Like so many couples nowadays, Chan and Kevin met on OkCupid. They were both living in New York at the time. Their first date was the night of the Super Bowl in 2015.
They chose the farm where Kevin grew up in Shelbyville, Kentucky as their ceremony location. His father is the fifth generation to run the farm and his parents, grandmother and many other extended family members live on and around the farm to this day. It was also the first place they traveled together during their first year of dating.
The couple worked to balance their ceremony between lighthearted humor (they said that their officiant did a great job of poking fun at them) and meaningful moments that recognized the solemnity of the occasion. The processional was sung by one of Kevin’s cousins, who had sung the same hymn at the wedding of Kevin’s parents three decades prior.
Following their “I do” moment, they hopped on the farm ATV, “Tigger”, and disappeared into the far reaches of the farm with their photographer and videographer. They jumped onto bales of hay and dodged bulls out in the field, all while dressed in their fancy suits.
They agreed that they wanted the reception set against the backdrop of a beautiful tree line. Their wedding coordinator, Jackie Lee, had an idea to set up two tents; one for dinner and one as a lounge space with sofas. This allowed guests to mix and mingle during the cocktail hour or relax later in the evening.
Chan and Kevin worked with an artist, Ruth Oneya, who painted a watercolor of the farm. They used the image on their invitations and other printed materials, including the menu and ceremony program.
Their principal colors were burgundy, mauve, champagne, blush and white, incorporated in florals and in other elements of the décor. They wanted a contemporary aesthetic that respected and celebrated the Kentucky setting. Traditional vineyard chairs and barnwood bars were paired with beautiful Schott Zweisel glassware. The couple was deeply invested in getting the lighting just right: they projected a fall foliage pattern inside the tents and strung amber lights all around the property. Their best advice to other couples? How ever many candles you’re thinking about, take that number and double it!
As a nod to an Indian wedding tradition, Chan’s cousins choreographed a dance to a Bollywood song. The DJ helped roll the number right into the evening’s music, encouraging everyone – even Kevin’s 83-year-old grandmother – to get on their feet. During the mother-son dance, Kevin and Chan were lucky enough to “switch moms” halfway through, a touching moment for certain. As if the night couldn’t get any more exciting, everything was capped off with a fireworks show over the open fields.
THE VISION
WEDDING STYLE
A couple who weren't afraid to take a walk on the dark side. Instead of going for the airy, bright hues, try a theme that's filled with moody colors and contemporary elements to still capture that classic romance feeling.
MUST-HAVES
MOODY PHOTOGRAPHY
If you're wedding style has an overall moody vibe, then a lot of that will come from your photographer. Choosing someone who has a more dim-lit photo style will help capture your details in the way you're envisioning!
MUTED FLORALS
These gentlemen chose the perfect balance of color to natural greenery to bring their florals to life. When creating this muted palette, go for neutral flowers with a few pops of red and burgundy to keep it feeling subtle overall.
GOLD ACCENTS
All dark and romantic wedding palettes will most likely include antique gold elements throughout. Using gold centerpieces and sign frames will
bring in that classic romance that compliments your entire wedding space.
COLOR PALETTE
A classic fall wedding with a bohemian and moody twist. Neutral colors like ivory and black paired with deep burgundy and mauve.
THE TEAM
PHOTOS: Brandi Potter Photography
VIDEO: Justin Skeens
VENUE: Kevin's family farm
PLANNER: Every Last Detail
FOOD: Jeff Thomas Catering David Willocks
SWEETS: The Baker's Table
FLOWERS: Lovely Leaves Florals
STATIONERY: Ruth Oneya Illustrations
CHALKBOARDS: Jubilee Knox Chalks
RENTALS/DECOR: All Occasions Rental
LIGHTING: Vincent Lighting
DJ: Craig Waits
FIREWORKS: W.A. Loeffler Enterprises
