Beyond an iron gate, just as the leaves began to change in autumn, Claire (she/her) and Luke (he/him) were married in a secluded corner of Whitehall’s Florentine gardens. Soft, dappled light filtered through the trees, casting a romantic glow as they exchanged their vows.
I really loved the thoughtful & sentimental touches Claire incorporated into the day. She delicately embroidered a handkerchief to honor her grandmother's legacy as a seamstress, making it her 'something blue.' Additionally, she carried a beautiful locket from the 1920s, a gift from her grandmother, as her 'something old.' These elements not only added to the beauty of the day but also ensured her grandmother's presence and love were felt throughout the celebration.
Claire and Luke, both introverts, were most excited about the intimate moments of the day— those quiet exchanges between just the two of them were also some of my favorites. To ensure a relaxed experience, ample time was set aside for portraits before the ceremony, allowing the couple to enjoy the afternoon without feeling rushed. As a result, their genuine excitement really comes through in their images.
The presence of a live artist added a unique element to the celebration. While we explored the gardens for their first look and portraits, Katie Nelson began a stunning oil painting of Claire & Luke in front of the garden's iron gates. As they shared their first kiss and joyfully walked back down the aisle, she put the finishing touches on the artwork. The final piece was vibrant and full of movement — striking a balance between realism and Impressionism. For the reception, Katie transitioned into creating watercolor portraits of the guests, allowing them to take home a personalized memento of the day's festivities. This is possibly the best wedding favor I’ve ever seen and all of their guests were so excited to show their portraits to each other throughout the night.
A color scheme of white, sage, and eucalyptus added to the timeless romance of the day while allowing the natural beauty of the gardens to shine through.
As a Louisville, Kentucky wedding photographer, I always love the chance to photograph a wedding at Whitehall! If you want to see more venues that feature gardens, check out my list of the best wedding venues in Louisville here. Or you can hop over to Amanda & Natalie’s wedding at Yew Dell Botanical Gardens here.
These Louisville, KY wedding vendors made the day possible:
Coordinator: Emily Birk
Florals: J.Elizabeth Designs
Live Artist: Katie Nelson
Hair & MUA: Hair and Makeup by Misty
Catering: Mirabelle Catering
Cake: Sweet Surrender
Claire’s Gown: Couture Closet
Suits: Generation Tux
Wedding Party Dresses: Azazie
Videography: Joyce Barbour for Sarah Katherine Davis Photography
Photography: Sarah Katherine Davis Photography
DJ: Masters of Music
Officiant: Judge Joan Byer