Hey Everyone!

My name is Rob and I’m one of the new interns at Always Planned. I should probably start with a little about myself. I’m a senior in the Hospitality program at UK, finishing up this December. I’m taking summer class in addition to this internship, so this will be quite a busy summer for me! I’ve been working for a catering company for the past year, and although I have spent most of my time in the kitchen, I realized that I love being a part of weddings. And so, here I am! I think it will be a great experience to learn the ins and outs of wedding planning.

I’ve lived in Lexington all my life. Every aspect of my education has been spent here, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love living in the bluegrass. I couldn’t think of a better location to have a wedding–all the more reason why I’m super excited for this internship. I’ll try and make some posts about catering and wedding planning this summer, to try and relate the different elements I have experienced.

Have a great day!

-Rob

Hello Everyone! My name is Lauren Stein and I am the new Always Planned Intern! Above I have posted a picture of me and my sweet boyfriend, Gordy!

I have had a strong love for weddings ever since I was a little girl. As a kid I remember I remember weddings as a huge celebration of love. I have a huge family and whenever we would have a wedding to go to I would be so excited I wouldn’t be able to sleep several days before. Anxiously awaiting to attend the beautiful wedding ceremony and the reception afterwards that always promised dancing and yummy food and fun with my family. And now I can honestly say I love weddings even more than I did. And I cannot tell you how excited I am to be apart of the Always Planned team for this summer and to get to experience and help out with all of these amazing weddings to come! I feel so blessed to be apart of such a wonderful company! I cannot wait to share all of the new exciting things I am going to be learning this summer! Stay tuned….:)

ps: A little random fun fact about me is I have been a flower girl seven times:) Who knows maybe that also contributes to my love for weddings:)

I hope everyone has a wonderfully blessed day!

Much love!

As all Kentuckians know, next weekend is the biggest weekend of our beloved state- the Kentucky Derby. The month of May kicks off wedding season, and many weddings are happening on Derby weekend. If you are one of these Derby brides, you may not have the chance to get in the Derby spirit, since your day will be consumed with hair, makeup, pictures, etc. Here are some tips to bring some Derby flare to your wedding!

1. Julep Cup Vases

The julep cup is an iconic symbol of the Kentucky Derby. Try placing flowers in them and using them as centerpieces! The shiny silver mixed with the rustic flowers will create a beautiful Kentucky feel.

2. Kentucky Derby Cocktails

The Mint Julep cocktail is also a well-known Derby symbol. The Mint Julep is the best selling drink at the Kentucky Derby. Have your bartender serve this refreshing drink to your guests, and offer other Kentucky bourbon inspired beverages, as well. Serve them in glass tumblers or julep cups and you’ve got the perfect Derby cocktail.

3. Derby Hats

The Derby is like Kentucky’s very own fashion week. For women, it is very important to find the perfect dress and, more importantly, the perfect hat to match. Have Derby hats at the entrance of the reception for your guests to wear or invite your female guests to wear their own Derby hats to the wedding!

4. Horseshoe Party Favors

What’s a Derby wedding without horses? The horseshoe is a classic way to add some Kentucky flare to your wedding. If you want to get even more creative, hand out chocolate horseshoes as a wedding favor to your guests. Wrap them up and add a cute tag with the lyrics to “My Old Kentucky Home” and you’ve got the perfect Derby gift for your guests!

I hope these ideas inspire you to bring Kentucky flavor to your wedding! Use these ideas (or come up with your own!) and your guests will feel like they are actually at the Derby! Happy racing!

xoxo

Erica

Hello all! It sure has been awhile! We have been super busy here at Always Planned. I thought I would write to you all today about a trend that I am just loving right now- Garden Party! My friend is getting married next year and she told about her theme for a wedding and I just loved it! The mix of earth and sophistication is a unique combination that can be spun in many different ways. She began telling me about her wedding and her dress (which is just absolutely stunning) and all of the things that she likes and wants. Everything she was telling me just sounded out of  “Alice in Wonderland,” but better! Below I have found some pictures of garden party wedding receptions. Hope you enjoy!

Hope you all enjoy!

Love always,

Rachel

Candies, Koozies, flip flops, glasses and more! When the wedding starts to die down and the guests are beginning to gather their things and head for the door- what should you give them to sum up the best party they have been to? It really depends on the couple and their interests but a couple can never go wrong with candies or koozies. Having a candy buffet allows the guests to get what they like and to have a beautiful talking piece at the reception.

Koozies are another great gift idea for the reception. They are inexpensive, festive, and a reusable gift for the guests.There are webistes galore that allow basically anything and everyting to be designed on any koozie in any color. It is another way for the couple to be creative together and put their personal touch on something else.

Here are just a couple of ideas to spark the creativity bulb in all the couples out there. Make it fun and make it a representation of you all!

Have fun and be fearless!

Rachel

Hello all! It has been just fabulous here in Lexington; great weather, winning basketball, and horses start racing soon! Now that spring is officially here and summer is soon to follow, here are some color schemes that are going to be very popular this year!

Tangerine and Pink.

Pewter Gray and Blush Pink.

Blue Willow and White.