Winter Wedding at The Stanley

You guys, we have to admit something. We love winter weddings. Like, LOVE them. And the thing is, we don’t just LOVE them for 1 reason. We LOVE them because it’s cooler, and we know if we’re not sweating our butts off taking your pictures, you’re not going to be sweating your butts off in your gown and tux. Because of really, unique, not available that often photo opportunities. HELLO TWINKLY LIGHTS!! We honestly LOVE them because of the drama in the skies. Especially since KC winter days aren’t known for being super sunny. And you know we love a little bit of drama.

We could go on. But we won’t. Because it’s time to celebrate Erica and Reece and their crazy-gorgeous winter wedding at The Stanley. Want all the details? Keep reading!!

Winter Wedding at The Stanley

Getting Ready | The Couple’s Loft, The Stanley

So here’s the real deal. Erica wanted to spend her morning relaxing at home, surrounded by her besties, her mom, and her grandmas. So that’s what she did. This beautiful bride spent her morning at home in her loft with all of her people. And she brought the glamour to her. (It helped that she literally only lives a few minutes from The Stanley). And only when she was good and ready, did she and her bride tribe move to the venue to finish getting ready.

We would be lying through our teeth if we tried to tell you that Erica’s reveal with her best friends didn’t hit us all to the core. So much love. So much emotion. And so many tears from Erica’s best friend, Megan. Happy tears, of course.

While Erica was upstairs getting her bride on, Reece and his best friend were downstairs hanging out in the groom suite. Watching football (because hello, big game on during wedding day), and getting ready. Seeing his grandma, and taking in everything that is wedding day. What a chill morning for this guy. (That’s something we recommend, by the way. Having a super—chill morning and only surrounding yourselves with the people you want there).

First Look & Portraits | The Stanley, Downtown Lee’s Summit

One of the things Erica and Reece were looking forward to most on their wedding day was their first look. And while I think we all had grand plans of it happening on the roof of The Stanley, Mother Nature was not in on our game plan. So Erica and Reece shared their first look in the same place where they would say their vows. And it was an oh-so-sweet moment for these two lovebirds who have grown together through long-distance relationships, airport first dates, and many other obstacles.

When it was time for pictures of the two of them, Erica and Reece didn’t let the cool, rainy, dreary day stop them. Not one little bit. Instead, girlfriend bustled her gown, grabbed her umbrella and her fiance’s hand, and out into the rain we went. And while our toes admittedly got colder and wetter than we hoped, we still got to make some BEAUTIFUL outside pictures before retreating inside for family pictures.

Wedding Ceremony | The Kingston Room at The Stanley

Come ceremony time, The Kingston Room filled up so quickly. Without a doubt Erica and Reece were going to exchange vows in front of a room of their most loved people. And you know what? Hearing each other’s hand-written vows was the favorite part of their whole day.

We personally loved watching them put all of the reminders and souvenirs from all of their dates and time together in a time capsule and sealing it. (We’re still not sure where the hand-cuffs came in to play!). When it was all said and done, they sealed it with a kiss and ran upstairs to watch their witnesses sign their marriage license.

Wedding Reception | The Aspen Room at The Stanley

And, when it came time for Erica and Reece’s reception, we’re pretty sure it’s safe to say that we were all blown away. Sure, The Aspen Room just GLOWED with gold touches and candlelight. The Cigar Bar was AMAZING and all of the handmade butter mints were on point. But really? The best part for us? Watching Erica and Reece take it all in, surrounded and celebrating with their people.

Have we mentioned yet the game Erica’s DJ, Derek, with Levity Events used to dismiss their tables to dinner? No? Well, we would be amiss if we didn’t. Because he had THE ENTIRE ROOM rolling with laughter and anticipation. Maybe you’ve been to a wedding and seen the scavenger hunt/musical chairs game done before. It’s one of our favorites.

But this time? We were BLOWN AWAY. And By Reece’s Grandma and Erica’s best friend! You see, these two amazing women were the last two standing in the game. And Reece’s grandma wasn’t about to give up her place in the game, especially as she started getting farther along.

If you’ve never seen this game before, the point is that the DJ pulls 1 person from every table to the dance floor with a chair. They give the selected guests an item to run back to their table to find to come back with. In between, he takes away a chair. In this case, the winner won the right to get to the buffet line first.

You guys. REECE’S GRANDMA was a ROCK STAR. This sweet woman gave it her all. And then the final challenge came around. Run to the bar, grab a beer, and bring it back. Erica’s best friend, Megan, was the other finalist with Reece’s grandma. And then they had to chug the beer to see who won.

GRANDMA WON. AND IT WAS AMAZING!!!

That would have been a great enough reception. But then Erica and Reece added in touching toasts from their friends, super-emotional first dances, a sparkler exit (in the rain), and a few end of the night photos? You guys. What a blast.

From the very, very bottom of our hearts, congratulations, Erica and Reece! We are so grateful for the chance to have gotten to know you two and your families over the last year, and are so excited to see where life takes you. You are truly two of a kind, and we are so incredibly happy that you found each other.

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

Erica and Reece’s Vendor Dream Team:

Ceremony & Reception Venue | The Stanley Event Space

Wedding Planner | Pretty & Planned

Bridal Gown | Amore

Tux | Men’s Warehouse

Catering | Brancato’s

Bakery | Blue Thistle Cakes

DJ & Photo booth | Levity Events