Every special day deserves a special blog post. I’ve been wanting to share Cierra and Lou’s story here on the blog for some time! This past fall, Missouri saw many storms come and go. On Cierra and Lou’s big day there was no exception. While many couples stress over a rainy wedding day, Cierra and Lou took it with a grain of salt. At Lake Shore Plaza in Lake Lotawana, Missouri, Cierra and Lou chose to move their ceremony indoors in lieu of their rose garden ceremony for their comfort of their guests. A few tears were shed in the beginning, but once the couple read each other’s private letters to one another, those tears of disappointment turned into tears of great joy. For no rainy day could break their spirit and the love these two have for each other.
The ceremony hall was decorated in coral and navy décor and lights. A veil of white draped the ceiling and lights glimmered as the bride and groom said their vows. There were tears of joy, laughter and warm embraces.  As guests sat from their tables, no one had a second thought of the storm that was passing over. It was a magical moment.  As the ceremony ended and the storm passed, the newlyweds and their bridal party crossed the street to the lovely rose garden across the street, which was now glistening from the afternoon rain shower. We strolled down to the lake docks and captured love birds embrace as the sun as it began to peek out from the clouds onto the happily married couple.
The evening resumed with toasts, dancing and cake – as well as a few fun shenanigans. This family really knows how to have a good time! Congratulations Cierra and Lou!

By looking at these images you would have never guessed the thunderstorm that had graced us the morning of this stunning wedding. Friends and family gathered together this summer to witness the wedding of Taylor and Jonathan at the beautiful and unique Wildcliff Weddings & Events. The sun shown for the couple that day… and a truly beautiful lake-front ceremony and reception took place. Just as the sun set behind the quarry walls – glistening on the water – they said “I do”.
Our day started in the bridal suite. While the bride and groom chose only to have her children as official members of their bridal party, close friends and family spent the day getting ready in the stone bridal cottage and grooms cavern that lay across the lake.
A picture-perfect ceremony would follow and private bridal portrait session on the dock would complete our day. Starting the evening with cake, dancing and a meal provided by Se' Agapo Weddings.
I felt truly blessed to have had the opportunity to serve as photographer to capture this special day. Congratulations you two, your love is beautiful and unique. Wishing you the happiest life together with your family.
 
ABOUT THE VENUE
In the historic town of Blackwater, Missouri lies the beautifully unique quarry, turned-lake event space, Wildcliff Weddings & Events. In the 1890s, a dynamite blast hit a natural underground spring that filled McDowell Rock Quarry, shutting down operations. Living on as Wildcliff this once-quarry has been through many transitions over the years, most recently as a private residence and family event space.

I've been to my fair share of weddings over the years. Some very traditional, others not so much... all of them exceptional. This past summer my family and I went to visit my brother and sister in-law to celebrate their recent court house nuptials in Ventura, California. The bride being from Brazil (Brasil) and the groom from the United States, wanted to have a fun, laid back, backyard style reception with their close family and friends that incorporated their love of travel, and their cultural backgrounds. The event took place at an incredibly unique location, a vintage trailer hotel park, called Waypoint Ventura. You must look this place up, it's nothing like I've ever been to. I must see or stay if you are ever in the Ventura, California area. A turf lawn was reserved for the event, decorated with gorgeous gold, pink and ivory floral arrangements, patio lighting and elegant table decor. The appetizers, treats and desserts were traditional Brazilian favorites handmade by family and friends. Brazilian BBQ was served as the main course and the national drink of Brazil, the caipirinha (pronounced kai-purr-REEN-yah), was the signature cocktail of the night.
As family and friends gathered around the fire pit for toasts and speeches, to everyone's surprise, the bride and groom exchanged vows just as the sun began to set. The evening continued with drinks and dancing and ended with a traditional cake cutting. A magical and unique celebration all forever be grateful to have been apart of.