Mr. & Mrs. Drummond | Spring Creek Estates | Springfield, Missouri Wedding

From the moment we packed up and made our way to Springfield the night before, I had a feeling this wedding was going to be something special! It was my very first wedding in Springfield, Missouri and getting to experience a new place while celebrating two incredible people made it all the more meaningful! And let me tell you, Mercedes and Collin did not disappoint. Their day was filled with laughter, gorgeous light, and the kind of love that’s impossible to miss!

We began the morning at the cutest little Airbnb in town where Mercedes and her bridesmaids were getting ready. The atmosphere was everything you’d hope for on a wedding morning, excited, giddy, and full of anticipation! As hair and makeup wrapped up, we captured a few portraits of Mercedes and her gals in their matching PJs and they were all giggly as ever!

From there, we headed to the venue where Collin and his guys were getting ready in the groom’s suite. These guys were a blast! The energy was high, the jokes were constant, and they made every moment so fun to photograph. Collin, especially, was already glowing with excitement for the day ahead! Before heading to the ceremony, we snuck in some detail shots of the reception space. Everything was thoughtfully set and ready for the celebration to come. Then we made our way to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church.

This church was absolutely beautiful and such a dream to photograph! Inside, Mercedes stepped into her gown with the help of her mom and sister, and it was one of those moments where everything just slows down. She was stunning! You could feel how special the moment was. One of the most emotional parts of the day followed when her grandma came in as a surprise. The look on her face when she saw Mercedes as a bride for the first time was priceless, and easily one of my favorite moments we captured! Out in the hallway, we gathered the bridesmaids for a grand reveal, and the reaction was everything. They cheered, applauded, and surrounded Mercedes with so much love as she stepped out in her timeless dress!

Next came a quiet, meaningful first look with her dad in the main auditorium. His face lit up instantly as he witnessed his beautiful daughter as a bride! It was such a beautiful moment between the two of them. And then… it was time!! As Mercedes walked down the aisle, Collin’s reaction said it all! He had the biggest grin on his face, and honestly, it never left all day. He is one of those grooms who just couldn’t stop smiling all day long, and it was the sweetest thing to witness! Their ceremony was a traditional Catholic mass, rich with meaning and reverence, and within the hour, they were officially husband and wife. As they made their way back up the aisle hand in hand, you could just feel the joy radiating from them!

After the ceremony, we captured family photos inside the church before heading back to the venue for bridal party and newlywed portraits. Collin and his groomsmen kept the energy high (and hilarious), while the bridesmaids absolutely killed it. When it was time for Mercedes and Collin’s portraits, everything just clicked. These two have a special way about them. You can see how much they adore each other! Collin looks at Mercedes like she’s the only girl in the world, and she keeps him laughing constantly. It’s effortless, genuine, and so much fun to document. I remember after their engagement session in the fall thinking, “their wedding day is going to be amazing,” and I was absolutely right!

They flowed right into cocktail hour, mingling with guests, soaking in the moment before being announced into their reception. From there, the celebration truly began with their cake cutting, their first dance as husband and wife, and a room filled with all of their favorite people.

Dinner was followed by some of the funniest toasts from the best man and maid of honor, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room… mostly from laughter! Then came the parent dances. But one of my favorite parts of the entire day? Sneaking them away for sunset. We stepped outside to the most beautiful, glowy light reflecting over the pond. It was absolute magic! The kind of light photographers dream about. Mercedes and Collin were completely in their element! They were laid back, playful, and so in love! It felt like the perfect moment to an already incredible day!

Mercedes and Colin, thank you so much for trusting me and my team to document the very beginning of your marriage. You two are truly something special! You’re both so kind, joyful, and clearly meant for each other! It has been such a joy getting to know you both, and I cannot wait to see where life takes you as you step into this next chapter together. Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Drummond!