Elizabeth & Okey’s Columbia, Missouri Elopement
Every wedding day is unique — and this one was no exception.
Elizabeth and Okey’s intimate elopement in Columbia, Missouri, was small, faith-filled, and deeply meaningful. It was also a refreshing change of scenery for me since Columbia is a bit outside my usual Southwest Missouri range. I always love the creative challenge of photographing in a new location, and this one offered so much variety — from a quiet chapel ceremony to dramatic architecture on Mizzou’s campus.
A Private, Faith-Filled Ceremony
The day began at a church in Columbia, where Elizabeth and Okey exchanged vows in a private ceremony attended only by two witnesses. It was simple, intentional, and full of meaning — complete with communion, which was such a beautiful reflection of their faith and the commitment they were making to one another. Moments like that remind me just how personal every wedding day really is, no matter the size or setting.
Exploring Mizzou’s Campus
After the ceremony, we headed to the University of Missouri (Mizzou) campus for portraits. Elizabeth had a clear vision for the kind of look she wanted — something more editorial and classic — and the campus architecture fit it perfectly. We started at the State Historical Society of Missouri, where the grand staircase and warm stone tones created such a striking backdrop for portraits.
Finding Beauty in the Chaos
From there, we made our way to the Memorial Student Union, which was… busy, to say the least. The fall colors were incredible, but campus was packed with students, so we had to get creative with angles (and some Lightroom magic later on). Let’s just say: thank goodness for AI object removal. Even with the crowds, the combination of historic architecture and fall color made the portraits so worth it. The final images turned out beautifully — timeless, warm, and full of personality.
Final Thoughts
While the day had its fair share of challenges, the results were so rewarding. Photographing Elizabeth and Okey’s elopement in Columbia was a reminder that even when things don’t go perfectly, there’s still so much beauty to capture in the in-between moments — the quiet, the faith, and the color of fall in Missouri.