Ellie & Cullen’s elegant wedding at the President Hotel this past Saturday was such a special day to be a part of! These two lovebirds have been together for years (they’re high school sweethearts) so they’ve already built a lifetime of memories together. But Saturday’s celebration 100% takes the cake. From portraits at the Nelson-Atkins Museum to a show-stopping reception at the President Hotel, Ellie & Cullen’s wedding day was simply perfection!

Something that’s so special about Ellie & Cullen is how close they are to their family and friends. It’s probably one fo the things that drew them together in the first place. Almost half of their wedding party included their siblings. Mnay of their guests were elementary school friends. And Ellie’s and her Maid of Honor Meghan have been in each other’s lives since before they were born! (Their parents are best friends!) It’s clear that Ellie & Cullen’s families set an example for deep and lasting relationships that these two have carried into their own lives.

In the morning Ellie & Cullen spent the day with their respective wedding parties swapping inside jokes, shedding happy tears, and laughing through new memories. Right before Ellie got dressed she opened her gift from Cullen. Immediately the tears started flowing, and then she yelled out, “Guys! This is why I’m marrying him!” It was because Cullen had gifted Ellie a bracelet. But not just any bracelet. It was a bracelet with her grandmother’s handwriting on it saying “lots of love”, which is how Ellie’s grandmother always signed her letters.

Ellie’s grandma died earlier this year, just when Ellie and her mother were beginning wedding plans. For such a close-knit family, this was a major blow. During that time Ellie made a necklace for her mother with her grandmother’s handwriting on it. And that is exactly what Cullen used to create the bracelet for Ellie! Are you crying yet or is it just dusty in here?

After Ellie & Cullen got dressed separately, they shared a first look at The President before heading out with their wedding party for portraits at the Nelson-Atkins Museum. It was a chilly day, but for December it was downright balmy! We totally lucked out. Ellie & Cullen’s pups even got to join in on the fun!

After portraits, we whisked off to the Cathedral downtown to finally get these two hitched. Ellie’s family priest performed the mass (another nod to E&C’s close friend/family ties) and then it was time for the reception! When I walked into the ballroom at The President I was stunned. The room was so beautiful! I love how Ellie’s floral design was timeless, elegant, and gave just a hint of Christmas-y charm without overdoing it. It was truly a beautiful beautiful evening, made even more fun by KC Flo’s keeping the dance floor full.

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

venue: The President Hotel
coordination: Nellie Sparkman
floral: Sidelines Custom Floral
gown: True Society by Belle Vogue
bridesmaids: BHLDN
menswear: Jos. A. Bank
HMUA: Posh KC
cake: Nancy Stark
stationery: Nellie Sparkman Stationery
entertainment: KC Flo Band
transportation: Showtime Transportation
2nd photographer: Espy’s Photography

CHEERS TO ELLIE & CULLEN!

Can’t get enough of these lovebirds? Check out their engagement session!