Hi everyone, I’m back! I took a couple week break while I was preparing for my own wedding. It was nice to have off, but I’m so glad to be back to capturing all these beautiful weddings starting with Susan and Allen at Big Cedar Lodge in Branson.

Let me tell you about these two! Remember a few months ago when I went to Florida for an engagement session? Well, their wedding day has finally come. While I’m sad they will no longer have an excuse to take me on vacation, I’m super excited to show you these beautiful images.

I actually spent two days in Branson hanging out with these two. Since they were having a morning wedding, I decided to come in the night before so we could get incredible sunset pictures. Big Cedar Lodge never disappoints. This is the second wedding I’ve had there and it’s gorgeous every time. Thankfully we were able to schedule the sunset session because it ended up raining like crazy on their wedding day. It rained on my wedding too, so it felt very familiar. Oh well. We have to adapt to what Mother Nature gives us. Thankfully these two are seriously the most awesome people ever and were totally ok with playing out in the rain.

Over the past month, I’ve had three rainy weddings (seriously, October, you are not supposed to do this), but each time we are given shots you can’t get from an ordinary wedding day. Rain shots are starting to become my favorite. But seriously, stop with this rain, I’m tired of it. However, these rain shots captured at Susan and Allen’s wedding are some of my favorite ever. The light was perfect and we were able to capture rain drops behind them. As much as I am partial to beautiful skies, you really can’t get much better than the day they were given.

Thank you so much Susan and Allen for allowing me to explore my creativity at Big Cedar Lodge. It has been such an honor working with you both. Here’s your full preview 🙂

Venue: Big Cedar Lodge

Florist: Artistry in Bloom

Hair/Makeup: Cedar Creek Spa at Big Cedar

Videography: Bear Spear Film

Gown: Belle Mariee

Planner: Emilee Sherertz

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

Our favorite colors are purple (brides) and orange (grooms) and we went from there. We both love fall and the combo of our colors with the awesome fall foliage was absolutely perfect. The atmosphere we would like to create is comfortable elegance. We focused on having a small wedding with only family present and lots of attention to wedding details to make the day perfect.

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

Branson’s colorful hills were one of the huge reasons why we picked Big Cedar. Big Cedar is absolutely gorgeous and homey – which is, in our opinion, perfection. We chose Branson specifically because Branson has been our special get-away spot since the beginning of our relationship. Allen & I picked out our wedding rings there, got engaged there, and can’t wait to get married there too.

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

Take your time. Make sure you communicate effectively. Make sure your wedding is about you and your new spouse, not what everyone else wants or thinks is important.