Mr. & Mrs. Wilson | Emerson Fields Wedding | Excello, Missouri

When Josey and Drew first reached out to me about documenting their wedding, I instantly knew it was going to be something special! They’re such a fun, vibrant couple, and I could already imagine how beautiful their day would be. And let me tell you, it lived up to every bit of the hype!

For the very first weekend of September, Missouri blessed us with the most perfect wedding weather, mild temperatures in the 70s with a soft breeze that set the tone for a dreamy day! Emerson Fields in Excello, Missouri provided the backdrop with its modern, elegant charm. The black and white color palette Josey chose tied everything together, creating a timeless and sophisticated atmosphere. One of my favorite details? The custom Breaking News Wedding Post newspaper programs Josey and her bridesmaids designed. Guests absolutely loved flipping through them, smiling and laughing as they discovered the thoughtful, personal touches woven throughout!

Josey and her bridesmaids spent the morning in the Emerson Fields suites across from the venue, sipping drinks, giggling, and hyping each other up. Meanwhile, I had the joy of photographing all of Josey’s carefully curated bridal details in the bridal suite. Emerson Fields’ event coordinator, Bethany, was a steady presence throughout the day, making sure everything ran smoothly for everyone.

The energy in the room was pure excitement, and Josey’s joy is absolutely contagious! She has the kind of smile that lights up a room, and she makes you feel like you’ve been her friend forever! When it came time for Josey to slip into her gown, it was more than just getting ready moments. It was a deeply meaningful moment shared with the women who have stood by her in such powerful ways throughout her life! One of her maid of honors helped her with the jewelry and the veil, carefully placing it ensuring everything looked perfect! Her stepmom stood close by, eyes brimming with pride even smoothing out the dress as she fastened a few buttons! And Drew’s mom was right there too, helping Josey with her shoes, fussing over the little details like only a mom can!

Josey lost her own mother when she was a child, and she’s always been intentional about keeping her presence alive. On this day especially, she wanted to feel her mom with her. She had special pins made with her mom’s photo, and one by one, she gifted them to the people closest to her. Her dad, her brother, her grandparents, and even Drew all wore one, reminders that her mom’s love was present even if she couldn’t be there physically. Watching her stepmom and Drew’s mom step into that sacred space to help Josey get ready as a bride was nothing short of beautiful! They weren’t just helping her into a gown, they were helping carry her mom’s love forward into the next chapter of her life!

The bridesmaids’ first look at Josey in her gown was full of squeals, cheers, and happy tears! But it was her dad’s entrance that stilled the room. He walked in, saw his daughter as a bride, and was immediately overcome with emotion. Josey placed one of the pins with her mom’s photo in his hand, and the tears flowed. Moments later, her brother walked in, revealing that he had cut off his long hair as a surprise for her! She laughed through her tears, hugging him tight before pinning him with their mom’s photo too. It was raw, emotional, and unforgettable!

Out in the meadow, under the trees, Drew anxiously waited to see his bride! When Josey tapped his shoulder and he turned around, the joy on his face said everything. After a tearful embrace, the two sat together to share their personal vows. This was one of the most heartfelt parts of the day. Josey’s tears streamed as she read her words, and Drew held her close for the longest time after. It was intentional, emotional, and deeply personal!

We moved seamlessly into portraits in the meadow. The wind danced with Josey’s veil, the sun peeked in and out of the clouds, and the two of them laughed, twirled, and soaked up every second together.

As family and friends gathered under the pavilion, Josey’s bridesmaids each laid a rose on the chair reserved for her mom. Draped with a remembrance sash, it was a beautiful, respectrul gesture that touched everyone present! The ceremony was short, sweet, and overflowing with joy! The moment Josey and Drew were pronounced husband and wife, they sealed it with a dip and kiss while confetti burst behind them! Cheers erupted, and the crowd celebrated the new Mr. and Mrs. Wilson with pure excitement!!

Guests headed outside for cocktail hour, where they mingled on the dock, gathered under the porch, and played lively rounds of corn hole. Meanwhile, we snuck away with Josey and Drew for some “just married” portraits along the water’s edge. Their happiness was so genuine, they couldn’t stop laughing, hugging, and whispering “we’re married!” to each other!

What made cocktail hour even more special was that Josey and Drew intentionally carved out time to join their guests! They wanted to be fully present, celebrating not just with each other but with everyone they love.

When it was time to kick off the reception, their bridal party brought the energy, hyping up the crowd before Josey and Drew made their grand entrance. The two of them immediately shared a celebratory round of shots with their bridal party, officially setting the tone for the evening!

Josey’s grandfather led a heartfelt prayer before dinner, and then everyone enjoyed a delicious meal catered by Noland’s. As the sun dipped lower, we whisked the couple outside for golden hour portraits. The glowy, romantic light was everything you could hope for on a wedding day, it wrapped around them in the most magical way, creating some of the dreamiest portraits of the day!

Back inside, Josey and Drew shared their first dance as husband and wife before DJ Nicholas turned up the energy. With Mizzou’s big win over KU fresh in the air, the dance floor exploded when “Mr. Brightside” came on. Guests sang at the top of their lungs, waving light up party sticks in the air, and the celebration never slowed down!! The dance floor stayed packed the entire night, and it truly felt like the best kind of party. Joyful, electric, and unforgettable!

As the night wound down, it was hard to leave because everyone was having such a blast. Josey and Drew’s wedding was the perfect mix of elegance, intentionality, and pure fun! From the heartfelt tributes to her mom to the confetti filled kiss and the nonstop dance floor, their day was a reflection of who they are, joyful, welcoming, and full of love!!

Josey and Drew, thank you so much for allowing me and my team a front row seat to your incredible day! We are so honored you trusted us to document these memories. Congratulations to the new Mr. & Mrs. Wilson!!