Madelyn and Jake were blessed with an absolutely gorgeous winter day for their wedding on December 27, 2025. With temperatures in the high 60s, it was the kind of December weather you don’t even dare to hope for, but somehow we got it! A dream day from start to finish!!
We began the day at The Millbottom photographing Madelyn’s beautiful bridal details and candid moments as she and her girls prepared together. The room buzzed with excitement while hair and makeup were styled, laughter floated through the space, and the anticipation of the day slowly settled in. Before long, it was time for Madelyn to step into her gown. With the help of her mom and sister, she slipped into her dress, and she absolutely radiated! Madelyn stood in front of the mirror, smiling as she saw herself as a bride for the very first time, glowing with a kind of beauty that felt both timeless and divine!
Waiting just outside was her dad, Matt. He was anxious, excited, and clearly holding in all the emotions. The moment he turned around and saw Madelyn as a bride, he completely melted. He wrapped her in the tightest hug as tears streamed down his face, resting his head on her shoulder. It was raw, tender, and incredibly sentimental. It was one of those moments that reminds me exactly why documenting weddings matters so much!
From there, we headed to the Missouri State Capitol, where Madelyn and Jake would share their first look. The grounds were completely quiet, almost as if the city had paused just for them. The air was warm, the light was soft, and Jake stood waiting with the biggest smile on his face! He was visibly giddy as he anticipated seeing Madelyn for the first time. When she tapped his shoulder and he turned around, his grin only grew wider! He told her over and over how beautiful she looked, completely in awe of his soon to be wife!
Madelyn and Jake chose to share their personal vows during their first look, and it was such a privilege to witness. Jake beamed as Madelyn read her promises, and by the time Jake finished his vows, Madelyn was wiping away tears. It was intimate, heartfelt, and full of so much love!
We seamlessly moved into bride and groom portraits, and let me just say, Madelyn and Jake are a dream to photograph!! They share the sweetest, most natural connection, one that you can feel just by being near them. We strolled around the Capitol grounds as they laughed, talked, and soaked in being together. They made every moment effortless and fun, taking their portraits to the next level without even trying!
Soon after, their bridal party joined us at the Capitol, and we spent the rest of the golden hour capturing bridal party portraits. As the sun dipped lower, we ventured downtown for a few final portraits alongside their rented trolley. It was the perfect way to wrap up portraits before heading into the evening.
As night fell, guests began filing into The Millbottom for cocktail hour. At 6:00 PM, the ceremony began. Jake stood smiling ear to ear as Madelyn was escorted down the aisle. Tears filled the eyes of her sister and several bridesmaids as she walked toward him. The ceremony was short, sweet, and filled with meaning. Christmas trees and twinkling lights framed the space, creating the coziest winter backdrop.
Immediately following the ceremony, the head table space was flipped, and Madelyn and Jake were joyfully announced into their reception as Mr. & Mrs. Burnett! Heartfelt speeches were shared, the cake was cut, and then the dances began. Globe lights twinkled above the dance floor, casting a golden glow over the room as the party truly came alive. The dance floor stayed packed all night long, filled with laughter, mingling, and celebration!
One of the most fun moments of the night came when Madelyn and Jake decided to play bartender, passing out specialty shots to their guests and hyping up their friends and family! The energy was unmatched! It was truly pure joy from wall to wall.
Before the night ended, we snuck Madelyn and Jake outside for a few final portraits with the Capitol glowing behind them. It was the perfect, quiet ending to such a full and beautiful day!
Mattie and Jake, thank you so much for allowing us the honor of documenting your love story! Being part of your wedding day was such a joy, and what a way to end the 2025 season! We truly went out with a bang. Wishing you a lifetime of love, and a blessed marriage that continues to grow day by day!!
Vendor Team
Photography: Morgan Lee Photography / @Morganleeweddings
Second Photographer: Matt Stewart / @MattStewartmusic
Venue: The Millbottom / Instagram: @jcmillbottom
Hair: Salon Valise Instagram: @salonvalise
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1amHTbmghR/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Bride’s Hair: Cailey Rademan / Instagram: @caycayscuts
Bridesmaids Hair: Jessi Schwartze / Jenna Neuner / Instagram: @schwartzejessi
Makeup: Jayden Wren / Jaylynae Beauty Instagram: @jaylynae_beauty Maggie / Makeup By Maggie Instagram: @makeupbymaggie727
Wedding Gown:Breeze Bridal – Columbia, MO Instagram: @breezebridal
Dress Alterations – Janna Volmert / JM Couturière Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Wb2eJuhAd/?mibextid=wwXIfr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmcouturiere?igsh=MWxmdjRkYWozMmxlOQ==
Bridesmaid Attire: Azazie
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Samuels Menswear / Instagram: @samuelsmenswear
Florist, Planner, Decor Rentals: In Any Event / Instagram: @in.any.event Jessica Ward
Invitations: Created by the bride
Save the Dates: The Knot
DJ: DJ Alex Reed Instagram: @djalexreedkc
Catering: Come to the Table / Lorna / Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14JJwWmWKee/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Jewelry: Janna Volmert / JM Couturière
Desserts
Wedding cake – Hyvee
Cookies – Debbie Shipley
Cake pops – Max Bryant Instagram:bakedbymax
