I feel so lucky
My very first wedding as a photographer took place at Greenhouse Two Rivers, and there was a RAINBOW!
Leading up to the wedding day, I checked the weather nonstop. A full week out, then every day, then practically every hour the day before. The forecast called for rain, storms, and an entirely indoor wedding day. I was preparing myself mentally for dark skies and backup plans. The rain seemed to pause exactly when we needed it to. Right as it was time for bride and bridesmaids photos and groom and groomsmen portraits, the skies gave us a break. Everything felt soft, romantic, and almost unreal. It was one of those wedding days that reminds you that sometimes the unexpected creates the most beautiful moments.
This beautiful wedding took place at Greenhouse Two Rivers in Southwest Missouri, just outside the Joplin area. As a Joplin wedding photographer, I love photographing weddings that embrace the natural beauty of our region, and this venue was the perfect backdrop for a romantic summer wedding.
A moment for the dessert table
One of my favorite details from the day was the dessert table. Alanna actually baked all of the wedding cakes and desserts herself, and when I say they were incredible, I mean incredible. There were multiple flavors like vanilla, lemon strawberry, strawberry lemon, and more, and every single cake looked like something out of a storybook.
But what made it even more special was how they served the cake.
Instead of simply cutting the cake for photos and moving on, Roman and Alanna personally handed slices of cake to each guest as they came through the line. It gave them the chance to thank everyone individually and have a quick moment with each person who came to celebrate them. It was thoughtful, personal, and honestly one of the sweetest wedding ideas I’ve ever seen.
And then came the rainbow.
Apparently Alanna absolutely loves rainbows, and early in the day she told everyone that if one appeared, she wanted someone to come grab her immediately so we could take photos.
Well… we got the rainbow.
Not just any rainbow either...a full golden-hour rainbow around 8 PM, right in between the mother-son dance and the father-daughter dance. We literally paused everything and ran outside to capture some of the most breathtaking photos I’ve ever taken.
Golden sunlight. A glowing rainbow. Wildflowers. The happiest couple.
Speaking of wildflowers
Alanna’s bouquets and table decorations were filled with colorful, whimsical florals that fit the entire day perfectly. The whole wedding felt joyful, relaxed, and full of personality.
And the dance floor? Absolutely wild in the best way possible. Roman and Elena’s friends kept the energy high all night long, and it made photographing the reception so much fun.
Also, I have to mention the taco bar because I’m still thinking about it. Easily one of the best wedding meals I’ve ever had.
I truly feel lucky that I get to document this wedding for my very first wedding. Walking away from this wedding, I felt proud, Grateful, Inspired, and so ready to document more weddings for the wildly in love!
Planning Your Wedding?
Planning a wedding at Greenhouse Two Rivers or another venue near Joplin, Missouri? I'd love to help document your day. I specialize in candid, heartfelt wedding photography for couples throughout Joplin, Webb City, Carthage, Neosho, and Northwest Arkansas.
If you're looking for a Joplin wedding photographer who focuses on genuine moments and colorful storytelling, Id be more than happy to capture your day!
