Gina & David | Griffin Gate Resort | Kentucky Wedding
What began as a chilly, frost-laden morning quickly warmed to perfection in time for the ceremony. All around were the golden tones of autumn, the impeccable green golf course, and a blue sky adorned with little artistic wisps of cloud. So in the bright sunshine, surrounded by the intimate gathering of friends and family, Gina and David repeated their vows for one another and were married.
Gina and Dave, thank you so much for inviting me to be a part of your beautiful wedding and for showing me around Kentucky too. I wish you all the very best in your lives together!
Have you ever seen so many rings in one wedding? Yes, eight rings. On the left, a set of 24k gold rings from Gina’s father. They used these wedding bands for the ceremony, but then switched back to their regular bands which they wear every day. Gina and Dave were first married in a small ceremony in April, so Gina already had one diamond-encrusted band. But then Dave bought her a second band for this formal ceremony. Bling!
I admire Gina so much because she worked really hard and lost 20 pounds in the months leading up to her wedding. So proud of you Gina! You are beautiful!
As I went to meet Dave for the first look, he kept sneaking peeks over his shoulder, anxious to see his bride. I love when a couple gets a chance to ground themselves in each other as they embark on the wedding day together.
We had a chance to take some photographs in and around the mansion at Griffin Gate before the morning ceremony. The grounds at this venue were just amazing, and we had a great time exploring it all.
Father and daughter.
I loved the bridesmaid’s dresses, bright red with a hint of coral. All of the florals and the details were DIY by the girls.
The reception was held in the Bluegrass Pavillion, a permanent tent on the site.
Gina and David had an adorable first dance filled with smiles and laughter. Right afterwards, David’s mother asked Gina, “How in the world did you get him to agree to do that?”
Gina and David’s mothers.
I absolutely loved what Gina did for their guestbook. We took a photo from their engagement session and she printed it on a canvas to have guests sign. I think it turned out beautifully.
The gorgeous cake was hand made by David’s aunt Jennifer Ellis. I love those floral details.
And I’m also in love with the gathered fabric on the tent ceiling. There must be a name for it. Someone out there knows what it’s called…
After the reception, we had time for a more portraits.
The men all had these beautiful pocket watches.
And after the guests had left, we spent some more time roaming the grounds with Gina and Dave.
Gorgeous, Gina! And love the way he looks at you!
We even headed to the horse park at the end of the day and snapped a few more.
You can view the bourbon and horses from the rest of my Kentucky tour.
And Gina and David’s Cincinnati engagement session too.
Vendors:
Venue: Griffin Gate Resort and Spa, Lexington, KY
Wedding & Bridesmaids Dresses: Bridal and Formal, Inc. Cincinnati, OH
Hair: Ulta Beauty Salon
Makeup: DIY
Florals: DIY, centerpieces from Garden Ridge
Cake: Groom’s Aunt—Jennifer Ellis
Photography: Anna Wu Photography
Finally, a photo of Mrs. Vail and her piano students! Actually, the reason why I originally knew Gina was because they lived next door to Mrs. Vail. I later became a camp counselor for Gina’s siblings Kristen and Stephen, and it was Kristen who was the mastermind behind getting me to photograph Gina’s wedding. Things work out beautifully!
