Thanks to everyone who came by the booth at yesterday’s bridal show at the Embassy Suites. Special thanks to Sarah and Brittany, two of this year’s brides, who stopped by during the day and put in a nice word for me here and there. Clearly, if I find out in advance of January’s show that I’m going to be surrounded by people distributing cake, punch, a white chocolate fountain and other goodies… I’ll have to bring in skewers of shrimp just to get in a word edgewise!

On a more serious note, I noticed some distinct trends in the wedding dates that you were telling me. The number one wedding date for next year is clearly going to be July 11th, or 7/11 for those of you scoring at home. Number two with a bullet on the list is May 30th– no coincidence that it’s the Saturday after the first week teachers are done with school! Some other dates that I heard a lot… July 25th, October 3 & 10, and of course, the big holiday weekends: May 24th (Memorial Day), July 4th, and September 5th (Labor Day). I still have all of those days open, but I don’t expect them to last long.

As always, the first bride to get a signed contract and a booking fee to me for that date will get the reservation. Don’t get shut out of your big day!

It’s been a great year for great wedding venues, and last weekend was no exception. Bethany and Ryan chose to get married at the gorgeous Acres of Land Winery in Richmond. If you haven’t been there, make the drive down I-75 and check out the tasting room and their restaurant as well. For those of you who like to try something different, I recommend the Vignoles (white wine) and especially the Chambourcin (a red you can chill).

For Bethany, after having her hair done at The Color Room, she went back to the nearby Doubletree Suites on Richmond Road in Lexington to meet up with her bridesmaids and get their makeup done. On one of my first Lexington visits, I stayed at what was then the Sheraton Suites, and it’s still a beautiful hotel– the interior balconies overlooking the lobby are one of my favorite features in any area hotel.

Bethany and Ryan had the actual ceremony in a section of the vineyard at Acres of Land called The Colonel’s Point. With the vineyard right next to you, you have the setup right along this area where the hill just falls away, to a tremendous view. Stunning.

After the ceremony and some formals, Bethany and Ryan escaped into the Barrel Room for a few moments alone and some portraits, before heading into their reception.

It was a beautiful day with a truly delightful couple! Many thanks to Jennifer Creed for helping with the second shooting!

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