Brooke & Michael’s Missouri Botanical Garden Wedding
Brooke and Michael were married on April 19, 2026 at Missouri Botanical Garden, and it was such a refreshing, simple, and meaningful day.
A Special Lead-Up to the Wedding
This wedding was a little unique for me - Brooke’s sister had actually been the one to originally book me, so getting to connect with Brooke and Michael themselves during their engagement session in St. Louis the month before made this day feel even more natural and easy. They had both mentioned that they weren’t super into photos, but honestly… you would never have known it.
Simple, Beautiful Getting Ready Moments
We started the day with detail photos, and everything was so thoughtfully done. The florals were stunning, and the floral details on Brooke’s dress were such a standout - soft, elegant, and just really beautiful in person. Brooke wanted to keep getting ready photos simple, which I always respect. We focused on a few key moments - buttoning the dress and putting on her shoes - and let the rest of the time stay relaxed and unstructured.
A Walk Worth Taking
It was a bit of a walk from the getting ready location to the ceremony site, but it was absolutely worth it. The gardens were beautiful, and that transition added to the overall experience of the day instead of feeling like a hassle.
A Ceremony That Felt Like Them
Their ceremony was sweet, personal, and honestly… a little quirky in the best way. Their vows leaned into their personalities and didn’t try to be overly formal or traditional. It felt very true to who they are as a couple, which always makes a ceremony more meaningful.
A Quick and Efficient Portrait Session
Brooke and Michael had expressed wanting to keep portraits fairly quick, which I was more than happy to work with. We were able to knock out all of the family photos, bridal party photos, and bride and groom portraits within about an hour - with a little help from a golf cart to move between locations. Everything felt efficient without feeling rushed, which is always the goal.
An Elegant and Relaxed Reception
Their reception was held in one of the buildings that used to serve as the original ticketing space for the gardens back in the 1970s, which gave it such a unique and slightly nostalgic feel. Dinner was incredible, the desserts were even better, and the overall atmosphere was elegant but still relaxed. They chose to keep things simple with just one dance between the two of them, followed by time spent chatting and enjoying their guests.
A Day That Felt Like a Reset
This wedding came at a time when I very much needed a little reset. I was in the final stretch of renovating our 1890s farmhouse - painting, packing, assembling furniture, and trying to get everything livable before closing on our previous home. It had been weeks of nonstop work, so stepping away for this wedding felt like a breath of fresh air. It also turned into a bit of a girls’ weekend, since my mom came along for the trip - which made it even more special.
Final Thoughts
Brooke and Michael’s wedding was a reminder that not every wedding needs to be big or packed with events to feel meaningful. It was simple, intentional, and full of quiet moments that mattered. The kind of day that feels easy while you’re in it - and stays with you afterward for all the right reasons.
Vendors:
Venue: Missouri Botanical Garden
Cake: Sugar & Slice on Main
Dress: The Ultimate Bride
Bridesmaids: Jessa Kae