A Formal Rustic Wedding on a Farm in Kentucky

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Cameron and Mikey

Lang Thomas Photography

For Cameron and Mikey -- old college pals who didn't begin dating until a decade after graduation -- family and friendship top the list of life's most precious gifts. Fitting, then, that when it came time for Mikey to propose, he did so in front of loved ones. With both their families gathered for Mikey's birthday dinner, the celebration turned into an engagement party. On April 12, 2012, the pair got hitched in the bride’s hometown of Simpsonville, Kentucky, surrounded by all their nearest and dearest.

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A Warm Welcome

Lang Thomas Photography

Guests were greeted with gift boxes, wrapped in kraft paper, that contained outlines of the weekend’s events, a small candle from Hadley Pottery, bottled water, pretzels, mints, and candies. "My mom's friend, Fern, assembled them all and even dropped them off at the hotels," Cameron said.

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For the Girls

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For the spa-getaway bachelorette party in Scottsdale, Arizona, Cameron gave each of her girlfriends a tote bag, embroidered with the couple's monogram, that held a tumbler, headband, and the resort's spa menu.

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The Location

Lang Thomas Photography

After scrapping the idea of a destination wedding in Santa Barbara due to their large guest list, the couple decided to host something closer to home. The bride's family farm, just outside of Louisville, fit the bill: personal, intimate, and spacious enough to accommodate 300 attendees.

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The Fashions

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Mikey wore a custom Crittenden "bluegrass tweed" jacket that he paired with a Charles Tyrwhitt shirt. His knit tie was an old one of his dad’s from college.


Cameron shone in an Oscar de la Renta gown. She had tried on the sample in a bridal salon only to discover it was discontinued. But she found it pre-owned and the former wearer personally delivered it to sister-of-the-bride to bring to Cameron. She accessorized it with Jimmy Choo heels, then switched into Prada wedges for the reception. A belt she found on Etsy, sapphire and diamond earrings, and a diamond necklace finished off her look.

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The Gents

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Mikey's groomsmen and ushers donned navy jackets, dark gray pants, Charles Tyrwhitt shirts, and green knit ties. Boutonnieres of stephanotis and seeded eucalyptus were pinned to their lapels.

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A Pop of Color

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Bold J.Crew socks brightened up the men's neutral ensembles.

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The Youngsters

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The groom's two nephews wore khakis, toggle sweaters, and yellow checked bow ties.

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The Program

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The letterpressed programs had minimal text, to emphasize the most important moments of the day.

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The Processional

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Cameron and her father, Jimmy, entered the ceremony, to a friend's violin rendision of "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God."

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The Ceremony

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During the 5:30 p.m. service, the couple's minister, a close friend from college, read Ecclesiastes 4:9–12.

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The Portraits

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While guests sipped cocktails, the newlyweds stole away for portraits with photographer Lang Thomas.

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The Hors d'Oeuvres

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To accompany the drinks, Lilly's served a selection of canapés, including these endives stuffed with goat cheese and topped with Paddlefish caviar.

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The Hors d'Oeuvres

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Smoked trout on pumpernickel bread, country ham bruschetta, and corn tortillas with pulled pork were also passed.

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A Special Addition

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Cameron enlisted Toast & Laurel to make the perfect drink companions: foil-stamped cocktail napkins.

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The Escort Cards

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Calligraphed envelopes held table assignments.

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The Decor

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Grapevines, twisted into wreaths and accented with burlap, were hung for a rustic touch.

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The Decor

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Four wrought-iron chandeliers hanging from the ceiling of the reception tent, were wrapped with honeysuckle vine.

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The Centerpieces

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Surrounding the centerpieces: terra-cotta and glazed pots holding kale and olive-tree saplings, votive candles, and pitchers of olive oil.

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A Decorative Departure

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Though the day's decor stuck to the navy-and-green palette, a few bright, bold arrangements accented the special areas. A French blue ticking linen contrasted the white linens and khaki runners adorning the other tables.

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The Menu

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Dinner began with a Bibb lettuce salad with red-wine vinaigrette, local cheese, prosciutto, pecans, and strawberries. The entree, beef tenderloin, was accompanied by Kentucky Tavern sauce, spring asparagus, red pepper confit corn pudding. The corn pudding was one of the groom's favorite parts of the wedding, and a fitting nod to the southern style and location of the fete.

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The First Dance

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The newlyweds took a spin on the dance floor to Paul Simon's "Learn How to Fall."

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Father-Daughter Dance

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Cameron and her dad chose to Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely" for their big number.

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Mother-Son Dance

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Mikey and his mom showed off their moves to Frank Sinatra's "Young At Heart".

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The Cake

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Mary Carmel Wetherby of The Sugar Woods baked this tiered vanilla-almond confection and covered it with buttercream frosting, fresh herbs, and flowers.

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Other Sweets

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Mini carrot cakes and petits fours topped with edible flowers were also served for dessert. The French treats honored Cameron's grandmother, who used to make them when the bride's mother was a kid.

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The Party

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After dinner, everyone hit the dance floor to the high-energy songs of The Jimmy Church Band.

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The Last Hurrah

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After a festive sparkler send-off, the couple drove away in a borrowed 1983 Mercedes convertible.

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Sources

Lang Thomas Photography

Photography: Lang Thomas Photography

Wedding planning and event design: Hollis Starks

Stationery: Toast & Laurel

Catering: Lilly's

Florist: Colonial Designs

Rentals: Camargo Rental Center; Ballou's Rent-All

Cake: Mary Carmel Wetherby of The Sugar Woods

Cocktail hour bluegrass band: Hog Operation

Reception music: The Jimmy Church Band

Videography: Richard Moore of Heavenly Pictures

Transportation: Todd's Valet Service

Service staffing: Roderick Hodge

Engagement ring and wedding bands: Miriam's Jewelry

Rehearsal dinner: Louisville Slugger Museum

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