There’s something really special about weddings that happen at home — and this one, nestled on a sunny patch of land in Fulton, Missouri, was one of those days that just felt right from start to finish. A sweet couple, their little boy by their side, and all the people who love them most packed into rows of real church pews under a bright Missouri sky? Yes please.
The bride started the day getting ready with her girls at a salon in town, sunlight pouring in through the windows while final touches came together.
All the little details were just perfection.
She wore a breathtaking lace gown from Breeze Bridal that paired timeless elegance with just the right amount of drama – honestly, it was iconic.
Before the ceremony, mom and Grandmas helped their sweet little boy get ready for the best day ever – the day mommy and daddy say “I do.”
After the girls were ready, we headed to a nearby park for some portraits before the ceremony. It was peaceful, golden, and perfect… until we accidentally stepped into what can only be described as a disc golf turf war. Apparently we were deep in the splash zone of a very serious tournament. But the girls looked amazing, we got some STUNNING photos, and we walked away with no stray frisbees fired (at least not near us – iIm pretty sure at least one became a creek casualty).
The groom and his guys were just as stylish, rolling up in sage green suits and total charisma. And their little boy? A full-blown heartthrob in his own tiny matching outfit. The fist pounds were the cutest little thing – that boy has a whole world of people wrapped around his finger.
The couple chose to hold their outdoor ceremony right on their property, and the setup couldn’t have been more fitting. Wooden pews lined the aisle, and a handmade arch dressed in pampas and greenery anchored the space. It was rustic, heartfelt, and full of texture – exactly what a Missouri backyard wedding dreams of being.
One of the ring bearers came on four legs and wore a tiny tux. Not kidding. Their dog walked down the aisle with a parade of flower girls and ring bearers – the kind of entrance that made everyone laugh, cry, or both.
The bride arrived with her dad in a classic car, creating a total movie moment as guests turned in their seats. And when she walked down the aisle? The groom’s reaction was everything you hope for as a photographer – full emotion, eyes locked on her the whole way.
The ceremony was full of sweet, emotional moments, but their custom vows really took it to another level. Both the bride and groom wrote their own, and you could feel the weight of every word. There were tears, laughter, and that quiet kind of stillness that happens when everyone’s fully present. It was clear that this wasn’t just a celebration – it was a promise built on real life and deep love.
After the ceremony, we took a little time for family and wedding party photos. It was laid-back and easy, just getting a few good ones with their people before the party kicked off. Nothing stiff, just real smiles and everyone soaking it all in.
After the dances, we slipped away for a few golden hour portraits. It was one of those quiet little breaks in the day where everything just slows down. These two were so easy in front of the camera — playful, relaxed, and completely themselves. We didn’t need anything fancy — just some soft light, a little space, and the way they looked at each other.
If you’re planning a wedding anywhere in Missouri — whether it’s Fulton, Columbia, Jefferson City, Kansas City, or St. Louis — don’t underestimate the power of a beautiful piece of land, your people, and a little creative magic.
And if your dog wears a tux? You win wedding season.
I’m Sarah – Owner of Five Sparrows Photography, a Mid-Missouri wedding photographer capturing real, emotional, and laid-back wedding days for couples all across Jefferson City, Columbia, Lake of the Ozarks, Kansas City, St. Louis, and everywhere in between. Whether you’re getting married on private land, in your backyard, at a local church, or in a stunning formal venue – I’m all about documenting the day exactly as it feels. The loud laughs, quiet moments, messy magic, and everything in between. If you’re looking for a Missouri wedding photographer who can blend in when it matters and step up when it counts, I’d love to be part of your day.
Are you ready to book?
photos | five sparrows photography design | foil & Ink