Great Expectations KY - Wedding and Event Planners - Alicia DeBoor & Deanna Dillender

A Night of Elegance ~ 8.21.2010

By Deanna | Published: August 30, 2010

We enjoyed working with BCTCS on their first annual fundraiser for the Lawrenceburg campus, with A Night of Elegance. Perfect weather and a perfect plan for the venue and entertainment was a big hit with their attendees, who danced til well after midnight. We especially enjoyed working with our rental and design friends at Events with Design on this project, who provided all the rentals, linen and set up.

The guests were greeted at the front entrance and lured inside for cocktails, food and silent auction. Later, after it cooled off, they were enticed back outdoors to the tent where they enjoyed the summer breeze and dancing to the Jimmy Church Band. The event got rave reviews and everyone can’t wait til next year!

the front entrance of the college, getting ready for guests

Fun zebra print greeted guests as they walked in

simple flowers on bistro tables, surrounded the bar

more yellow floral pieces demanded attention in the buffet room, auction rooms and behind the bars

a beautiful entrance to the outdoor, late-night entertainment area

guests loved the clean, summer look

tall pieces were converted to short pieces the day of the event, due to the windy conditions, but it still turned out beautiful

the Latino rose was the only one beautiful enough to work with that fun zebra print

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Cack and Drew 8.14.2010

By Deanna | Published: August 23, 2010

Some MOB (mother of bride)’s just leave a lasting impression. This one certainly did. I was in awe of her organizational skills from our very first meeting. I knew we’d see eye-to-eye. But as I got to know her, I also realized that much of what she had planned was done out of immense love for her daughter. Below are just a few of my snapshots from this personal wedding. There were many personal touches in this wedding. I will try my best to hit the highlights in my pictures. I look forward to sharing the professional pictures of Ben Keeling when they come available.

The ceremony was held at Hope Community Church, where Drew serves as one of the ministers. The reception was also held on the church property in a white tent connected to a wonderful building that overlooks the church’s pond. Just perfect for an August wedding. Fabulous bbq was served by Fire Fresh BBQ out of Shelbyville. They offered 5 kinds of sauce! It was delish! Reception coordination and all flowers were provided by our very own Great Expectations.

This church is very much a community full of wonderful, giving people who simply love Cack and Drew.

The MOB sewed all the fabric for the wedding. From backdrop panels to sashes for bistro tables to runners for tables. She amazed me!

Their programs were my favorite this year. The fan-program included a wonderful picture of the Bride and Groom on one side and their wedding party on the other. They got lots of use that day!

The paper lanterns in the reception tent made a big impact.

The bride made pinwheels to go in some of the centerpieces.

Love the way these hot pink roses look with her table runners.

The pink and green candy buffet was a hit!

Flor de lis stamped bags reflected Drew's Louisiana roots!

And so did this cajun boil pot grooms cake!

The bridal bouquet of green orchids, hypericum berries and hot pink heather was one of my favorites I made this year.

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Amy and Ryan ~ 8.6.10

By Deanna | Published: August 16, 2010

Keene Run Golf Clubhouse was the setting for Amy and Ryan’s Friday night wedding reception. We got creative to create lots of nooks and seating areas for the over 400 guests who attended. Guests would find a fabulous fruit, cheese and spreads display from DaRae & Friends Catering in the dining room, as well as a beautiful wedding cake from Sugar Forest.

Outside, we used the entire veranda of the club and their elegant wrought-iron furniture to seat additional guests. The back patio was used for dancing and kids activity area. The walkways to the tent held additional nooks of seating and standing cocktail tables. The tent featured more culinary delights from DaRae and Friends and more seating. The weather was perfect and guests enjoyed the first night of not-so-humid weather in a very long time. Dancing and wonderful friends and family encouraged guests to linger and catch up.

Below are a few pictures I took during the set up phase. I will to share professional pictures from Lexington photographer Mary Lashbrook when they become available. Of course, reception coordination was provided by Great Expectations KY.

: The entrance to Keene Run Clubhouse

: Beautiful foyer of the Keene Run Clubhouse….very traditional.

: The veranda furniture of this venue adds wonderful outdoor seating that overlooks fabulous views of green space. There is even a fireplace for fall weddings!

: Lots of walkways and nooks for additional seating, leading out to the tent.

: Cocktail tables allow guests to stand, eat and mingle.

: Additional food stations and seating were held under the tent.

: The Mother of the Bride made all the centerpieces. I loved the tags on the cameras.

: Yum….DaRae’s shrimp and grits…it doesn’t get more Kentucky than that!

: Kids activity: write Ryan and Amy a note and put it in their mailbox!

: Kids activity: children were running around the green space waving their ribbon sticks. Beautiful!

: The walkway from the tent to the Clubhouse. The back patio provided the perfect dance space.

