Welp, strap in folks, this is going to be a long one… sorry/not sorry! LOL  It was a wild and wonderful weekend in Kirksville, MO coordinated by the one and only Simcha’s Events!  A wonderful team of vendors and a wonderful couple made for a pretty spectacular combo, and thus a pretty awesome blog post! So as always, we begin with the shiny…. Mel’s dad is jeweler in Kirksville so there was no chance of this ring not beign a stunner. ????

shoes and cookies!

Those who don’t know Mel and Paul may not have met the wonderful Olive the goldendoodle, but she is a sweetheart and she made the perfect stamp!

Melanie is still pretty even in the “before” photo!  :D

Mama and her baby both getting groomed for the big day!

little baby, big dog *swoon*

There is another photo 2 seconds after this one where Olive is on Mel’s lap :D

steam queen

time to get in that fabulous gown!

one last little gift before the ceremony

nice Paul, nice LOL

off to the church!

pre-game whoop!

I love this one with the trailing veil… Simcha gave it one final fluff and it floated out for a cool shot for Meredith to snap!

pretty stained glass in the choir loft!  The little shape left between their noses and chins looks just like a rest symbol in sheet music  :D

On the campus of my old alma mater… Truman State University! What a fun shoot/walk down memory lane for me!!

Paul looks less than sure about this maneuver!

And now back to Melanie’s family home for an awesome tented reception!

that tent tho!

So many beautiful personalized details!

cocktails in the front yard with custom bags games and croquet!

then into the back yard for the rest!  It was a hot day… the fans were very appropriate!

The first dance kicked off the festivities.

Paul came up with all the cute food puns… well played, sir.

As the sun set, the tent took on a totally different feel, with draping and fun lights!

Time out for DQ and Ronzas!  If you’re not from Kirksville or Truman, then you have no idea what that is… but it is a delectable pizza pocket from a local place called Pagliai’s Pizza.

the dress begins to unravel….

Ronzas on the dancefloor LOL

Dad and daughter under the moon watching all their planning unfold.

To top off the night, Melanie and Paul had a lantern release by the lake!

and then a very spur of the moment jump into the pool! LOL

My goodness, a whirlwind little road trip for me and Mer… we ate our weight in sour candy and had so much fun shooting your fabulous day!  Thanks for letting us in on the fun!  :D  xo, kate & mer

VENDOR LOVE

Planner: Simcha Lourie – Simcha’s Events

Ceremony venue: First Presbyterian Church of Kirksville

Reception venue: Home of the Bride’s Parents

Tent: All Seasons Event Rental

Florist: Festive Couture Floral 

Cake: Hy-Vee Bakery, Kirksville, MO 

DJ/band: Lenny Klinger’s Galaxy

Vvideography: Gaadt Productions 

Catering: Butler’s Pantry 

Transportation: Best Transportation 

Production: Exclusive Events, Inc. 

Cookies: Karen’s Kreations 

Linens: BBJ Linens 

Paper goods: M. Haley Design 

Hair & Makeup: Brady Elizabeth Keenan 

Gown: Maiden Voyage Bridal, custom Larazo Gown