Alex & John
Alex & John: Fall Wedding in Downtown Joplin, MO
I love how Wedding days are sometimes simply the beautiful celebration of a love story. It's not the first day or the last but the gathering of all the people you love to watch you truly commit yourself to another person. You get to honor the friends and family who have walked by your side through life and gift a beautiful party to the community created when two lives unite. I love that about weddings! Especially when they are as laid back, fun and beautiful as Alex and John's day. I'm excited to finally share it as they approach almost 5 months of marriage!
We started the day at Alex's family home. It was filled to the brim with family, wedding party, dogs, babies and so much pure energy and love. I remember walking in to find Alex completely calm, maybe a little overwhelmed by the rain starting to drop outside or the last minute details but her spirit was light and joyful.
We took some time to shut out the chaos and just have a moment with her and her sweet mom to get the wedding dress on. Those moments in her mom's bedroom really resonated with me. Thinking about all the times I'm sure her mom helped her dress growing up as a little girl and now being able to fasten the last button on her elegant wedding dress.
All the while John was on the hunt for his tie :P He found it just in time to do their First look in the hiking path behind their house. It was a little muddy and the rain had started to drizzle but John and Alex were just so ready to see each other I'm not sure they even noticed. Those moments were sweet, intimate and quick as the rain started to really pour and we rain back to the house for cover.
Next stop was downtown Joplin. A place I honestly had not been but was truly impressed by. I love big cities but there is something always so charming about the small town city center streets. A handful of old buildings and beautiful old architecture. Alex and John had their wedding at the Ramsey in downtown Joplin. Brick walls, old stairs and floor to ceiling windows! The said their vows in front of all the people they loved and were married by Alex's grandfather. It was beautiful to see the way he saw his granddaughter and was emotional about giving her away with so much care and joy.
After the ceremony I always love to grab the couple and take them out of the chaos for a minute. Let them take in the new world they've just entered of marriage. I love to see the'r overflowing laughter and affection just spill out once they've run back down the aisle. I took Alex and John on a walk through downtown. We walked along the charming city streets just as the sun was beginning to set.
The night was filled with words of love and support from speeches and hugs, to cheesecake from the gods, dancing till your sweaty and groomsmen that made me laugh almost off my stool. it was wonderful way to end a beautiful day of love.
So excited for John and Alex as they enter into this wonderful season of marriage. I wish them the best on their 5 monthiversary and can't wait to see the story that continues to unfold for their family. I hear they've been adding to it with pets every couple months.
