Elizabeth Owens & Stephen Southard
Married
Aug 20, 2022
Lexington ,
Kentucky
Photo Credit
Amy Campbell Photography
Style Guide
Color Palette
Style
Formal
Season
Fall
The Proposal
When Elizabeth and Stephen met, they learned they shared many meaningful connections, such as being raised only 30 miles apart, their mothers being named Laura, and their parents owning a lake house on the same cove. They quickly seized every opportunity to visit the lake together, and it soon became their favorite place to spend quality time with one another. Elizabeth had no doubt that this was the place Stephen would propose. One cold and rainy day at the lake, Stephen struggled to get Elizabeth alone and finally asked her to go to his parent’s house to turn on their heat. Once there, almost as if scripted by a romance novel, Elizabeth turned from watching the moon’s reflection on the water to Stephen bending down on one knee. Happy tears and an emphatic yes followed.
In Preparation
The planning began within twelve hours of the engagement; finding a reception venue was the priority. Although Lexington is the second largest city in Kentucky, securing a top spot is no easy task. Two of Katherine’s top three choices were already booked well beyond a year, and she was expecting the same from The Apiary. To her surprise, though, the stunningly unique venue had two open dates for 2022. Everything else fell seamlessly into place from there, and Melody Rodgers of Refined Social Events helped bring the couple’s storybook-inspired wedding day to life.
The Big Day
Elizabeth and Owen exchanged vows in a traditional service at Calvary Baptist Church. Guests then transitioned to The Apiary for an exquisitely designed reception. The natural beauty of the venue’s structure and gardens were complimented by lush greenery and thousands of white roses, decorating every element, from chandeliers to the tables and walls. An elegant lounge area featuring an all-white bar and a hanging floral installation served as the perfect place for family and friends to mingle before sitting for dinner. The Apiary served culinary masterpieces, including bacon-wrapped duck, shrimp and grits, hot brown puffs, and the juiciest beef tenderloin. Following the meal, Elizabeth and Owen shared a first dance and listened to heartfelt toasts. Everybody danced the night away to lively music by The Jimmy Church Band before a savory farewell of sliders and fries, churros with chocolate sauce, and bourbon milkshakes.
The Retreat
The newlyweds traveled to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, for a tropical, beachside honeymoon. Elizabeth and Stephen stayed at the all-inclusive Hilton La Romana Resort & Water Park, where they enjoyed picturesque views, delicious food, and unlimited cocktails. They spent most of their time lounging by the ocean and appreciating the Dominican Republic’s natural beauty. A highlight of their trip was renting a catamaran for an unforgettable day out on the sea.
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