Makenzie & Noah’s Stonegate Spring Wedding

Makenzie and Noah were married on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at Stonegate Glass Chapel, and this was one I had been looking forward to for a while.

They are truly some of the sweetest people you could ever meet, and I knew going into the day that working with their families was going to be just as special. I was also excited for the overall vibe — everything was centered around pink florals, and Makenzie had sent me a photo of her dress ahead of time… and wow. It did not disappoint. And somehow, we got perfect early March weather. Sunny, 75 degrees, a little breezy but nothing crazy — honestly, just about as good as it gets for that time of year in Missouri.

Getting Ready & Details

We started the day with detail photos, and I fully leaned into the pink explosion. Between the florals, the dress, and all the little pieces Makenzie had chosen, everything came together so beautifully. From there, I grabbed some getting ready photos with Makenzie and her bridesmaids — just a really relaxed, happy start to the day.

Sweet Family First Looks

Before the ceremony, Makenzie shared first looks with both her dad and her brother, and these were some of the sweetest moments of the day. You could tell right away how close-knit their family is. Nothing felt forced or overdone — just genuine reactions and a lot of love.

A Meaningful Ceremony

The ceremony itself was just as personal. Makenzie’s great uncle officiated — and not only that, he had also officiated her parents’ wedding 26 years ago. That kind of full-circle moment adds so much depth to a ceremony.

They also chose to share personal vows, which led to one of my favorite little moments of the day — Noah accidentally started reading from page three instead of page one. He caught it quickly and played it off so well, and honestly it just made everything feel even more real.

Portraits in the Best Spring Light

After the ceremony, we moved through family photos and bridal party photos, and then into bride and groom portraits. And truly — I’m still not over this light.

Everything about this part of the day came together perfectly. Makenzie and Noah were complete naturals in front of the camera, and the soft early spring light made everything feel even more timeless. There were just a few small blooms on the property, and we made sure to take advantage of them for a few portraits.

A Dress Bustle Worth the Effort

One quick behind-the-scenes moment — bustling Makenzie’s dress took four people. But it was absolutely worth it to give her more freedom to move around comfortably for the rest of the evening.

A Simple, Joyful Reception

The reception was simple in the best way. They shared their first dance, parent dances, toasts, and cake cutting — and kept the rest of the evening focused on spending time with their people. Dinner was from Arris Pizza, which felt very them and kept things relaxed and fun.

One of my favorite details from the night — Makenzie’s mom made almost all of the desserts. And I had actually gotten to try her cookies weeks before the wedding because she would bring them when dropping off payments.

So yes… I was very excited about the dessert table. And I will absolutely be keeping her number for future birthday party cookies.

A Personal Note

This wedding also meant a lot to me for reasons beyond the day itself. I had front-loaded my schedule this spring thinking I might be taking time off later in the year, which meant I ended up with four March weddings in a row — something I don’t usually do.

At the same time, I was walking through a really hard season physically and emotionally. And all four of my March couples, including Makenzie and Noah, were impacted in one way or another by that season. Every single one of them showed so much patience, kindness, and understanding.

In an industry where it can sometimes feel like you’re not allowed to be human — where the expectation is that everything continues perfectly no matter what — being met with that kind of grace meant more than I can really put into words.

Final Thoughts

Makenzie and Noah’s wedding was full of everything that matters most — genuine people, meaningful moments, and a day that felt calm, joyful, and true to who they are. It was a beautiful reminder that weddings don’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. Sometimes the simplest days end up being the ones that feel the most full.

Vendors:

Venue: Stonegate Glass Chapel

Dress: Norman’s Bridal

Floral: Ling’s Moments

Cake: Darla’s Cakery

Invitations: Zola

Bridesmaids: Lulu’s, Amazon, Birdy Grey

Catering: Arris Pizza

Menswear: Karl’s Tuxedos

Desserts: Cottage Cookies, Your Mom’s Bakery

Photography: Shalyn O’Neal Photography