we share quite a few favorite memories from the day,” the Simmons reminisce. Some of these are more culinary inclined such as the artisan food truck catering service by the Rolling Oven, a donut wall, a hot chocolate and cookie bar, and a small, naked cake for the reception baked by the bride. “These details really make me smile because they are such a testament to how hard my mother and I worked to pull everything off,” Tayler explains. Others, however, are more sentimental, including their first dance as husband and wife and the father-daughter and mother-son dances. “These were so special to us and we will cherish them forever,” Tayler says. Not to discount the passion for music which helped to bring them together so many years ago, the Simmons disclose that they spent months planning their reception playlist to really reflect who they are. “Our DJ, Brandon DeWitt who happens to be a long-time friend of Ramsey’s from Scottsville, really set the tone for our reception and we loved it all,” Tayler imparts.
“To be honest, we don’t wish for a single thing to have gone differently,” Tayler reflects. “Just seeing all of our family and friends share sweet moments together throughout the evening was wonderful and we will remember them fondly forever.” They encourage couples who are planning their own wedding to think about what details will really matter to them when they look back on their special day years down the road. “Decide what matters to you most as a couple and don’t feel like you have to follow every tradition if it doesn’t resonate with you,” Tayler advises. Ramsey adds, “Don’t sweat the small stuff, enjoy it all and be completely in the moment.” “Also,” he laughs, “don’t plan a 16-hour flight the morning after your wedding. We wish we would have taken that piece of advice!”
Photographer Morgan Marie Photography
Videographer Caitlin Oakes Videography
Venue The Barn at Cedar Grove
Wedding planner Sandy Ellnor, Sassy Spoon Catering + Mother of the Bride
Catering Rolling Oven
Flowers Treasure Chest Florist
Bridal Gown Designer Justin Alexander
Bridal Gown The Steel Magnolia
Groom/groomsmen Calvin Klein
Hair + Makeup The Bride
Stationery Minted
DJ Brandon DeWitt, Groom’s Friend
