September 1, 2017 /
St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church Spring Wedding
We can’t even begin to tell you how excited we are to finally share Jennifer and Neal’s wedding day with you!! This sweet couple is the absolute best, and we are so, so grateful that we got to be part of their special day. Here are just a few of their favorite images from their crazy-wonderful-rain-filled wedding day!! Plus, they were great enough to share some insight with us about their wedding planning experience!
St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church Spring Wedding | J+N
Getting Ready | TownePlace Suites Lawrence
What’s next for you two? “We took a short road trip as a “mini honeymoon” to Omaha, NE, where we toured the city’s parks and zoo. It was a very relaxing getaway before Jennifer went back to work and Neal’s summer graduate courses started. We are planning on taking a full honeymoon in October on a cruise to the Bahamas! Jennifer is still getting used to her new last name. She had to sign her new name for the first time when finalizing a gym membership, and she had to ask the sales representative how to write a cursive “D”! “
First Look | Lawrence Arts Center
What were your favorite moments from your wedding day? “Having a first look relieved a lot of nerves for both of us and personally set me (Neal) at ease for the rest of the day. I (Neal) was consumed by emotion seeing Jennifer walk down the aisle. The surprise KU pep band performance was something almost every family member mentioned to us as a unique and memorable moment. Everyone, including us, really enjoyed the day-of-photo slideshow!! Everyone was so surprised to see day-of photos, and we can’t wait to see more!”
Wedding Ceremony | St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church
Best advice for a bride? “All of the stress of wedding planning culminates the day before, and the day-of, the wedding. It can be crippling worrying about all of the little details, and stressing while imagining how everything can go wrong in the worst possible way. At this point, it’s important to realize that most of the details are out of your hands. Breathe, go with the flow, handle questions as they come! You spend all of this time planning, enjoy the results! Cherish this time spent with your family, friends, and new spouse!”
Best advice for a groom? “Most of the advice I received from other people regarding wedding planning was just “show up” and “it’s whatever she wants.” Let’s go a step further with that – on the planning process, have an opinion, but be willing to compromise (main thing – don’t have no opinion). “
Wedding Party Pictures | Potter Lake, University of Kansas
Any words of wisdom for those still planning? “Make note (to yourself, and your partner), what details are really important to you and those that aren’t. You will be stressed the week leading up to the wedding – don’t let things you don’t care about drag you down. Don’t be afraid to ask your family, friends, and vendors for help and advice!! Make an itinerary for the big day and get it on the wedding party’s phones so everyone knows where they need to be and when they need to be there.”
Favorite splurge? “The photographers, hands down! :)”
Wedding Reception | Maceli’s Banquet Hall & Catering
What do you wish you knew before you started planning? “There are eleventy-billion little details that go into a wedding. At the start, you know there’s a lot to do, but the scope of how much there really is to do doesn’t take shape until you’re almost done. Start planning and talking to potential vendors EARLY (we started over a year in advance)!! You’ll get first pick on dates and vendors. We were relieved when a few days before the wedding new things weren’t being added to our “to-do list” as things were being checked off.”
Congratulations again, Jennifer and Neal! We are so happy for you! Thank you so much for letting us create your wedding images!!
To see more from Jennifer and Neal’s Wedding day, visit their full gallery here.
You can also check out their colorful fall engagement session at Loose Park here.
Jennifer & Neal’s Wedding Vendors
Lawrence Ceremony Site | St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church
Lawrence Reception Venue | Maceli’s Banquet Hall & Catering
Jennifer’s Bridal Gown | Morilee by Madeline Gardner, Mia’s Bridal and Tailoring
Neal’s Suit | Mia’s Bridal and Tailoring
Engagement Ring & Wedding Bands | Shane Company
DJ | DJ Scott Simpson
Florist | Owen’s Flower Shop
Wedding Cake | It’s a Sweet Treat Day Bakery
Jennifer’s Hair Stylist | Kylie Visocsky
Bridesmaid’s Gowns | Mia’s Bridal and Tailoring
Groomsmen’s Suits | Mia’s Bridal and Tailoring
Caterer, Rehearsal Dinner Location | Maceli’s Banquet Hall & Catering
Book Rivas Photography for your Wedding
To book Rivas Photography for your upcoming engagement session or wedding, please visit our contact page to send us a message. Or, check out our calendar to find our next available meeting time.