When we first sat down with Michelle and Kyle last winter, we instantly knew that we love for the opportunity to celebrate their love story. They were down to earth and spoke so highly of one another as they talked about the proposal and the story that brought them together. They would gaze into each others eyes and smile with giddiness as they talked about the wedding day they were envisioning. We were hooked immediately by their undeniable connection and sweet love they shared. We already knew after meeting Michelle and Kyle that their engagement session would be cute as can be. When the day arrived last spring for the session, we couldn’t get enough of these two. We really got to see their personalities come out at the session. Kyle kept Michelle cracking up laughing the majority of the time. Her eyes would light up with pure happiness every time he would whisper in her ear. We knew if the engagement session was this effortless, the wedding day would be just as great! And it was all that and more!
From the moment we arrived on the wedding day and met Michelle and Kyle’s close circle of family and friends, we were greeted with the upmost respect and kindness by all. Everyone welcomed us with open arms and made us feel right at home! You always know it’s going to be a good wedding day when the day begins with everyone accepting you into their circle. We got right to work with Michelle’s beautiful and elegant bridal details. Everything she selected fit her style to a tee. There was such a soft romantic feel with each and every detail. Both Michelle and Kyle have lost a parent so it was important to ensure that we could include his mom and her dad in the photographs. Michelle had her dad with her all day. His picture sat front row at the church for the ceremony and she had a sweet photo of her dad pinned onto her bridal bouquet. Kyle too had a photo of his mom framed in the front pew at the church for the ceremony. His mom was by his side all day pinned on the inside of his suit jacket. It’s sad when loved ones cannot be physically present during big celebrations and events during life and you wish they could be there to hug them, but we have no doubt both Michelle’s dad and Kyle’s mom were watching over them the entire day with the biggest smiles.
As we reached the afternoon, it was time for the bride and groom to get ready. Our team headed down the block from the church to meet Kyle and his groomsmen at Hudson Hawk. This is one of the coolest barber shops we have ever seen! 10/10 would recommend checking this little gem of a place out! It was such a perfect location for Kyle and his guys to get ready for the day. There was such a laid back atmosphere at the barber shop and several of the workers were helping us to the best photographs possible. Kyle was all smiles as his best man Ben helped him prepare for the big day! This was definitely one of our favorite groom getting ready locations we’ve seen.
We made our way back to church and it was finally time for Michelle to step into her wedding gown. With the help of her sweet mom and maid of honor Lauren, Michelle was laced into the beautiful dress. As her mom added the veil in place, Michelle was grinning ear to ear. One by one, we lead the rest of the bridesmaids and Michelle’s grandmother into the room telling them to keep their eyes closed. We counted to three and they all opened their eyes to see the big reveal. The emotion in the room was just priceless. There was laughter, smiles, applause, and tears as everyone was in awe of the sight in front of them. Michelle made one stunning bride and everyones reaction says just that. We adore documenting the sweet moments like this on a wedding day.
The time had finally come for the wedding ceremony. The church Michelle and Kyle married in is absolutely gorgeous. Boasting many large stained glass windows and intricate wood details all throughout, Missouri United Methodist church is amazing. As tunes were played, the wedding party made their way down the aisle. Just before the doors were opened for Michell, her grandmother lined the aisle with petals. It was so sweet to see her grandmother as the flower girl on their special day. I was tearing up behind my camera trying to hold it together as she walked down. The music heightened and family and friends rose to their feet. The church doors were opened and in walked Michelle. Kyle had so many reactions as his bride made her way to him. Michelle effortlessly floated down the aisle looking stunning as ever. They both smiled at each other as she made it to the front alter.
A lovely message was delivered during their sweet and traditional ceremony. The officiant told the story of Michelle and Kyle and how the two came together. Michelle and Kyle met while attending a trip to Ireland with Marching Mizzou. The two hit it off and Michelle was drawn to Kyle’s personality. They dated for a short time before calling it off because the timing just wasn’t right. They remained friends for the next couple of years. Ultimately, when each of their parents passed away, they both reached out to one another. Timing is everything and it was finally the perfect time for them to get back together. Michelle and Kyle have been together ever since. After they stated their vows, exchanged rings, and lit the unity candle, Michelle and Kyle were pronounced husband and wife. Everyone in the pews erupted in cheer as the happy couple made their way back down the aisle.
We spent the remainder of the late afternoon and early evening with Michelle and Kyle’s close group of friends. They were such a great group to work work! It’s no surprise that Michelle and Kyle would have such a wonderful group of friends. They both have such infectious personalities you cannot help but to just love these two when you are in their presence. We had so much fun on campus photographing everyone. I think Michelle and Kyle may have had one of the windiest wedding days we have ever seen. Despite the very intense wind speeds, we were still able to get so many gorgeous photos. We just had to be patient for the wind to settle down before taking a set of photos. The wind would pick back up, rapidly blowing Michell’s veil, train of her dress, and hair in all directions. And seconds later, we would be blessed with a small window of time with just a gentle soft breeze before it would pick back up again. Through all of the windy chaos, Michelle and Kyle remained calm and we think that speaks volumes of their character. It that moment, it would have been very easy to be annoyed and stressed about the weather, but these two were true champs as they were patient waiting for the chances we had to grab gorgeous photos. Their patience paid off. You could never tell by just looking at these photos that it was one of the windiest days.
After portraits, we traveled to The Millbottom in Jefferson City where we were joined by all their family and friends. You could feel so much love when you walked in the venue. It is evident that everyone is so overjoyed for Michelle and Kyle. The night was spent listening to sweet, sentimental toasts with a bit of humor added here and there, Michelle and Kyle shared a romantic first dance before the live band came to the stage to entertain guests for the remainder of the evening. Their wedding day was one we won’t soon forget. We are so thankful for all of the kindness we received while attending the day. It’s not every wedding day where the bride and grooms family make you feel like family! We ended the night with a fun sparkler exit just outside on the patio. This day was so perfect from beginning to end!
We adore Michelle and Kyle and know that only great things are in store for them as they begin their new journey as husband and wife. Their love is real, their love is genuine, and authentic. The way they look at each other is the sweetest thing to witness. It’s obvious that these two have stolen each others hearts. THey are quite simply the perfect match for one another. We love their story and know that together, they will accomplish amazing things. Michelle and Kyle, Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for allowing us to celebrate day one of your marriage with you with such an important role. We have adored getting to know you both and documenting this sweet season of life! We cannot thank you enough for making us feel so welcomed on your day! Enjoy a peek into their very beautiful wedding day!
#BAUCHEBASH
View Michelle and Kyle’s Engagement Session HERE
Team of Vendors
Photography: Morgan Lee Photography
Hair and Makeup: Anna with Salon Nefisa
Wedding Gown:Maggie Sottero dress Purchased at Belle Mariee
Bridesmaid Attire: Azazie
Groom and Groomsmen Attire: The Black Tux
Flowers:Flowers purchased from Fifty Flowers online and assembled by a family friend, Barb Scharf
Band: Norm Reubling Band
Catering and Wedding Cake: Hyvee
Earrings: Rent the Runway
Transportation: The White Knight
Church: Missouri United Methodist Church
Reception Venue: The Millbottom
Nina Mancuso says
This was a very beautiful and fun wedding. I was so happy to be part of their wedding. I sure felt Mike (
Michelle’s Dad) was therebut so bittersweet.