A Glamorous Black-and-White Wedding in Kentucky

Megan and David

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Lucy Schaeffer

Megan and David should have met long before they did. They both grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, and Pittsburgh, yet their paths didn't cross until 2006, when they clicked at a mutual friend's party. Years went by, and the two would run into each other; without fail, one of them would be dating someone else. An opportunity finally presented itself in 2010, when single Megan and single David spent Thanksgiving weekend with friends in upstate New York. They were engaged 10 months later. Then, on September 15, 2012, the pair wed at the 21c Museum Hotel in downtown Louisville at a cocktail party–inspired celebration that featured a stark white and black palette punctuated with elegant silver and gold touches, a bourbon-fueled cocktail hour, and a lively penthouse afterparty that lasted until sunrise.

01 of 20

The Stationery

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Lucy Schaeffer

After Megan designed the suite (inspired by a featherlike design she found on marthastewartweddings.com), stationer Bella Figura foil-stamped the invitations and letterpressed the reply notes onto white card stock.

02 of 20

The Bouquet

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Lucy Schaeffer

The bride's creamy clutch combined dahlias, David Austin roses, gardenias, freesia, seeded eucalyptus, white lisianthus, and dusty miller.

03 of 20

Gifts for the Gals

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Lucy Schaeffer

Though there were no official bridesmaids, Megan gave her BFFs gold Erica Weiner Jewelry infinity rings in customized boxes.

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The Fashions

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Lucy Schaeffer

Megan, in a silky David Fielden sheath, and David, who donned a crisp J.Crew tux, took a stroll on the brick-paved sidewalks of downtown Louisville.

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The Bride's Accessories

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Lucy Schaeffer

Megan's side-swept 'do was accented by a feather clip that echoed the day's stationery design.

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Family Time

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Lucy Schaeffer

Megan and David posed with their families outside just down the block from the venue.

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Gilded Magnolias

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Lucy Schaeffer

Crafts-store-sourced magnolias were sprayed gold and tied to the chairs that lined the aisle at the ceremony. In terms of other decorations, "We didn't have to do much," notes David of the 21c. "The atmosphere was already there."

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Golden Decor

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Lucy Schaeffer

A 30-foot-tall golden replica of Michelangelo's "David Statue," a temporary installation that happily matched the day's palette, stood guard outside the 21c.

09 of 20

The Seating Cards

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Lucy Schaeffer

The featherlike flourish Megan designed adorned escort cards.

10 of 20

Golden Tablescapes

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Lucy Schaeffer

In a tribute to their Kentucky roots, horse figurines, sprayed gold, stood mid-trot above each setting. Other table ornamentation included mercury-glass votives and porcelain blooms.

11 of 20

The Cocktails

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Lucy Schaeffer

Partygoers toasted the newlyweds with a trio of signature bourbon-based libations: the Manhattan, the Lazy Eye, and the Ambassador's Wife.

12 of 20

Penguin Portraits

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Lucy Schaeffer

Red penguin sculptures, by the Cracking Art Group, were on display throughout the hotel-gallery. The penguin sculptures were such an integral part of the day that "my mom gave us a mini one that she bought there as a keepsake," says Megan.

13 of 20

Dressed to the Nines

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Some penguins, like this one, got "makeovers" courtesy of enthusiastic guests.

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For the Kids

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Lucy Schaeffer

Derby City–centric coloring books, metallic crayons, and Louisville slugger baseball-bat key chains kept kids entertained.

15 of 20

The Cake

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Lucy Schaeffer

The bottom tier of the vanilla-and-almond cake was covered in edible silver leaf and adorned with a sugar magnolia.

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Sweet Treats

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Lucy Schaeffer

Guests also noshed on chocolate semifreddo or mascarpone cheesecake (or both!).

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Notes for the Newlyweds

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Lucy Schaeffer

A card-and-lacquer-box station invited attendees to jot down their well-wishes.

18 of 20

Local Favors

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Lucy Schaeffer

The couple thanked guests with mini bottles of Maker's Mark, which is distilled 55 miles south of Louisville in Loretta, Kentucky.

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Takeaway Trinkets

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Lucy Schaeffer

Though technically not favors, guests snatched up the gold horse figurines that decorated dinner tables. "I loved that they took them home," says Megan. "I wanted our décor to be as 'keepable' as possible."

20 of 20

Sources

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Lucy Schaeffer

Wedding Photography: Lang Thomas Photography

Location: 21c Museum Hotel

Catering: Proof on Main

Flowers: Marketa Greer of Nanz & Kraft Florists

Stationery: Foil-stamped and letterpressed by Bella Figura

Cake: Martine's Pastries

Bride's Accessories: Untamed Petals by Amanda Judge "Logan" hair clip; Aqua earrings; Jenny Packham wrap.

Hair and Makeup: Ana Crane

Bouquet Ribbon: Tinsel Trading Co.

Cocktail Napkins and Stirrers: My Wedding Reception Ideas

Glass Vases: Dwell Studio

Magnolia Bloom: BHLDN

Plastic Horses: Darice Kids "Plastic Creatures" (createforless.com)

Bourbon Favors: Maker's Mark

Guest Note Box: Pacific Connections

Cake Server: TableArt

Square Vases: Jamali Floral & Garden Supplies

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