Real Wedding Wednesdays: Kate Vorys and Sam Kennedy
Kate and Sam Kennedy were wed in a beautiful, personal ceremony beneath a birch-bark arch next to a bubbling stream at Rocky Fork Hunt and Country Club on a mild September day. The soy fields that edged the stream were a burnt orange color, says Kate, who adds that she couldn’t have asked for more of the site. A friend of Sam’s family performed the ceremony, which included excerpts from letters that Kate and Sam’s parents had written to them.
“I think everyone in the audience as crying! I know Sam and I were,” recalls Kate.
The ceremony also included readings from a cousin and two close friends, including “The Invitation” by Oriah Mountain Dreamer and an Irish blessing. The wooden canoe near the ceremony site was a nod to Sam’s proposal, which took place during a kayak trip in Canada 14 months prior.
The reception featured a low country-inspired menu, complete with shrimp and grits, ribs and fried green tomatoes … and bibs to help keep everyone tidy, of course. Kate surprised Sam with a groom’s cake modeled after their puppy, a Boston terrier, and Kate’s bridesmaids performed a fun rendition of a well-known song, with lyrics changed to apply to the newlyweds.
“Conspiracy [Band] was very interactive, allowing the guests to use their microphones and even allowing Sam's musician friend to perform a guitar solo,” says Kate. “The party lasted until 1 a.m.”
The Details
Wedding date: Sept. 26, 2015
Wedding colors: Midnight blue, raspberry, peach, light pink, gold
Attendants: Eight bridesmaids and eight groomsmen
Bride wore: Monique Lhuillier gown from La Jeune Mariee, a veil borrowed from Sam’s mother (which had also been worn by his sister, grandmother, cousin and cousin’s wife), shoes from DSW and jewelry from Macy’s
Hair and makeup: Makeup by Nikki Jackson, hair by Salon Therapy
Groom wore: Suit from Jos. A. Banks
Rings: Draper Jewelry in Nashville and Robbins Brothers in Seattle
Rehearsal dinner: Wolfe Park Shelterhouse
Ceremony: Rocky Fork Hunt and Country Club
Reception: Rocky Fork Hunt and Country Club
Caterer: In-house
Cake: Michele Ciminello
Florist: Michele Ciminello
Photographer: Nicole Dixon Photographic
Photo booth:
Videographer: Blue Skies HD Video and Film Productions
Consultant: Michele Ciminello
Invitations: Peabody Papers
Reception tunes: Conspiracy Band
First dance: “The Muse” by the Wood Brothers
Registries: Williams Sonoma, Sur La Table, Anthropologie, Amazon, Pottery Barn and Macy’s
Favorite gift: “It’s hard to pick!” says Kate. “One friend framed our wedding invitation, which was clever and thoughtful. Another set of friends gave us a weekend at a rustic cabin outside of Seattle. Those are two that are top of mind, but all were so very sweet.”
Transportation: Columbus Trolley
Guests stayed at: Hilton Columbus Downtown
Sunday brunch: Kate’s parents’ house
Honeymoon: San Juan Island, Washington
