Mr. & Mrs. Welch | Columbia, Missouri Wedding

Katelyn and Collin are two of the most genuine people! You cannot help but to be happy when you’re around them because these two are always smiling. Their joy and zest for life is contagious. They each possess the most positive attitudes; even when the pandemic threatened to ruin their day, they truly embraced the uncertainty. A beautiful day begins with a beautiful mindset, and these two had just that. Their original extravagant wedding day plans may have never come to fruition, but their goal was always to be husband and wife. So instead of postponing their nuptials they had worked months to plan, they just changed the plan instead of the goal. On March 21, 2020 Katelyn and Collin became husband and wife in the company of their closest family and friends.

The morning of the wedding began much earlier than originally anticipated; but we were certain of one thing, we would serve Katelyn and Collin in any way we could to make their wedding day a success. We were met at Columbia City of Refuge the morning of the wedding with the most welcoming family members. Everyone we encountered on their day was so kind and inviting. We love when we feel more like friends on a wedding day than vendors. We began the day photographing Katelyn’s pretty bridal details. Her boho greenery bouquet created by Florissimo was breathtakingly beautiful. Her wedding gown was just perfect, and we knew Collin would be speechless later that day when he saw Katelyn in it.

The day was running seamlessly! It was time to get Katelyn in her wedding gown. The room she got ready in had the most extravagant windows that poured in beautiful natural light. She couldn’t have chosen a more perfect place for the day. As Katelyn’s mom Ellen fastened the buttons of the dress, they both couldn’t help but smile. Jewelry and a gorgeous bridal veil would complete the look. As Katelyn’s mom put the veil in place, her bridesmaids began to dote over how perfect she looked as a bride. Katelyn looked exquisite! She was beaming with confidence and overflowing with joy. It’s moments like these that make wedding days so special. Documenting wedding days as they unfold, and watching everyone relish in pure excitement will always keep us coming back for more.

Once Katelyn was in her gorgeous wedding gown, she wanted to share a special first look with an important guy in her life; her dad. Daddy daughter first looks are always some of my favorite moments of the day to document. There’s no love in this world quite like the love from your dad. Katelyn stood behind her dad for a few moments before finally making her way to him to tap him on the shoulder. As Tim turned around, he was met with his radiant daughter as a bride, and he melted in that moment! He looked so proud and happy. It was an adorable moment to witness. Now that she had shared a first look with the first man who loved her, we were off to University of Missouri where Katelyn and Collin would share a first look together.

We met Collin at Jesse Hall on campus and told him where to stand. We let him know he would soon be seeing his bride. Collin stood there anxiously awaiting Katelyn’s arrival. As Katelyn made her way up the sidewalk path, we motioned her and said, “whenever you’re ready!” Katelyn responded, “What if I’m never ready?” She immediately started laughing and began to glide towards Collin with the biggest smile on her face. She gently tapped Collin on the shoulder and he turned around immediately. The joy in this moment was amazing. Their giddiness and their love for one another is so evident. They share a love that’s in the clouds. Its truly endearing. Their first look was so sweet and special as both of their family’s watched the happy moment unfold.

We slid right into bride and groom portraits after the first look. Katelyn and Collin knocked it out of the park. Their connection is undeniable and their love is so evident that photographing them is an absolute breeze. They were all smiles and overflowing with joy the entire time. They have the cutest sense of humor around one another so we made sure to document that as well! We just adore these two and their fun personalities.

After portraits, we headed to a nearby park in Columbia for the ceremony. The small intimate affair was one to be admired! It was nothing over the top, just love. And in times like we are presented with today, that’s all that truly matters. Katelyn and Collin shared in short but sweet ceremony that centered around God. Surrounded by their closest love ones, these two giddy as can be, professed their heartfelt vows to one another. Despite all the obstacles that were thrown their way the week of the wedding, it all came down to what truly mattered. Love. The pastor pronounced them husband and wife and they shared a passionate kiss before turning and cheering with their family and friends. The happy couple made their way back up the path with infectious smiles stretched across their faces! After the ceremony, we photographed bridal party portraits and family formals before heading to the reception space for lunch.

We were met at the space with excited family and friends! They all cheered and applauded as the new Mr. and Mrs. Welch were announced into the room. Guests enjoyed a taco bar before cake cutting and desserts ensued. Once lunch was finished, Katelyn and Collin cut their cake, and went right into their first dance as husband and wife. The reception was intimate and the room was overflowing with love. It’s evident that Katelyn and Collin are blessed with amazing friends and family. We know that it couldn’t have been an easy decision to completely rearrange wedding day plans the week of the wedding, but Katelyn and Collin did so in stride. You can take away all the pretty details, the extravagant venue, the party plans, at the end of the day what truly matters is that you get married. And Katelyn and Collin did just that. Their day centered on love and marriage and we admire them for that. These two are going to accomplish amazing things together as husband and wife. We cannot wait to cheer them on as they do so!

Katelyn and Collin, thank you for welcoming us in on your wedding day! We absolutely loved being their to document your love story! We wish you two the best as you begin this new season of life as husband and wife. We know you two are going to do amazing things as Mr. and Mrs. Welch! Congratulations, may God bless your marriage. Enjoy some of our favorites from the day! Many, many more to come.