Powell Gardens Wedding | Kingsville, MO | Morgan + Andrew | Kansas City Wedding Photographer

A hush fell over the chapel as Andrew faced the large window overlooking the garden and pond. The serene view was calming as his bride stepped into the chapel behind him, her lacy train sliding on the floor behind her. Morgan was more than ready to see her groom and have a moment with him before the ceremony that would take place at the gardens. She reached out to touch his shoulder, prompting him to turn and finally see his bride in her gorgeous gown. There were many moments when the wedding day started to feel real – when the two said goodbye to each other as they split ways with their own wedding parties, when Andrew and his groomsmen got dressed in their forest green attire and pinned on all the succulent boutonnieres, and when Morgan zipped up her wedding gown with the help of her mother, but none of those moments amounted to this moment right now – a private moment in the Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel before heading to the lily garden, where they would promise forever to each other.

The first look is always one of my favorite parts of a wedding day, but this first look was even more special as it was truly private in such a gorgeous, peaceful chapel. If you’ve never been to Powell Gardens, you have got to see the gorgeous wooden chapel on the grounds, letting in so much natural light with its tall windows on all sides.

But let’s rewind a bit. Okay, more than a bit – let’s rewind about 10 years. Wow, has it really been that long? Morgan and I met as sorority sisters for Sigma Sigma Sigma at Emporia State University. Every Tuesday chapter meeting, I sat by Morgan and we became friends quickly. Morgan is such a gem – she’s a very loyal friend and whenever I’d camp out with her and our group of friends in the house, I always felt safe and free of judgement! Years have passed, and while neither of us have stepped foot in our sorority house that we called home during our ESU days, and we haven’t spoken nearly as much as we used to, we have still maintained a friendship. So you can imagine my excitement when Morgan introduced me to a guy named Andrew a couple years ago for some couples photos.

Like any good friend, I want so much happiness for Morgan. Anyone who dates Morgan is so lucky. I found out that Andrew knew that too when I met him and I couldn’t be happier for both of them as they talked about getting married someday while we wandered around Black Hoof Park for photos, but of course the proposal had to happen first!

Morgan and Andrew know each other well and you can see it in the gifts they give each other. Andrew gifted his bride-to-be an engagement ring that looked like a missing piece that finally found it’s way to Morgan’s left ring finger. The opal stone and rose gold banding make such a dreamy pair! Morgan found a band for Andrew with a beautiful blue stone that cut through the middle of the black metal all the way around the band. If you know Morgan and Andrew, their wedding day details showcase them perfectly – personal Magic the Gathering cards, scrabble letters, mushroom stones, a Dungeons and Dragon dice set, etc.

I treasure Morgan’s friendship and my new friendship with Andrew, which made it even more enjoyable to watch them get ready for the ceremony surrounded by their favorite people. Both Andrew’s guys and Morgan’s crew care so much about this bride and groom, and their happiness radiated throughout the entire day!

After getting-ready photos, it was time for Morgan and Andrew to head to the chapel to see each other for the first time as bride and groom. I will never forget stepping out of the chapel as quietly as I could, with a camera full of beautiful first look photos, so happy they could spend some time alone before they said “I Do” in front of their guests at the lily garden not too far away.

The lily garden was absolutely perfect. The sun warmed the intimate stone patio, the occasional fluffy white cloud giving guests some shade. The two had their friend, Caleb, officiate the ceremony. He added a personal touch and a happy glow that reflected on all the guests in attendance. Morgan and Andrew decided on succulents for the bouquet and boutonnieres, which fit right in to the greenery that surrounded everyone on all sides, with the exception of the pond that created a backdrop for the processional and exit. We found a shaded spot that was on the way back to the reception location for family photos and wedding party photos. I know that family formal photos may not be the most exciting time of the day, but this day was totally different! Each family member was so honored to be in a photo with the newlyweds and we had so much fun with some more candid poses too!

Speaking of being honored, I had the honor of being a guest at the reception! It was hard to relax and set down my cameras at first, but it was easy once we settled in and I could catch up with friends! We danced until sunset, a cool breeze making the outdoor reception perfect despite September being known for hot, muggy weather! I still want to pinch myself – I really got to be a part of this beautiful wedding day? No way! Thank you so much, Morgan and Andrew, for trusting me to document this beautiful day. I will never forget how your wedding day not only looked, but also felt. You are so loved and I know this day was just the beginning of your amazing adventures to come as husband and wife. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Nason!!

With so much love,

Jenny