Carla Terwilleger and Dan Cerwinske have been together since 1996. So when Carla says their wedding was 19 years in the making, she’s not exaggerating. The couple dated on and off through high school, college and after college. They moved to Los Angeles, with Carla actually returning home to Louisville for a spell during an “off” period. They reunited and she moved back to Los Angeles to be with Dan from 2010 to 2013. They both moved back to Louisville in 2013 and have been here — and together — ever since.
The couple got engaged on March 1, 2014, the same night as the annual Speed Art Museum Ball. They are museum supporters (Carla is on the Board of Governors) and enjoy going to the ball. Just like all of their dances at Sacred Heart and St. X, they always invite their parents to come to the house to take pictures — just like they did in high school. This night was different. Carla sets the scene: “Decked out in black-tie, surrounded by Dan’s mom and sister and my mom and dad, as we were ‘posing’ for our photo, Dan got on one knee and popped the question. No one knew he was going to do it but his sister, who videotaped the whole thing. Thank goodness, since I was so surprised I had to watch the video to remember the details. He had hired a driver for the night, and when we got into the car, he arranged for one of our songs to be playing — Bob Dylan’s “I Want You.” We cried tears of joy all the way to the ball and then proceeded to celebrate like the party was for us and not the museum. Every year we attend the ball since then is a little more special for us!”
Carla and Dan married on May 23, 2015, before 150 family members and friends. Those 19 years together made the couple’s wedding even more special, with each part of their ceremony having special sentiment and meaning. Carla describes the affair as “very classic, but not traditional.” Their bridal party was comprised of most of the friends who introduced them in 1996. In keeping with their close-knit theme, they had the ceremony and reception at the historic home of their friends David Power and Bruce Hardy. Guests felt right at home the minute they arrived, when they were offered cocktails, wine and beer from the bar so they could sip on something during the ceremony. Carla and Dan’s best friend Ryan Tracey officiated the ceremony, where they read vows that they wrote themselves. After the ceremony, guests walked across the lawn to the wedding tent, where they enjoyed a sit-down dinner catered by Kingsley’s. The guests and wedding party danced and celebrated long into the night under the stars.
Congratulations to the happy couple!
RESOURCES
Venue: The private home of David Power and Bruce Hardy (friends)
Photography: Beth Moser Photography
Bridal gown: David’s Bridal
Hair: Janis Harvey of Studio 151 and Melissa Graven
Makeup: Becky Duncan and Melissa Graven
Groom: Custom suit from Tom James
Groomsmen’s accessories:Â Tie BarÂ
Invitations, programs and menu cards: Designed by Tim Ofcacek with direction by Carla Terwilleger
Seating chart: Carla Terwilleger
Flowers: Susan’s Florist by Amy Streeter
Catering: Kingsley Catering
Music: HAY DJ
Guest accommodations: Louisville Marriott Downtown
Wedding planner: Jenifour Jones at Go Get It Events
Bridal gifts: Custom-made earrings by Summer Eliason Jewelry and custom Twiggy original paintings by Carla Terwilleger
Want more stunning weddings? Check out more Southern love stories in our other StyleBlueprint markets:
- One Love, Three States and a Happily Ever After
- A Fairy-Tale Seaside Wedding
- A Blind Date Leads to a Dream Wedding
- A Backyard Wedding That Celebrates Love, Family and Tradition
