Mr. & Mrs. Groves | Red Oak Valley | Owensville, Missouri

I first visited Red Oak Valley in Owensville, Missouri last week before the Groves wedding day. As I was scouting portrait locations, I immediately knew this venue had so much to offer. It had me beyond excited to photograph Savannah and Sam on the wedding day. Savannah and Sam were nervous about picking November 6, 2021 as their wedding date because they didn’t want it to be too cold. As luck would have it, Savannah and Sam ended up with one of the most beautiful fall days with temperatures in the upper 60s.

As soon as I arrived on site, the florists were busy at work decorating the main barn venue with gorgeous neutral floral centerpieces. Everything was coming together perfectly. I knew we were in for one spectacular day. From the moment I arrived, everyone was so welcoming and accommodating to me and my team. Savannah and her bridesmaids were getting ready in the “hen house” and Sam and his groomsmen enjoyed the nice weather outside as they played corn hole. Everyone seemed so easy going and laid back! That always makes for one great day. Eventually, Sam and his family joined us in the loft for a few getting ready portraits. We had so much fun with them, and the laughter and jokes never stopped with Sam’s brother around.

The day was moving along as perfectly as possible. The timeline stayed exactly on track all day long. Savannah slipped into her gorgeous gown with the help of her mom. As the veil was pushed in place, Savannah was all smiles and all the bridesmaids cheered in the background saying how beautiful Savannah looked as a bride. She looked absolutely stunning and her joyful smile was infectious. You couldn’t help but smile when you were around Savannah.

Waiting outside the getting ready space was Savannah’s dad. He was anxiously waiting for Savannah to arrive to share a first look for him. As Savannah called her dad’s name, he spun around and was immediately hit with an overwhelming amount of emotion. Tears began streaming down his face and he embraced Savannah with the warmest of hugs. Savannah gave her dad the sweetest sentimental gift. She had a custom tie made that included the first photo Savannah and her dad ever took together, on the back of the tie. After her dad Fred opened the gift, Savannah tied the tie on her dad.

It was now time for the ceremony. Beautiful blue skies and warm November temperatures were present at the ceremony time. As soon as the venue owners pulled the curtains back to reveal Savannah, Sam immediately began crying. He became so emotional, that he had to turn around to try and regain his composure. Savannah and Sam were married in an outdoor ceremony site that overlooked the lake on the property. The officiant invited both Savannah’s parents and Sam’s parents up during the ceremony to deliver written notes of advice to the couple. They would seal the written letters in a box to be saved for Savannah and Sam to open on their one year anniversary. We thought that was such a nice touch!

We spent the rest of the afternoon and early evening hours documenting family formals, bridal party portraits, and bride and groom portraits. We had a blast working with everyone. It always makes the day go by so much faster when you have such a great group of bridal party members. Everyone was so kind to us! We truly had the best time working with everyone. As the sun began to set, Savannah and Sam were announced into their reception and guests cheered in excitement. Many sweet and funny toasts were delivered from the bride’s parents, and the maid of honors and best man. After dinner, the evening of celebrating was officially kicked off. The dance floor was full and everyone seemed to be having the best time dancing the night away.

We stole Savannah and Sam away at the end of the night for a few romantic portraits outside. It was quite literally the perfect ending to one of my all time favorite wedding days. This is definitely one wedding day we will be talking about for awhile. It doesn’t get much better than the sweetest couple and the most welcoming group of family and friends. Savannah and Sam, thank you so much, from the bottom of our hearts, for trusting my team to document your very special day. We had so much fun capturing day one of your marriage. You two have the sweetest love story and your undeniable connection can be seen and felt in each and every portrait. Cheers to the new Mr. and Mrs. Groves!

Enjoy some of my favorites from the day!