During the fall of 2022 we were lucky enough to host Allen and Hannah’s wedding at La Gala in Bowling Green, KY. Hannah is one of our favorite bride’s and was such a sweetheart to answer a few questions to help all you brides currently planning your wedding!
How did you and your husband meet?
After a rough breakup, I was determined to stay single. My best friend, however, insisted I meet her friend Allen, claiming we'd be perfect together.
Reluctantly, I agreed to visit her in Bowling Green for Halloween. At a party, she introduced us, but I didn't realize this was the same Allen she'd mentioned. The next day, we decided to meet for a beer. I showed up dressed as a pizza slice, and Allen came as Rick Allen, the one-armed drummer from Def Leppard. We hit it off immediately, and what was supposed to be a brief meetup turned into an all-night hangout. Allen even ditched his friends to spend time with me, marking the start of something special.
How did your husband propose?
In Summer 2020, I planned to propose to Allen during a trip to Europe, and unbeknownst to me, he had similar plans. When the trip was canceled due to the pandemic, we were both disheartened and put the idea aside. Fast forward to Halloween 2020, exactly five years after our first date. We were having breakfast when he mentioned our anniversary and asked what I got him. Then, he pulled out a ring box and proposed. Shocked and excited, I jumped up from my seat. He calmed me down, and I eagerly accepted.
What were your first steps for wedding planning?
Our first step in wedding planning was eliminating venues we didn't like, such as farmhouse, barns or anything rustic.
La Gala was the third place we toured, and we knew before we left that it was the one. It perfectly combined industrial vibes with a soft and elegant touch, meeting all our criteria in one venue.
Did your wedding go how you expected it to? Were you happy with the outcome?
My wedding exceeded all expectations, with every detail falling perfectly into place. My memories are filled with overwhelming joy, amazed at how well Laurie, Jules, and Loren, my photographer, understood and executed my vision. From the emotional rehearsal on Friday night to the stunning setup on Sunday morning, everything was more perfect than I could have imagined.
What is your favorite memory from your day?
One of my favorite wedding moments, facilitated by our day-of coordinator Arnela, was our private dinner. After the ceremony and photos, Arnela sent the wedding party to the reception and brought us to the grooms suite with two plates and drinks.
For 15 minutes, we basked in the joy of our accomplishment, marveling at the beautiful details like the bridesmaids' flowers and the twinkle lights. It was a perfect moment of reflection and celebration.
Is there anything you would do differently?
I would not change anything. Everything from that day was perfect.
Are there any areas of your wedding that you wish you would/would not have splurged on?
We went into wedding planning with clear priorities, opting not to splurge on a cake but instead on flowers, which we preserved into keepsakes. Splurging on a videographer and getting our vows on film, as well as investing in both digital and film photography, was completely worth it.
The timeless photo prints we now have are invaluable. Additionally, the service at La Gala was a huge benefit, as they provided everything we needed, from tables and chairs to linens, making our day stress-free. We have no regrets about our choices and expenditures.
Advice you can share with a couple planning a wedding?
My advice is to get off TikTok and Instagram and focus on what truly represents you as a couple. Don't feel pressured by extravagant trends like 15-tier cakes. Instead, prioritize meaningful details and trim away unnecessary extras, such as personalized wine glasses. Your wedding should reflect who you are, not social media expectations.
Vendor List-
Coordination: Fete by Arnela
Photography: Loren Gifford Photography
Videographer: Spice Media
Florals: Jules with The Flowers
DJ: The Electric Eye
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