A Gorgeous DIY Wedding at the Vineyard at Riverbend Chapel | Brittany Lynn Imagery LLC
For the last six years, I have had the honor of photographing this family and watching them grow. It has been a beautiful six years filled with laughter, fun,
and joy.
On September 9, 2018, a new memory was added to our list as Frances and Mark (finally!) got married.
It was a perfect day with overcast skies and beautiful weather in Washington, MO at the stunning Vineyard at Riverbend Chapel. The ceremony took place outside, overlooking the Missouri River and the surrounding landscape, offering a gorgeous view to everyone in attendance.
Of course, it wouldn't be a Frances and Mark wedding if it wasn't laced in sentiment and beautiful, handcrafted treasures. Almost everything from her dress to the handfasting cords were handmade, making for a truly special and unique union of two people who are so deeply in love, even I cried like a baby throughout the entire day!
Frances' dress was custom made and included not only a piece from her mother's wedding gown, but also a piece from her own bassinet that she slept in as a baby! Cue my first tears when I first saw her in her breath-taking dress. Additionally, all of the bridesmaids had a different color dress that each included pieces from Frances' mother's wedding dress, making for an absolutely gorgeous display of color and love for Frances and Mark.
Nestled inside a box woodburned with the Claddaugh symbol by Mark himself were the handfasting cords, handmade by Frances. There were five total and each one was wrapped around the couple's hands during the ceremony by the minister, each of their parents, a close friend, and Mark's aunt.
Now, this wouldn't be a Knaust/Hicks event without a surprise and this wedding had the surprise of a lifetime! At the end of the ceremony, little Noah stepped out with a special request for his mother Ashley, Frances' sister and Maid of Honor: "Will you renew our vows?"
Before the note, Frances stepped down to Ashley and reminisced about her dreaming of having a real wedding at home, among friends and family. She then pointed out that some surprising guests were present and pointed out her in laws, followed by little Noah and his big sign.
Frances and Mark stepped down and Ashley and Darnell took their places and renewed their vows with their own handfasting ceremony, bringing tears of joy to everyone in attendance.
Following the ceremony was a night of dinner and dancing with friends and family. The reception hall filled with laughter and joy as the toasts reminded us of the love and family that brought us all together that day. The traditional cake was replaced with six cake balls for each guest, each one a different flavor and an anecdotal representation of one year of Frances and Mark's relationship which was quite possibly the coolest cake substitute I have ever witnessed!
Ending the night in a huge circle on the dancefloor to "I've Got Friends in Low Places", the couple had one more trick up their sleeves before the night was over: a glowstick send off! After the song was over, we headed upstairs to the exit, lined up with our glowsticks, and greeted Frances and Mark as they left the building!
This day was incredibly special to me and I am beyond honored to have been there with and for the Hicks on one of the biggest days of their lives!
Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Hicks on #gettinghicksed!
Comments
The final cord was actually Mark's Aunt, there were no grandparents in attendance, easy mix up with all the details of the day.
