Katherine and Mark met in 2014 at work when Mark transferred to the US from the UK. They were friends throughout the summer and finally became a couple during his last week in the country. They kept their love alive through Facetime and many airline miles until Mark finally moved to the US in 2016.
Katherine’s mother was born in Lexington and made sure that her children spent a month in Kentucky every summer. Honoring her family’s roots here felt absolutely essential for the couple, and the idea of having the wedding in Kentucky came up as soon as they started having conversations about their future! As an iconic Lexington locale, Keeneland seemed like the perfect place for their celebration.
Katherine wore a bracelet borrowed from her mother, a gift from her late father, Carroll Ladt. The bride’s uncle, Louis Hillenmeyer, officiated the wedding. The bride’s stepfather, Thomas Slater, and brother, Thomas Ladt, walked her down the aisle.
The couple wanted to create a journey for their guests throughout the wedding day. Each stage of the day, from the ceremony and cocktail hour to the reception was blocked out in distinct spaces and décor. In spite of it being the hottest day of the year, this plan helped guests make the most of every moment.
The biggest transformation was the reception. Guests traveled through a tunnel of lights into an enchanted garden created inside the Keene Entertainment Center. Living walls and trees from Hillenmeyer’s helped create this look, bringing the outdoors in. The space’s crowning chandelier bore greenery while draped string lights cast a romantic glow. Bold pink florals brought in a powerful punch of color that still felt sweet. Draped fabric helped diffuse the evening light, making a perfect transition into evening.
Secret nooks helped create intimate spaces. A kids’ room featured toys and activities. A variety of seating encouraged guests to mix and mingle throughout the space. This included greenery-draped swings for a playful touch!
The couple cut their 5-tiered cake with the groom’s maternal grandfather’s ceremonial sword. As the bride and groom listened to both funny and heartfelt speeches, they marveled at all of the people gathered from near and far to celebrate their once-in-a- lifetime romance.
THE VISION
WEDDING STYLE
Talk about bringing the glam! A classic black tie affair with a grand reception experience is sure to have all of your guests talking about your wedding as the event of the year!
MUST-HAVES
GRAND LIGHTING
When planning a glamorous reception, the first item on your list should be lighting. Think string lights and grand chandeliers, draped with greenery. This combination will create a truly stunning event space with a real wow factor.
ALTERNATIVE SEATING
To create a comfortable experience for your guests, opt for some alternative seating options like upholstered sofas and loveseats. Mixing these in with your other chairs will create a unique "at home" feel for your attendees.
POPS OF COLOR
If you're planning to have a more classic black-tie wedding, but can't get past your desire for some fun pops of color, then the reception space is a perfect outlet! Keep the classic feel for your ceremony then incorporate color in the florals at your reception.
COLOR PALETTE
Traditional black and white affair transformed into a glamorous palette with pops of ruby red, fuschia and violets. Paired with natural tones of brown and gold.
THE TEAM
PHOTOS:Conrhod Zonio
VIDEO: Scott Hayes Productions
VENUE/FOOD: Keeneland
SWEETS: Martine's Pastries
PLANNER/FLOWERS: Refined Social
RENTALS: Canvas Event Furniture Bryant's Rent All
BRIDAL ATTIRE: Caroline Herrera Oscar de la Renta (earrings) Charlotte Olympia (shoes)
GROOM ATTIRE: Tom Ford Christian Louboutin (shoes)
HAIR: Hair by Maddie Woff
MAKEUP: Nikki Miner
STATIONERY: Claudia Engle Designs
TRANSPORTATION: Gold Shield Limo
MUSIC: Downtown Band
