On Saturday, Rachel & Austin finally tied the knot in front of their friends & family. And on top of that, they pulled off a wedding celebration that was truly unique to them and their love story!!

Their day started with a beautiful ceremony at Powell Gardens, which was just beginning to show off its finest spring blooms. Rachel & Austin decided to NOT have a first look before their ceremony, so the walk down the aisle was extra meaningful for them. After their ceremony and an impromptu hug line (more on that later), we captured their wedding party and newlywed portraits among the gardens.

After portrait time, we headed across town to Rachel & Austin’s own backyard that they’d transformed into a garden oasis for their guests! At-home wedding celebrations are truly special because they’re so personal and have a comfortable feeling about them. To make their guests feel extra at home, Rachel & Austin left no corner of their yard unattended. From their fire pit nook, to the family-style reception seating, to the lawn games, every guest had a space where they could enjoy themselves.

When you spend time with Rachel & Austin, it’s easy to see how much they love their friends and family. After all, they first met through a family member’s birthday party! From that first encounter, Austin knew he wanted to get to know Rachel better. And it was only a matter of time before these families grew closer together through their marriage.

Every part of Rachel & Austin’s day was designed to capture memories with their closest friends & family. From their close-knit wedding party to their heirloom wedding rings, from their friends’ side-splitting toasts, to their first dance, love was everywhere to be found. And it was infectious. I left Rachel & Austin’s wedding day riding an emotional high that carried me through the rest of the weekend and into creating their blog post.

It was a true honor to be a part of Rachel & Austin’s wedding celebration. Cheers to the newest newlyweds!!

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a HUGE thank you to the team that made this day extra amazing!

ceremony: Powell Gardens
reception: private home
floral: Flower Moxie
gown: Urban Bridal Shop
bridesmaids: Azazie
groom’s attire: ASOS
hmua: The Salon Lawrence
rentals: Ultrapom
dinner: Jack Stack BBQ
treats: Donutology KC
2nd photographer: Espy’s Photography

Rachel’s ring is Austin’s maternal great-grandmothers wedding ring, and Austin’s ring is Rachel’s paternal great-grandfather’s ring. I LOVE that both Rachel & Austin’s families contributed family heirlooms to further symbolize the joining of these two families.

In this image, Rachel & Austin’s rings sit atop Rachel’s grandfather’s pitch pipe. He used it to prepare for every sermon he gave. For years, it was a given that Rachel’s grandfather would perform Rachel & Austin’s wedding ceremony, but he is no longer with us. Having this sentimental piece of him on their wedding day was so special to the couple.

Rachel helped her father put on his boutonniere after he saw her for the first time!

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Time to head to the ceremony! Powell Gardens has a beautiful path that leads to their chapel. This is one of my FAVORITE places to capture the final moments between a bride and her father before they walk down the aisle.

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Cheers to the newlyweds!

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Cheers to Rachel & Austin!

You two know how to throw one heck of a party and it was an honor to be a part of it!!