Mr. and Mrs. Woody | Cooper's Ridge Event Center

We kicked off our wedding season with Danielle and Jason and what a perfect day it was from beginning to end! The week leading up to their wedding, we were so excited each time the forecast updated with warmer temperatures! It’s not too often you get blessed with a sixty degree day in Mid Missouri the first weekend in February. We were so happy the weather was in our favor, because of it, we were able to capture so many beautiful portraits outdoors and no one got cold!

We began the day at Cooper’s Ridge Event Center in Boonville, Missouri. We met the sweet owners the morning of the wedding and they let us get right to work. This venue is simply stunning! You can tell a lot of thought and consideration went into the plans when designing this gorgeous space. As soon as you walk in the door, you’re met with a huge bar that spans the length of the entire front area. A space we have no doubt guests absolutely love! Beyond the front of the venue, is the large open area where Danielle and Jason had all of the tables set up for the evening. Everything looked perfect! There was such a simple elegance about the way they decorated their wedding event space. We especially love the back patio where patio furniture awaits wedding guests. We know this will be such a great hang out area during spring and summer weddings. If you haven’t already checked out this beauty of a venue, do yourself a favor and look them up! It’s such a perfect space for wedding receptions.

Next, we headed to the hotel where we would meet Danielle and all of her bridesmaids! Once there, we got to style and photograph all of her pretty wedding details. The day was passing in a flurry of excitement and everything was running smoothly and on time – just the way we like it! Her bridesmaids recorded her as she spoke about her feelings for her groom and her excitement for the day. She smiled and giggled and looked giddy as ever! As the afternoon approached, it was time for Danielle to get into her wedding gown. She was so enthusiastic about finally getting to be in her dress! Her mom and sister helped her slip into her wedding dress. This dress was absolutely perfect! We knew Jason was going to lose it when he saw Danielle for the first time walking down the aisle. You couldn’t wipe the pretty grin off Danielle’s face if you tried. She was grinning ear to ear once she was in her dress! One by one, her bridesmaids entered the hotel room. We counted to three and they all turned around at once to see Danielle as a BRIDE! Their excitement was everything! I think this has to be the best bridesmaid reveal we have every had the pleasure of documenting. So many mixed emotions filled the room at once. Some cheered, some gasped at her beauty, and some teared up! It was one of our favorite moments of the day!

We traveled to the Newman Center in Columbia where a 1:30pm ceremony was to take place. With all of their family members in place, it was time! Soft tunes were played by the pianist and the bridesmaids were escorted by groomsmen to the front of the aisle. Everyone rose to their feet and the ushers opened the doors. In walked Danielle, escorted by both her mom and dad. As soon as Jason locked eyes with Danielle, he lost it, just as we thought he would. He was so emotional as she walked down the aisle. He tried holding it together, but just couldn’t. It was the sweetest sight to see! As soon as the two joined hands, Danielle leaned her head on his shoulder and then smiled at him. I loved this moment! I think in that moment, they realized it was finally happening! They were getting married. A message was delivered, vows were said, and rings were exchanged. The officiant officially announced the pair Mr. and Mrs. Woody and they sealed the deal with a sweet kiss. They quickly made their way back down the aisle with the happiest of grins! Danielle cheered as she passed by family and guests.

We spent the remainder of the late afternoon and early evening taking portraits at a pretty park in Columbia before heading to Cooper’s Ridge Event Center. Danielle and Jason are sweet as can be! Their love is so evident. You can see how much these two truly care for one another. As soon as Jason and Danielle lock eyes, its as if they are the only two people on the planet. They get so lost in the moment with each other and we love that! Their connection is undeniable and it was such a blast photographing a couple who is so, so in love! When you have a couple with real, raw, authentic love, you are guaranteed to get some of the most beautiful portraits. While taking portraits, we learned that the party bus they rented had broken down and they were waiting for a new bus to come pick up the bridal party. We were actually happy about this little mishap because it meant a bit more portrait time while we waited! Every second with them in front of our lens was magical. We were sad when portrait time ended because these two just light up the camera! We could have photographed Danielle and Jason all day!

A new bus arrived and all was well! We traveled over to Cooper’s Ridge Event Center to kick off the evening. What a fun night it was celebrating these two! The DJ had so many fun things to keep guest entertained. Once the dance floor filled up, it wasn’t empty the remainder of the night! Their reception was such a blast! It’s definitely one we won’t soon forget!

Danielle and Jason, you two are truly a perfect match! We are so thankful you trusted us to capture day one of your marriage! We loved meeting all of your family and friends. Your day was a blast! We have enjoyed getting to know you both during this special season and we wish you nothing but the best in the coming years! We know great things are in store for the two of you! Enjoy reliving the BEST day! It was so hard to choose images to share. There are just so many good ones! This is just a small peek into your final gallery!

#WoodyBeMine