Let me tell you, nothing says “wedding day” quite like a last-minute officiant crisis and discovering that the bride is your long-lost cousin! On September 7, 2024, I had the absolute pleasure of filming one of the most unforgettable weddings I’ve ever been a part of at The VeNue Event Space in Bethany, Missouri. And when I say unforgettable, I mean it – family reunions, boho-western vibes, and a sunset so good.
Wait, We’re Related?! Here’s where things get wild. During our discovery call, the bride and I started chatting, and it turns out we’re distant cousins. Yup, you read that right! This wedding just went from a beautiful client experience to a straight-up family reunion. Talk about a small world, right? I couldn’t believe it. So there I am, already excited about the whole western-boho-country vibe of the wedding (my favorite), and now I’ve got family ties in the mix. Obsessed. Doesn’t even begin to cover it. First Looks, Private Vows, and a Cowhide Brand (You Know, the Usual) The day itself was a perfect mix of modern, western, and boho. Think cowboy boots meet lace dresses with a little branding ceremony thrown in for good measure. Yes, you read that right. They literally branded a cowhide sign during the ceremony—because why wouldn’t you?! If that’s not peak western wedding, I don’t know what is.
Welcome to Wedding Day, the day kicks off with a bit of classic wedding drama. The officiant? Down for the count with an illness. (I’m not saying it was the pre-wedding jitters, but I’m also not *not* saying that.) After a moment of "Oh no, who’s gonna marry these two?" the couple pulled a fast one and got a replacement officiant. Crisis averted—just another day in the wedding world, right?
Now, let’s talk about this venue for a second. The VeNue Event Space? Stunning. It’s got all the rustic charm you’d expect from Northwest Missouri craftsmen, with enough on-site space for your entire guest list—and I’m talking 270 people, y’all! No one’s worrying about coordinating rides home when the venue practically hands you a key and says, “Stay the night.” Honestly, The VeNue really does it all. You get the dream wedding and zero stress about transportation. Stay. Prep. Ceremony. Reception. Just what Jade likes.
The first looks were so sweet. The bride shared moments with her dad, and of course, with her groom. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that first looks under a small pavilion in the backyard of a rustic venue will hit you right in the feels. Private vows? Check. Happy tears all around? Double check. Sunset Magic and Sentimental Songs Now let’s get to the really good stuff—the reception.
These two were all about the music. Every dance had a specially curated song that meant something to the bride and groom. Did I mention the sunset? Because that sunset was ridiculous. I’m talking the kind of sunset that makes you rethink your entire career and wonder if you should’ve become a landscape photographer instead JUST KIDDING. The sky turned into this cotton candy swirl of colors that framed the couple perfectly, and, well, my camera was in heaven.
All the Candid Moments If you know me, you know I’m all about capturing the candid moments—the laughs, the tears, and the "oops, my heel’s stuck in the grass" kind of stuff but none of that heel stuff happened just the officiant didn't show up. From drone shots of the venue to the behind-the-scenes prep, I made sure to film it all because I knew this was going to be a wedding they’d cherish for years to come. The Best Part? This Isn’t Goodbye. At the end of the day, I left with not only stunning footage but a new cousin connection and a full heart. And if you’re reading this and thinking, “Hey, I’m getting married soon, too!” hit me up. You might be my cousin, too—who knows?
Cheers Friends/ Family,
JP
-VIDEO COMING SOON -
