Jessica + Brendan

As we drove up to Taylor, Missouri, where the bride was getting ready for her big day, rain clouds hung heavy in the air. However, that did not dampen any spirits. To say the couple was so happy, joyful, and excited to marry each other is an understatement.

Jessica has one of the best smiles, and to top it off, she is so kind. As her bridesmaids gushed over her and told her how gorgeous she looked, Jessica shared words of kindness and compliments as well. It was heartwarming to witness that, although it was her day, she never stopped building up those around her with positive words and encouragement.

We took photos of the bridesmaids and the bride at Jessica's mom's home, a great and personal location. I love that the bridesmaids had different color gowns, all beautiful Fall colors since their wedding was on the first day of Fall.

From there, we headed to the bride and groom's favorite location, Deer Ridge Conservation Park where the ceremony would be held. Both love the outdoors and that conservation area in particular. It's the same spot where we did their engagement pictures last Spring.

When we arrived, the skies opened up, and it started raining steadily. Brendan anxiously awaited the first glimpse of his bride. He openly cried tears of joy when he finally saw her and I can't blame him. She was stunning!

Jessica's mom and dad walked her down the aisle, and she and Brendan were married in the rain, overlooking Deer Ridge Lake.

After the ceremony, we headed back to Mom's house, where we were ready to party under the beautifully decorated tent set up on the property. But before we could let loose, we needed to wrap up family, wedding party, and couples (my favorite) pictures.

We celebrated the traditional moments—first dances, cake cutting, bouquet toss, and had a sparkler send-off for the couple at the end of the night. These are so much fun and make for such a memorable end to their day.