Kimball Ballroom | Columbia, Missouri Wedding

Veronica and Aaron tied the knot Memorial Day weekend in Columbia, Missouri at Compass Church with a reception following at Kimball Ballroom. All week, the forecast had a high chance of rain and storms for Saturday. That was not the case at all though. The day of the Everly wedding, we were greeted with beautiful sunny skies. I think we would have been appreciative of a little cooler temperature. But we weren’t going to complain since it wasn’t raining. It got quite hot on their wedding day. We felt bad for all the guys in suits because we know they must have been super toasty. Despite the heat and high humidity, the wedding party was completely cooperative and did whatever we asked of them! It’s always great to photograph such a laid back fun group of people! We captured so many portraits in a short amount of time!

We began the day at the Broadway hotel in Columbia. Veronica had reserved a large bridal suite; perfect for all of her lovely bridesmaids to get ready for the day. We had our own space to photograph all of her pretty bridal details. We were in heaven! Before getting into her dress, Veronica and all her friends piled onto the king bed in the room for a few quick portraits. Giggling turned to laughter and before we knew it everyone was cracking up! Veronica has such a fun group of girl friends! The moment was quieted once Veronica pulled out gifts to give to each bridesmaid. Each gift had a hand written sentimental note. So many emotions were seen throughout the room as everyone opened their gifts. Tears were shed and many hugs were given out before it was finally time for Veronica to get into her wedding gown. With the help of her mom and two grandmothers, Veronica was in her dress in no time. Just before doing a reveal with all of her bridesmaids, she asked for her MOH Alex to come put in the veil. When Alex walked into the room, she had the sweetest reaction as she witnessed her best friend as a bride. It’s moments like these that keep us coming back for more each and every wedding. Next, we brought all of her bridesmaids in the adjoining room and lined them up for the big reveal. As Veronica entered the room, she said everyone could turn around. As each bridesmaid turned to see her as a bride, so many expressions were made!

It was time for a first look with her dad! We brought her dad Britt in so he could share a special moment with his daughter. She gently tapped his shoulder and he turned around and was at a loss of words. He immediately clenched his fist and raised it to cover his mouth before bursting into tears. He completely lost it at the sight of Veronica as a bride. He quickly embraced her and sobbed on her shoulder. It was one of the most emotional daddy daughter first looks we’ve witnessed. Veronica had one more important guy in her life to share a first look with before heading off to her first look with her soon to be husband. We brought her grandfather in to also share a first look with his granddaughter. He covered his eyes and we told him not to peek as Veronica walked into the room. She told him to open his eyes and he just smiled the cutest little grin! I think this might have been my favorite part of the entire day. We recently lost my grandfather to cancer last year in October. It truly warmed my heart to see Veronica include her grandfather in this special moment! I know I would sure treasure sweet memories like these even more, now that my grandfather is gone.

A few months before the wedding, Veronica asked me to meet her at the Church to go over details. While there, she pitched the idea of having one of the groomsmen dress up in an ugly bridal gown and come out for a first look with Aaron before she did! She thought it would be funny and that Aaron would get a kick out of it! I love when couples have a great sense of humor, so of course I was all for this idea! We set up Aaron and told him Veronica was just about to walk out to share a first look with him. Little did Aaron know, he was about to share a first look, just not the one he was anticipating. His groomsman Dusty strutted over in his 1980s gown with a veil over his face. He walked up to Aaron and tapped him on the shoulder. All the other groomsmen stood nearby cracking up! It was so funny and I had to contain myself from busting out laughing! Aaron turned to see a bride, just not the one he was hoping. He immediately started clapping his hands and laughing! This was such a funny moment. I don’t think we will ever forget it. Aaron turned to us and said, “Veronica is coming out now, right?”

Veronica made her way to Aaron and the two would finally share a first look! As Aaron turned around, they quickly embraced and teared up. It was so sweet! They then read heartfelt vows to one another. The sweetest vows were spoken and we couldn’t get enough of this special moment. The remainder of the afternoon was spent taking portraits with the bridal party. The afternoon passed quickly, and it was time for the ceremony.

In about a half hour, Veronica and Aaron officially became Mr. and Mrs. Everly! Everyone cheered and applauded as the happy couple made their way back down the aisle. They were off to their reception at Kimball Ballroom! The evening was spent with their closest family and friends all in one room! Funny toasts were given, Sentimental ones were also given before the DJ invited the bride and groom to the dance floor for their first dance.

This wedding day couldn’t have been more perfect and we feel so honored for the opportunity to document the beautiful day! Veronica and Aaron, Thank you so much for allowing us to play such an intimate role on the wedding day! We adore the two of you as a couple and know only great things are in store for you! It’s clear you both have found your perfect match! The way you two around each other is a sight to see! We hope you enjoy some of our favorites!