Shelia and Craig Photography by Todd Pellowe helia Bayes and Craig Robertson were married October 30, 2010 in Lexington, KY. Their wedding was steeped in history and ambiance, as the ceremony was held in historic Christ Church Cathedral in Lexington. Shelia wore a white Royal Duchess Satin Amsale gown, with a one-shoulder trumpet silhouette with an asymmetrical bow treatment. Bridesmaids wore coordinating one-shoulder eggplant gowns with custom Amethyst and South Sea Pearl earrings and bracelets created by Shelia Bayes Fine Jewelers. Grooms wore traditional black. Following the ceremony they celebrated along with 600 guests at the grand Spindletop Hall, an elegant venue perfectly suited for a buffet dinner in the mansion, and a BIG Party on the lawn in garden party style. Guests were greeted by jazz saxophonist Dan Jackson upon entering the mansion. The candlelit garden party decor focused on comfort and simplicity, with tables draped in rough-cut burlap over floor-length cream tablecloths, each adorned with natural cream and white florals and abundant greenery. The party tent featured massive floral urns, live potted trees and tent poles wrapped in moss and puddled burlap. Lighting was by candlelight and lanterns throughout the venue. Artfully adorned with waved fondant, the five-layer champagne cake with raspberry filling was displayed on a bed of moss and hydrangeas. It was important to Shelia that the menu be as unfussy as the decor, and she treated her guests to traditional Kentucky comfort fare with an elegant twist. Tomato bisque shooters with mini grilled cheese and mini hot browns preceded a dinner of fried chicken with country gravy, fresh green beans, shrimp and grits, light yeast rolls and a sumptuous mashed potato bar. Equally important to the couple was that the reception venue was able to accommodate a big crowd, a great band (Burning Las Vegas), and lots of room for dancing into the wee hours. At midnight, guests were served a snack course of sliders and milk shakes, after which karaoke kept the evening going until 3 am.
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