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Jessie and T.J. ~ 7.31.2010

By Deanna | Published: August 4, 2010

“We are country people” is what the bride told me at our first meeting. She followed up with “I just want things to be pretty”. I was smitten with her and her vision for her sweet, sweet wedding.

The ceremony and reception would be held at her sister’s home, a farm in rural Richmond. When we scouted the property for the perfect ceremony location, the pond down the hill called for our attention. It was the perfect backdrop.

A few yards away was a barn we (and her entire family) lovingly transformed into a reception space. Her inspiration for decor was her future mother-in-law’s antique blue Ball canning jars. That and her love for hydrangeas. I think it turned out so sweet. Just like Jessie and TJ.

The ceremony overlooked the pond. The center aisle was marked by hydrangea vases on shephard hooks, and grass lined with white and blue petals.The arbor was lovingly built by the bride's father. We decorated it with curly willow, tulle, hydrangea, mums, and carnations.

Large blue umbrellas lined the outer aisles to provide some shade and visual interest/color.The arbor was lovingly built by the bride's father. We decorated it with curly willow, tulle, hydrangea, mums, and carnations.

The reception barn featured hanging tobacco cloth and paper lanterns. White ceiling fans were also installed to keep air moving and provide visual interest.

Tables featured navy runners, blue Ball canning jars with blue hydrangea, blue votive candles and personalized napkins.

A BBQ dinner was finished off with fruit topped cupcakes from Martines. YUM! You could smell the sugar in the air!

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Ellie and Ian ~ 7.17.10

By Deanna | Published: July 26, 2010

A casual, fun wedding on the farm was the vision for this 400-person wedding on Prospect Hill Farm in Versailles. This mother of the bride really put her heart and soul into the plans. She meticulously thought out every option, chose wisely and even made some smart last-minute changes. It obviously runs in the family because her daughter, the bride, did the same with fabulous taste!

The ceremony was held on the front lawn. Guests waited in the shade on the side porch with lemonade until we were ready to start the ceremony (which was perfectly planned because by then, the ceremony area was completely shaded). Groomsmen then walked around the circle drive to arrive up front to face dual-officiants. The bridesmaids exited her parent’s house via front porch in order to walk down the aisle. Though you could hear thunder in the distance, not a rain drop fell during this sweet at-home ceremony.

These pictures share only a glimpse during the reception set up phase because it was a super-busy day to get ready. But I hope to share some professional pictures later in the year.

Vendors included: Bryants Rent-all for tables, chairs, tents. Dupree Catering for all food, beverage and service. Doug Clark’s Hot Nuts was our super fun and talented band. Flowers by Joy Hinkle. Bus Services by Wombles. Valet Services by Donnie Harris. Searsucker bridesmaid dresses by Twirl. And of course, wedding planning/coordination by Great Expectations KY.

The reception was held in a renovated tobacco barn. This was the father of the brides' project and it turned out amazing! The smaller side attached room (the second blue roof) was converted to a bar that serviced guests from the inside and outside. I enjoyed visiting the farm for our meetings to see the progress of changes to this barn. It is truly a dad's masterpiece from the heart for his daughter.

Lighting included paper lanterns over guest tables. Fun sunflowers centerpieces echoed plantings outside the barn.

More lanterns hung over the dancefloor. Open barn doors provided our backdrop for the band....just the beautiful blue sky....perfect!

Two yellow and white tents offered overflow seating and guests a chance to get away from the music and enjoy the evening air.

The mother of the bride hand-painted the tableclothes (in 3 different designs!) with her sister. This wedding was definitely a labor of love for the entire family.

A table for guestbooks and a farm cart for gifts made a lovely entrance. Signs were made by the bride's younger sister.

An adjacent red barn held buffet lines for the 400 guests.

Bales of hay and firewood were left where they belong in the red barn. They just added to the ambiance of the bbq buffet.

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Mraz Wedding ~ 7.10.10

By Deanna | Published: July 14, 2010

I enjoyed doing the personal flowers for this wedding because I got to work with some of my favorite vendors and friends! Plus it was a fun, unique wedding with lots of vintage touches, which always keeps it exciting for me. I love to see and do new things!

Melissa Buck of Bella Bride Weddings was wedding coordinator. Kellie Stoddart of Seasons Catering did the reception at the Signature Club (thank you Kellie for sharing some of your pictures with me!). First Christian Church in Georgetown hosted the ceremony. The fabulous Ana Crane Simpson did hair and makeup!

Wedding party flowers by Great Expectations.

Perfect, beautiful, full salmon-colored dahlias were a tough find in this heat wave. We had them Fed Ex'd the day before her wedding to ensure they were perfect!

Raggio del sol carnations in mass with perfectly selected ribbon in David's Pool color.

Vintage paper poms on these modern alterpieces gave a sneak peak to guests to what was to come at the reception.

The reception was held at the Signature Club. Note the pool colored dress with tangerine shoes in the background (bridesmaid!).

Unique touches greeted the guests at the Signature Club reception.

More paper poms hung over the dance floor.

