Mr. & Mrs. Braun | Westphalia, Missouri Wedding

Liz and Justin had one gorgeous January wedding day! The sun was out and temperatures made it to the 50s. Liz and her girls were getting ready in the basement at the lions club. Lots of chatter and laughter could be heard as the morning hours passed by. I got to work photographing the reception details upstairs. They did a fabulous job transforming the Lions Club space into a beautiful wedding reception. Next, I photographed all of Liz’s pretty bridal details. We were lucky to get several stems of greenery and blooms from the florist. All of the fresh blooms elevated the detail shots!

I headed downstairs where Liz and her girls were finishing up with hair and makeup. The makeup artist was adding the final touches to Liz’s bridal look. She looked so stunning! We gathered all the bridesmaids and candle lighters for a few quick shots of everyone in their matching sweaters. Giggles filled the room and Liz looked happy as ever. We made our way back upstairs, where Liz would get into her gorgeous gown with the help of her sweet mom. Liz was fastened into the dress in no time. Pieces of jewelry were added, and a veil was pushed into place. As Liz stepped over to the mirror to see herself, she began to cry as she was hit with emotion. She then read a letter from her soon to be husband. Liz was all smiles as she read through Justin’s sweet words.

We ushered Liz’s dad Bill in for a first look. He anxiously waited for Liz to tap his shoulder. As Liz gently tapped him, Bill turned around in awe of his beautiful daughter. He began to tear up as he witnessed Liz as a radiant bride. Liz shared sweet gifts for her mom and her dad before we did a grand reveal with the bridesmaids. We were off to the catholic church in Westphalia. There, we met up with Justin and his parents. This church has the most gorgeous natural light, streaming in a window in the staircase, that leads up to the choir loft. Justin got ready with the help of his parents. His dad, Alan helped with all the final touches and his mom pinned on the boutonnière. Justin gifted his parents each a handkerchief with affirmations of love.

It was almost time for the ceremony! At one o’clock, the precessional began. Liz and Justin shared in a Catholic mass. Within nearly an hour, the two were married with their family and friends in attendance. We spent the afternoon photographing family formals in the church and bridal party photos out at the Braun farm. I’ll have to admit, I was a bit worried when I reserved this January wedding date, that it may be miserably cold. However, we were lucky with the warmer weather. I didn’t even need a coat on in January! Liz and Justin are such a perfect pair! Their love truly comes through in all of the photos. We stopped on the pathway into the farm for many bride and groom portraits. The trees line both sides of the driveway making for a gorgeous winter backdrop.

Down at the farm in the field, Justin’s dad brought out what they call, a Love Bug. It’s a handcrafted vehicle built by Justin’s grandfather, with many different parts from old VWs. Justin took Liz down to the farm on their first date where they drove around in the Love Bug. So it only made sense to bring it out for a few portraits on the wedding day. After portraits, we headed back to Wardsville for the reception. Liz and Justin, along with their bridal party, were announced in. Guests were on their feet, clapping and cheering in excitement as everyone made their way into the reception. The cake was cut and toasts were made. A fun evening of partying was officially kicked off after the first dances. Liz and her dad shared the sweetest father daughter dance; I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room.

Liz and Justin really know how to throw a party! This night had a full dance floor with energized guests the entire night. It was such a great way to kick off my 2023 wedding season. Liz and Justin, thank you for allowing me to document day one of your marriage. We had a blast celebrating you both! Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness and a blessed marriage. Congratulations to the Brauns!