FALL in love

FALL is a wonderful time for a wedding! Particularly an outdoor wedding such as the one being planned for this special couple. In the foothills of Kentucky, peak autumn color is typically the first weeks of October; it is at that time this pair will exchange vows beneath the canopy of oaks in their own back yard.

Simplicity and casual elegance best describe this special occasion. The best ceremonies and receptions reflect the tastes of both the bride and the groom. This bridal couple is very laid back and family-oriented. This will be reflected in their wedding. Guests will receive invitations of cream stock printed in chocolate brown and decorated with an oak leaf. Guests will be greeted by a dear friend of the couple and shown to the ceremony site. Wooden chairs will be arranged to create an aisle. Because they have been planning since early spring, their backyard will be a riot of blooming mums, late sunflowers, gillardia, daisies, stock, snapdragons, and daylillies. An iron arch entwined with garlands of autumn leaves will serve as an altar at which they will exchange their personally written vows.

The bride plans to wear a simple champagne cocktail dress by Zola Evenings that features a bit of delicate beading in the shape of leaves. The groom will wear a Ralph Lauren suit in espresso with a champagne shirt and necktie both by Jerry Garcia. Their only attendants will be the teen aged daughters of the bride, who will both wear modest, age-appropriate dresses in cinnamon and olive, both by Jenny Yoo.

The bride's small bouquet will feature High and Orange Magic bi color roses, stock, snapdragons, mums, sunflowers and oak leaves. The groom's boutonniere will be a single specialty rose while the bridesmaids' bouquets will be a mix of all flowers with the exception of the roses.

Banquet tables will be covered in olive or cinnamon linens with oak leaves and acorns artfully strewn about rustic lanterns, which will be lit as dusk approaches. Patio heaters and iron fire bowls will dispel any chill in the air.

This intimate wedding ceremony will be followed by a dinner reception. Roast pork, complete with sour kraut and all of the trimmings will feed the approximately 30 to 50 guests. Rather than a wedding cake, this bridal couple is opting for homemade pies in apple, pumpkin and pecan. Hard cider will be offered as an adult beverage choice with soft drinks for the youngsters.

After dinner, guests may dance to the music provided by a jazz trio or participate in lawn bowling or simply socialize and enjoy the autumn evening.