Katie and Brian’s wedding celebration was a masterclass in understated elegance, as they brought their botanical boho vision to life at Haseltine Estate in Missouri on May 25th, 2019. The ceremony, held amidst stunning gardens, featured a rustic wooden frame adorned with lush greenery, setting the tone for an unforgettable day. The couple’s first look, a poignant and memorable moment, marked the beginning of their celebrations. Following the ceremony, the party transitioned seamlessly beside the pool, where an outdoor-inspired reception awaited. With décor that was at once simple and sophisticated, foliage and gold accents mingled with personal touches to create a bespoke atmosphere that perfectly reflected Katie and Brian’s unique style. The result was nothing short of breathtaking. Nick Mehn Photography did justice to every romantic moment and detail, capturing the essence of this unforgettable day.
The Proposal
As we strolled through Castlewood State Park, a familiar ritual unfolded – our hike. It was a routine Brian and I cherished, and little did I know that this particular walk would mark the start of a new chapter in my life. The scenic overlook overlooking the river served as the perfect backdrop for Brian’s proposal. With the rose gold solitaire ring I had carefully selected mere months prior still fresh in his mind, he got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. As tears of joy welled up in my eyes, we made our way back to his truck, where a surprise awaited – a bouquet of flowers and dinner reservations, sealing the evening with love.
The Vision
As I envisioned my dream wedding, I was drawn to a sophisticated yet whimsical aesthetic. The perfect blend of simplicity and elegance, it featured a harmonious palette of soft blush tones, warm gold accents, and lush greenery. I longed for the romance and charm of a botanical celebration infused with bohemian flair.
The Planning Process
With a year and a half engagement, my partner and I had ample time to plan our summer wedding. This luxurious timeframe allowed us to secure our preferred vendors, alleviating any stress that might have arisen during the planning process. As a result, we were able to approach the experience with a relaxed attitude, taking the time to carefully consider every detail and ultimately create the perfect celebration for our special day.
Budget
By exercising fiscal prudence, we were able to keep our guest list deliberately modest, thereby staying well within our allocated budgetary constraints. The final tally of around 80 attendees proved to be an ideal number, allowing for a warm and intimate atmosphere without compromising on the overall celebratory experience.
The Venue
As I embarked on my search for the ideal wedding venue, it became clear that finding an outdoor space near St. Louis, Missouri wouldn’t be an easy feat. With my partner sharing my passion for the great outdoors, we were determined to create a reception that reflected our love of nature. After scouring online platforms and venues, I stumbled upon Haseltine Estate through the Venue Report. The three-hour drive to Springfield, Missouri was well worth it, as we instantly fell in love with the historic mansion’s charm, the beautifully manicured landscaping, and the chic rustic barn that served as the bridal loft. What truly sealed the deal for me was the unique opportunity to host our reception around a pool. It offered an air of sophistication while still maintaining its natural beauty. We knew this would be a special escape for our loved ones to enjoy alongside us.
Your Outfits & Accessories
As the search for the perfect wedding dress unfolded, I found myself torn between two distinct styles: the whimsical charm of fluffy tulle and the sophisticated elegance of fitted lace. After visiting several bridal boutiques, I finally landed at Clarices’ bridal where a Martin Thornburg design caught my eye – its fit-and-flare silhouette perfectly marrying lace and tulle elements. The open V-back and floral lace pattern sealed the deal for me. In contrast to the dress’s classic beauty, my accessories aimed to evoke a bohemian essence through a cohesive rose gold palette. From The Lady Bride on Etsy, I chose a bracelet that complemented my rings; Green Alaska Décor on Etsy provided a hair vine that added a touch of whimsy; and Saint Valentine Bridal on Etsy offered earrings that completed the look.
Beauty
For my wedding day beauty routine, I opted for Studio 417 Salon, seeking expertise in both hair and makeup. For my locks, I decided to wear them down, ultimately settling on a half-up style that would allow me to don a veil with ease. The stylist did an impressive job of crafting a bohemian-inspired look that perfectly captured my desired aesthetic. Meanwhile, for my makeup, I aimed for a natural, effortless finish, which the artist successfully achieved, leaving me feeling confident and radiant.
Groomsmen
When it came to selecting attire for my groomsmen, I was adamant that we avoid traditional tuxedos. After some deliberation, we narrowed down our options to black and navy suits. Ultimately, we settled on a sleek black suit from Express, which provided the perfect backdrop for their stylish vests – a deliberate choice made to ensure the groom would be the focal point.
Bridesmaids
The discovery of my dream blush-colored wedding dress was just the beginning. To complement its romantic charm, I envisioned a team of stunning white-clad bridesmaids. Our search led us to Show Me Your Mumu, where we fell in love with their bohemian-inspired dresses. What really stood out to me was the variety of styles they offered – from classic to eclectic – allowing each of my bridesmaids to pick a dress that reflected her unique personality.
