We decided our plate wasn’t full enough trying to finish the building in time, so we also dove into our first styled shoot in the last months before opening. It was strategically scheduled to happen the same day that we’d be bringing in our first guests for a reception. Because why not? You know how parents of multiples say their first year was a blur and they remember not one thing? That was our August 2018. Don’t ask us to recall any detail from those days because we don’t know. Luckily we have pictures to remind us.
Being brand new to the wedding industry meant we had no clue what we were doing, and were completely dependent on the amazing team of vendors to showcase our space for the first time! We were thankful to have met Faith, with Bel Amour Events early in our building process. So early, that she helped us make some decisions we were wavering back and forth on in our design phase. Sometimes you can stare at something for so long and go back and forth, and a fresh perspective can be just what’s needed. We were incredibly grateful for Faith’s expertise, input and encouragement as we began this journey. And then of course we were ecstatic when she agreed to design our first styled shoot! (We’re just sad that we only got to work with her a few times before she retired from the business.)
To be completely honest, coming out of the starting gates, and getting to work with a team like this was the most incredible treat. The day of the shoot, we found ourselves walking around a little star-gazed. Wichita has some of the best wedding professionals ever, and we were so excited to get to work with some of them.
venue || @thebarnatgracehill
coordination and design || @belamourevents
photography || @kayxbeephoto
videography || @wildoakfilms
calligraphy + stationery || @emilimedesigns
cake || @lilibuckingham
floral || @mooreflowerswichita
tables and chairs || Action Tents and Party Rental
wine display || @gracehillwinery
linens || @bowmanandcompany
bread || @crust_and_crumb
makeup || @brookecero
hair || @brielynnshair
models || @meredithrose_rn @aj_wertzberger
@knorkflatware
We don’t even have adjectives worthy of describing Emilime Design’s work. We just count ourselves LUCKY to know her! She created this semi-custom fine art stationery suite exclusively for our couples and we just know wedding guests are going to be blown away when they open this mail. The biggest day of your life definitely deserves an invitation this special.
AJ and Meredith were married a few months earlier on the East Coast. When they asked if we’d be open and ready for Labor Day Weekend so they could celebrate with their local friends and family, we agreed we could be. And they agreed to be our models for our first shoot. A definite win for all of us.
Moore Flowers knocked it out of the ballpark with their floral design and this insanely gorgeous bouquet.
Emilime Designs also made this beautiful calligraphed canvas that was used for a ceremony backdrop. (Brides, you can rent this from her here!) This indoor ceremony is more stunning than we could have ever imagined.
Every detail. Every stinkin detail was amazing. The kiss in front of the barn doors, the bouquet, the dress, the black and white striped napkins, the bouquet, the cake by Buckingham Cakes, the bread and wooden boards, the eggplants and artichokes, and we cannot stop staring at that bouquet.
Last by not least, we may still be pinching ourselves that Kay + Bee Photography and Wild Oak Films were the first to shoot at our place. Their work is stunning. Their service and personalities are unforgettable. It’s a duo that we can only hope to work with a thousand more times. These first images, and this first video will hold a special place in our heart forever and ever. And as if all of that wasn’t enough, our first shoot was published by Woman Getting Married and we officially died and went to heaven.