There’s something a little different about our victory-lap couples. Okay, I may be a tad biased as one myself, but couples who had a private ceremony in 2020 when forced to postpone the big celebration approach their second wedding day with a fresh perspective.
Hayley and Adam got married last year in their living room without all the dressing up and preparation, leaving them with the only essentials for a wedding: two people and an everlasting love to promise one another. These two are so in love, and it’s easy to see they approach life with a confidence in their strong marriage. Stripping a wedding down to what really matters changes the way a bride approaches her big, anticipated celebration. Hayley was easy going from the beginning. She refused to stress over the details, allowing us to take the reins in orchestrating their garden fairytale from beginning to end.
My favorite part of the ceremony was how our fairytale garden theme was carried out through song. Hayley walked down the aisle with an instrumental version of “I see the light” from Disney’s Tangled – and it was absolutely perfect! Shawn, my wedding-day coordinator, and I were both emotional, but is that really surprising?
The ceremony, held in Powell Gardens’ Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel was a beautiful, intimate affair. The simple elegance of Hayley and Adam’s relationship was mirrored in the space; four neutral floral arrangements were all that were added to the beautiful, sunshine-filled glass chapel.
The reception at Powell Gardens’ Missouri Barn was truly a garden fairytale. We curated all decor from Rustic Elegance Event Rental, from lanterns and geometric candle holders to the golden arch and crushed-velvet-tapestry photo backdrop. Several sets of small, twinkling fairy lights lit up the space as the sun went down and the party began. I’m always a “pay for it once, use it twice” advocate when it comes to ceremony florals. Believe it or not, the beautiful tall floral arrangements on the head table are the same arrangements from the ceremony.
Brancato’s catered a breakfast-for-dinner buffet, complete with a french toast topping bar. Our signature drink served during cocktail hour was the Golden Hour Mimosa – the perfect refreshing beverage to precede a gourmet breakfast. My favorite detail at the reception was dessert. Hayley had her heart set on donuts, so we passed on the ultra-trendy donut wall for a more elegant, cascading donut tower.
I’m always writing about the evidence of love that surrounds my couples on wedding day; I don’t know how we get so lucky with the best people. But with Hayley and Adam, it was something I haven’t seen before. When I sent our their invitations, I noticed every single one was sent out-of-state. The fact that every guest in attendance truly traveled to celebrate this sweet couple is a testament to how intentionally they care for their relationships. I experienced that love, too, with the way Hayley spoiled little Baby Gensky with newborn outfits.
The Willmans were a treat to work with, and their friendship is something to be cherished. Cheers to you, Hayley and Adam! I’m so glad you pursued each other relentlessly, not letting the world stop your 2020 wedding while prioritizing the long-awaited celebration your marriage deserves. Thanks for trusting us with your (second) best day ever!
The Wedding Day Team
- Wedding Planning and Design: Erica Jordan Weddings
- Venue: Powell Gardens
- Photography: Matilyn Lexi Photography
- Florist: Good Earth Floral
- Decor: Rustic Elegance Event Rental
- Handlettering: Kylie By Design
- DJ: Elite Sound
- Hair and Make-up: Paradise
- Catering: Brancato’s
- Cake: Kate Smith Soiree