When social media manager and blogger Sarah took notice of an insurance agent on Bumble, she decided to break the ice with a little humor. She messaged him with a line from the commercials: “What are you wearing, Alan from State Farm?”
Alan knew he wanted to keep that ice broken. So when he took her to Merrick Inn for their first date, he insisted she order the fried chicken and that they eat it with their hands so they would be totally comfortable. “That set the tone for his attention to detail and learning each other’s love languages,” Sarah says.
The venue the couple selected for their wedding day is one that holds a special place in their hearts. “Harkness Edwards Vineyards was one of the first places to make Winchester feel like home after we relocated for Alan’s job. We had my 24th birthday celebration there with all of my closest friends. After we got engaged, it was our first choice of venue for our wedding, but they were not holding large events at the time,” Sarah explains. After COVID changed all of their plans, they opted to do a smaller, intimate event with fewer than 20 people – which put their dream venue back on the table.
Because the day naturally became more simplified with the smaller guest list, the couple chose to make the venue, flowers, and paper goods the stars of the show. “For Your Party, a woman-owned small business, designed all of our details and favors including cups, napkins, drink stirrers, can coolers, and more,” Sarah says. “Alexandra Pallos truly captured our bright and bold, yet whimsical goal for florals with a stunning ceremony arbor in addition to bouquets and centerpieces for the reception.”
The bride tied a pearl ring that both her mother and grandmother wore for their own weddings into her belt. The couple had handkerchiefs embroidered that they will one day pass on as heirlooms. From a live painter capturing the day to seeing their dogs after the first look moment, the couple made sure to include heartfelt moments into their day. “Don’t cut corners on things you feel are sentimental to you, Sarah advises. “Don’t miss out on the opportunity to celebrate exactly the way you want to because of pressures from others. At the end of the day, marriage is about you and your partner – no one else.”
Photographer: Mothwing Photography – Ayna Lorenzo
Videographer: Reel Special – Ryan Worthen
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Harkness Edwards Vineyards
Catering: City Barbecue
Cake: Cakes by Tosha
Wedding Planner: Bourbon City Events
Flowers: Alexandra Pallos Floral
Rentals and/or Décor: White Brick Market Rentals and Bryant’s Rent All
Bridal Gown: Twirl – Blush by Hayley Paige
Bridal Party Attire: Azazie
Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Brooks Brothers
Hair: Bri Swain, Glam Lex
Makeup: Caroline Lee Makeup
Stationery/Calligraphy/Print Goods: For Your Party
DJ: SkyMyles Entertainment
Live Painter: Rae Pawley Art
Transportation: Thoroughbred Limousine
Accommodations: 21c Lexington
