Lexington, KY Wedding Planner and Event Designer - Always Planned » southern weddings

Biltmore Wedding?!

Rayna — Wed, 25 May 2011 13:47:19 +0000

If you are an avid reader of our blog then you realized that this past week it looks rather sparse. It is definitely wedding season and we are slammed! We love it! In addition, both Mallory and Kyle as well as Rayna and Andrew were married in May! Needless to say that we are trying to spend some of our limited free time with our darling husbands.

Andrew and I decided to whisk away to the romantic and lush mountains of North Carolina. We found ourselves in Asheville and every visit to Asheville requires a visit to America’s largest home, the fabulous and amazing Biltmore. With the royal wedding recently I know we are going to see a push for weddings to become more of a formal affair and I could not be more excited! The Biltmore is the ideal location for your wedding ceremony and celebration. Could you just imagine your guests arriving to this venue being personally greeted with Champagne!! There is a winery on property that makes it just like in France. Oh la la!

Are you interested in having your wedding at Biltmore Estate? I would love to talk to you! They do have catering minimums, but I have found they are very competitive to most hotels and ballrooms.

Do you need inspiration? Check out these drool worthy Biltmore weddings!

Style Me Pretty

Alisha Silver Photography

Hindsight Bride

2011 Brides Choice Award Winner!!

Rayna — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 15:08:58 +0000

We are pretty excited, honored and totally blushing over our recent awards! A HUGE, BIG THANK YOU – to all of you who voted for us!!

Wedding Shoes!

Rayna — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 03:17:03 +0000

What girl doesn’t love shoes?

And even if you don’t, we’ve got some options for you too! I am loving that many brides are using their shoes as a way to have a peak of color. Whether in coordinating wedding colors, or as their something blue, it adds some fun to the traditional wedding attire.

If your not a heels kind of girl, then there is no reason to suffer on the biggest party of your life.

Flats and kitten heals are great for heel-haters. Have you seen Father of the Bride?? She wore bridal tennis shoes! As long as its “you”, it will work! And depending on the feel and location of your wedding, other alternatives make more sense.

Beach weddings don’t have to mean white rubber flip flops, there are some fabulous sandals out there. Wedges are perfect for outdoor weddings, where stilettos sink into the grass like quicksand. All of these fabulous options are from piperlime.com. The blue flats are from nordstroms.com.

What’s new in the world of bridal veils?

Rayna — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 18:06:21 +0000

Weddings today are all about bringing out the couples unique style. So who says you have to wear a traditional veil? There are so many amazing alternatives that can speak directly to a couples personality.

Of course there is the bird cage veil, which is so perfectly southern. Whether real or handmade, a large flower (or even feathers!) would look fabulous in any hairstyle.

Turning Nana’s favorite broach into a hair clip or head band can add a sentimental touch.

Speaking of headbands they can to faboulous on your bridesmaids and flower girls. You could even do a simple ribbon! A very inexpensive option that adds some flair! And who said it has to be white?

Hair accessories can add a splash of color or bling to your big day! You could spend days searching on etsy.com for amazing homemade and vintage head pieces.

Grand Opening of Simply Love Studio!

Rayna — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 02:19:59 +0000

We are beyond excited about the grand opening event this Thursday March 25 from 6pm-9pm! I really hope you can make it out for this fun and over the top evening. Of course Always Planned designed it and we are ready to shine… can you say pink carpet, cottton candy martinis and a sugar tree! So much fun and pink my head may explode!

If you plan on coming, be sure to RSVP to info@simplylovestudio.com Oh and if you are a bride interested in this amazing concept in wedding planning feel free to call and schedule your first meeting. Every meeting at Simply Love Studio is completely FREE! So let the planning begin! Their number is 859-317-9023, you can also check them out online at www.simplylovestudio.com.

Meet Our Team – Rayna Ortwein

Rayna — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:05:20 +0000

I am a true Kentucky girl – I have lived here all of my life. I love it, the people and especially the beauty. One of my life goals is to experience other cultures and visit as many countries and cities as possible. My favorite place in the world is the BEACH! It is the one place I can always go to and actually relax. If only Kentucky had a beach….

About Me -

1. Where are you from/background? Where do I start… I was born in Pikeville, KY went to elementary school in Maytown, KY and then we moved to Mt. Sterling, KY for middle and high school. I have lived in Lexington, KY since 1997.
2. What is your favorite …. place to shop, food, drink, etc.. OK- I think I should tell you that I LOVE to shop!! I love the Black Market, Feather Your Nest, Marshall’s, Nordstrom, Rue La La and more…
Fav Food- Good Bread Pudding, Chicago Style Pizza, Fruit!!
Drink- Lately I have been on a Kool-Aid kick- Cherry of course.
3. When did you start with Always Planned? Always Planned was founded in November of 2007.
5. What is your specialty at events/weddings? My specialty is the design and organization. I love coming up with new ideas and techniques. I also specialize in the customer experience- I want you to have a fabulous experience!
6. Favorite part of weddings? When my bride walks down the aisle. I swear I feel like all is right with the world! I also love the “reveal” when the couple has chosen to see each other before the ceremony and when she puts on her dress!!
7. Most memorable wedding? This is a hard one. I seriously LOVE every wedding. Other than my own wedding (of course!) – I would have to say my most memorable wedding is Lyndsay and Eric. I grew up with Lyndsay and loved being able to spend time with her planning her wedding – it felt like my sister was getting married!! (Love you Lyndsay!)
8. Best part of Team AP? How energetic and creative everyone is. We all get along so well and actually enjoy working together- it’s like we are one big happy family.
9. Where do you fit in to the future of AP? I have some pretty big dreams for Always Planned and am looking forward to achieving them!