Mariah and Brody had a stunning Berry Acres wedding! Berry Acres is one of my favorite Kansas City wedding venues because it really has it all. From a gorgeous reception space to multiple ceremony options to fireworks, this truly is the perfect space for a one of a kind celebration.

These two are so fun together. I knew from their engagement session that their wedding would be something special. It sure did deliver. As die-hard Harry Potter fans, they included some fandom elements but didn’t make it the focus. Instead, they prioritized beautiful decor and a day shared with their favorite people.

One of my favorite moments of the day had to be during the speeches. Mariah unexpectedly lost her brother a little more than a year ago and the toasts were really a tribute to him. Mariah’s dad surprised her with a song her brother had written that was professionally recorded as a wedding gift and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room (us included).

After an emotional reception, the day ended in my favorite way: fireworks, lots and lots of fireworks. The show was incredible and we took so many awesome images. After the fireworks, the Berry Acres team wanted to play around with some long-exposure sparkler shots and I was all for it. Any excuse to create some unique imagery!

Thank you so much Mariah and Brody for allowing us to be part of your gorgeous Berry Acres wedding. Here’s your full preview! More to come shortly!

Venue: Berry Acres

Hair: Styles By Alisha Zielinski

Makeup: Grungeglow

Gown: True Society

Signage: Velvet Scott Etching

Photography and Videography: E. Golden Moments

– Hear from the bride –

Share the inspiration and atmosphere you’re creating for your wedding:

Both being what one would typically refer to as “giant nerds” the only atmosphere we could think of was attempting to recreate a version of the Harry Potter universe that wouldn’t confuse our grandparents.

Share how (or why) you chose your wedding venue(s):

Initially, we were planning on doing a very small destination wedding. We began talking about possibly having a local ceremony rather than this and started looking into different venues in the Kansas City area. This idea was solidified after the very sudden loss of a close family member and wanted to have a special day where we were able to create memories with all of our family rather than a very select grouping. We wanted to ensure that there was enough space that people didn’t feel they were being secluded to a single area and a reception area which engaged the guests to enjoy themselves. Between the personalities of the employees, the vision of the facility, and the amenities offered I don’t believe there could have been a more perfect choice. Berry Acres was like home from the moment we walked in, every time we walked in.

Are there any special songs to be played for the processional, recessional, or first dances that have special meaning?

Mariah’s (deceased) brother and Mariah used to sing together in different vocal competitions. The initial plan was to record a song together to be included in the processional. Unfortunately, this is not an option. He had previously recorded several songs which he uploaded onto Facebook and one of the absolutely wonderful human beings I worked with sent a copy of the recording “chasing cars-snow patrol” to her husband who does sound editing. He cleaned up the audio and gave it to us as a wedding present, it is now our first dance song and allows it to feel like Myles is still included in the wedding.

What is your most valuable piece of advice you can share with future couples planning their wedding?

As frustrating as waiting may be-having a long engagement was completely worth it. We will have been engaged for almost 2 years on the date of our wedding and it allowed us to breathe and truly enjoy the experience rather than having to feel as if we’re running around trying to make everything perfect.

What was your favorite part of the planning process?

Our favorite part of the planning process was being able to see our vision come to fruition. We’ve both been very excited in our long engagement to get to this point and seeing it all come together. Everyone we have chosen to work with has been the kindest, most professional human beings and I cannot think of enough amazing things to say about them for helping us get this far.