A Lake of the Ozarks Wedding -- Nickie and Chris

Have you ever met a person who lights up the room when they walk through the door? I loved being around Nickie, who positively glowed on her wedding day. I met her, her new mother-in-law, and her maid of honor at Essentials Hair Salon in the early afternoon of a beautifully cloudy day. Nickie has an easy laugh and a fun, bright personality. Everything about her wedding day reflected this, from her lovely white wedding gown and bright, sparkly shoes (fabulous), to her new husband Chris.

Talk about a nice guy. Very easy going, very well put together with friends who are loyal and love him, which really says a lot. Also, he has the most beautiful little girl, Hayden, who was charming as both flower girl and dancer at the end of the night. I particularly enjoyed her version of the sprinkler (she got grandma to do it too!).

The wedding took place at Seven Springs Winery in Camdenton, Missouri, a fantastic venue that Kevin and I have photographed before. The air was a little cool, and the leaves were just barely changing colors... mostly, everything was still that gorgeous Missouri green. Nickie and Chris are both self proclaimed lovers of fine wine, so the venue fit them like a
Cabernet-colored glove.Nickie's Mom walked her down the isle, which always makes me want to cry. The ceremony was in a newly constructed gazebo, right in the heart of the vineyard. Nickie decorated the gazebo with baskets of mums and white pumpkins -- I thought it was perfect for the time of year. And really, doesn't she look like Cinderella stepping out of her white pumpkin carriage on her way to the ball? I'm telling you, this girl sparkled.

Dinner and the reception were held inside the main building, in front of an impressive brick fireplace. One of the best parts of the night was watching the mothers of both bride and groom cut it loose on the dance floor all night long. I don't think either of them stopped dancing until the band stopped playing.

I have to give a humongous shout out to Emily for assisting me. She was a total rock star -- I seriously don't know what I would have done without her. Thank you, thank you, thank you! (And no, our noses aren't really that large. You try shooting a picture of yourself holding a massive camera with a zoom lens.)

Altogether, a beautiful wedding with some of the nicest people I've had the privilege to photograph. Thank you Chris, Nickie, and all the family and friends who helped me feel so at ease and welcome. I loved shooting your wedding!

Peace and Love, Katie