Centerpieces also feature her signature colors and vintage looks.

Fabulous food also partnered with paper poms to continue the overall look of the reception.

A dessert buffet and more paper poms!

This ice bowl by Seasons Catering keeps the punch cold!

Ice Cream encased in a towering ice sculture again mimics the wedding's signature colors. Very cool (pun intended)!

Yummy cake is also vintage inspired! LOVE these paper flowers.

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Brooke and Aaron ~ 07.03.10

By Deanna | Published: July 8, 2010

Brooke and Aaron put a lot of time and energy into planning every detail of their wedding. Brooke was undoubtedly my most calm (and organized!) bride EVER. So what a delight it was to see her face light up as all her hard work came to fruition.

The ceremony was at Central Christian Church. Working with Lynn Gray is always a pleasure and a learning experience for me. The bride surprised her groom with a Bentley-departure from the church via Gold Shield Transportation. Guests arrived at The Red Mil Clubhouse and were delighted by the culinary experts at Bluegrass Bayou Catering. DJ Tony the Tiger coordinated our music and announcements…and with a little juggling….we perfected their first dance just as the city’s fireworks were going off outside the bank of windows. It was wonderful and everyone had a great time! Of course, wedding coordination and flowers were provided by Great Expectations KY.

Bridal Bouquet of yellow calla lilies, orange and white roses and freesia.

Bridesmaid bouquets included purple hydrangea, yellow gerber daisies and orange roses.

Centerpieces included half TALL versions of mixed flowers and half SHORT versions of one mass-flower variety.

Tall pieces included snapdragons, roses, gerber daisies, mums, lilies, carnations.

Yellow gerber daisies offered a pop of color.

Purple hydrangeas is a summer favorite.

Beautiful white asiatic lilies were added to pull in some white.

Miracle Orange roses made an impact (my favorite).

Fuchsia spray roses added some classic romance.

The cake was beautiful AND delicious.

One of my favorite details were these bookmarks they gave as favors placed at every table setting.

They included several pictures of the couple on the back as well. It was unique and a modern twist on a classic favorite. LOVED IT!

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Alexis and Adam ~ 6.26.2010 ~ Talon Winery

By Deanna | Published: June 30, 2010

Alexis and Adam chose Talon Winery for their ceremony and reception. The ceremony took place among the vines at the gazebo. Phoenix Entertainment provided the violinist for a pre-ceremony gathering on the patio. The violinist then led the guests from the patio, through the vines playing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, to the ceremony location. Ceremony music was also provided by the violinist, guitarist Stephen McCauley from 6 to Cover, and soloist Christie Pabin. Lexington Livery escorted the bride and her father via white horse and carriage, over the ridge of a hill, perfectly executed, right as her processional song was played. You could actually hear the “awww” of the crowd. White chairs perfectly aligned in a chevron-style were rented and set up by Events with Design.

Inside the barn, DaRae and Friends served fabulous food and drink to guests as Photographer Ben Keeling finished up photos. The band, 6 to Cover, rocked the crowd during the evening with a great mix of rock and country. Of course, all wedding planning, flowers and decor were provided by Great Expectations.

Bridal bouquet of orange and yellow asiatic lilies among white alstromeria lilies.

Simple but elegant: yellow calla lilies wrapped with black satin for bridesmaids.

Aisles lined with orange and yellow rose petals make a huge statement against the green grass of the vineyard. White cones filled with orange lilies and yellow roses graced every other aisle.

I loved the way the orange tulle turned out on the gazebo. A soft wind kept it in motion throughout the ceremony.

Simple calla lilies in tall vases, surrounded by more rose petals, on every other table.

Low vases with 3 floating asiatic lilies graced the other tables, again surrounded by petals and votives.

Our guests enjoyed a candy buffet as they left for the evening. A sweet ending for a sweet couple!

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Our Wedding feature on The Knot!

By Deanna | Published: June 24, 2010

We are thrilled to share one of our October 2009 weddings that just debut on The Knot! Click on the link below to see the full story and pictures!

http://weddings.theknot.com/Real-Weddings/70817/view.aspx?id=70817&type=1

Thanks to our friends at Lundy’s Special Events for helping us make it fabulous!

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6.4.2010 Wedding by Conrhod Zonio

By Deanna | Published: June 18, 2010

Below are some of the beautiful images Conrhod Zonio shared of our recent wedding together for Lesley and Brian. It was a magical weekend and Conrhod certainly captured it in these images!

(I still can’t believe Lesley climbed over that fence in her wedding dress! She amazed me at every turn!)

Is she a beautiful bride or what?!

Conrhod used the field behind the church to capture the fun and personalities of this wedding party.

These girls are all so beautiful! Don't you love the platinum and yellow color combination?

Crazy tulips! You never know how they are going to act, but a FUN flower none the less. Lesley chose to include calla lilies in her bridesmaid bouquets because both girls carried them in their own bridal bouquets.