Fern Lake Inspiration & New Orleans Finish

Jenny & Dale

Planning a wedding is often described as one of life's most joyful yet daunting experiences. From the smallest details to the grandest gestures, every element must come together perfectly to create a magical day that reflects a couple's unique love story. Here, we take you behind the scenes of Jenny and Dale’s wedding—a perfect blend of personal touches and meticulous planning that transformed their wildest dreams into reality. Whether you're a soon-to-be bride, groom, or wedding vendor, there's inspiration and insight here for everyone.

Creating Your Vision Together

Jenny and Dale had a vision that was distinctively theirs—a vision that went beyond traditional roles and was shared by both. They wanted a day that mirrored their shared values, love, and history. This wasn’t just about the bride's preferences; it was about their union and partnership. For couples looking to replicate this camaraderie in their wedding planning, it’s essential to sit down together and discuss your common dreams and ideas. This ensures that the wedding is a true representation of "you" as a couple, not just one person's ideal day.

The planning process for Jenny and Dale’s wedding spanned over a year. It was a time filled with excitement, decisions, and intentionality. They entrusted me with their vision, and I made it my mission to guide them through each step, ensuring every detail was meticulously planned and executed.

Throughout the year, we worked closely to develop a framework that incorporated their unique ideas while maintaining a coherent theme. My role was to provide expertise and advice, helping them to make informed decisions that aligned with their vision. It was important to keep everything on track, from deadlines to vendor coordination, ensuring nothing was left to chance.

Planning with Ease and Intentionality

The key to a stress-free wedding planning process is intentionality. By focusing on what truly matters to you as a couple, you can cut through the clutter and make decisions that resonate on a personal level. For Jenny and Dale, this meant infusing their day with meaningful personal touches.

Inspired by Nature at Fern Lake

Jenny’s childhood summers spent at Fern Lake, TX inspired their wedding's aesthetic. The Oliver Building in the West Bottoms of Kansas City was transformed into a serene oasis. Bergamot and Ivy brought the woodsy lake atmosphere to life with organic floral and greenery elements. This setting allowed guests to feel as though they were stepping into the couple's cherished memories. When choosing a theme or setting for your wedding, drawing from personal experiences or favorite places can provide a beautiful foundation that resonates with both you and your guests.

Personalized Vows and Meaningful Connections

One of the most touching moments of Jenny and Dale's ceremony was their personalized vows, officiated by one of Jenny's school friends. This added a layer of intimacy and connection not only between the couple but also with the guests who witnessed the sincerity and depth of their words. I love when my couples enhance their ceremony by incorporating personal elements, such as writing their vows or involving someone special to officiate. These choices can turn an already special moment into a truly memorable one.

Gastronomic Delights: A Feast for the Senses

When it came to the reception, Jenny and Dale ensured their guests enjoyed a culinary experience like no other. Scratch Gourmet Kitchen created a variety of food stations offering delectable cuisine choices that catered to diverse palates. From savory hors d'oeuvres to exquisite main courses, the dining experience was both exceptional and interactive, encouraging guests to explore different flavors and engage with one another.

Customized Signage and Stationery

Custom signage and stationery were integrated throughout the venue, adding a personal touch that guided guests and enhanced the event's cohesive aesthetic. Whether it was the welcome sign, table numbers, or menu cards, we had every piece designed with the couple’s theme in mind. For those planning their weddings, this is an opportunity to incorporate your unique style and personality into the details that guests will interact with throughout the day, consider ‘branding’ your day with monogram, motifs, colors and fonts to carry a cohesive look through from beginning to end.

Entertaining Experiences Beyond Expectations

Jenny and Dale wanted to ensure that their guests were entertained throughout the celebration, and we delivered this through an array of activities. There were lawn games for the playful at heart, a caricature artist capturing guests in whimsical portraits, and a photo booth for creating fun memories. Topping it all off was an electrifying performance by a live eight-piece band from KC Flo, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening.

A Dance to Remember

The newlyweds kicked off their reception with a choreographed first dance, setting the stage for a night of celebration and joy. This special moment not only showcased their personalities and chemistry but also encouraged their guests to join in the festivities. Couples who enjoy dancing or performing together might consider preparing a special routine for their big day, making the first dance a highlight of the wedding.

Capturing the Magic

All the beauty, details, and emotions of the day were captured perfectly, creating memories to last a lifetime. Thanks to Bailey Pianalto's photography and Glenwood Weddings' cinema, every special moment was documented with such artistry and care. Their expertise shines through in the stunning images and video, highlighting the couple's joy, the vibrant celebration, and those heartfelt moments with family and friends. These keepsakes give Jenny and Dale the chance to relive the magic and love of their wedding day for years, preserving their memories in the most beautiful way possible.

An Unforgettable Finale

The night concluded with a New Orleans-style second-line trio leading guests to the after-party down the street. The weather cooperated beautifully, allowing for a seamless transition and ensuring that the celebration continued well into the night. This extraordinary finale left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance and demonstrated the power of a well-planned exit.

A Client's Perspective

The true measure of a successful wedding lies in the satisfaction and joy of those involved. Jenny and Dale’s wedding was no exception, as reflected in a glowing review from Jenny's mother:

"The best wedding decision we made was hiring Abigail Church (Abby) of “A Wedding Come True” as our wedding planner for our daughter’s 200+ guest wedding at The Oliver Building in the West Bottoms of Kansas City. As a MOB not living in Kansas City, whose daughter was both working and going to graduate school, it was incredibly important to have someone we could trust to understand my daughter’s vision and then be on top of things and get them done. Abby did just that and more. She was incredibly calm, organized, and responsive; a wealth of local vendor information and recommendations; and just all in all, a joy to work with. She kept us on track and on our toes, making sure we met important deadlines. When the wedding weekend finally arrived, both my daughter and I were able to relax and enjoy the moment, confident everything was going to come together, which it did beautifully. After my husband and I returned home, we received wonderful compliments from family and friends about every aspect of the wedding, a further tribute to all her hard work and dedication. We will be forever grateful to Abby for truly making this “A Wedding Come True” for our daughter."

Conclusion

Jenny and Dale's wedding was a testament to the power of thoughtful planning, personal touches, and the right team. For engaged couples the key takeaway is to prioritize what truly matters to you and your partner. Collaborate closely with your planner and vendors to bring your vision to life.

If you’re inspired by this story and want to make your wedding day equally special, please reach out today! I am ready to help you craft a celebration that reflects your love and personality, ensuring that your big day is everything you’ve imagined and more.

Vendor Team and Credits:

Venue: The Oliver Building

Planning: A Wedding Come True

Photography: Bailey Pianalto

Videography: Glenwood Weddings

Catering: Scratch Gourmet Kitchen

Floral: Bergamot & Ivy

Entertainment: KC Flo

Signage - Spur & Serif

Cake: Dolce Bakery

Rentals: Supply Event Rentals

Photo Booth: Banana Who Booth

Caricature artist: Fine Tooners

Favors: Clark Stationery

Accommodations: 21C Hotel

Beauty Team: Wicked Salon

Bridal Gown: Something White

Groom’s Suit: Mike Kopplin

Trolley: Showtime