Jessica and Rusty met shortly after they started school at Oklahoma State University. They found themselves talking non-stop and late into the night when they would run into one another at social gatherings (which, of course, is a good sign). Soon they found themselves dating and were stuck to one another ever since! They both ended up transferring to good ol' Mizzou (which, as all of us Columbians know, is CLEARLY the better choice anyway!) [edit: Brian says I need to insert a smiley face or something to let you know that I am not actually talking smack on OSU, really I have no preference, so consider this comment as an inserted smiley face] and continued their relationship. One of the pastimes they learned to enjoy in this new state is nature walks. Ha Ha Tonka State Park being pretty much their ultimate. So one beautiful October afternoon, the two trekked down to the Lake of the Ozarks. They spent all day taking in the beautiful scenery and the old buildings that had once been part of a magnificent estate. Right before it was time to leave, they swung back to Jessica's favorite place in the park-a spring bubbling up from the entrance to a cave. As I'm sure most of us ladies would do when we are with the man of our dreams in one of those beautiful, romantical spots, Jessica thought to herself, "Wow, wouldn't it be so romantic if Rusty proposed right now?" Only Jess said it out loud. And... well... apparently that had been Rusty's plan all along! So he pulled out the magical little box and asked Jess to be his wife. Tears of joy and laughter of glee followed immediately.
They planned their wedding at the BEAUTIFUL Cedar Creek Resort. The Ordways acquired it last year or the year prior, I believe, and shortly thereafter began to prep it for weddings. This place is a-MAZING! It has a huge lake with fish, several docks, 6 cabins that family can stay in that have porch swings, a commercial kitchen in the main lodge, a concrete patio next to the lodge for events (that Jess & Rusty were the first to use!), acres of gorgeous fields and old fences and streams and gigantic trees, a conference center perfect for receptions, a trolley that the owners can tote all of the bridal party & family around on, random wildlife, and, well... just the splendor and beauty of it all! We went out there first in September when they were just beginning. We have done several portrait and wedding shoots out there now, and for good reason! Jessica and her mom picked really well!
Jessica and Rusty's wedding was absolutely perfect. In no small part thanks to the amazing Brooke Epple who stepped in a few weeks prior to the wedding date and helped hash out all of the last minute details that none of us thought of (who puts the flowers on the cake that the florist left and how do we get the flowers from the wedding site up to the reception site when all of the relatives are in the receiving line? Answer: Brooke). She kept us on schedule, told us where to go, fixed all of the last minute crises none of us knew what to do about (improvising a toss bouquet was one of them)! Planners just make everyone's day more pleasant. And, as usual, the forecast called for rain on Saturday up until the last minute. And, as usual, it didn't rain a drop for their day. Like I said... this seems to be a pattern!
Congratulations, Jessica and Rusty! Hope your honeymoon road trip was all that you envisioned it to be!
Rusty and the guys chilled out at their cabin.
Jessica's dress was a Maggie Sottero, like so many of our brides are (I was, too!) and was just magnificent. The girls got ready at the main A-frame in the top floor where Jessica and Rusty got to spend their wedding night together.
Florassentials did the flowers for the day. Jessica just told them her budget and that she wanted orange. They delivered beautifully!
This dress had a laced corset inside and then delicate buttons all the way down the back.
We did a first look with Jessica and Rusty. Rusty waited on the deck facing the water. When Jess stepped out she immediately teared up. This is what first looks are all about!
Brian in the background. Whoops!
Linda Ordway, the owner of Cedar Creek Ranch, took us via trolley to one of the fields. As soon as we stepped into it, Rusty found a four leaf clover! Talk about a great sign! Jessica told me later that she saw a shooting star later that night. And who said seeing one another was bad luck before a wedding. Proof that they are wrong! (Not to mention the fact that the myth originally came from when a bride and groom had never seen one another until the wedding day, they were afraid if the groom saw how ugly the bride was before they tied the knot that he might bolt!)
Did I mention the gorgeous gravel road that runs down one side of the property lined with trees?
After all of our group portraits, the wedding party chilled in the main A-Frame. Where you could find platters of muffins that the flower girl happened to be raiding.
In addition to the pool table just begging to be used! Did I mention the two GIANT swings suspended indoors? SO cool!
The ceremony overlooked the lake on the brand new platform.
Yay!
Misty, a wonderful, beautiful gal I went to high school with, decorated their cake.
Brooke and her assistant put the finishing touches in the reception area while everyone relaxed and waited for the ceremony to start.
I think Jessica's dad gave one of my favorite-ever father-of-the-bride speeches.
These two girls found some friends. There are two splendidly friendly black cats that roam the property. (Can you see the trolley in the background?)
It is SO beautiful!!!!
Misty is also a pleasant fixture at the Cedar Creek Ranch.
Work it, Rusty! Love that vest! No need for suit jackets!
Notice a dark visitor at their feet?
Congratulations you two!
And for the vendor run-down, for those who are curious:
Flowers: Florassentials
Cake & Catering: Donita's
Wedding Coordinator: Brooke Epple
Hair: The Strand
Dress Designer: Maggie Sottero
Venue: Cedar Creek Resort
Oh, and we got more questions and compliments on our shoes at Jessica & Rusty's wedding than ever before.
So for those of you that asked: Mine are rainBOPS from Cavender's and Brian's are Giorgio Brutini from Zappos. (Brian had been begging for a pair of purple shoes for a long time. Samuel L. Jackson's favorite color is purple and so Brian has made it his own as well. After being on our feet for up to 12 hours at a time at weddings it was taking him almost the entire week to recover from the pain of his uncomfortable dress shoes. As a result, we found these online. The insides are built like tennis shoes but yet have some spark and pizazz. Perfect compromise!) So, now I guess if you want your own pair, you can find them. = )
Peace out, folks! Happy Sunday!
Love, Mallory & Brian (who is chasing a kitty, just like at home)
1 comment:
Thank you SO much!! You all did a wonderful job with the pictures!! From Rusty's mom, Robbie
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