In this engaging conversation, Podcast Host & Wedding Concierge Sarah Burton and Guest Stephanie Hilen explore the unique art of live wedding painting. Stephanie shares her journey from a lifelong passion for art to becoming a sought-after live wedding painter. They discuss the intricacies of the painting process, the significance of creating heirloom pieces for couples, and the evolution of wedding painting as a popular service. Stephanie also shares her experiences working on notable projects, including official artwork for Keeneland and a wedding for country music star Lauren Alaina. The conversation wraps up with valuable advice for couples looking to incorporate live painting into their weddings.

• 00:51 Introduction to Live Wedding Painting
• 02:49 - Stephanie's Artistic Journey
• 05:40 - Keeneland Artwork and Its Significance
• 08:30 - The Process of Wedding Painting
• 11:18 - Evolution of Live Wedding Painting
• 13:47 - Pricing and Market Trends
• 16:28 - Artistic Techniques: Oil vs Acrylic
• 19:23 - The Art of Wedding Portraits
• 21:00 - Heirloom Quality: The Lasting Value of Art
• 22:30 - Guest Portraits: A Unique Wedding Experience
• 24:29 - The Logistics of Live Painting at Weddings
• 25:29 - Capturing the Moment: The Process of Live Painting
• 26:54 - Celebrity Wedding: Painting for Lauren Alaina
• 35:30 - Choosing the Right Live Painter for Your Wedding

Website: www.stephaniehilen.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniehilenart Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephaniehilenart Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/stephaniehilenart/_created/

Website: www.simplylovestudio.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplylovestudio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplylovestudio Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimplyLoveLex/

How to work together: If you’re getting married in the Lexington, Kentucky area and feel overwhelmed when it comes to preparing for your wedding, Simply Love Studio is here for you! Simply Love Studio is a free resource for couples at any stage of their wedding planning process and is funded by Lexington’s most preferred wedding vendors. Make an appointment in person or online with me, Sarah, today with my link!

Tyler Jackson shares his (along with a 2 others) newest innovative venture, Tap Truck KY a mobile bar service that offers a unique experience for weddings and events. He explains the concept behind the vintage truck, operational logistics, beverage options, and the importance of minimizing waste. Tyler also shares insights on pricing, client engagement, and the training of bartenders, emphasizing the goal of creating a memorable atmosphere for guests.

• 00:44 - Introduction to Tap Truck Kentucky
• 03:09 - The Concept Behind Tap Truck KY
• 06:05 - Operational Details and Logistics
• 09:01 - Beverage Options and Customization
• 12:10 - Understanding Guest Preferences
• 15:17 - Bartending Services and Expertise
• 18:01 - Pricing and Packages
• 21:18 - Event Setup and Ice Management
• 24:07 - Creating a Unique Experience
• 27:12 - Contact Information

Website: https://www.taptruckky.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taptruckky Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taptruckky Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimplyLoveLex/tap-truck/

Website: https://www.visualsbyjackson.com/ Podcast about video: https://weddingwhispererpodcast.podbean.com/e/kentucky-wedding-videography/

Connect with Sarah:

Website: www.simplylovestudio.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplylovestudio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplylovestudio Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimplyLoveLex/

How to work together:

If you’re getting married in the Lexington, Kentucky area and feel overwhelmed when it comes to preparing for your wedding, Simply Love Studio is here for you! Simply Love Studio is a free resource for couples at any stage of their wedding planning process and is funded by Lexington’s most preferred wedding vendors {like Tap Truck}. Make an appointment in person or online with me, Sarah, today with my link!

In this episode, I chat with Jessica a recent bride who shares her wedding planning journey, including her engagement timeline, venue selection, and the importance of various vendors.

The conversation highlights the significance of having fun during the planning process, the challenges of managing a guest list, and the creative freedom given to vendors, particularly her florist. Jessica also discusses her experiences with dress shopping and food and beverage considerations for the wedding day.

She reflected on her experiences leading up to the wedding, including the bachelorette party and final preparations, while offering valuable advice for engaged couples.

Wedding Day Vendors: Venue: Historic Arcadia Farm Photographer: Stephanie Rose Photography Concierge: Simply Love Studio DJ: Hifi DJ Stationery: Wild Joy Studios Florist: Wild Roots Farm Florist Men’s Attire: Geno’s Formal Affair Caterer: Sweet Lilu’s Hair & Makeup: Beauty by Tara Shortridge Dress: Couture Closet Video: The Best Day Films

• 00:00 Introduction to the Wedding Journey
• 02:59 Engagement and Wedding Planning Timeline
• 05:54 Choosing the Perfect Venue
• 09:00 Guest List Dynamics and Expectations
• 11:59 Dress Shopping Experience
• 15:00 Floral Arrangements and Vendor Relationships
• 17:59 Food and Beverage Considerations
• 18:36 Celebrating with Food and Drink
• 21:26 The Importance of Timeline and First Look Decisions
• 22:55 Stationery and Personal Touches
• 25:44 Budgeting and Vendor Selection
• 27:11 Registry and Gift Trends
• 28:32 Bachelorette Party Adventures
• 30:39 Final Preparations and Last-Minute Details
• 34:32 Reflections on the Wedding Day
• 36:43 Advice for Engaged Couples

