A Glamorous Black-and-White Wedding in Kentucky

Megan and David should have met long before they did. They both grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, and Pittsburgh, yet their paths didn't cross until 2006, when they clicked at a mutual friend's party. Years went by, and the two would run into each other; without fail, one of them would be dating someone else. An opportunity finally presented itself in 2010, when single Megan and single David spent Thanksgiving weekend with friends in upstate New York. They were engaged 10 months later. Then, on September 15, 2012, the pair wed at the 21c Museum Hotel in downtown Louisville at a cocktail party–inspired celebration that featured a stark white and black palette punctuated with elegant silver and gold touches, a bourbon-fueled cocktail hour, and a lively penthouse afterparty that lasted until sunrise.

After Megan designed the suite (inspired by a featherlike design she found on marthastewartweddings.com), stationer Bella Figura foil-stamped the invitations and letterpressed the reply notes onto white card stock.

The bride's creamy clutch combined dahlias, David Austin roses, gardenias, freesia, seeded eucalyptus, white lisianthus, and dusty miller.

Though there were no official bridesmaids, Megan gave her BFFs gold Erica Weiner Jewelry infinity rings in customized boxes.

Megan, in a silky David Fielden sheath, and David, who donned a crisp J.Crew tux, took a stroll on the brick-paved sidewalks of downtown Louisville.

Megan's side-swept 'do was accented by a feather clip that echoed the day's stationery design.

Megan and David posed with their families outside just down the block from the venue.

Crafts-store-sourced magnolias were sprayed gold and tied to the chairs that lined the aisle at the ceremony. In terms of other decorations, "We didn't have to do much," notes David of the 21c. "The atmosphere was already there."

A 30-foot-tall golden replica of Michelangelo's "David Statue," a temporary installation that happily matched the day's palette, stood guard outside the 21c.

The featherlike flourish Megan designed adorned escort cards.

In a tribute to their Kentucky roots, horse figurines, sprayed gold, stood mid-trot above each setting. Other table ornamentation included mercury-glass votives and porcelain blooms.

Partygoers toasted the newlyweds with a trio of signature bourbon-based libations: the Manhattan, the Lazy Eye, and the Ambassador's Wife.

Red penguin sculptures, by the Cracking Art Group, were on display throughout the hotel-gallery. The penguin sculptures were such an integral part of the day that "my mom gave us a mini one that she bought there as a keepsake," says Megan.

Some penguins, like this one, got "makeovers" courtesy of enthusiastic guests.

Derby City–centric coloring books, metallic crayons, and Louisville slugger baseball-bat key chains kept kids entertained.

The bottom tier of the vanilla-and-almond cake was covered in edible silver leaf and adorned with a sugar magnolia.

Guests also noshed on chocolate semifreddo or mascarpone cheesecake (or both!).

A card-and-lacquer-box station invited attendees to jot down their well-wishes.

The couple thanked guests with mini bottles of Maker's Mark, which is distilled 55 miles south of Louisville in Loretta, Kentucky.

Though technically not favors, guests snatched up the gold horse figurines that decorated dinner tables. "I loved that they took them home," says Megan. "I wanted our décor to be as 'keepable' as possible."

Wedding Photography: Lang Thomas Photography

Location: 21c Museum Hotel

Catering: Proof on Main

Flowers: Marketa Greer of Nanz & Kraft Florists

Stationery: Foil-stamped and letterpressed by Bella Figura

Cake: Martine's Pastries

Bride's Accessories: Untamed Petals by Amanda Judge "Logan" hair clip; Aqua earrings; Jenny Packham wrap.

Hair and Makeup: Ana Crane

Bouquet Ribbon: Tinsel Trading Co.

Cocktail Napkins and Stirrers: My Wedding Reception Ideas 

Glass Vases: Dwell Studio

Magnolia Bloom: BHLDN

Plastic Horses: Darice Kids "Plastic Creatures" (createforless.com)

Bourbon Favors: Maker's Mark

Guest Note Box: Pacific Connections

Cake Server: TableArt

Square Vases: Jamali Floral & Garden Supplies