JESSICA + DAVID

Jessica and David had mutual friends, and eventually they ended up at the same bonfire together. David noticed that Jessica was upset and made it his mission for the evening to get me to smile. He spent the whole night giving her his undivided attention, and definitely made a good first impression. David’s perspective in a nutshell: he thought she was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen and he didn’t want to see her cry.  She loved how attentive he was to her feelings even though she was a complete stranger at the time. He was very persistent and was not going to be satisfied until she, a girl he just met, was happy again. David made her happiness the most important thing from the very start.
When they finally went out on their first date a year later, knowing that Jessica’s favorite food is Italian, David made reservations at the Old Spaghetti Factory.  After a perfect meal, as they were leaving he had arranged for a horse drawn carriage to pick them up to take them for a ride in downtown St.Louis.  That was the beginning of forever for the two.  They knew that they’d found the one right from the start.

For four years of dating,David had always told Jessica that he was never going to get married.  Jessica wasn’t wild about it, but she’d finally gave in and told him that she was okay with that. As long as they were together, she didn’t have to get married if he truly didn’t want to. But at a 4th of July celebration at her family’s cabin in Southern Illinois, Jessica was concerned because David was acting weird. Finally, he took her back to the room where they were staying and told her he had something to show her. He pulled out a ring box and just handed it to her. The week before this trip, he had told her he wanted to get her a ring as a token of commitment even though he didn’t want to get married, so her response when he handed her a ring was “thank you!” What she didn’t know was that there was a note inside the ring box that said “will you marry me?'” “Did you even read it??” David asked. At that moment she understood that the ring was actually an engagement ring and he was proposing.  With her heart racing, a smile from ear to ear, and legs shaking – she sweetly answered “yes.”

The day came for Jessica and David’s wedding, and let me just tell you – the weather was not what a bride dreams of for their wedding day.  Remember that Saturday a month ago that was a complete washout?  Gray skies and just sheets of rain the entire day?  We felt horribly for every couple getting married in the midwest that day (because it was THAT widespread) but we REALLY felt horribly for Jessica and David.  We knew the beautiful day they’d planned with their outdoor ceremony and photos, and knew this was not what they’d envisioned.
But here’s what you should know about these two…
As a couple, they have been able to over come obstacles that would break others. They have always committed to work together and make sacrifices on both ends to get to this day.  So no amount of rain was going to spoil this day.  And it didn’t.  It was a detail of the day that they’ll always remember, but it was just a detail to the story – not the story.
Today, we are excited to share the full story.  Enjoy a peek at Jessica and David’s wedding day.

I LOVED Jessica and her bridesmaids Buffalo check flannel PJs.  They were so perfect for the cozy feel in her parent’s cabin where they got ready.Jessica’s dress was jawdropping.David’s son was such a ham.  Love all his expressions!Seriously Jessica – STUNNING!!!The weather was wearing on Jessica a bit and causing some disappointment – up until the first look when she saw David and it just melted away.  Again – the expressions. <3That moment they weren’t sure would ever happen… MARRIED!!!SO after the ceremony as we were headed to the reception, for about 5 minutes, there was a break in the rain.  You could see to the west that there was  more on it’s way, so in a panic we stopped in the middle of the road and photographed our hearts out.  When Mother Nature gives you the smallest window, you better be ready to make the most of it!  And that we did!Any boy who loves his momma like this is a keeper. 

The inspiration for the day:We wanted to keep it simple and make sure it captured our personality. I of course wanted it to be unique. We tried to stay with the rustic theme with the fall flowers and pumpkins and we kept the attire casual because that is what David is most comfortable in.  What was most important to us was spending the day with our friends and family.
What moment did you look the most forward to on the wedding day? 
David was most looking forward to our first look and seeing me all dressed up in my wedding gown. It was beyond his expectations.  I was most looking forward to the letters we wrote to each other to read before our first look. I have never been very good at expressing my feelings so I was anxious to get them all out on paper and equally as anxious to read his letter that he wrote to me. This moment was beyond what I expected. I found it easier that I thought it would be to get my feelings for David out on paper and I could tell he put a lot of thought and love into his letter to me.
Favorite moment of your day:
Getting to see david for the first time was my favorite moment of the day. That moment made it feel so much more real to me that this was really happening and I was going to get to spend the rest of my life with my best friend.  David’s favorite part of the day was our first dance.
Unique things about the day:
One thing that I think made our day unique was how much our families were involved.
Davids uncle got ordained and performed our ceremony.
My dad built the arbor out of cedar tree limbs he cut form our property in southern Illinois.
My Aunts and my mom put all of the flowers together including my bouquet
Having so many family members involved in the details of the wedding made the day so much more special.
Funny mishaps or moments from your wedding day:
Every other weekend in October was perfect weather and it rained and was cold all day for our wedding! And of course the rain stopped as soon as the ceremony was over! Oh also with our wedding being in Missouri and all of our guests being from Illinois the fact that the JB bridge was shut down at one point was a bit stressful to say the least!  Also during the ceremony I said I do way to early! I thought it was time because Davids uncle (who was performing the ceremony) took a long pause but I was apparently wrong lol
SONGS:
First Dance: My Best friend – Tim McGraw
Mother/Son Dance: All to you by – Scott Keo
Father/Daughter Dance: MY Little Girl – Tim McGraw

If you could do it all over, would you change anything?
I would change the weather if I could! I would be lying if I didn’t say I was bummed out that it was raining and we couldn’t get as many pictures outside with the fall colors and trees, but other than that it was perfect. 
Advice for future bride/grooms:
People are not lying when they tell you the day will fly by! There are parts of the day that I just don’t remember at all (and I was completely sober)  And don’t let the stress consume you. This day should be one of the best days of your life and you should enjoy it together.  Don’t worry about the little things.

Wedding professionals who made the day great:
A&A Music Productions
Susie Q Cakes
Royel Catering
Fireside South (reception) –
Cliff Cave Park (ceremony) –
Bridal Manor (dress, veil, jewelry, bridesmaid dresses)
Wedding Gown designer 
Bridesmaid Dress Designer 
Hair – Emily Brown
Mens boots 

The two are currently rehabbing Davids grandparents home in Lenzburge Illinois and plan to make that their first family home.

See more from this beautiful day below!