Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Weddings Real Weddings Real Wedding: Lydia and Ben, Harrodsburg, Kentucky By Martha Stewart Editors Martha Stewart Editors Facebook Instagram Twitter Website An article attributed to "Martha Stewart Editors" indicates when several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The Martha Stewart team aims to teach and inspire readers daily with tested-until-perfected recipes, creative DIY projects, and elevated home and entertaining ideas. They are experts in their fields who research, create, and test the best ways to help readers design the life they want. The joy is in the doing. Editorial Guidelines Updated on September 20, 2018 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Lydia and Ben, Kentucky Love Lang Thomas Lydia Curtz and Benjamin Tuttle met their sophomore year in college. Five years later, and all grown up, the program leader of a refugee resettlement agency and medical researcher got hitched. The April 6, 2013, wedding took place at a Shaker village, not far from their Kentucky home. 01 of 17 The Invites Lang Thomas The engraved stationery suite showcased calligraphy by Claudia Engle in a beautiful blue ink. A hodgepodge of postage stamps and vellum printed with the Shaker tree of life icon completed it. See More Invitations from Real Weddings 02 of 17 Attendant Gifts Lang Thomas The bride gave each member of her bridal party monogrammed tote bags and pashminas, both in the colors of the wedding. 03 of 17 The Fashions Lang Thomas Ben kept it classic in an Armani tuxedo and Cole Haan shoes. Lydia did too, in an Amsale gown she tweaked for a custom style. She accessorized her look with Salvatore Ferragamo shoes, a custom veil, the diamond ring made from her great grandmother's stone, and a pair of sentimental earrings that had belonged to her grandmother that she'd worn to all of her graduations. 04 of 17 The Bouquet Lang Thomas Lydia carried a clutch of peonies, stephanotis, lavender, and sweet peas, finished off with a handkerchief that she and her mother had picked up while in Belgium for Christmas. Each of her bridesmaids was given an initial hankie as well. See More Bouquets from Real Weddings 05 of 17 Girls in Green Lang Thomas The three bridesmaids wore emerald J.Crew gowns and carried bouquets accented by purple blooms. See More Bridesmaids from Real Weddings 06 of 17 Friendly Faces Lang Thomas The property boasts a nature preserve to protect the countryside and its flora and fauna. There's also a stable, with goats and horses. 07 of 17 Subtle Decor Lang Thomas Florist E. Stephen Hein went simple and natural with the décor, creating garlands, wreaths, and understated arrangements to let the setting's innate charm take center stage. 08 of 17 The Programs Lang Thomas Birch bark was used as a décor element, including as a backer to the ceremony program, which incorporated the same patterned paper used to line the invitation envelopes. 09 of 17 Sweet Sachets Lang Thomas Muslin sachets stamped with the Shaker tree of life and the couple's wedding date were filled with lavender for people to toss as the newlyweds exited the ceremony venue. "Ben and I made them all months before, then kept them in our closet, which smelled great," Lydia recalled. 10 of 17 Marital Bliss Lang Thomas It was pure joy post ceremony, when the couple was showered by their fragrant confetti. 11 of 17 Horsin' Around Lang Thomas A horse-drawn carriage was a surprise to the couple, who rode it from the ceremony to the reception. 12 of 17 A Favorite Food Lang Thomas Cheese has always been Lydia's favorite food, and with a family of food-lovers, it was an obvious appetizer choice. The bride's father selected the cheeses and accompaniments from Formaggio Kitchen. They were set out with calligraphed cards displayed in small holders from BHLDN. See More Cocktail Hour Ideas from Real Weddings 13 of 17 Local Flavor Lang Thomas Custom Shaker boxes were tied with a velvet ribbon, and filled with a card that read "thank you" and bourbon balls (a soft boozy candy dunked in chocolate and topped with a pecan). They sat on round menus printed by The Lettered Olive and gold plates at each place setting. The tables were accented by colorful Mexican tiles with animals painted on them and centerpieces of ranunculus, muscari, sweet peas, and nigella. 14 of 17 Signed, Sealed, Delivered Lang Thomas A large piece of paper was calligraphed with the details of the day and lines for each of the 118 guests to sign. 15 of 17 The Cake Lang Thomas To tie in the summerhouse in Canada the couple has gone to for years, they topped their cake with a pair of bear figurines. "We sometimes see black bears swimming across the lake," Lydia said. "We though they were a fun way to incorporate the cottage." See the Best Cake Toppers 16 of 17 Late Night Bites Lang Thomas Every time Lydia and Ben visit his father and stepmother in Pittsburg they swing by a local popcorn shop that makes the airy snack in all sorts of flavors. Ben's parents filled cellophane bags with caramel-and cheddar-flavored popcorn and sealed them with stickers stamped with the tree icon used throughout the day. Guests took them home as midnight snacks. 17 of 17 Sources Lang Thomas Photography: Lang Thomas Location and Catering: Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill Event Planning: Sarah Leer (859-221-9224) Flowers: E. Stephen Hein Florist Calligraphy: Claudia Engle Cake: Tinkers Cakeshop Music: Inception Rentals: Purdon's Rental Hair: Megan Kirby at Voce Makeup: Kasey Ring Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit