Oh man… give me an outdoor wedding, and then a reception in a barn with the sun peaking through the slats…you have made one happy photographer. (2 if you count Scott) This venue is stunning!!! I almost don’t want to share because of how amazing it was. But if you are couple and you want to get married and have a barn, check out this venue in Weston, Missouri. Yes, you are driving 2 hours from Omaha. But to have this venue, it is SO worth it!!!!!
But the venue does not make a great day for a destination wedding photographer. The people do! Ayla and Evan are amazing, laid back peeps that let Scott and I do our thing all day. (do you notice a theme with all of our wedding couples as you read through my blogs…?!) Having the time to get creative was so special and a ton of fun for everyone involved. The families were supportive and awesome throughout the entire day! I loved every second of this day.
I also need to share why the day was a bit extra special. You see, I met the groom briefly maybe 10 years ago. The groom was a young pup and doesn’t remember me at all. But I was working for his dad, a wedding photographer in St. Joe, Missouri. The dad, Dennis, was one of the first to let me tag along on weddings and I even bought my very first digital camera from him. I’m sure I was an awful photographer at the time but I learned and grew. In the world of weddings, you need experience and you need someone to give you a chance. Dennis gave that to me.
I think I counted and I have know Dennis for almost 15 years! I am 34 and I met him while I was in collage and working for a volume school photography business. I have always held a very special place in my heart for those that helped me grow and become the photographer and business person I am today. The phrase, “Never forget where you came from” always sticks with me because I did not do all of this on my own. To be able to photograph his son’s wedding was an honor for me. It was a proud and surreal moment to be able to work for someone that was a mentor to me.
Ok, enough mushy stuff. Onto the stunning images!!!! Enjoy!