Photography: Olivia Avers Photography

WEDDING PLANNER

The Schaefer’s Garden Wedding

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A historic Louisville home, an outdoor ceremony framed by flowers and a reception beneath a glowing tent gave this wedding a timeless feel. At the Peterson-Dumesnil House, the couple made the most of the estate’s grand façade and green grounds, pairing them with soft pink, peach and blue details.

The celebration moved from an intimate ceremony in front of the house to dinner and dancing under draped fabric and string lights. Live musicians, colorful florals and a classic first dance made each part of the day feel distinct while keeping the historic setting at its heart.

Wedding Profile & Quick Facts

Couple: Katie Reilly & Rob Schaefer

Wedding Date: October 11, 2025

Season: Fall

Venue: Peterson-Dumesnil House

Location: Louisville, Kentucky

Wedding Style: Historic Estate Romance, Garden-Inspired Elegance, Tented Reception

Color Palette: Blush Pink, Peach, Pale Blue, Ivory, Soft Yellow and Green

A Bridal Entrance Worth Remembering

The bride’s portraits on the Peterson-Dumesnil House staircase made full use of its sweeping shape and dark wood railing. Her strapless gown featured a softly structured bodice and a full skirt with subtle texture, creating a classic silhouette against the home’s bright interior.

For the ceremony, she wore a long veil and carried a bouquet of pastel flowers. The groom chose a black tuxedo and bow tie with a pink boutonniere, giving the couple a polished look that suited the historic estate.

Later, he changed into a white dinner jacket for the reception. The new look marked the shift from the outdoor ceremony to an evening of celebration beneath the tent.

An Outdoor Ceremony Framed by Flowers

Guests gathered on the grounds in front of the Peterson-Dumesnil House, with its tall windows, columned porch and distinctive cupola forming the backdrop. A sweeping arrangement of flowers lined the front of the ceremony space, bringing soft color to the path between the couple and their guests.

Pink, peach, cream and pale blue blooms gave the display a loose, garden-inspired shape. Rather than covering the house, the flowers drew the eye toward the couple while allowing the architecture to remain part of the moment.

A photograph taken just after the ceremony captures the newlyweds smiling together in front of the home, surrounded by their wedding party and guests. It is a joyful image that brings the scale of the setting back to the two people at the center of it.

Music and Gathering on the Grounds

Before the tented reception, guests gathered outside beneath the estate’s trees. A small group of musicians played nearby, adding to the atmosphere as everyone enjoyed the grounds.

The outdoor setting made room for both the celebration and quieter details. A simple table held a card box and a tiered display of guest seating assignments, ready to guide everyone to dinner.

The couple’s wedding party portraits continued the soft palette. Bouquets of pastel flowers tied the group together, while the mix of formal attire gave the photographs an easy, personal feel.

A Tented Reception Beneath the Lights

A large white tent transformed the lawn into the evening’s reception space. Fabric draped across the ceiling, meeting above the room as strands of lights stretched toward the tables below. As daylight faded, the tent took on a warm glow.

Guests sat at a mix of round and long tables dressed in white linens. Dark wood chairs and simple place settings added contrast, while small floral arrangements brought the ceremony’s colors into dinner.

Blue-and-white patterned plates offered one of the reception’s loveliest accents. Alongside the pink and peach flowers, they introduced a touch of traditional charm that felt especially suited to a historic home.

Cake, Live Music and a First Dance

The couple’s white wedding cake kept its design understated, allowing the flowers and surrounding celebration to take the lead. It stood near the band’s stage, bringing a traditional wedding detail into the lively reception setting.

For their first dance, the newlyweds stepped onto a checkered wood-and-white dance floor beneath the draped tent. With guests gathered around them and lights glowing overhead, the moment felt warm and joyful. The groom’s white jacket stood out beside the bride’s full gown as they danced together.

From the staircase portraits and flower-lined ceremony to music on the lawn and dancing under the tent, this wedding let the Peterson-Dumesnil House shine. Its historic character provided a beautiful setting for a celebration filled with color, movement and personal moments.