Intimate Elegance: Jenelle & Andrew's Modern Wedding
- Author: Natali Grace Levine
- Wedding date: 01/21/2023
- City: Kansas City
Get ready for a heartwarming tale of love, commitment, and lightning-fast wedding planning! It all started in November 2022, when Andrew popped the question and set in motion a whirlwind of preparations that would culminate in a beautiful celebration with 200 guests. The planning was a blur of excitement, adrenaline, and sheer determination. So grab a tissue and settle in for the story of Andrew and Jenelle’s wedding!
“Andrew and I met on Bumble four years ago. His bio read, "have the most handsome dog this side of the Mississippi," and he was right. I'm not sure whom I fell for faster - Andrew or his 12-year-old Bentley. Our first date was at Red Door Grill. I arrived first, and when Andrew went up to the host, they told him that his wife was already seated. Fate, I tell you.”
The Proposal:
“I don't even remember what he said as he got down on one knee, I was so shocked!”
“I pictured an intimate, romantic garden wedding in a greenhouse. What we did was a garden-inspired wedding in January with 200 family and friends in a beautiful brick building.”
Their inspiration came from the natural beauty of gardens and the editorial style of their photographer. As they planned their wedding, the couple spent countless hours looking at garden wedding photos, studying their photographer's portfolio, and browsing inspiration boards on Pinterest.
Andrew's wedding band was inspired by a friend's ring, while the bride chose an oval stone for her engagement ring and a thin engagement band paired with a thicker wedding ring as a tribute to her mother's rings. Andrew gave her an emerald and diamond necklace as a wedding gift, which she wears constantly. The bride also treasures her grandmothers' wedding rings, hoping to pass them down to future generations.
The bridal gown was designed by Justin Alexander, and Jenelle found it at Bridal Extraordinaire in Shawnee, KS. It was dreamy, and she felt so good in it. She also chose a train extension with a large bow (the bow detail was repeated throughout the wedding). Later the bride met with Nataliya from Lucia Sarto's in Kansas City, and she created the sleeves and altered the train extension so that Jenelle could just wear the bow on her dress after the ceremony.
The bridal party chose to get ready and take some amazing photos at the Marriott Kansas City downtown. One of the highlights of the bride's look was the veil she wore. It held a special place in her heart as it belonged to her best friend. The bride's choice of footwear was also impeccable. Bella Belle came through with stunning wedding shoes, and she opted for a mid-height heel with a bow that was simply breathtaking. The bride's choice of footwear was also impeccable. Bella Belle came through with stunning wedding shoes, and she opted for a mid-height heel with a bow that was simply breathtaking.
“ I had a very specific bouquet in mind - a symmetrical bouquet of closed, white peonies. It was stunning.”
The bridesmaids all wore the same black, one-shoulder dresses from Birdy Grey.
As the groom and his groomsmen got ready at the Marriott Kansas City Downtown, the energy in the room was palpable. Laughter and jokes filled the air as they straightened their ties and buttoned their jackets, getting ready to stand by the groom's side on his big day. The stylish and sophisticated surroundings of the hotel only added to the excitement and anticipation of the upcoming wedding ceremony.
“Andrew and I had our first look in the main lobby of the historic Muehlebach hotel. I was so excited to see Andrew and get the day started with him! He was so handsome in his tuxedo.”
“We had initially planned on doing first looks in our hotel where we were staying, but last minute Ashley told me she had the perfect spot. Without a thought, I agreed, and I was completely blown away. That's Ashley doing what she does best - getting the very best photos of her clients in the most beautiful setting.”
“Standing in front of our families and closest friends was surreal. It's true what they say, having all of your favorite people in one room is very cool. I tried so hard to commit that feeling to memory.”
Their ceremony took place at the Magnolia Urban Garden in downtown Kansas City. Their processional music was an instrumental version of Can't Help Falling in Love. The bride walked down the aisle to Canon in D.
“After my dad answered our officiant when he asked who was giving me away, my dad and I just stood there. Dan, our officiant, made a joke after several seconds of us not moving.”
As guests entered the venue, they were transported to a world of timeless elegance and romance. The classic feel of the decor was complemented perfectly by the warm brick of the venue, creating a stunning backdrop for the occasion.
The cream flowers and ivory linens added a touch of sophistication to the atmosphere, while the soft flicker of candlelight added warmth and intimacy to the space. It was a feast for the senses, as the delicate floral fragrance mingled with the soft glow of the candles, creating an unforgettable ambiance that would stay with guests long after the evening was over.
The first dance they danced to You Are the Best Thing by Ray LaMontagne. It's just us, at the end of the day, winding down and saying "this right here is the best thing."
“Dinner was catered by Garozzo's Italian food. It's a Kansas City classic. Our signature drinks were "Mr. Old Fashioned" complete with a watercolor portrait of our dog Bentley wearing a tuxedo and an espresso martini. Christine of Script Your Event designed the loveliest signage and keepsakes for our wedding.”