It was a misty April morning when I picked my assistant up from the airport. I looked at her and asked if she need anything from food to other bodily necessities because we had seven hours on the road ahead of us and my goal was only one stop for lunch. Luckily we were on the same page - and so we hit the road.

From Kansas City we traveled south towards Joplin. It is a straight shot, not too bad for only having two lanes most of that part of the journey. Then we hit the Ozarks. Even before we got too deep into the Ozark Mountains - the fog was real. I wasn’t sure in the moment if the clouds were reaching down or the ground was reaching up - but there was no difference. It was a wildly beautiful sight to drive through the rolling ups and downs of the Arkansas Mountains with the limestone outcroppings and lush early spring greenery.

In fact as we drove down from Kansas City, Missouri to Hot Springs, Arkansas we commented multiple times how it felt like we were skipping seasons. In KCMO the world was barely acknowledging spring. In Kansas City was like spring was that weird cousin at your birthday party that you had to invite even though you didn’t want to. It was there, but shoved back in the corner trying to be relevant but just never hitting. Then the closer and closer we got to the final destination - it was like spring was the cool kid at the party. It was everywhere, burgeoning on the point of annoyance, but pulling back at the exact right moment.

Needless to say we, my assistant Elizabeth, and I enjoyed the drive (as hurried as it was) for its picturesque beauty but also the reminder that spring really WAS on its way!

There were many moments winding through the wild country highways, stuck behind semis and those who felt 35 in a 60 was the norm, where the romance bled away a bit, but we finally made it down to Hot Springs, Arkansas. Because of the nature of the booking - our engagement session was literally the night before the wedding (but they were also already legally married) so it was a bit unorthodox but also such a lovely moment in time. Those images will come some other time as this is the wedding blog, but it was absolutely darling to capture the bride and groom in front of the Anthony Chapel (a beautiful glass chapel) in Garven Gardens. Why? Because the next day we would be there in that same place celebrating the beauty of their union in front of all the closet family and friends.

So why not start talking about that?

It was, in a word: JOY.

The entire day, even with its usual wedding hiccups, was unbothered. Everyone genuinely wanted to be there (a huge perk of a destination wedding) and they showed it. From the “Bubble Princess" (alternative to a flower girl) to the custom crowns the bride hand crafted for many of the bridal party to the absolute commitment to the dance floor at the reception…! I could go one but, the whole thing was such a celebration occasion! From kiddos mugging for the camera, to the DJ having to instruct the entire party how to unite for the Cupid Shuffle, to a magical quilt reveal, to amazing tacos, to beautiful location. The other ‘normal’ things like the glowing bride and groom busting at the buttons were not lost, but rather amplified by the genuine joy that surrounded every part of the day.

All the details added up to a perfect sum of wonderful. There were amazing tacos and delicious churros (no wedding cake for this couple!) provided by Taco Mama (bonus that they were served from an adorable food truck!), beautiful flowers blooming all around, and even the occasional peacock strutting its stuff around the reception site. Fuzzy caterpillars inched their way across paths, tables, and feet (much to the delight of some of the younger guests). A stunning, lovingly made, unicorn quilt was presented to the bride and groom by her aunts. The beautiful hand fastening cord made by the groom just for the event was complimented by the gorgeous tiaras made by the bride (who also made the beautiful bell jar centerpieces). Everything was so thoughtfully put together in a way that made my heart smile.

It was a JOY to be there as a fly on the wall with my assistant and be able to log these beautiful moments.

I’d do the 7+ hour drive in a heartbeat for any couple willing to CELEBRATE the way that Sean and Phoebe celebrated.

May this be the first of another eighty years together.