21c: How did you meet?

JS: David and I were neighbors at Indiana University, and lived near each other for a whole school year without meeting. Then summer vacation came along and one night, I decided to hang out with my neighbor, since many of my friends had left for the summer. That night, David and his friends happened to be there, and we were introduced. We immediately got along and spent the rest of the summer together, swimming and staying up late and spending every minute together. Two months later, I had to leave for a year to participate in Americorps. We had a long distance relationship during that time and were reunited afterward. The rest is history!

21c: What were you looking for in a venue? How did you know you found the one?

JS: We wanted a unique, exciting venue with amazing food and an indoor/outdoor combination. We looked for months in Chicago, and couldn’t find exactly what we wanted. Everything was too expensive, or the food wasn’t great, or the people weren’t very helpful. Then, we remembered an amazing hotel we stayed in during a trip to the bourbon trail… 21c! Louisville is close to Indiana, where my family lives, and St. Louis, where many of David’s family and friends live. I reached out to 21c and everyone was so friendly, helpful, and excited about the idea. I fell in love with the pictures of the rooftop and I already loved the food and the museum, so it was an easy choice.

21c: What are people still talking about from your wedding?

JS: People are still talking about the beautiful, sunny day, and how much they loved the unique venue and interesting art…as well as the bizarre bathrooms! We were so happy that everyone had a great time too using the weekend to explore Louisville because we love this city and 21c and were so happy to share it with everyone. They are also still talking about what a party the reception was—everyone danced and had a great time, from my 14-year-old nephew to David’s 90-year-old grandmother and her two friends!

21c: How many penguins are in your wedding album?

JS: Quite a few, but my favorite penguin was the one that 21c gave us as a gift, that was waiting in our room when we arrived and had our names and the wedding date written on the bottom of it. That was the most touching gift.

21c: How did your wedding reflect who you are as a couple?

JS: We love exploring new cities and sharing them with others, so Louisville was a great choice for a weekend destination for a family and friends. We love unique, avant-garde places and art, so 21c was perfect for that, with so many unique spaces and creative art. We also love bourbon and great food, so 21c and Proof were obviously perfect candidates as well. Really, our guests reflected who we are as a couple also. It was a smaller wedding, so everyone there was someone that meant so much to us. It is still the best memory of the whole thing… just having everyone we love in the same room, meeting one another for the first time.

21c: What did your guests love most about 21c?

JS: Everyone loved the rooftop and the penthouse venue. I think that is what people have remembered the most. As well as the funny bathrooms, of course! And they loved the overall creative, avant-garde vibe of the place. It’s definitely a W-O-W as soon as you walk in.

21c: What song got the most people on the dance floor?

JS: Ain’t No Mountain High Enough—the first song after the mother/father dances!! I was really worried not everyone would dance but right away, as soon as that song came on, everyone popped up and came out to dance. It was such a great moment. Everyone was just so happy!

21c: If you channel some magic penguin-godmother magic and relive your favorite moment from your wedding day, what would it be?

JS: When I walked out to the aisle. I wish I could just freeze that moment, and go back and look around at everyone there, standing and waiting for me to come out, waiting to watch David and I get married. I want to look at the beautiful view, the bright, sunny day, and the gorgeous flowers. I so want to see David’s face again when I’m walking down the aisle… I was so nervous I almost forgot to even look at him! I know everyone says it’s the best day of your life, and there’s a reason for that. The groundswell of love and support that comes from everyone you love in the same place at the same time is just unforgettable.

21c: Do you have any tips for brides-to-be to make their day as stress-free as possible?

JS: Honestly, find a venue like 21c. I felt completely taken care of and I completely trusted everyone I worked with. If there was an issue, they were on it immediately. They took care of everything and were so wonderful the whole time. Everyone working at the hotel and the restaurant were phenomenally friendly and helpful the whole weekend. The effort and time they spent with me planning up until the wedding was just over the top. They truly went above and beyond. I couldn’t have asked for more, and I probably would have lost my mind without their help. I’m so glad I chose 21c, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

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Photos courtesy of the bride & Jessie Kreich-Higdon.