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Anna and James planned the most gorgeous summer wedding at The Hawthorne House. Being surrounded by their closest friends, celebrating with their families, and a beautiful golden hour made for the perfect day.
Anna and her bridesmaids started the morning off right with a toast of champagne. They then got ready in Hawthorne House’s newly renovated bridal suite.
James got ready in the groom’s room with his best man and groomsmen by his side.
A really special moment that is often overlooked is a bride’s first look with her bridesmaids. The women she grew up with, her sisters, and her closest friends are always so thrilled to see her all dressed up on her wedding day.
First looks never fail to bring this photographer to tears. Whether it’s a bride with her dad, a mother and son, or two partners seeing each other for the first time it is always incredibly meaningful.
Hawthorne House is a stunning wedding venue in Parkville, Missouri. It has tall, lush trees surrounding the grounds, a lovely reception hall with a wrap around deck, a cute gazebo, and a quaint chapel for a ceremony.
The chapel is the perfect location for a traditional wedding ceremony. Anna’s father walked her down the aisle where James was waiting. After Anna gave her dad a hug she was ready to officially marry James – the moment they had been waiting for was finally here.
The chapel was filled with close friends and family all there to show their support for this newly married couple. There is something so magical about being in a room full of only people that love you.
Anna and James have been together for many years. It’s clear how much love they share for each other.
A summer wedding at the Hawthorne House means a sunset that can’t be beat. The golden light shines over the vast lawn peaking through the trees.
A few more husband and wife portraits after the ceremony gave Anna and James some time to let the whole day fully sink in. The were able to bask in the setting sun and their love for one another.
Anna and James kept their reception decor classic and elegant. The open space of the reception hall welcomed guests for the happy hour and then the DJ got the party going when the wedding party made their grand entrance.
Members of the wedding party gave thoughtful toasts to the couple. Wishing them years of happiness and love.
Anna and James shared their first dance as husband and wife. As the music started, the room fell silent. Guests watched from their seats, some holding tissues to dab their watering eyes.
After the traditional dances the party really got started! The DJ turned on his colorful lights and guests hit the dance floor.
Anna and James were now officially Mr. and Mrs. Taylor. They danced the night away with their friends and family. The happiest night of their lives after an amazing day.
Check out another gorgeous summer wedding on the blog here
Featured Vendors
Venue: The Hawthorne House
Dress: Stephanie’s Bridal
Suit: Tip Top Tux
Rings: Helzberg
Bridesmaids Dresses: Davids Bridal
Flowers: Hitched Floral
Wooden Ceremony Cross: Belle Journee
Paper Goods: Vista Print
DJ: Complete Weddings and Events (Ryan)
Caterer: Jack Stack
Desserts: The Mad Batter KC
McKenna and Micah’s summer wedding at Mildale Farm was filled with personal touches, from early morning devotions to private last dances. Every last detail was planned to focus of their relationship and their soon to be marriage.
McKenna reached out to me to photograph their wedding about 12 months before their date. We had plenty of time to work together and build a photography package that truly fit their needs for their day. I knew they had many important moments through out their day and I wanted to be sure to capture them all.
The planned ahead of time to schedule in some special moments for just the two of them through out the day. They both woke up earlier than everyone else and did devotions together before the hustle and bustle of the day really got started. This gave them the chance to really let it sink in that it was their wedding day. Once their wedding party woke up they both went to their separate getting ready rooms to spend the rest of the morning with their friends and family. They didn’t see each other again until the moment Mckenna walked down the aisle and Micah got to see his soon-to-be wife in her wedding dress.
After the ceremony they dedicated time for just couples portraits. They sent all their guests, family, and wedding party to the cocktail hour. This gave them another moment to just be together – officially married!!
Then it was PARTY TIME! After a yummy BBQ dinner and delicious desserts McKenna and Micah hit the dance floor with all their guests. Nothing beats getting to celebrate with all the people in your life that love and support you.
Once the party started winding down McKenna and Micah planned to have a private last dance. Their guests headed outside to get ready for their sparkler exit while they slow danced in the now empty space. They both we’re very emotional because the day they’ve been dreaming of was over and they were so happy to finally be married to one another.
It is so important to schedule all of these intimate moments together when you’re creating your wedding day timeline. Getting to pause a little of your wedding day and truly soak it all in.
Advice from the Bride
Your wedding day really does go by so quickly and it’s over and done before you know it. Hire vendor that you trust so you can leave all the details and worries to them and really soak in every moment of the day!
Summer Wedding at Mildale Farm Vendors:
Venue: Mildale Farm
Day of Coordination: Taryn Golling
Photographer: Natalie Nichole Photography
Videographer: Isabel Lauby
Florals: The Little Clover
Caterer: Katie’s Catering
Invitations: Minted
DJ: DJ Connections
Bride’s Dress: Natalie M
Hair: Emily Perry – CopperCanyonCo
MakeUp: Ashley Strasser
Grooms Attire: Generation Tux
