Rachel + Drew | Married
I think there is nothing more satisfying than seeing good things happen to good people. Years back, Rachel and I worked together as servers at a restaurant in Columbia, Missouri. We were both going through that “post-grad” period of our lives, trying to find our dream jobs in our perspective fields. It was nice having someone to commiserate with while rolling silverware in the back of the restaurant. I enjoyed working with Rachel and getting to know her through countless lunch and dinner shifts. Rachel is a truly kind, genuine and thoughtful person.
Fast forward to earlier this year…
I received a message from Rachel telling me the good news; that she had met an amazing man, that they were getting married and that she wanted to have me photograph the big day. I was more than honored to accept the duty.
Rachel and Drew were married on one of those perfect Missouri fall days. The weather was warm, the trees were colorful and there was not a cloud in the sky. Both the ceremony and reception were held in Rocheport, Missouri. The ceremony took place at Rocheport United Methodist Church, a quaint little church in the heart of town. The reception was celebrated at the lovely Mount Nebo Cottage, a B&B owned by Rachel’s mother, Angela. (Fun fact: this B&B, steps away from the Katy Trail, was actually a church back in the day.) With help from their family and friends Rachel and Drew transformed the grounds of the B&B into a wedding-reception-wonderland. Fresh flowers, beautiful table settings, twinkle lights, KETTLE KORN!?!?! It.Was.Perfect.
Below is the story of the wedding day, told through my favorite photos. A big thank you to Rachel Coward for her second shooting and assistance throughout the wedding day. Enjoy!

Rachel, helping her dad get ready–he’s starting to get misty-eyed.









The girls got ready in a classroom area inside the church that featured these footprints on the wall.

A proud papa sees his little girl all done up in her bridal gown for the first time.

Handmade bridal sash, from Etsy designer The Paisley Moon.



Hair by Amanda Griffith at Clip Joint-Downtown Columbia, MO.



After a special moment of prayer with her parents Rachel dabs away her father’s tears.


Rachel’s dad had these handkerchiefs made for himself and Rachel. Stitched onto the handkerchiefs is a bible verse very special to Rachel and Drew.
We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19

Rocheport United Methodist Church in historic Rocheport, Missouri.

Drew’s grandparents.




Beautiful ceremony music performed by the talented James and Emily Adams.


One of my favorite moments of the whole wedding day, when our Groom first sees his Bride.















I love this look–each bridesmaid in a different dress, so cool!



Flowers from fiftyflowers.com. All floral arrangements handmade by bridesmaid, Amber McIntosh.











Glass jars and bottles collected over 5 months + 20 hours of de-labeling + 8 hours of hot-gluing on twine = A DIY table-setting masterpiece.



Guests snacked on kettle corn before dining on a delicious meal catered by Ward Hine. Dinner was served on eco-friendly disposable bamboo plates and silverware from Joanne Hudson Basics.






Drew’s grandfather gave a sweet toast where he recounted what it was like to watch his own son, Drew’s dad, get married.

Those two with the big smiles on their faces are Drew’s parents.









Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Clark!
{Thank you for letting me be a part of your amazing day.}
If you’re curious about having me photograph your wedding day, you can reach me via email. Please be sure to include the wedding date and location in your message. Thank you!