This post is seriously YEARS in the making, so bear with me. I first met Kennedy and Geoffry around 5 years ago when they were early in the wedding planning stages. We chatted at open houses at venues and bridal shows. We messaged back and forth for multiple years as they worked on planning their dream day. Unfortunately due to Covid their original “final plan” fell thru and wedding plans got put on hold for a little while.
While I was happy to hear back from Kennedy early this Summer – I was also heartbroken. She unexpectedly lost her dad at the beginning of the year. Having been thru this just a few short years ago losing my own, my heart was aching for her, Geoffry and their families. They decided that they weren’t going to keep putting this day on hold. They wanted to get married with their loved ones surrounding them, and the sooner the better. So once again, wedding planning began. What was once a large wedding was scaled into the most beautifully intimate micro wedding and full day of love surround them.
We started the day off at Hotel Vandivort where Kennedy and Geoffry were getting ready for this much-awaited day. It was finally time for these two to make it official. After hair and makeup were finished, Kennedy’s mom and her best friend helped her finish getting ready. The dress was no longer being stored away. It was finally time to put it on. After putting on shoes, jewelry and topping it off with her veil. I loved how they incorporated the rings from Kennedy’s grandparents as well as a special token in memory of her father to be with her as she walked down the aisle.
Then I headed next door to Vantage, where Geoffry waited excitedly with his parents and best man. He had the biggest smiles and you could tell that all he wanted to do was be able to call Kennedy his wife. Soon it was time to head upstairs to make it happen!
The ceremony took place on the rooftop at Vantage, overlooking downtown Springfield underneath an arbor built by Kennedy’s grandfather. It was a gorgeous day with the sun shining down. Their closest family and friends watched as Kennedy came down the aisle towards her groom. While I know there was also a hint of sadness to this moment, it was a beautiful moment filled with emotion. The ceremony was sweet as they shared vows, rings and a unity ceremony before officially being declared husband and wife.
The Bar inside looked just as gorgeous as always, with the sun shining down thru the skylight above. Everyone sat at the one long table, which was perfect representation that they are at long last, joined as one family. Everyone sat and ate a delicious lunch from The Order as toasts of love were shared to the newlyweds.
After lunch, everyone looked on as Kennedy and Geoffry shared their first dance as husband and wife. It was such a sweet moment. But tears flowed all around when afterward both shared dances with their moms. Soon it was time for some smiles and the couple cut into their two-tier cheesecake and continued to share drinks and laughter with their guests. Eventually it was time to end the main festivities, but all wasn’t lost. The group headed back upstairs to the gorgeous Master Suit at the hotel to relax, play games and just enjoy this celebration with their loved ones.
After everyone had rested and relaxed, dinner was eaten and then it was time for me to steal the newlyweds away for just a tiny bit longer. After waiting years for this day, not even an early wedding day was going to keep us from getting more of the portraits Kennedy had been dreaming of. So we headed outside and then back up to Vantage for a few more portraits, ending their perfect day as the sun set over downtown Springfield.
Kennedy and Geoffry, Thank You for choosing to share your day with me. I am absolutely honored that no matter how much time had passed and plans were changed that you continued to share this beautiful day with me. I’m so thankful to have been able to celebrate you with your favorite people and I cannot wait to see where your story takes you next.
Lots of Love,
Jessica
Bouquet | Flowerama
Bridal Gown | Davids Bridal
Catering | The Order
Hair | Rouge Beauty Bar
Makeup Artistry | Makeup by Tabitha
Menswear | Mens Suit Mart
Photography | Jessica Yahn Photography
