{Hitched} Clare & Brian in Kansas City

Not many girls can say they fell for a guy because of his mullet or jean vest. But Clare can. Brian was making that very fearless fashion statement while attending his fraternity’s themed ‘Merica party in 2008. As Clare, who also was there, puts it, she found his look irresistible and the rest is history.

The two were both going to college at Creighton (in my hometown of Omaha! Woot!), and today, they are using their college educations daily in St. Louis. Clare is an ER nurse, and Brian is a CPA. Despite their official professions, both long to fulfill their aspirations of moving to a tropical destination…where Clare would open up a boutique store and Brian would start a restaurant/bar on the water. I do hope they get their wish! 😉

Before they can get to check THAT dream off the list, they had to tackle the whole “getting married” thing first. Last year, the two were here in Kansas City ringing in the New Year with Clare’s family. Here is how the question popping went down, in their own words: New Year’s Eve morning, Clare went out shopping with her mom and sister-in-law, and was eventually and strategically dropped off back at her house where Brian was waiting. Once Clare had finished explaining the different facets that comprised her newly purchased Michael Kors purse that she further described as “the most beautiful thing I have ever seen,” Brian felt obligated to challenge this newly adopted belief with the engagement ring he designed several weeks prior. As the two sat together at Clare’s favorite place in the world, home, Brian nervously reiterated a loving speech, thought up and rehearsed the night before while watching Space Jam, and presented Clare with the engagement ring. It was a perfect surprise; Clare had absolutely no idea it was coming. After the proposal we went to lunch on the plaza, followed by another surprise for Clare. We went to her brother’s house with a plan to get ready for our evening out. Instead, Brian had Clare’s family along with his, in from out of town, waiting with champagne to celebrate the engagement!

These two Cardinal fans did one thing their beloved team couldn’t do this year (wink wink)… they brought their A game to their wedding for a HUGE win. Let’s see if I can recall all that I loved about their day!

Let’s start out superficially and talk about the insane amount of good-looking people at their wedding. Starting of course with the bride and groom themselves. Clare looks like Kristen Bell, and Brian is equally as adorable. Their wedding party was rife with gorgeous faces (definitely runs in the families since several bridal party members were siblings with the bride or groom!)… you’ll see for yourself below!

I love that Clare is the only girl in her family of six. She has 3 brothers, and you can just tell as much as they gave her a hard time growing up, they adore their sister. They were hilarious!

The church was set up unlike any I’d ever shot in. This allowed us for some interesting angles, which is always fun to keep our jobs exciting. 😉

Their families were full of jokes and smiles… hugs and story-telling… and one of Clare’s grandmas impressed Ali and I with her iphone photography skills. 😉

From the bees that attacked the bouquets during the wedding party pics, to the nasty canine detritus that one groomsman almost sat in on the steps, to the soundtrack provided by the onlookers of BBQers at Swope Park, Ali and I had such a good time with the group! We laughed. We embraced lovely light. And we could have shot these crazy kids all day!

At the reception, friends and family of Clare & Brian surprised them with a “flash mob” type dance. As much as I wanted to shoot these images for them, I also wanted to just watch. It was so well done and funny!! Clare & Brian’s open mouths and burst of laughter just added to the moment.

So with that, I shall tell their story in photos. C&B…you two have joined two fun, gorgeous and sweet families together, officially. I hope you forever continue to grow together, and closer to your dreams of making a living in paradise. Your wedding was so amazing and the only thing I regret is that Brian didn’t bring his mullet. 😉

Take care! xo