Mr. & Mrs. Archer | The Mighty Oak Lodge | Lebanon, Missouri Wedding

Bailey and Phillip shared in a beautiful wedding day at The Mighty Oak Lodge in Lebanon, Missouri. When they first contacted us about documenting their day, we were over the moon in excitement for the opportunity to photograph at the gorgeous venue. The Mighty Oak Lodge has been on our photography “bucket list” for a few years now. When we learned that Phillip is an Assistant manager at the event space, we knew we had a tall order to fill. We wanted to do the place justice, especially since the groom plays such an important role in helping run events here on a regular basis.

We toured The Mighty Oak Lodge a few weeks before the wedding day. We met with Bailey and Phillip there and they showed us the ins and outs of the property. They gave the grand tour and gushed in excitement about their rapidly approaching wedding day! While looking at the venue, we not only fell in love with The Mighty Oak Lodge, but the property that spans around the event space as well. This venue has a purpose and was so well thought out. Mature trees, acres of open fields, a lake, and immaculate landscaping surround it. We were giddy with excitement to come back in just two short weeks.

The wedding day was finally here! We were met with a gorgeous sun shiny day with gorgeous blue skies! Being the first weekend in August, we couldn’t complain about the temperatures. It really wasn’t too bad at all.   We began our day photographing the event space. We had the privilege of photographing the space untouched before guests arrived later in the day. The décor they selected was simple, yet elegant with a romantic charm. Full hydrangea blooms graced each table, bringing them to life. Navy napkins were paired with copper chargers, adding the perfect feel to the room. Sheer drapery hung from the ceiling guiding you to a giant greenery wreath as the focal point.

The day was moving along perfectly and if was almost time to get ready for the day. Just before getting into their wedding attire, Bailey and Phillip exchanged hand written letters to one another. Separated by a wall to keep them from seeing each other, Bailey and Phillip read the heartfelt sentiments.  With the help of her mom, sisters, and even one of the little flower girls, Bailey was in her wedding gown in no time. Buttons were all fastened into place, jewelry was added, and a spray of perfume filled the air. The room was full of smiles and happiness as Bailey’s family and bridesmaids witnessed her as a bride for the first time. Now that she was ready, it was time to share a first look with her dad.

We set Bailey’s dad in place and within minutes, Bailey exited the venue and made her way to her dad. A gentle tap on the shoulder and her dad quickly turned around to see his little girl as a bride. They immediately hugged and he couldn’t stop telling her just how beautiful she looked. Now it was time to share a first look with her soon to be husband. Bailey anxiously walked towards Phillip and tapped him on the shoulder as well. She was met with all smiles. Phillip was grinning from ear to ear. He quickly swept her in for a sweet hug. In awe of her beauty, Phillip kept telling Bailey how perfect she looked and how fast his heart was beating. This was one of our favorite moments of the day!

We spent the remainder of the afternoon and early evening photographing Bailey and Phillip along with their bridal party. This was the first time we have ever had these two in front of our camera. We were so impressed with how effortlessly they fell into poses and sweet moments with one another! They were such naturals, we couldn’t get over their modeling skills. It was like watching a love story unfold right in front of our lenses!  It’s always amazing when you are in the presence of real love. That was just the case on their wedding day. Bailey and Phillip absolutely adore one another! They share a love so enduring and sweet. They have spent many years together and you can see that these two haven’t lost that special spark. It was so cute to watch these two be giddy around each other. Phillip just melts when he sees Bailey and she cannot help but smile when she is around him. We Love LOVE and we always feel so honored to document not only the couples, but also their stories!

By six o’clock in the evening, it was time for the ceremony. Standing beneath the “Mighty Oak” tree, Phillip anxiously awaited his beautiful bride to make her way to him. As the music began to play and the barn door slid open to reveal Bailey to the guests, Phillip was met with emotion. He began to tear up. One by one, tears streamed down his face and he had to wipe his eyes as Bailey was guided down the aisle by her dad. They shared in a short and sweet ceremony that was sealed with a kiss. As they were pronounced Mr. and Mrs. Archer, guests erupted in cheer, applauding the happy couple all the way back up the aisle.

The rest of the wedding day passed by in a flurry of excitement! We attended such a fun wedding reception and were thoroughly entertained by their DJ Broc with Elevate entertainment. There was never a dull moment all evening long. He really provided such amazing entertainment for all the guests to enjoy! We ended our time with Bailey and Phillip with a fun sparkler send off. Their closest family and friends waved their sparklers around in excitement as the new Mr. and Mrs. dashed through the tunnel of loved ones.  It was the perfect ending to the perfect day!

The Mighty Oak Lodge definitely did not disappoint! The Archer wedding day was everything we thought it would be and more! Bailey and Phillip, we are so thankful you trusted us to document day one of your marriage! We felt so honored and lucky to be sharing in such a special day with you and your closest family and friends! Cheers to many happy years you two! Enjoy some of our favorites from the day! Many, many more to come.  Be sure to catch the highlight film from their day handcrafted by the ever so talented Ashley Wills LLC.

Archer Wedding Day Film handcrafted by Ashley Wills LLC

 

Photography: Morgan Lee Photography

Videography: Ashley Wills LLC

Venue: The Mighty Oak Lodge

DJ: Broc Barton with Elevate Entertainment

Catering: The Butcher Shop (Camdenton, Missouri)

Jewelry: Shane Co.

Invitation Suite: Simply to Impress

Hair: Courtney Gann

Groom and Groomsmen Attire: ETC Bridal