What a wonderful weekend spent in my hometown photographing this beautiful couple. I've known Maggie since she was a little girl (our parents were friends) and we were sorority sisters in college, so I was honored when she asked me to photograph her big day. She has patiently been waiting on her wedding day preview, so without further adieu...

Maggie's beautiful church was destroyed by the devastating tornado that struck Joplin in May 2011. They have not yet completed the rebuild so the couple was married is the temporary church location, but the feeling of love in the room was just beautiful. Maggie and David didn't see each other before the wedding so it was an honor to catch David's first glance as she walked down the isle.

After the wedding we headed downtown to grab some shots of the beautiful couple and of course the group shots too. The cross in the background of this image below was the only thing from Maggie's old church that was left standing after the tornado. It was a must that we stop there and take a few photos in front of this gorgeous cross.

I was just SO excited when Maggie told me she was willing to step away from the reception for 20 minutes to grab a couple sunset photos. And man, I am so glad we did.

We then finished off the evening by dancing the night away!

Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Grote. I loved being a part of your special day. Hopefully these images help you remember what a wonderful day it was!

Always,

Courtney