Jesper and Cherise - what a pair! These two met through mutual friends during their college years at a concert at The Blue Note in Columbia, Missouri. Cherise took one look at Jesper and called “dibs” to her other girlfriends - the rest is history! It was extra fun to take engagement photos outside of The Blue Note in downtown Columbia during their engagement session.
Jesper and Cherise got married on a very chilly November day at Cooper’s Ridge Event Venue in Boonville. The day began inside the roomy bridal suite, complete with bridesmaids robes photos and champagne toasts. Cherise chose to have a special reveal moment with her bridesmaids, and then with her loving father, and they were both tear-jerkers! In The Coop groom suite, Jesper and his crew relaxed on leather couches or at the bar with the football game in the background.
The two met for the first time in a favorite new wedding tradition of mine - a First Look! It’s the chance for a bride and groom to see each other for the first time before the ceremony and soak in all the emotions of the day together. The wind was whipping and it was about 20 degrees, but the smiles on their faces are so genuine and full of love. It was a special moment to capture! Then the full wedding party joined us for a little cruise around the Cooper’s Ridge property, complete with champagne pop. Side note: I’m so glad I thought to bring my faux fur bridal jacket with me for Cherise - it complimented her dress beautifully and helped keep her warm during photos.
The two exchanged their vows at the lakeside ceremony site. Groom Jesper had a few happy tears for his bride as she walked down the aisle, and I was trying to keep my own tears in while photographing it all! After a very short and sweet ceremony, and quick family photos, we headed inside for cocktail hour.
The couple made their grand entrance into the reception, and then immediately went into their first dance as husband and wife, dances with their parents, and an enjoyable cake cutting. After dinner and some hilarious speeches from their wedding party, it was time to dance the night away! And this crew had some MOVES, let me tell ya.
What an incredible day with an incredible couple, surrounded by an amazing team of vendors to help make their day magical. I’m so glad I was a part of telling their wedding story through timeless photos they’ll treasure for generations to come. Cheers to the newly married Jesper and Cherise!
Venue: Cooper's Ridge Event Venue || Event Management: Plan it Terra led by Terra || Floral Designer + Plant Rentals: Allen's Flowers || Photography: KB Photos & Design || Bridal Makeup: Bold Beauti by Abby Elson || Bridal Hair: Image Makers || Baker: Aunt of Groom || DJ & Photobooth: Set2Music || Catering: Peachtree Catering || Custom GoBo: SW Productions