Jessica Yahn Photography

Noah’s Senior Photos at Waffle House

October 20, 2023

“… Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name…”

Noah didn’t have much in mind for his senior portraits. He’s a pretty chill kid like that. His one and ONLY request was that we take photos at his favorite place – Waffle House. His parents convinced him we needed a few more looks, but as this was his only request – I had to take it to heart. He even informed me that while checking out colleges first he sees if they have his intended degree program. Second question – Is there a Waffle House nearby?

I think it is safe to say that Waffle House is practically a second home to him. The staff know him by name, so I think it’s fair to say he spends a lot of time there. Before school. After school. After track & cross country. Late nights with friends and “just for funsies” – this kid loves his waffles. Even though he’s been known to eat 5 waffles in one sitting, for his session he settled for a small order of 2 blueberry waffles.

Noah, I hope we fulfilled your Waffle House dreams! Here’s to an amazing rest of your senior year!!

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Madison + Reese | Stella Springs Wedding, Stella MO

October 20, 2023

Madison & Reese’s wedding day came on a gorgeous Fall day. They began their day surrounded by their family and friends. Reese went fishing to start the day while Madison relaxed with her favorite girls. After getting dressed, and some final touches it was finally time for Madison and Reese to share their first look. With the sun glistening thru the trees, Reese finally turned to see his bride-to-be, a giant smile lighting up his face. Madison was simply glowing with happiness. They walked over to the tree swing where they shared a sweet moment together as they privately shared their vows with one another.

After taking a few portraits alone together, it was time for their friends & family to join in for the fun. The wedding party laughed and joked, making the the time fly by. Family met the couple with big hugs as we continued and finished up all of their portraits. Soon it was time for the wedding party to go into hiding, and guests began gathering at the ceremony site.

The ceremony location was so peaceful and beautiful. The altar stood in the shade with the pond and waterfall nestled in the background. Reese and the wedding party made their way down the aisle and soon after the guests rose to watch Madison, escorted by her dad, come down the rock staircase and make their way to the altar to join her groom. The ceremony was beautiful as they exchanged vows and rings, as well as shared communion with another before being pronounced husband and wife.

The sun was slowly setting as the guests made their way towards the barn for the reception. We finished up a few last portraits and let the newlyweds soak in the day as we strolled around the pond and slowly made our way behind everyone. Everyone cheered as the couple made their entrance. It was a beautiful evening with special dances, speeches and a delicious charcuterie spread. The couple mingled and danced the night away. Before long, Reese swept Madison off thru a shower of birdseed as they headed off to their honeymoon as everyone waved goodbye to the newlyweds.

Congratulations Madison & Reese! I hope the wedding was everything you dreamed of and a perfect beginning to the next chapter in your story!

Lots of Love,
Jessica

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Karen + Jake | Haseltine Estate Wedding, Springfield MO

October 12, 2023

Jake & Karen’s wedding day was a dream. I have been counting down the days for what feels like forever. I’m truly blessed to work with such kindhearted couples. They are just a gorgeous couple, both inside & out! It’s not a surprise that I officially surpassed the highest number photos I’ve ever taken on a wedding day.

This beautiful Fall day began with the girls doing their hair & makeup and being pampered in the bridal suite. Not to be outdone, Jake & his groomsmen received haircuts in the groom’s suite. Both groups were having a blast relaxing and spending time with their friends. After each shared a drink, it was time for everybody to get dressed and continue celebrating the day away.

In the quiet and shade of the tree-lined driveway, Jake and Karen shared a first look along with their personal vows to one another. This sweet moment was beyond beautiful, filled with so much emotion and love for one another. I could literally have kept them there forever taking more and more photos. But their sweet pups were waiting and we couldn’t forget about their awesome wedding party. We had fun making sure to get photos with all of their favorite people before the guests started arriving.

The sun was shining down as the guests all gathered for the ceremony. The seats were filled with loved ones excited to share in this newest chapter of Karen & Jake’s love story! They exchanged rings and vows before officially being pronounced husband and wife. The newlyweds made their way back down the aisle together, filled with so much joy. Seriously, this is always my favorite part of a wedding day!

The live music from cocktail hour serenaded us as we completed family portraits and then it was time for the wedding party to make their entrance! Everyone danced their way into the reception as the guests cheered them in! Before dinner we gathered everybody onto the dance floor for a quick group photo before sending everyone off to a yummy dinner by Simply Delicious. After a few golden hours portraits, the wedding party toasted the newlyweds with love before Karen and Jake shared some special dances. After cutting their cake, the rest of the night was filled with dessert, dancing, and drinks as everyone celebrated the night away. A perfect ending to a perfect day!

Karen & Jake, Congratulations again! Thank You for choosing to share your day with us. I am so thankful to know you both. I cannot wait to watch as you continue your beautiful story together.

Lots of Love,
Jessica

Bridal Gown | Normans Bridal

Bridesmaids Dresses | AZAZIE

Beverage Service | Simply Delicious Bartending

Cake | Megan Hill

Catering | Simply Delicious Catering

Floral Artistry | Cassidy Flower Co. at Estes Farms

Hair Artistry | Wedding Do’s by Melinda

Makeup Artistry | Makeup by Meghan

Menswear | Men’s Wearhouse

Men’s Hair | Rogue Barber Co.

