Mr. & Mrs. Stanic | The Copper Penny | Pilot Grove, Missouri Wedding

When Marissa and Kyler tied the knot this season in Pilot Grove, Missouri, it felt like stepping into a Christmas Hallmark movie—filled with every enchanting detail you could imagine. From the beautiful ceremony at St. Joseph Catholic Church to the sparkling reception at The Copper Penny, their wedding day was nothing short of holiday magic!

The morning of the wedding was filled with joy and anticipation as Marissa and her bridesmaids got ready. In the bridal suite at The Copper Penny, there was an air of excitement mixed with plenty of laughter. Every time I popped in, the room was alive with chatter as hair was styled, makeup was applied, and champagne was popped. Marissa’s calm, easygoing energy was contagious, she radiated peace and beauty as she enjoyed these moments with her closest friends and family. Before slipping into her gown, Marissa and her bridesmaids had some fun with a festive touch, posing for portraits in their red Christmas pajamas, sipping bubbly, and sharing laughs.

When it came time for Marissa to put on her wedding gown, everyone was so excited. With the help of her mom, Theresa, and her two maid of honors, Marissa slipped into her dress, and the room fell quiet for a moment. As Marissa looked at herself in the mirror, her joy was palpable. She was stunning! Her mom, Theresa, was practically glowing with excitement as she helped Marissa get into her gown. The moment the veil was placed, Marissa took one last look in the mirror, and there was a look of awe on her face; she was absolutely beautiful!

She shared a quick bridesmaid reveal with her gals before heading upstairs for a first look with her dad. Marissa’s first look with her dad, Keith, was one of the cutest moments of the day. Keith stood outside The Copper Penny, waiting for his daughter to tap him on the shoulder. When he turned around, his face lit up with the biggest grin as he saw his gorgeous daughter in her gown. The love between them was so clear, and you could see how proud Keith was to be soon walking Marissa down the aisle!

Next, it was time for Marissa and Kyler’s long-awaited first look. I could feel the anticipation as Marissa tapped Kyler on the shoulder, and when he turned around, his face was priceless. His eyes lit up as he saw Marissa for the first time in her dress, and you could tell in that moment that he was completely captivated by her radiant beauty. The look of love and admiration on his face was unforgettable, and it was clear that this was the beginning of a beautiful chapter for them both.

Marissa and Kyler also exchanged handwritten vows during their first look. Kyler, already emotional, couldn’t help but tear up as Marissa shared her heartfelt words. Watching the two of them together, it was clear that they share a special bond, a rare connection that is truly to be admired.

Though the temperatures were chilly and the skies were overcast when we ventured out for their portraits, Marissa and Kyler braved the cold with grace. The Copper Penny’s 500-acre property provided the most breathtaking backdrop for their bride and groom portraits. The rolling hills and picturesque landscape made for a serene setting as we captured their love in these quiet moments. Despite the cold, Marissa and Kyler were all smiles, and the joy between them was undeniable. They made it look effortless as they posed against the stunning backdrop, and I couldn’t have been more thrilled with the results.

After portraits, we headed to St. Joseph Catholic Church for family formals and the traditional Catholic mass. Surrounded by their loved ones, Marissa and Kyler exchanged vows and made it official in front of a congregation full of their closest friends and family. It was such a moving moment, and when they were pronounced Mr. and Mrs. Stanic, the church erupted in cheers. As they made their way back down the aisle, Kyler even dipped Marissa at the perfect moment for a kiss. Next we ventured back towards the venue for bridal party portraits.

One of the highlights of Marissa and Kyler’s wedding day was the energy and fun brought by their bridal party. These are the people who’ve been by their sides through thick and thin, and the love and support among the group were so evident during their portraits. From the moment we started taking photos, there was no shortage of laughter, inside jokes, and unforgettable moments. The gorgeous golden hour light added a dreamy glow to the photos, making the landscape truly magical. The group was full of energy, and every shot was filled with smiles, laughs, and genuine joy.

After all the portraits were complete, the celebration moved to The Copper Penny, where Marissa and her mom had poured countless hours into creating a winter wonderland that would be the perfect backdrop for the evening’s festivities. Walking into the reception venue felt like stepping into a Christmas fairytale, everything was decorated to perfection, with Christmas trees twinkling with lights, garlands adorning the tables, and gold lanterns adding a touch of elegance. The space was filled with the glow of the season, and you could tell how much love and care had gone into every detail.

The reception at The Copper Penny was a true celebration of Marissa and Kyler’s love. After dinner, the couple shared their first dance, followed by dances with their parents. One of the most special moments of the night was when Marissa changed into a reception dress designed from her mom’s wedding gown. It was a surprise for her mom when Marissa reappeared in the dress, the look of emotion on her mom’s face was priceless. Marissa also honored her mom by offering her wedding bouquet to her as a tribute; a touching moment that showed the depth of their bond. The two then shared a sweet mother-daughter dance.

As the night continued, Marissa and Kyler enjoyed a sparkler send-off surrounded by family and friends. The surprises didn’t end there. Marissa’s brother, Trevor, had set up a fireworks display to celebrate the newlyweds. The red and gold fireworks lit up the night sky, and Marissa and Kyler stood together, watching in awe. It was the perfect finish to a spectacular day!

Marissa and Kyler, thank you so much for allowing me to be part of your wedding day! It was an honor to capture the beauty of your love and to document such a magical celebration. You two are a perfect match, and I know your future together is going to be just as beautiful and full of joy as your wedding day.

Cheers to Mr. and Mrs. Stanic! May your love continue to shine brightly, just like the Christmas lights that filled your day!