{Hitched} Blaire & Austin

Even though it’s been 3 weeks since Blaire & Austin got married, their wedding is so vivid in my mind’s eye because it will definitely go down as one of the most beautiful, well-planned and FUN events I’ve ever had the honor to document. Let’s start with the fact that the weather was splendid and a half. The perfect combination of warm sunshine and balmy breezes. No humidity.SCORE on all fronts.

For this affair, I brought on board a pal of mine, Ashley Turner of Columbia, to shoot alongside me that day. (THANK YOUUUU!!) From there, I gotta hand it to Jessica & Amy of Hitched Wedding & Event Planning here in Kansas City. Those chicks are a photographer’s dream come true because they grabbed the vision of Blaire & Austin, and their families, and caressed it into a complete experience from beginning to end. A rustic, cozy, fresh and fun vibe ran through the entire day, which unfolded on the horse farm of a friend of Blaire’s family. The setting couldn’t have been more perfect, the flowers more glorious, the burlap and horsehoes more appropriately placed and the smores bar at the end of the night more gooey and sweet. 🙂 Let’s not forget that the dancefloor was topped off with a HUGE halo of branches and romantic glow of lights. And it seemed the guests were fans of the family-style dinner, with large platters of such tastiness as prime rib, creamed spinach and cowboy macaroni and cheese on each table. The cake by Rebekah Foster was darn fine looking… and tasty as all get out to boot!

Details are just details though…and their significance would not have been as weighty if it weren’t for the fact that the bride and groom, and their families and friends, only expanded the amazingness of the day.

The ladies in their lace eyelet dresses were equally giggly as they were sentimental… as shown below Blaire, her sister and her sister-in-law, have matching infinity tattoos to portray their bond!!! And the guys were chivalrous and playful, looking dapper in their Wranglers and cowboy hats. Both sets of parents were active, welcoming, appreciative and so loving of those who came to partake in the festivities.  Blaire and Austin did a First Glance, which is fairly common these days, but she wanted to  also orchestrate a meeting with her dad, so they too could have their moment. The pride and joy that beamed on the face of Blaire’s dad was unparalleled. And photogenic. ha.  Austin also had a special place for HIS dad–this was the first wedding I’ve shot where the groom’s father was the BEST MAN! How cool is that!?

The flowergirl and ring bearer–let’s say their adorableness and “professionalism” was seriously unmatched in my experience. In fact, the flowergirl’s father and I were joking about how they could make a killing if the two were rented out for other brides and grooms in needs of darling attendants to garner sighs and swoons from their own guests. (You’ll agree when you see them below.)

As for the bride and groom themselves, one thing I came away with that was perhaps the most poignant part of the day, was that this was a marriage of best friends. They spend virtually all their time together and still aren’t sick of one another (that’s noteworthy for sure! haha) and they have one of the most perfect engagement stories I’ve heard to date. Check this out, in Blaire’s own words:

I had gotten off of work around 5 o’clock, Austin was rushing me to get home to get ready and go to Crown Center to ice skate. I was the one who actually asked if we could go ice skating  about a week prior. He made it the biggest surprise by having it be at a location I actually picked out. Austin went down to the ice skating rink at Crown Center a few days prior to give them a CD with one of our songs, (Look at You Girl by Chris Ledoux.) While we were skating, they cleared the ice for the Zamboni  and then minutes later called both of our names to the center of the rink. They then started playing the song, and Austin got down on one knee. The best part was, little did I know, both our families were there watching and were able to share the moment with us!

This couple…this wedding!!!… seemed nearly ripped from a country song. Many girls have a bit of a wish for a dashing, romantic cowboy steal their heart. For Blaire, that wish came true. Austin is a gentleman through and through, and Blaire’s giggles and blushing were so endearing, making it so clear how both of them feel about one another. Plus, Blaire was so flipping gorgeous in her gown…and COWBOY BOOTS. I love that they took time to write one another letters and had those read aloud during the ceremony. All the guests got a glimpse into the friends-turned-soulmate relationship that they have together.

Blaire & Austin were thrown for a loop when their parents surprised them with a guest appearance by the one and only Kip Moore. He was able to make it to the shindig after he performed at the Sprint Center and played an acoustic version of “Hey, Pretty Girl.” (needless to say, he had the attention of ALL the pretty girls… 😉 while the newlyweds looked on. Gave. Me. Chills.

And I may or may not have had no shame in asking him if I could be in a pic with him, too. (thank you, Blaire, for joining me in that frame so I didn’t feel AS sheepish. hahaha). From there, the reception turned into a PARTYYYY! I have never had so many people WANT to be in a photo, dancing crazily. haha Ashley and I were laughing through it all.

I really can’t do their wedding justice with mere words. So let’s turn to the other medium that can truly capture the wonderful moments and elements that made up this special wedding. (And THANK YOU for trusting me to be your photographer!!! I booked this wedding while on maternity leave, and I am so thankful I broke my rule of “no work” during those first weeks of Weston’s life. haha)