May the Fourth Powell Gardens Wedding

You might have guessed by reading the title of this post that Amanda and Chris tied the knot on May the Fourth at Powell Gardens. You know, as in “May the fourth be with you!” At first it wasn’t really a big thing for Amanda and Chris. I mean, they both love the movies, and were thinking about maybe incorporating something into their wedding day. Which we thought would be fun. But, we had no idea what their final plans would look like.  And we have to admit, we were blown away when they filled us in.

You see, Amanda and Chris got married at Powell Gardens. In the GORGEOUS chapel that overlooks the pond and gardens. Have you been there? No? It’s totally a great day trip from KC. These two chose Powell Gardens because they love nature and being outside. And there’s really no better place in KC to have a wedding completely surrounded by Nature than Powell Gardens.

And what a gorgeous day these two had…. Check out all of the details below. 🙂

May the Fourth Powell Gardens Wedding

Getting Ready

Here’s the thing that we love about Amanda. She won’t let anybody talk her into doing anything she doesn’t want to do. And the thing that we love about Chris? He’s always, always got her back. Which meant, that when girlfriend said she wanted to get ready at her parents’ home, we got secretly excited. There’s so much adrenaline, and pressure on a wedding day to do what everyone else does, and we love that she did exactly what she wanted.

But boy, oh boy, were we surprised when we arrived nice and early and the team at Hello Lovely had already knocked out all of the ladies’ hair and make-up! They were GORGEOUS!!! So what did that leave Amanda and her family and besties to do for a few hours? Well, what else than play Cards Against Humanity and Bananagram. And maybe watch a little bit of Jeopardy before packing everything into the cars to head to Powell Gardens, where Amanda finished putting her gown on.

And Chris, of course, had the morning easy arriving just in time to slip into his tux before heading off to see Amanda for their first look.

First Look & Portraits

First looks are always one of those things that we try to be neutral on. If a couple doesn’t want to see each other before their wedding day, we won’t push it. But if they decide they want to?! Well you better believe we’ll take full advantage of all the extra time that gives us!

This sweet couple knew they wanted to share their first look under the arbor near the pond at Powell Gardens. Chris patiently waited for his bride to approach, and as she walked up behind him, he got the biggest grin on his face. These two were completely overcome with emotion for the first few moments.

We would be lying if we said first looks aren’t one of our very favorite things to capture on a wedding day. And you know we’re not liars. 🙂

Once Amanda and Chris had their first look and some time to themselves, they wanted to meander all over the park for pictures. One of our very, very favorite moments was when we stole these two away for about an hour before their ceremony and took them to the chapel for a few portraits. Just the four of us. That was the moment that it all really started to sink in for Amanda and Chris. The emotions started pouring out, and let’s just say that I’m really glad I had a camera in my hands to distract me so I didn’t start crying too.

Powell Gardens Wedding Ceremony

Man oh man. Amanda and Chris’ wedding ceremony arrived before we knew it. Family and friends started crowding into the gorgeous chapel and the starting time drew near. Rev. Laura was the perfect person to marry Amanda and Chris. Her sweet, meaningful words echoed through the chapel as Amanda and Chris said their vows and exchanged their rings. Their unity ceremony? Planting and watering a tree.

And of course, one of our very favorite moments, their first kiss. 😉 What we might have loved more than their first kiss? Just afterwards, Amanda and Chris pulled apart and just grinned at each other, taking it all in before heading back down the aisle. And can you say bubble exit?! Hello – so much fun!!

Reception

So here’s the thing. Amanda and Chris’ reception? AWESOME. These two took the time to learn a choreographed dance for their first dance. And Amanda and her dad also took dance lessons – talk about a really cool opportunity for some father/daughter moments.

And do you remember how we mentioned earlier that Amanda won’t let anyone talk her into doing something she doesn’t want to? Girlfriend chose to have a crazy-yummy fall spice cake at her spring wedding. And it was absolutely perfect, and so Amanda and Chris.

Sunset Portraits

One of our favorite parts of a wedding day, when it’s possible anyway, is to steal our couple away for a few photos at sunset. Amanda and Chris really wanted to take photos at the silo at Powell Gardens, and knew sunset would be the perfect time to make that happen. And boy, oh boy. Was it beautiful. These two let us spend a solid 20 minutes with them as they danced, snuggled, shared memories from their wedding day, and did endless twirling to make some awesome portraits.

Light Saber Battle

BUT. Get ready friends. Did you see that title up above? That’s right. LIGHT SABER BATTLE. It was on!! But first? Amanda’s brothers changed into wookie onesies. Yes, you read that right. We’re going to start a trend….#wookiesatweddings. 🙂

And then, they broke out the light sabers for the LIGHT SABER FIGHT Amanda and Chris had planned for their wedding party once the sun went down. First, of course, a battle inside for everyone at the reception to enjoy and cheer on. But then you know we had to steal them all for a few minutes for some crazy-cool-fun-AWESOME light saber fun outside. And you know what? We didn’t even mind one bit when Amanda and Chris’ whole wedding party charged us with their light sabers. Sure, it was for sure a first, but it was so crazy amazing.

You guys. Seriously. Amanda and Chris had the best Powell Gardens Wedding day ever. And they ended it all with a private last dance, to one of their favorite songs. 🙂 Just love, friends. 🙂

Chris and Amanda – from the very, very bottom of our hearts thank you so much for letting us create your wedding day pictures!! You two are the absolute sweetest, and we cannot wait to see where life takes you!

Feel like you’re missing something? Check out Chris and Amanda’s Sneak Peek here.

Wedding Vendor Dream Team

Ceremony & Reception Location | Powell Gardens

Wedding Coordinator | Kendyl Ryne Wedding Co.

Hair & Makeup | Hello Lovely

Flowers | Good Earth Floral

DJ | DJ Connection

Catering | Brancato’s

Officiate | Rev. Laura Phillips

Photography | Rivas Weddings