Music & DJ | Elevate Entertainment

Photobooth | Selfie Mirror Photo Experiences

Photography | Jessica Yahn Photography

Rings | Mitchum Jewelers

Videography | STEM Visuals

Wedding Coordinator | RileyJo Designs & Events

Wedding Venue | Haseltine Estate

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Brittany + Shawn | St Peter Catholic Church + Scottish Rite Cathedral Wedding, Joplin MO

October 5, 2023

Brittany & Shawn’s wedding day was perfect and a great reminder of how I get to work with THE BEST couples! Both Shawn and Brittany are easy-going and full of joy. Their smiles are absolutely infectious so you can’t help but just want to be around them.

They wanted to spend the morning of their wedding relaxing with their wedding party. We arrived to the beautiful Scottish Rite Cathedral to find the group mingling together as the ladies finished their hair and makeup while the gentlemen played some pool. Their family and friends were all a lot of fun and made the morning pass quickly. Brittany was just finishing up her hair and makeup when her sweet son arrived to get dressed for the celebration. I really loved that Shawn and Brittany helped finish getting each other ready as well as getting Fin dressed. It was such a sweet moment between them and a beautiful way to break away from the traditional getting ready photos.

Soon, it was time to head to St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church for the ceremony. This is such a gorgeous church and has become one of my favorite Catholic Churches to photograph weddings. Shawn and Brittany continued sharing these moments by walking together down the aisle. It was a beautiful ceremony surrounded by their loved ones. They exchanged vows, rings, and received communion, before officially being pronounced husband and wife.

After a few more formal portraits at the church, we headed back to the Scottish Rite Cathedral for their cocktail hour and reception. I loved that because of breaking away from the traditional wedding day, they were able to join their guests and mingle for part of cocktail hour. They also wanted to share their first dance together privately so we snuck downstairs where they could share this moment together before welcoming their family & friends into the reception space. After greeting everyone and saying Thank You it was time to cut their cake before sending everyone to dinner. Everyone enjoyed dinner & dessert as they mingled. They kicked off the dance floor with a classic, the chicken dance. Everyone of all ages joined the couple on the dance floor with laughter as the rest of their celebration was kicked into gear for an evening of dancing and drinks. It was such a perfect day filled with love and joy.

Brittany & Shawn, Thank You again for allowing us to share in this important chapter of your story together! I am so blessed to know you. I cannot wait to see you next month for family photos and to continue watching your love story grow!

Lots of Love,
Jessica

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Morgen + Logan | Sycamore Creek Family Ranch, Branson MO Wedding

September 21, 2023

Morgen & Logan’s wedding day at Sycamore Creek was an absolute dream! It was such a gorgeous September day. The sun was shining and peeking thru the clouds, giving us a little peek of sunshine, yet without the outrageous heat of the Summer months. The girls finishing up hair and makeup at the Heartwood Barn, while the guys relaxed at the nearby Shiloh Ridge location. Morgen, Logan, as well as their family & friends were so joyful. We couldn’t help but have fun and smile right along with them the entire day.

After everyone finished getting dressed we shared some special first looks. Logan was up first sharing a moment with his mom. This isn’t one that we don’t get requested as often but I absolutely loved this sweet moment. Next it was turn Morgen’s turn to share a first look with her bridesmaids. This is always a fun one with great reactions. Morgen has some amazing hype girls around her. Next up was a special moment for Morgen to share with her dad and brother. These tough guys may have tried to hide it, but we all saw those tears coming thru.

Next up one was one of the best parts of the entire day. Morgen and Logan finally shared a first look with each other. Logan hadn’t even turned around yet and I could already see the emotion fighting to come thru just hearing her voice behind him. When he turned around it was all over though. Once he laid eyes on his stunning bride-to-be, any hope of composure was lost. They held onto each other sweetly before they made our way down to a bench for a quiet moment. With the sweet smell of lavender in the air, the couple shared their vows filled with love, as the butterflies (and maybe a few bees) flitted around. The happy couple soaked in some sunshine and a few last moments of quiet together before we gathered everyone to meet us. We spent some time getting photos of our sweet couple, their friends and their family. It was a fun time of what I like to refer to as organized chaos. You want to get these important photos – and still have fun while doing so!

Soon, guests began arriving and filling the ceremony area. The sun was shining down beautifully as the wedding party made their way down the aisle. And even though he had already spent time with her, Logan was once again filled with emotion as he watched his bride make her way towards him. Under the shade of the Sycamore Tree, Morgen & Logan shared their vows and exchanged rings. After completing their unity sand, the officiant pronounced them as married! Logan was more than ready to kiss his WIFE!

The couple dismissed the guests row by row, with quick hugs and promises to join them shortly for the reception. As soon as everyone was seated, Elevate Entertainment welcomed the wedding party into the barn. They brought everyone to laughter and then everyone cheered with happiness as we welcomed the newlyweds! The rest of the night was filled with dinner, speeches filled with love, and LOTS of dancing. It was such a beautiful evening and before we knew it, it was time to wave goodbye to our sweet couple!!

Morgen & Logan, Congratulations again! I am extremely thankful that you chose to share your perfect day and beautiful memories with us. I cannot wait to watch your story unfold!

Lots of Love,,
Jessica