Abby and Dylan were married on Saturday October 26 in Meta Missouri with a reception following in Westphalia. The forecast called for rain all day with no chance for it to stop the majority of the day. We kept our fingers crossed that we might be granted just one break from the rain. We just needed a small window of time to capture images and we were hopeful we would receive this time! We arrived at Abby’s sister’s home in Meta to begin the day. There, we were met with a home full of bridesmaids all preparing for the day. As hair and makeup ensued, we got to work with all of Abby’s pretty bridal details. We kept gazing out the window at the dreary day, praying over and over that it would stop at one point. The clouds were heavy and the sky was a dark gray all morning as rain drops pitter pattered on the roof.
Once Abby was fished with her hair and makeup, she read a love note from Dylan. As she sat in the rocking chair trying to hold back the tears, the most adorable smile would come across her face as she read sweet words from her soon to be husband. As she made her way through the letter, tears began to stream down her face before she would finish it. She looked up smiling at everyone in the room and exclaimed, “I can’t believe this day is finally here!” We did a quick touch up with makeup and then it was time to get her into her wedding gown. Abby selected the most gorgeous lace gown with an exquisite train. We knew Dylan would soon be speechless when he saw Abby! With the help of her mom and sister, Abby was in her gown in no time at all. Buttons were fastened into place, jewelry pieces were added, and a delicate veil would finish off the look! Abby’s mom Wanda became emotional as she witnessed her daughter as a bride. Abby looked absolutely stunning in her gown. She was radiant and exuding the happiest of spirits!
It was time for one of our favorite moments of the day! A first look with all of her girls. As we counted to three, all of the bridesmaids turned around at once and had the cutest reactions to seeing Abby as a bride! One by one, they all gave their beautiful friend a hug and told her how perfect she looked and how they all knew, “Dilly will lose it when he sees you!” One of the sweetest interactions we captured was Abby’s grandmother seeing her as a bride. It was such a priceless moment. You could see the wave of emotions that hit her grandma Wilma as she stood in the presence of Abby as a bride. They shared the most warm and loving hug as we tried not to tear up behind the camera.
The rain was continuing to fall outside with no chance of stopping any time soon. We set Abby’s dad David in place under a covered porch so he could share a first look with his daughter. We knew this moment would be emotional. We had Abby come outside to the porch area and told her to walk up to her dad whenever she was ready. She stood there silently for a few seconds as she regained composure and tried not to cry. After her momentary pause, she glided towards her dad and tapped him on the shoulder. He quickly turned around and she was met with a loving embrace and the happiest of tears. He was speechless. David would just look at Abby with the sweetest grin and then embrace her over and over as tears streamed down their faces.
It was nearing the time of the ceremony, so we all headed to the church. As the clock struck one, tunes began to play as the wedding party made their way down the aisle. The music heightened and the ushers guided open the church doors to reveal Abby with her father. Dylan smiled immediately as he saw Abby at the end of the aisle. David escorted Abby to the front of church and handed her off with the sweetest of hugs and a firm handshake to his soon to be son-in- law. Abby and Dylan shared in a traditional full mass Catholic ceremony with their family and friends in attendance. They were soon announced husband and wife and the new Mr. and Mrs. Dylan Berhorst made their way back down the aisle as family and friends cheered for the happy pair!
Next, we would venture to a winery in Westphalia where we would take bridal party photos along with photos of the new Mr. and Mrs. The rain was still falling as we made our drive to the neighboring town. When we arrived, it didn’t look like the clouds would let up, so we found a cute little porch area where we would take several portraits of Abby and Dylan. Some how, some way, our prayers were answered and we received a small window of time where the rain stopped. We quickly took Abby and Dylan out by the vineyard area along a path where you could see the fall colors trying to peek through the foggy cloud cover. We snapped away at our shutter, taking in every minute we were blessed with that didn’t have rain. Abby and Dylan were such troopers to brave the cold and dreary day. In the end, we were still able to document gorgeous images despite the lack of sunshine.
We traveled back to their venue where we were met with their guests at the reception. The night was started off quickly with cake cutting and toasts. Before too long, Dylan and Abby were dancing the night away with their family and friends having an absolute blast. The night was so full of love and laughter and it was evident that these two are surrounded by the absolute best support system anyone could ask for.
Abby and Dylan, thank you so much for allowing us to document your very special day! We hope it was everything you wanted and more! Congratulations you two. We know great things are in store for you as you begin this new journey as husband and wife! Enjoy some of our favorites from their day.
