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Wendy + Colten’s Wedding at Greenhouse Two Rivers in Highlandville, MO
It’s true! Opposites attract – at least in the case of Wendy and Colten. He is cool, calm, and reserved and she is a self-described outgoing travel extraordinaire who’s been to nearly all the continents our planet has to offer. Not just the popular spots, but some of the most remote places too! Colten is an engineer and has been with the city of Springfield his entire career and paid homage to the city with his wedding accessories — a custom tie with an elevation map of the city and socks with the city’s airport code, SGF.
KARI BJORN PHOTOGRAPHY
KARI BJORN PHOTOGRAPHY
KARI BJORN PHOTOGRAPHY
Comparing their Instagram accounts shows how yin and yang they truly are — and getting to meet them and to capture their engagement and wedding photos showed me how they elevate each other form a dynamic duo.
They had their engagement photos at the Mizumoto Stroll Gardens in Springfield. A super fitting place as it is modeled after a botanical garden in Isesaki in Japan, but right in the heart of Springfield. Their wedding was then held at Greenhouse Two Rivers on September 4th, 2022, so you could easily say the theme of their engagement and wedding was green and lush.
KARI BJORN PHOTOGRAPHY
KARI BJORN PHOTOGRAPHY
KARI BJORN PHOTOGRAPHY
Greenhouse Two Rivers is a wonderful venue, just a few minutes south of Springfield and is modeled after a greenhouse with enormous windows and greenery everywhere you look.
Wendy had three first looks on her wedding day! First with her bridesmaids, then her dad, and finally — a heartfelt and emotional one with Colten. He might be cool and calm but he let out tears more than once on his wedding day.
KARI BJORN PHOTOGRAPHY
KARI BJORN PHOTOGRAPHY
Colten cried again just moments later as he saw Wendy walk down the aisle in her mermaid wedding dress. As a wedding photographer, moments like these are my absolute favorites. Especially when paired with the groom’s look and demeanor right before the wedding. Photographing a wedding is all about giving your clients images that take them back to how they felt in that moment, and these ones made it easy!
KARI BJORN PHOTOGRAPHY
KARI BJORN PHOTOGRAPHY
KARI BJORN PHOTOGRAPHY
Their ceremony was short and sweet, they just wanted to get the party started with friends and family. Especially those from out of state and Wendy’s travel partners.
Shortly after the cake cutting and speeches, the 90s tribute band The Mixtapes stepped up and played “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None The Richer over Wendy and Colten’s first dance. A true 90s romantic comedy anthem for these two millennials. After that, the party kept going with more 90s hits (loved by this 90s kid photographer) from Blink 182, The Cardigans, and Aqua!
KARI BJORN PHOTOGRAPHY
KARI BJORN PHOTOGRAPHY
At the end of it all of their guests lined up outside the venue for a classic sparkler send-off (although this one was a fake exit, the party kept going until midnight, shhhh!)
KARI BJORN PHOTOGRAPHY
Wedding Vendors:
Photography: Kari Bjorn – https://www.karibjorn.com
Planning: Allie Rose Events – https://www.allieroseevents.
Venue: Greenhouse Two Rivers – https://www.
Band: The Mixtapes – https://www.instagram.com/
Colten’s tie: Kind Design – https://www.kinddesign.co
Catering: Happy Chef Catering Co – https://happychefcatering.com
Bakery: Charity Fent Cake Design – https://www.cfcakedesign.com
Hair + Make Up: Gloss – https://www.facebook.com/
Wedding dress: Girls in White Satin – http://girlsinwhitesatin.com
Bridesmaids Dresses: DYI
For more inspiration check out the Bespoke Bride homepage.
