Hello friends! This past weekend, I had the absolute pleasure of photographing Candace and Cary’s stunning 1920s-themed wedding. From the vintage decor to the heartfelt moments, everything about this day was a photographer’s dream. In this blog, I’ll take you through the highlights of their special day, sharing some behind-the-scenes stories and tips for anyone planning a themed wedding.
How It All Began
My journey with Candace started when she was referred to me by Angie, the amazing owner of The Historic John B. Busch Brewery. Angie is one of the most caring venue vendors I’ve ever met, and when she recommended me, I knew I had to make this wedding extraordinary.
Candace first contacted me just a couple of weeks before her big day—a rarity since most couples book their photographer a year in advance. Her original photographer had canceled last minute, leaving her in a bind. I reassured her that I’d be there unless an emergency arose (keep reading for a twist). Luckily, I had her date open, and when she mentioned it would be a 1920s-themed wedding, I was beyond excited.
The Unexpected Twist
A week before the wedding, life threw a curveball. My son was diagnosed with appendicitis and required surgery. I had promised Candace that I wouldn’t miss her wedding, but here was the unexpected emergency I had joked about. Thankfully, my son made a swift recovery and was discharged just in time for the wedding weekend. Crisis averted!
The Big Day
On the day of the wedding, I had a special guest with me—my wife! She stepped in as a second shooter, an unexpected bonus for Candace and Cary. While this wasn’t part of their original package, it was a great opportunity for my wife to practice, and she did an incredible job. Though she was using my backup camera—a Panasonic G7 with a 14-105mm f/4 lens, which isn’t ideal in low light—her images turned out well, and I’m excited to see her grow in this role.
Getting Ready: The Red Brick Rose and Donuts
We started the day with getting ready shots at a charming house in Washington, Missouri, called The Red Brick Rose and Donuts. Both Candace and Cary prepped here, though we had to be careful to keep them from seeing each other before the ceremony. Candace decided to wait until she got to the venue to put on her dress, and when you see it, you’ll understand why!
The First Look
After capturing the preparation and gift exchange moments, we headed to the venue, which was just a minute away. While I focused on getting detail shots of the stunning 1920s centerpieces, my wife captured Candace slipping into her gorgeous dress.
One of my favorite moments was the first look. I suggested this idea to Candace, and she loved it. First looks are perfect for reducing pre-ceremony jitters and creating intimate, candid moments between the couple. It’s a chance for them to share a private moment before the whirlwind of the day takes over.
The Ceremony: Capturing Every Detail
The ceremony was a beautiful blend of tradition and personal touches. One tip I always follow is to position myself to the right of the officiant to capture the bride walking down the aisle and the groom’s reaction. After the bride is given away, I move down the aisle to get side shots of the couple exchanging vows, rings, and that all-important first kiss.
Candace and Cary chose a sand-blending ceremony to symbolize the merging of their families. Though the sand overflowed, it led to a sweet, shared laugh—one of many moments that made this day unforgettable.
The Portraits: Rock Walls and Vintage Vibes
After the ceremony, we took advantage of the overcast weather to capture family photos. I found a spot at the venue with a beautiful rock wall that made the perfect backdrop. The family shots went smoothly, and then it was time for my favorite part—portraits with the bride and groom. This is where I get to be most creative, and Candace and Cary were up for anything, including a hilarious shot that perfectly captured their fun-loving personalities.
The Reception: Party Time!
The reception was filled with joy, from the first dance to the cake cutting. While many photographers pack up after the formalities, I like to stay a bit longer to capture the real party moments—guests laughing, dancing, and celebrating. My clients appreciate this extra time because it allows me to document the full story of their day without feeling rushed.
Reflecting on an Unforgettable Day
Looking back, Candace and Cary’s 1920s wedding was one of the most unique and enjoyable weddings I’ve had the privilege to photograph. The theme, the people, and the love that filled the air made it a day to remember.
For anyone planning a themed wedding, my advice is to embrace it fully—just like Candace and Cary did. It’s those little details and the willingness to have fun that make the day truly special.