The Flowers
The stunning floral arrangements from Artistry in Bloom truly made a lasting impression on us. Jill’s expertise in blending lush greenery with delicate white and blush-hued blooms resulted in exquisite bouquets that perfectly captured our wedding aesthetic. The addition of baby blue eucalyptus added a touch of whimsy, making the overall look absolutely breathtaking. Similarly, the greenery and flower combination we chose for our reception was nothing short of gorgeous, creating a visually stunning backdrop for our special day.
The Readings & Music
The decision on which songs to play proved to be a thoughtful one, as there were many great options to consider. The ceremony began with the elegant violin rendition of Can’t Help Falling in Love, expertly performed by Daniel Jang. As I made my way down the aisle for the first time, A Thousand Years by The Piano Guys set the tone for an unforgettable day. When it came time to walk back down the aisle together, we chose Sara Bareilles’ heartfelt song I Choose You, which felt particularly fitting. Our first dance as a married couple was to My Friend, a beautiful country ballad by Tim McGraw, whose lyrics resonated deeply with us both being country music fans.
Your Photographer
We selected Nick Mehn as our photographer, drawn to his effortless approach, which aligns perfectly with our desire for organic, unposed moments. To ensure we felt at ease on our wedding day, we opted for a pre-wedding engagement shoot, allowing us to get acquainted and build rapport with him. This experience proved invaluable, and the resulting photos exceeded our expectations. We’re grateful to have discovered Nick and can’t help but recommend his services to other couples seeking genuine, natural captures of their special day.
The Details & Décor
We opted for understated elegance at our venue, allowing its natural beauty to shine through. To keep things simple yet charming, we adorned the ceremony with lush greenery from our trusted florist. For the reception, ivory tablecloths provided a crisp backdrop for clusters of candles, surrounded by more greenery and florals from our talented vendor. The pièce de résistance was the thoughtful placement of small olive oil bottles on each table as guest favors. Perhaps my favorite decorative touch, however, was the whimsical pegasus pool float that added a delightful surprise to the overall aesthetic.
In lieu of traditional guest books, we invested in an instant camera and encouraged our loved ones to leave heartfelt messages for us in a dedicated journal. The resulting photo album and collection of notes are treasured keepsakes, allowing us to relive the joy and sentimentality of our special day.
The Cake
We opted for a stunning naked cake designed by Charity Fent Cake Design, which exceeded our expectations in terms of both appearance and taste. The absence of frosting allowed the natural beauty of the cake to shine through, while the cream cheese filling added an extra layer of flavor. Meanwhile, our cake pops proved incredibly popular, delighting both kids and adults alike.
The Honeymoon
Our dream honeymoon destination was a place we’d never been to before – somewhere warm, exotic, and accessible. After thorough research, Tulum, Mexico emerged as the perfect choice. The allure of bohemian vibes and boutique hotels drew us in, and Nomade Tulum’s Moroccan-inspired decor sealed the deal. Our adventure took us snorkelling with sea turtles, exploring ancient ruins at Chicen Itza, and swimming in crystal-clear cenotes. It was an unforgettable experience that left us yearning for more.
Memorable Moments
The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the initial gaze between the couple. What made it even more special was having the chance to experience this intimate moment alongside only each other. This tender moment not only stole their hearts but also served as a gentle calming influence before the commencement of the ceremony, allowing them to settle in and truly appreciate the significance of the occasion.
Advice For Other Couples
Embracing the freedom to create a truly unique and personalized celebration, my top recommendation is to let go of traditional expectations and instead infuse your wedding with elements that reflect your personality, style, and love story. Whether it’s a bold fashion statement or an unconventional choice, the most important thing is that you’re making decisions that bring you joy and fulfillment.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
The photographer who captured the magic of Katie and Brian’s special day was Nick Mehn Photography. The enchanting venue where they exchanged vows was Haseltine Estate. To add a touch of elegance, Artistry In Bloom created stunning floral arrangements. Meanwhile, A Simple Plan 417 ensured that everything ran smoothly on the wedding day as the day-of coordinator. To keep guests entertained, Live Events Missouri spun tunes as DJ. The decadent cake designed by Charity Fent Cake Design was almost too beautiful to eat. For catering, Simply Delicious Catering did not disappoint. Katie and her bridesmaids looked stunning with their hair and makeup done by Studio 417 Salon. Her wedding dress, courtesy of Martin Thornburg, was truly breathtaking. The bridesmaid dresses were provided by Show Me Your Mumu. To stay organized, the happy couple used stationery from Minted. Katie’s sparkling rings came from Diamonds Direct. Brian looked dashing in his attire from Express. Finally, Bliss Bridal and Event Rentals provided all the necessary rentals for a memorable celebration. As I look back on this wonderful wedding, I just adore it all. Thank you both, Katie and Brian, for sharing your special day with us.