Mr. & Mrs. Rehagen | Capital Bluffs Wedding | Jefferson City, Missouri

When I first met Paige and Ben during their fall engagement session, I instantly knew these two were something special. Their connection was so natural and easy, and you could tell that they’ve been together for a long time. They’ve been a couple since middle school, but honestly, you’d never guess it! Their relationship still has that fresh, honeymoon phase energy—full of laughter, love, and sweet moments.

Their ceremony took place at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Wardsville, Missouri, followed by an elegant reception at Capital Bluffs Event Center. December weather in Missouri can be unpredictable, but on this day, the temperature hovered in the 50s, much milder than expected for the end of the month. The only hiccup in the weather was the thick fog and heavy clouds that seemed to stay with us the entire day, creating an ethereal atmosphere but also leaving us working around the gloominess for the best shots possible.

Paige and Ben both prepared for their big day at Capital Bluffs, and the energy in both rooms was truly infectious. Paige and her bridesmaids spent the morning in the bridal suite, all smiles and laughter. A special moment that stood out to me was when Paige was gifted a scrapbook filled with sentimental letters from the important people in her life. As she flipped through it, you could see the range of emotion, happy tears, nostalgia, and pure love.

Over in the groom’s room, Ben and his groomsmen kept the vibe light and fun, rocking Christmas-themed suits. The guys spent their time playing cards and joking around while Ben received a hand with his final preparations from his dad and brother. There was a lot of laughter and even a little bit of nervous energy in the room, but Ben was surrounded by so much love. Meanwhile, Paige had her mom and sister helping her into her gown, and the emotions were just as strong. Seeing Paige’s mom and sister watch her transform into a bride was a beautiful moment, they were both so proud and overwhelmed with love for Paige.

One of the highlights of the day was Paige’s first look with her bridesmaids. There was an incredible cheer and applause when Paige revealed her bridal look to her girls. Then, Paige shared a deeply emotional first look with her dad. When Paige tapped her dad on the shoulder, he spun around, and his face instantly lit up with tears. It was a sweet, emotional moment, and I could see the depth of their bond. It’s clear Paige has such a loving relationship with both of her parents, and it was truly special to witness that.

After these heartfelt moments, we headed to St. Stanislaus Catholic Church for the ceremony. The fog and clouds hung around, making the day feel a little more intimate and cozy. The church provided a beautiful backdrop for their traditional Catholic ceremony, and within the hour, Paige and Ben were officially husband and wife. They walked back up the aisle as Mr. and Mrs. Rehagen, their smiles wider than ever!

After the ceremony, we headed to a nearby neighborhood with a lake for bridal party portraits and bride and groom portraits. While the fog made the atmosphere incredibly romantic, it also gave us limited time with the quickly fading daylight. Despite the conditions, Paige and Ben were absolute troopers. They made every shot a breeze, and their chemistry made the task of capturing their love easy. Even with the cloudy skies and fading light, we were able to capture some gorgeous moments that I hope they’ll cherish for years to come!

Once we arrived back at Capital Bluffs Event Center, the celebration was in full swing. Paige and Ben were announced into the reception, and the evening kicked off with heartfelt speeches from loved ones. After dinner, Paige and Ben’s good friend, Noah Anthony, serenaded the crowd with some beautiful covers that had everyone in awe of his talent. Just before the dances, Paige surprised her mom by dedicating her bouquet to her. The look on her mom’s face was priceless, she was completely shocked, and it was such a sweet, heartfelt moment.

The rest of the night was filled with dancing, laughter, and some unforgettable memories. The energy on the dance floor was contagious, and guests sang their hearts out to some truly memorable songs. Before we wrapped up the night, we snuck Paige and Ben upstairs to the bridal suite for a few more portraits. Since the sun set so early, we didn’t get a chance to capture sunset portraits. But, as always, Paige was up for an adventure! She changed into her reception dress, and we stole a few extra moments for portraits with a whole new vibe. It was the perfect way to wrap up the evening.

We had such an incredible time celebrating Paige and Ben’s wedding day! From the sweet first look moments to the unforgettable party at Capital Bluffs, their love and joy were truly contagious. These two have such a special connection, and I have no doubt that their bond will only continue to grow. Congratulations, Paige and Ben! It was an absolute honor to be part of your wedding day. Wishing you both all the happiness!