Let’s face it, if I was not a wedding photographer I would hands-down be a wedding planner. Forget the fact that it’s not as glorious as it appears in The Wedding Planner movie with Jennifer Lopez, I absolutely love to plan things! And whether I am a guest or photographer at a wedding I pretty much walk in to reception halls and just gasp every time because it’s always so beautiful.
This blog has actually been a long time coming and it’s a post I’ve really looked forward to putting together. As a small business owner it's exciting to share about other small businesses. Not to mention, these are people that have given me a positive professional and consumer experience or I've gotten rave reviews about them from others.
Where do you start when you’re planning a wedding? I mean you have the ring, and the date is usually shortly to follow after.
Insert the not fun topic here: I would highly recommend laying out a budget first if it is going to be necessary. But enough about that for now. 😜
I have a love-hate relationship with Pinterest boards, though I feel like they come in handy with saving colors that you like, dress styles, floral arrangements, etc. You can usually put one of these boards together fairly quickly if you’re not the type of girl that has had numerous “My Wedding” Pinterest boards over the years (we all were at some point lol). If you had those boards for years prior to being engaged, I would encourage you to start a fresh one and take into account each pin as you save it so that you’re not saving just everything that is pretty. That’s really hard not to do though, I know! Getting this idea board will help you decide your style/vibe and lead up to what kind of venue you'd like to look for. After all, the venue is what starts laying the groundwork for what your wedding day will be like. When I went dress shopping - because that was the one thing I was super excited about (what bride isn’t?!) - the sales associates at David’s Bridal asked "Where are you getting married?" At the time I didn't know where my wedding would be or even what style wedding I was going for, which ended up making the whole dress shopping experience a little more interesting rather than fun. SO - something there for you to think about!
SAVE THIS POST!!! Put it on your *new* Pinterest wedding board!
I've curated this guide of my favorite wedding creatives and vendors to give you a starting point in your wedding planning adventure. If you see a vendor you like, I'd encourage you to reach out to them as soon as possible 1) to check their availability and 2) to book them for your wedding day if they are available. Remember it never hurts to ask if a vendor has a payment plan so you can at least book them and pay in full later. Just don't hesitate on a vendor you love! Someone else loves them too and you don't want to miss out on getting the dream team that will make your wedding day flow smooth and be enjoyable!
Keep reading to learn a little about my favorites and the artists who I truly admire! Who knows, you might even find a vendor that you forgot you needed… it’s happened before! Happy wedding planning!
Please note: Vendors marked *NEW* are well established, they are just new to this list.
VENUES
Paducah/McCracken Co.
Benton/Marshall Co.
Murray/Calloway Co.
Bowling Green/Warren Co.
VIDEOGRAPHY
PLANNER/COORDINATOR
Cari & Co. *NEW*
Events By Allie *NEW*
HAIR AND MAKEUP
Abagail Norsworthy Makeup *NEW*
Abby Raye Hairstyles *NEW*
RENTALS
ATTIRE
FLORIST
JEWELER
CAKES/SWEETS
SAVE THE DATES/INVITATION SUITE
CATERER
DJ/BAND
Crossroads Entertainment LLC. *NEW*
EXTRAS (PHOTO BOOTH, COFFEE CART, ICE CREAM TRUCK)
GETTING READY LOCATIONS *NEW*
Get ready with your wedding party in style at these condos. Most of these options can be booked for 2 nights which makes them the perfect stress-free location to have everyone get ready and do pictures together. They are clean, spacious, and have a beautiful charm that just adds to your day and your wedding photos!
Paducah Harbor Plaza (Personally love 205, 209 and 215 if they are available)
Luxury Condo - Paducah (The guys will love this place!)
Modern Retreat - Paducah (This is gorgeous!)
The Charleston Retreat - Murray/Kentucky Lake (Bring the whole wedding party here - this place has it all!)
JZ Vacation Rentals - Gibertsville (Beautiful lake front!)