Website: www.simplylovestudio.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplylovestudio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplylovestudio Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimplyLoveLex/

If you’re getting married in the Lexington, Kentucky area and feel overwhelmed when it comes to preparing for your wedding, Simply Love Studio is here for you! Simply Love Studio is a free resource for couples at any stage of their wedding planning process and is funded by Lexington’s most preferred wedding vendors {like Historic Arcadia Farm, Hifi DJ, Wild Joy Studios and Geno’s Formal Affair}. Make an appointment in person or online with me, Sarah, today with my link!

Join us for the third time with Diane Kellum, owner of Type A Catering & Events, as we dive into the latest trends in the wedding catering world. In this episode, we reflect on the 2024 wedding season and discuss what changes are on the horizon for 2025, from guest counts and budgets to food and alcohol choices.

A common question we hear from couples is whether a buffet or plated meal is more budget-friendly, so we break it down for you. We also cover the ins and outs of tastings, when to book your caterer, and what the most affordable catering options are.

Whether you're still planning your wedding or have already set the date, this episode is packed with valuable insights that will help you make the best choices for your big day!

Website: https://www.typeacateringandevents.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/typeacatering Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Type-A-Catering-100053493771531/ Email: diane@typeacateringandevents.com

Website: www.simplylovestudio.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplylovestudio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplylovestudio Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimplyLoveLex/

If you’re engaged and in the Lexington, Kentucky area and feel overwhelmed when it comes to preparing for your wedding, Simply Love Studio is here for you! Simply Love Studio is a free resource for couples at any stage of their wedding planning process and is funded by Lexington’s most preferred wedding vendors. Make an appointment in person or online with me, Sarah, today with my link!

In this episode I chat with a September 2024 bride, Emily, who tied the knot at The Ashley Inn in Lancaster, Kentucky, just 30 minutes outside of Lexington.

From an initial budget that grew over time to unexpected wedding planning challenges, she shares her journey navigating the wedding planning. Was she okay with the increased budget? How did she make the tough decisions when it came to booking the perfect venue? Plus, we dive into how involved her groom was in the planning process. Tune in for an honest, behind-the-scenes look at planning a dream fall wedding in Kentucky.

• 0:17- Emily & Trey’s Background
• 2:00- Emily’s Wedding History & Knowledge
• 2:45- Most Important Vendors
• 3:50- Why The Ashley Inn
• 5:32- Dress Shopping
• 7:16- Wedding Party
• 8:47- Gifts & Registry
• 12:08- Showers
• 14:26- Bachelorette Party
• 16:29- Taking off Work Before the Wedding
• 17:40- Rehearsal Dinner
• 18:41- Night Before the Wedding Lodging
• 19:24- Guest Count
• 21:00- Budget
• 22:50- What Emily Wishes She Spent Money On
• 24:53- Any Meltdowns?
• 26:15- Self Care
• 29:37- Honeymoon Timing
• 31:47- Advice

WEDDING VENDORS: Month-of Coordinator: Perfect Timing Weddings & Events

Photography: Meagen C Photography

Cake: Sweets By Cindy

DJ: Mike Allison

Hair: Jennifer Hardesty Beauty

Makeup: Emma Nelson

Caterer: Chuy's

Florals: Meadow Florals

Connect with Sarah:

Website: www.simplylovestudio.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplylovestudio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplylovestudio Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimplyLoveLex/

How to work together:

If you’re getting married in the Lexington, Kentucky area and feel overwhelmed when it comes to preparing for your wedding, Simply Love Studio is here for you! Simply Love Studio is a free resource for couples at any stage of their wedding planning process and is funded by Lexington’s most preferred wedding vendors {like Perfect Timing Weddings & Events). Make an appointment in person or online with me, Sarah, today with my link!

Castle & Key Distillery, nestled in Frankfort, KY along the Bourbon Trail, is the only distillery in central Kentucky that hosts weddings on-site, making it one of the region's most coveted wedding venues.

In this episode, Caitlin Witt, the Events Manager, takes us through the property’s fascinating history, its recent renovations, the spirits being crafted at the distillery and the various stunning locations available for your wedding or special event.

