Backyard, Lakeside Summer Wedding in Missouri | Fran + Will
As the sun began to set after their ceremony, Fran and Will soaked in the rays pouring in from the parted clouds and reflecting off the lake they’ve swam in hundreds of times— tracing their love story in the ripples. From childhood friendship to now husband and wife, their story was 15 years in the making.
Recovered from the fun on the lake the day before and the most stunning rehearsal dinner the previous night, Fran, Will, and their loved ones gathered to ease into getting ready at their respective places.
Fran and Will chose to wait to see each other until their ceremony, so the day was full of anticipation. Their union being the most exciting.
Our team also anticipated and navigated a lot of rain. We’re usually really optimistic about the weather, but there was a moment where Celia (lead planner) looked Fran in the eye and said, “I think we may have to hold the ceremony under the tent.”
The rain was relentless. But Fran and Will’s hope won out.
Despite dodging a downpour that ended a mere 90 minutes before the ceremony began, the wedding moved forward as Fran and Will had dreamed.
They exchanged their moving, hilarious, and thoughtful vows at the edge of a lake on Fran’s family property. Guests were shaded by the towering walnut trees and serenaded by Molly Healey’s stunning voice.
The two chose to integrate important people and places into their day as much as possible. Here are a few examples:
Fran’s uncle, whom she spent lots of time with when she lived in Colorado, officiated their ceremony.
Honoring Will’s father and several loved ones who passed, they invited Molly Healey to sing a song that was written by one of Will’s relatives.
The day-of stationery and signage was framed by part of Fran’s favorite work by her mother, artist Lil Olive.
Their cake table was decorated based off of the iconic cake cutting photo taken at each of their parents’ and grandparents’ weddings.
Will and Fran’s love of music festivals also showed up in the shape of steel mugs and LED flower crowns.
The array of colors on display in the flowers and bridesmaids dresses were a midsummer dream! A true celebration of summer solstice (the weekend before).
Fran and Will reached out in October of 2020 after they had to post-pone their wedding (originally set for June 2020) due to the pandemic. While most of their vendors graciously moved to their new date, they wanted peace of mind tying up the details and minimizing any stress navigating planning for their celebration in the midst of a lot of unknown.
In the months leading up to their newly chosen wedding day, we had so much fun with Fran and Will and their loved ones.
Fran and Will’s care for the environment, love of their people, and obsession with great music shined on their day! These two have big hearts. Their goodness reflected back to them in so many ways. From the ways the flowers smelled, to the clouds clearing long enough for them to celebrate, to all of their loved ones joyfully circling around them at the final song of the night— you know they’ve planted so much good in the world.
We cannot wait to see how their marriage continues to make this world more beautiful.
Ready to make your day seamless? Send us a note HERE.
Magic Makers:
Venue - Private Residence
Photographer - @megwhitephoto
Videographer - @daveandacamera
Caterer, Cake Baker, and Bar - @simply__delicious
Tent and Rentals - @atozmetroeventtent
Floral Designer - @pricecutter
Planner - @wildlycollective_
DJ - @thebaronofthesea
Ceremony Music - @mollyhealeymusic
Hair Stylist - @hair_bymeganmurphy
Makeup Artist - @melissa_henning
Transportation - Fisk
Executive Restrooms - Farr Better Plumbing
Golf Cars - @clearcreekgolfcar
Audio Equipment - @wouthwest_av
Officiant - Uncle Mike Lowe
Accommodations - @hotel_vandivort
Dress - @costarellosbridal at @loho_bride
Suit - Blackwells
Stationery and Signage- @mintedweddings Multi-Printing