Liz & Zach – Kentucky Derby Inspired Wedding

Liz and Zach’s Kentucky Derby inspired wedding was so thoughtfully planned out, with so many gorgeous details! From Derby inspired invitations by Lowcountry Paper Co., to trophy centerpieces, no detail was overlooked! Guests were greeted with welcome baskets that included Kentucky Bourbon caramel corn, and Georgia Peach cookies. They were also encouraged to wear Kentucky Derby style hats, which was so fun!

Liz got ready with their sweet pups, who were also part of their first look. She wore a lace gown by Calla Blanche, that had a sheet illusion top, and gorgeous open back. Liz wore blue heels for the ceremony, but her and her bridesmaids changed into patterned Rifle Paper Co. Keds for the reception! Having fun, and comfortable, shoes are so important on your wedding day, and came in handy as we took pictures around the grounds of the ceremony location.

Before the ceremony, we took advantage of the vintage Ford Woody they had for some cute pictures! We were able to drive this vintage beauty around the property, which allowed us to capture the gorgeous oak trees and water views.  Harvey Designs created the most stunning flowers, with large peonies garden roses, berries, and feathers. It was a photographers dream! The bridesmaids wore soft dusty blue, and the groom and groomsmen wore blue suits with mismatching floral bowties. And of course, we made sure to include Liz and Zach’s sweet pups in the pictures as well!

Kentucky Derby Inspired Wedding

Their ceremony took place at a private home, that had beautiful marsh views. This property even has ruins of the original homestead, so there was so much history! A brick archway overlooking the water was the perfect backdrop for the ceremony. The arches were covered in lush florals, with pops of feathers that matched the bride’s bouquet. One of my favorite touches was their live painter, Elaine Burge. I have wanted to work with a live painter for so long, and I am in love with Elaine’s work! Her work is so delightful and colorful, and you get to walk away with such a meaningful piece of art for your home. I recommend hiring a live painter to all of my couples!

Reception at Dorchester Shooting Preserve

Their reception took place at Dorchester Shooting Preserve in Midway, Georgia. This was hands down one of the most detailed weddings I have had the honor of photographing! Tara Skinner Wedding & Events made sure that every detail was carefully designed, and it was stunning! As guests arrived, they were greeted by the funnest escort card display I have ever seen, made by Liz’s dad! Each guest picked their “winning horse” which corresponded to a table. Instead of table numbers, each table was named after a Kentucky Derby winner – how cute is that?! The centerpieces during cocktail hour featured trophy’s and colorful flowers, with lots of touches of blue.

Kentucky Derby Details

Even their signature cocktails were Derby inspired! Not only did they have the classic mint julip, but also had a drink called the Horses’ Neck, and featured drunks named with Woodford Reserve’s Kentucky Derby 145 bourbon. As gifts, they had custom made glasses, with their wedding date on it, and engraved with “Talk Derby To Me”. Since their wedding took place on the day of the Kentucky Derby, they had TV’s on with race coverage, so no one missed a single second of the race!

Their outdoor reception featured a large covered tent, with some of the most incredible flowers I have ever seen! Large floral displays hung from the ceiling and featured endless flowers, and cascading greenery. The long wooden tables had golden details, blue glass goblets, and a greenery runner. It was such an incredible wedding to shoot! Congratulations Liz and Zach, and thank you for letting me photograph such a beautiful day!

 

 

Vendors:

Venue: Dorchester Shooting Preserve
Planning: Tara Skinner Weddings & Events
Wedding Gown: Calla Blanche
Bridal Boutique: Wedding Angels Boutique
Brides Shoes: Ted Baker and Rifle Paper Co
Bride’s Ring: Tacori from D.Gellar
Grooms Ring: Amara Stone. from D. Gellar
Suits: Brooks Brothers
HMU: Jo Nettles Artistry
Invites: Lowcountry Paper Co.
Florals: Harvey Designs
Rentals: Beachview Event Rentals and Design
DJ: All About You Entertainment
Cake & Macaroons: Vanilla & The Bean
Live painting: Elaine Oye Burge