I met Hope and Forrest last year in December for their engagement session and knew right away they are such a sweet pair! Hope and Forrest talk about one another in the highest regard and you can truly feel their love when you are around them! I knew the wedding day would be a beautiful one, but above all, I knew it would be one centered on their strong love and unwavering support for one another! Forrest is in the military, so the two got legally married last fall in North Carolina. Fast forward to October 2024, and Hope and Forrest planned to celebrate their marriage in Missouri with all of their close family and friends!
The celebration took place at Forrest’s grandparent’s land in Columbia, Missouri. Forrest grew up spending a lot of time at his grandparent’s property, so he and Hope knew it would add such a sentimental value to throw the celebration there. Hope is very detail oriented, so I knew everything would be perfectly put together. When we arrived on the morning of the wedding, Hope was meticulously placing the finishing touches under the big white tent. Hope is very calm and collected and seemed very at ease! Her and the girls got ready inside the house in the living room, while Forrest and the guys hid away in the man cave.
Forrest prepped for the day ahead outside of his grandfather’s home with the help of his twin brother, Duncan. These two are quite the funny pair. His getting ready portrait time was full of laughter and jokes. It was great to see that they share such a unique and special bond. Back inside the house, Hope quickly slipped into her gorgeous wedding gown with the help of her mom. Hope shared a grand reveal with her bridesmaids that caused emotional reactions for all involved! Her sisters were tearing up and telling her just how stunning and perfect she looked! Next, Hope shared a first look with Forrest’s brothers. Their reactions were fun to see as they witnessed hope as a beautiful bride.
It was finally time for Hope and Forrest to share their first look with each other. Out in the front yard, Forrest stood anxiously anticipating Hope’s arrival. As she tapped his shoulder, Forrest turned around in awe of Hope and her beauty! He was all smiles and looked so joyful and happy during their first look! I loved watching them interact in the cutest way as they took in the special moment of the day! We went right into bride and groom portraits, which Hope and Forrest knocked out of the park. It’s easy to document portraits when you have a couple so madly in love like these two.
After a quick break, we photographed the bridal party and family formals before the ceremony! Everyone was so kind and nice to us and made our job easy as ever! Once it was time for the intimate ceremony, family and friends gathered near the arbor. Hope and Forrest shared in a very quick ceremony as they re-exchanged rings and sealed the ceremony with a sweet kiss! Everyone cheered in excitement as they made their way back up the aisle. Family and friends immediately made their way over to the tent for cocktail hour.
Hope and Forrest were announced into the reception and guests enjoyed pizza for dinner! After dinner, we stole the happy couple away for some golden hour portraits! We made sure to utilize the pond on the property. We snapped away as Hope and Forrest were being so romantic with each other! Back under the tent, sentimental toasts were delivered by Hope’s sister and Forrest’s brother! Everyone was tearing up during the toasts. Once Hope and Forrest cut their cake, it was time for their first dance as husband and wife! After all the formal dances, the party was officially in full swing. DJ Shark Attack filled the evening memorable songs that kept the dance floor packed!
Hope and Forrest, I cannot thank you enough for allowing me and my team the opportunity to document your special day! You two have been so wonderful to get to know and work with. Wishing you all the best and you continue your journey as husband and wife! Congratulations to the Lemons!