• 1:00- Intro to Caitlin
• 2:39- History of Castle & Key’s Events
• 4:20- What happens when you arrive at the property?
• 5:17-The Spring House
• 6:52- Instagram Worthy Bathrooms & The Bar “Taylorton Station”
• 7:50- The Sunken Garden
• 8:30- Parking for Weddings
• 9:19- Property Rules for Weddings
• 10:08- The Shooking Building
• 11:40- Lighting & Draping in the Shooking Building
• 12:04- Preferred Vendors
• 13:50- Catering
• 15:56- Bar Offerings & Signature Drinks/Custom Cocktails
• 18:20- Event Team
• 21:13- Vendors & Working Together
• 22:12- Saturday Pricing
• 23:42- Rehearsals
• 25:23- Photography Sessions
• 28:33- AirBnBs
• 29:55- Transportation
• 32:12- Bourbon Trail & Tours
• 35:08- Springhouse Music Series
• 36:00- Future Plans
• 38:17- 2025 Availability
• 39:00- IG Profiles & Content

Website: https://www.castleandkey.com/host-an-event/weddings Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/castleandkeyweddings Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/castleandkey

Website: www.simplylovestudio.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplylovestudio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplylovestudio Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimplyLoveLex/

If you’re getting married in the Lexington, Kentucky area and feel overwhelmed when it comes to preparing for your wedding, Simply Love Studio is here for you! Simply Love Studio is a free resource for couples at any stage of their wedding planning process and is funded by Lexington’s most preferred wedding vendors. Make an appointment in person or online with me, Sarah, today with my link!

October 2024 Apiary Bride Colleen reflects on her experience of planning a fall wedding, sharing the highs, the surprises, and everything she learned along the way. From the excitement of choosing the perfect autumn-inspired details to navigating the challenges that came with the big day, get an honest and heartfelt look at life before and after the 'I dos.'

Wedding Vendors: Planner: @perfect_timing_events Venue: @apiaryfinecatering Photography: @jriiphotography Hair: @glamlexevents Makeup: @makeupbysarahlynn Florals: @druryfloral

Listen to learn more about:

• :55- History of Colleen and Seth
• 3:18- Lexington as a Destination Wedding
• 3:35- Apiary Reception Details
• 4:08- Guest List
• 5:10- Wedding Tailgate
• 5:30- Friday Wedding
• 5:48- Apiary Food & Decor
• 7:38- Bridal Party
• 7:53- What was most important to you?
• 9:18- Wedding Spreadsheets
• 10:55- Budget Spreadsheet
• 12:20- Dress Shopping
• 14:54- Guest Experience
• 15:15- Hotel Room Block
• 15:55- AirBnBs
• 16:33- Transportation
• 17:23- Cash Registry & Fun Funds
• 19:24- Showers & Bachelorette
• 19:47- Taking Off Work
• 20:42- Rehearsal Dinner / Welcome Event
• 21:20- Meltdown Moments
• 22:34- First Look & Vows
• 23:42- Private Moment & Food
• 24:22- Regrets
• 25:17- Honeymoon
• 26:18- Advice
• 27:42- Vendor Tipping
• 30:13- Thank You Notes
• 31:06- Life After the Wedding
• 32:00- Changing Your Last Name
• 33:15- Last Piece of Advice

Connect with Sarah:

Website: www.simplylovestudio.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplylovestudio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplylovestudio Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimplyLoveLex/

How to work together:

If you’re getting married in the Lexington, Kentucky area and feel overwhelmed when it comes to preparing for your wedding, Simply Love Studio is here for you! Simply Love Studio is a free resource for couples at any stage of their wedding planning process and is funded by Lexington’s most preferred wedding vendors. Make an appointment in person or online with me, Sarah, today with my link!

Are you searching for a unique wedding venue that's secluded, yet still close to charming downtowns? Picture spending the entire weekend on a property in a historic mansion, hosting a stunning outdoor ceremony and an unforgettable reception. Tune in to learn more about Historic Arcadia Farm just 45 minutes from the Bluegrass Airport in Kentucky.

1:30 – Introduction into Jerry Houck, Arcadia owner

4:50 – Jerry’s journey with Arcadia starts

5:38 – Building the reception pavilion

5:55 – Buying the property

6:49 – Does the property have air conditioning/heat?

7:10 – Introduction to The Shelby Manor (Mansion on the property)

9:45 – Staying at the property for the wedding weekend

11:00 – How modern is the Manor

12:45 – Additional cottages and accommodations on farm

14:00 – Map of property from the time the gates open

18:40 – Restrooms on the farm

20:30 – Parking for wedding

22:15 – Full-service venue with caterer and day-of coordinator

26:35 – Catering team & STAR Certified Bartenders

31:52 – Taking photos on the property on a non-wedding day

32:54 – Distance from airports

35:30 – Starting price for venue rental

36:35 – Amenities being added for 2026

37:22 – Rain plan

48:54 – Availability

49:45 – Scheduling a tour

Website: http://historicarcadiafarm.net Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historic_arcadia_farm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArcadiaFarmsStanford

Website: www.simplylovestudio.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplylovestudio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplylovestudio Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimplyLoveLex/

If you’re getting married in the Lexington, Kentucky area and feel overwhelmed when it comes to preparing for your wedding, Simply Love Studio is here for you! Simply Love Studio is a free resource for couples at any stage of their wedding planning process and is funded by Lexington’s most preferred wedding vendors {like Historic Arcadia Farm}. Make an appointment in person or online with me, Sarah, today with my link!