Candice Ethington and Fernando Isa met at the University of Louisville where they graduated together. Candice grew up in nearby Shelbyville, while Fernando came to Louisville on a baseball scholarship from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Neither one of them knew at first that the friendship started in a marketing class would blossom into a lifelong relationship.

With good weather conditions on Valentine’s Day, 2003, Candice surprised her sweetheart with an airplane ride. Little did she know, Fernando would have something up his sleeve as well. Later that night, after a day of flying, the couple enjoyed dinner at the South American sensation on Bardstown Road: Jicama Grill. Following dinner, they headed for Candice’s apartment. When they arrived, Candice opened the door and was greeted by rose petals leading into the dining room. Following the petals to the dining room, she noticed a bouquet of roses with a card and box. After reading the card, she opened the box but found that it was empty. Turning around in confusion, Candice found her Valentine on bended knee, asking for her hand in marriage. She happily accepted, and the plans began.

Candice chose Fairy Godmothers to help her plan the wedding. Beth Penner Torstrick, a second-generation bridal consultant and owner of the firm, worked with Candice on all matters from shopping, to fittings, to planning, to more planning. Candice knew what she wanted: a Cinderella theme, complete with a romantic candlelit ceremony. She searched diligently for a church, finding St. Agnus peeking through a tree cove on Newburg Road, and was instantly convinced that this was the location fit for Cinderella herself. But, to her disappointment, Candice was informed that St. Agnus did not allow candles at the altar, not even a unity candle. Her intimate ceremony would have to take place with the lights on. Ultimately, Candice agreed, giving in to that one significant, yet unavoidable, condition. Booking the popular Olmstead Mansion for her reception venue, she had secured both venues in rather a short time. With an August 22nd date, there were only six months to plan, causing Candice to work nonstop with her coordinator.

Seven o’clock was well on its way, and power was nowhere near being restored. Suddenly, Beth knew that Candice was about to have the one thing that she had given up by using St. Agnus as her wedding venue: candlelight. Beth quickly called in a delivery of candelabras from florist Nanz and Kraft. After receiving special permission from the priest, she had them set up at the altar. The ceremony’s music began as Beth excitedly told a surprisingly calm Candice that she would have her candlelit ceremony after all. With no time left, the doors opened, and the processional began. Candice and father headed down the aisle, with Candice wearing a dreamy ivory satin strapless A-line gown by Maggie Soterro from Rebecca’s, with a lace-up back and Swarovski beads on the inset. Her hair, done by Ben Kelly, of Bennie and Friends, was tucked under a custom-made tiara and veil, now a family heirloom, handmade by Classic Veils by Carol. A silver wire filigree covered in lavender and clear Swarovski crystals and Czech cut glass, the tiara glistened in the candlelight like diamonds. Candice carried a dinner plate signature bouquet called a Duchess Rose, a manmade flower with lavender and bluebird roses throughout.

For her bridesmaids, Candice chose maid of honor and friend Jennifer Guelda, friends Kelly Williams and Catherine McKinley, the groom’s sisters Aimee Garcia and Gloria Arias, and cousin Andra Powers. Her three bridesmaids wore delicate lavender halter dresses with empire waists, made by Watters and Watters, and carried peek-a-boo bouquets of white hydrangeas and bluebird roses. Standing with Fernando were his groomsmen, wearing traditional black tuxedos with black bowties and white vests. With him were best man and father Fernando Isa, Sr., friend Jason Kennedy, brother Omar Isa, brothers-in-law Christian Garcia and Randolf Arias, and brother to the bride Ashley Ethington.

Amid the romantic fairy-tale glow of candlelight, Fernando and Candice exchanged their vows at the altar before their guests, as family and friends sat in awe of the enchanting scene that Candice had thought they would be denied. Several songs added further beauty to the enchantment, performed by soloist and former Miss Kentucky Chera-Lyn Kennedy. As the newlywed couple took their first walk down the aisle as husband and wife and threw open the church doors, daylight flooded into the sanctuary as power was suddenly restored.
The couple laughed and kissed. Their prayers had been answered, and not a moment too soon.

Mr. and Mrs. Fernando Isa made their way to the Olmstead in a Rolls Royce; but once they arrived at the entrance gate, Candice and Fernando were surprised to find that Candice’s father had arranged for a white horse and carriage to deliver them to the door of the mansion. As guests arrived at the reception hall, they were greeted by a string quartet and a butler serving hors d’oeuvres as well as complimentary champagne and wine.

The reception hall was divided into two parts, each having a respective theme. The nightclub side was equipped with a dance band and purple up-lights to create a club-like feel to make guests more comfortable with dancing. The main wing, where the bride and groom sat, was lavishly decorated with shimmery white chiffon, cascading from the ceiling and twinkle lights throughout. Several tables sat below suspended flower arrangements of orchids, lilies, and other lavender flowers. Other tables bore a tall crystal vase with a bubble top filled with bluebird roses, while still others bore a dome filled with floating crystal gems.

An intimate bride and groom table was set between four columns to showcase the newlyweds. Their personal Lenox china was set at the table so that the two could share their first meal as a married couple on their own dishware. A 21/2 foot ice sculpture of a glass slipper stood directly beside their table, holding the champagne for their first toast.

The buffet provided by Masterson’s was an elegant creation with a large suspended flower arrangement and an ice luge that poured apple-tinis and purple passion drinks for guests. Pasta and meat stations were attended by chefs, while other foods such as country-style green beans and assorted salads were set amongst an array of festive flowers. The Sylvia Weinstock-inspired seven-tiered cake, crafted by Cakes by Lyda, followed the Cinderella theme, bearing a sugar castle on the top instead of the traditional miniature statues of a bride and groom. Individually handmade sugerflowers cascaded from top to bottom, making the white chocolate raspberry, vanilla, and strawberry layers a delicious hit.

The day was one of exquisite beauty, unexpected surprises, and true love.