An instant spark can take a while to fully ignite At least, that was the case for Maryn and Noah Smallwood, though ignite it did. Maryn remembers the first time she saw Noah, who sat in front of her during their shared Sociology class at Morehead State University, like it was yesterday. “Both of us were interested immediately but Noah wouldn’t speak to me, make eye contact, or even pass me the attendance sheet,” she laughs.
Though Maryn transferred to Murray State after her first year at Morehead, the couple decided to date long distance and were together for the rest of their college years. Even though they were over hours away and in different time zones, they realized they had something very special and were confident that their long-term plans would include marriage. Luckily, they were right, and the pair were soon engaged. Afer college, Maryn, who is originally from Oxford, Ohio, and Noah, who grew up in Nicholasville, decided to make Kentucky home and the search for the perfect wedding venue began. With the wedding date set for 10-20-2018, Maryn had a very specific vision in mind to bring their dreams for a beautiful Bluegrass wedding in the fall to life.Their desired aesthetic included pumpkins, (all of which were imported thanks to the bride’s mother Diane,) flower arrangements with loose petals and delicate twinkle lights to cast a warm glow on all in attendance. Adding even more importance to this already significant date, October 20th is Noah’s father’s birthday, David, who tragically passed away in 2013. “We already knew we wanted an October wedding so going with the th seemed like a thoughtful way to include Noah’s late father,” Maryn shares.
To make this dream become a reality, the couple selected historic First Vineyard Winery in Nicholasville for both their ceremony and reception. Established as the nation’s first ever commercial winery in 1799, First Vineyard captured the hearts of the Smallwood’s and delighted all of their guests. “It was the perfect size for those in attendance at our wedding and reception, the views were beautiful, the wine was delicious, and the staff was wonderful!”, Maryn exclaims. The vineyard also ordered plenty of living quarters for those in Maryn’s family who were traveling from out of state to join in the festivities.
In addition, because First Vineyard gives the option to choose any caterer desired, the bride and groom opted for a delicious pizza reception bringing their culinary wedding wishes to fruition they share excitedly, “The pizza truck was a huge hit. Rolling Oven was perfect, and we could not have asked for a better food vendor. They were making pizzas all night and a lot of attendees even got to take a pie home!”
Other favorite moments of the groom were those spent getting ready before the ceremony, the first and watching his family interact with that of his bride-to-be Noah says, “hanging out with my closest friends and family before the chaos began helped to keep me calm and our group photos were fun and full of smiles”. The bride divulges that her favorite part was the first look with Noah “I tried to not ‘wish the day away’ because I wanted to enjoy the time with my friends and family beforehand, but I couldn’t wait to see Noah! My face hurt before the ceremony even started because I couldn’t stop grinning.” She continues, “Also, I was highly anticipating the pizza!” But who can blame her?
A surprise choreographed dance following the more traditional father/bride dance added a particular element of fun for all “It was a total secret and we had a few practice sessions before the wedding festivities started We decided to incorporate the hand jive (we are both very fond of Grease,) and it was a total hit!” On hand to capture all of the magic from the surprise proposal, engagement memories and the wedding itself was stellar photographer, Ashley Rainwater “She is a true professional and seems to know just what the customer is looking for,” disclose the Smallwood’s Further, they share that “she helps to keep the sessions moving and always offers helpful suggestions.”
As far as making their own helpful suggestions, the happy couple recommends others to invest in a planner Maryn explains, “It’s hard finding the time and energy to plan between work and everyday tasks, then sit down to plan a wedding. We encourage friends who are planning their own weddings to enlist somebody who knows how to do this and knows vendors, what they have seen brides and grooms likes and dislikes, just overall somebody with experience.” If a planner is not financially an option, the couple recommend setting aside time to keep everything on track. “Noah and I would visit topics each week to address topics and issues that haven’t yet been addressed or totally nailed down yet In the end, however, we cherished the day and enjoyed all of our moments, together, as husband and wife.”
