On the first Saturday of every May, a time honored tradition takes place ever, The Kentucky Derby. Mint Juleps are flowing, all the ladies are wearing their fashion-forward hats and everyone is in high spirits. It seems only natural to turn this happy-go-lucky affair into a wedding theme, and that is exactly what Holly Gerard of Mile High Bride did. Read on to hear Holly’s Kentucky Derby wedding ideas.

You can see more beautifully captured images by Laura Murray Photography in the full gallery.

From Holly:

Pink & Yellow were chosen as the colors because of their nod to spring. We played everything off of those two colors with the addition of white details as well. I had a great time making menus and other various paper goods for the shoot, all horse-inspired as well! I purchased some vintage postcards to also tie in with the classy-vintage southern wedding theme.

All the flowers were also a nod to spring by choosing what was available this time of year in the color scheme with bits of mint added in to make them tie in a bit with the mint julep. Mint Juleps are the signature drink of the derby to it was fun to tie them into the design with the flowers and with the juleps themselves. The pecan pies were completely inspired by all the southern traditions that go along with the derby. There is just something so romantic feeling about southern traditions, a great theme to go with for wedding inspiration for sure!

Photographer: Laura Murray Photography
Event Designer: Holly Gerard
Venue: Crooked Willow Farms
Makeup: Natosha Cooke Makeup Artisty
Hair: Hair Design by Brandice
Cake: Three Little Blackbirds (pies)
Coordinator: Holly Gerard
Dress Designer: Blue Bridal
Flowers: Oakes Fields
Stationery: Little Green Chair Studio
Prop or Furniture Rentals: A Vintage Affair Rentals
Pie Bunting Banner:Handmade by A Fete Beckons
Modeling: Brytny Marquez

Taking a new spin on an old childhood novelty, Alexandra Jade has taken friendship bracelets to a whole new level of cuteness. These gold chain bracelets are colorful and trendy using chevron patterns, rhinestones and a cute color palette.

As beautifully handcrafted as they are, this fun bridesmaid gift is sweet and stylish to wear for the wedding, and also as an everyday staple and symbol of your friendship.

Thanks to Annie Chen, of Floral Sunshine for creating this eye-catching blend of deep purples, lavender and black feathers–as you can tell, it’s a romantic blend that is sure to swoon. With florals such as orchids, hyacinths, and anemones this dark assortment is accompanied by gray berzelia berries, black feather plumes and lastly a hint of purple wax flower. Create this recipe yourself using the ingredients below, or take it to your local florist to create your own special bouquet like this as well.

Purple and Lavender Wedding Bouquet Recipe:

5 purple dendrobium orchids
5 lavender hyacinths
10 blue anemones
4 gray berzelia berries
10 black feather plumes
a touch of purple wax flower

A special thanks to Sara Gray Photography for the beautiful bouquet images.