In this episode, I chat with Jessica a recent bride who shares her wedding planning journey, including her engagement timeline, venue selection, and the importance of various vendors.

The conversation highlights the significance of having fun during the planning process, the challenges of managing a guest list, and the creative freedom given to vendors, particularly her florist. Jessica also discusses her experiences with dress shopping and food and beverage considerations for the wedding day.

She reflected on her experiences leading up to the wedding, including the bachelorette party and final preparations, while offering valuable advice for engaged couples.

Wedding Day Vendors: Venue: Historic Arcadia Farm Photographer: Stephanie Rose Photography Concierge: Simply Love Studio DJ: Hifi DJ Stationery: Wild Joy Studios Florist: Wild Roots Farm Florist Men’s Attire: Geno’s Formal Affair Caterer: Sweet Lilu’s Hair & Makeup: Beauty by Tara Shortridge Dress: Couture Closet Video: coming soon

Join us for the third time with Diane Kellum, owner of Type A Catering & Events, as we dive into the latest trends in the wedding catering world. In this episode, we reflect on the 2024 wedding season and discuss what changes are on the horizon for 2025, from guest counts and budgets to food and alcohol choices.

A common question we hear from couples is whether a buffet or plated meal is more budget-friendly, so we break it down for you. We also cover the ins and outs of tastings, when to book your caterer, and what the most affordable catering options are.

Whether you're still planning your wedding or have already set the date, this episode is packed with valuable insights that will help you make the best choices for your big day!

In this episode I chat with a September 2024 bride, Emily, who tied the knot at The Ashley Inn in Lancaster, Kentucky, just 30 minutes outside of Lexington.

From an initial budget that grew over time to unexpected wedding planning challenges, she shares her journey navigating the wedding planning. Was she okay with the increased budget? How did she make the tough decisions when it came to booking the perfect venue? Plus, we dive into how involved her groom was in the planning process. Tune in for an honest, behind-the-scenes look at planning a dream fall wedding in Kentucky.

Month-of Coordinator: Perfect Timing Weddings & Events

Photography: Meagen C Photography

Cake: Sweets By Cindy

DJ: Mike Allison

Hair: Jennifer Hardesty Beauty

Makeup: Emma Nelson

Caterer: Chuy's

Florals: Meadow Florals

Castle & Key Distillery, nestled in Frankfort, KY along the Bourbon Trail, is the only distillery in central Kentucky that hosts weddings on-site, making it one of the region's most coveted wedding venues.

In this episode, Caitlin Witt, the Events Manager, takes us through the property’s fascinating history, its recent renovations, the spirits being crafted at the distillery and the various stunning locations available for your wedding or special event. Tune in for all the details!

Website: www.arcadiaevent.net Instagram: www.instagram.com/historic_arcadia_farm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/castleandkey

Website: www.simplylovestudio.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplylovestudio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplylovestudio Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimplyLoveLex/

If you’re getting married in the Lexington, Kentucky area and feel overwhelmed when it comes to preparing for your wedding, Simply Love Studio is here for you! Simply Love Studio is a free resource for couples at any stage of their wedding planning process and is funded by Lexington’s most preferred wedding vendors. Make an appointment in person or online with me, Sarah, today with my link!

October 2024 Apiary Bride Colleen reflects on her experience of planning a fall wedding, sharing the highs, the surprises, and everything she learned along the way. From the excitement of choosing the perfect autumn-inspired details to navigating the challenges that came with the big day, get an honest and heartfelt look at life before and after the 'I dos.'

Are you searching for a unique wedding venue that's secluded, yet still close to charming downtowns? Picture spending the entire weekend on a property in a historic mansion, hosting a stunning outdoor ceremony and an unforgettable reception. Tune in to learn more about Historic Arcadia Farm just 45 minutes from the Bluegrass Airport in Kentucky.

1:30 – Introduction into Jerry Houck, Arcadia owner

4:50 – Jerry’s journey with Arcadia starts

5:38 – Building the reception pavilion

5:55 – Buying the property

6:49 – Does the property have air conditioning/heat?

7:10 – Introduction to The Shelby Manor (Mansion on the property)

9:45 – Staying at the property for the wedding weekend

11:00 – How modern is the Manor

12:45 – Additional cottages and accommodations on farm

14:00 – Map of property from the time the gates open

18:40 – Restrooms on the farm

20:30 – Parking for wedding

22:15 – Full-service venue with caterer and day-of coordinator

26:35 – Catering team & STAR Certified Bartenders

31:52 – Taking photos on the property on a non-wedding day

32:54 – Distance from airports

35:30 – Starting price for venue rental

36:35 – Amenities being added for 2026

37:22 – Rain plan

48:54 – Availability

49:45 – Scheduling a tour

Website: https://www.castleandkey.com/ Distillery Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/castleandkey Dedicated Wedding Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/castleandkeyweddings Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArcadiaFarmsStanford

Website: www.simplylovestudio.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplylovestudio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplylovestudio Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimplyLoveLex/

If you’re getting married in the Lexington, Kentucky area and feel overwhelmed when it comes to preparing for your wedding, Simply Love Studio is here for you! Simply Love Studio is a free resource for couples at any stage of their wedding planning process and is funded by Lexington’s most preferred wedding vendors. Make an appointment in person or online with me, Sarah, today with my link!

We are back with Ian Goff from Goff Tents & Events from Lexington, KY for part 2 to talk about some of the not so fun topics like rental damage waivers and why they're important. Ways to get creative by having two tents for your wedding day and most importantly making sure your guest experience is top tier!

• 00:35- Damage Waiver, What is it?
• 2:09- Can you decline the damage waiver?
• 3:05- Missing or Damaged Items, What happens?
• 4:50- Fee Pricing Structure
• 5:26- Same Day Delivery/Pickup Options
• 6:48- The Guest Experience
• 9:48- Side by Side Tents
• 10:56- 2025/2026 Trends
• 12:30- Online Catalog & How to Get a Quote
• 13:50- Blocked Out Dates
• 14:45- Airbnb Weddings
• 16:35- Planning for Deliveries
• 17:30- Vendor Conservation Importance
• 18:15- How much to Budget
• 19:50- Importance of a Planner

Website: https://www.gofftents.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goff_tents/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoffTentsandEvents/ Email: sales@gofftents.com

Website: www.simplylovestudio.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplylovestudio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplylovestudio Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimplyLoveLex/

If you’re getting married in the Lexington, Kentucky area and feel overwhelmed when it comes to preparing for your wedding, Simply Love Studio is here for you! Simply Love Studio is a free resource for couples at any stage of their wedding planning process and is funded by Lexington’s most preferred wedding vendors. Make an appointment in person or online with me, Sarah, today with my link!

In this episode, I sit down with Ian Goff, the owner of Goff Tents and Events, a premier event rental company based in Lexington, KY. Ian takes us behind the scenes of his business, sharing his journey from growing up in the event world to becoming a trusted name in the rental community.

We dive deep into the world of event logistics, covering everything from selecting the perfect tent for any occasion to choosing the right tables, chairs, linens, and other essential event rentals. Ian shares his expert insights on how to create a seamless and memorable experience for guests, whether it's a small outdoor gathering or an estate wedding.

With years of experience, Ian also reveals what sets his business apart, including tips for managing unique setups and the importance of customer service in the event rental industry.

Tune in for a fun and informative conversation about the behind-the-scenes details of the rental world—and how Goff Tents and Events helps turn any vision into reality!

• 00:42- Ian Goff Rental Background
• 2:28- Company Name & Product Change
• 4:54- What are Wedding Rentals?
• 6:25- Popular Rentals - Tents, Linens, and Flatware
• 9:10- Chair Types
• 10:24- Tent Manufacturing
• 11:30- Surviving 2020 and Purchasing Purden’s
• 14:44- Mr. Linen Acquisition
• 16:42- Napkin Pressing & Benefits for Customers
• 18:39- Linen Rental vs. Purchasing Online
• 22:34- Benefits of Working with One Rental Company vs. Using Multiple
• 25:16- Liabilities
• 26:20- Tent Venues
• 29:11- Tenting Your Home or Farm
• 30:22- Generators & Electricity Needs
• 31:24- Logistics for a Wedding Planner
• 33:25- Cook’s Tent
• 34:46- Average Spend on Cook’s Tent
• 35:43- Who Coordinates the Cook’s Tent?
• 37:19- Bar & Glassware
• 38:51- Renting Plates vs. Purchasing
• 42:49- A-La-Carte Pricing
• 43:30- Delivery, Set-Up and Pickup

Website: https://www.gofftents.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goff_tents/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoffTentsandEvents/ Email: sales@gofftents.com

Website: www.simplylovestudio.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplylovestudio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplylovestudio Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimplyLoveLex/

If you’re getting married in the Lexington, Kentucky area and feel overwhelmed when it comes to preparing for your wedding, Simply Love Studio is here for you! Simply Love Studio is a free resource for couples at any stage of their wedding planning process and is funded by Lexington’s most preferred wedding vendors. Make an appointment in person or online with me, Sarah, today with my link!