“Once in a while, right in the middle of ordinary life, love gives us a fairytale.”

Maggie and Cody’s lakeside wedding at Wildcliff in Blackwater, Missouri was truly a fairytale. This historic quarry-turned-lake created the most incredible and magical backdrop for this loving couple to say “I do”. Romance, elegance, and pure love filled each moment, and I was blessed to capture their special day!

Their Love Story Began on a Beach Camping Trip

These sweet newlyweds met on a 4^th of July camping trip at the beach, and they hit it off right away. Upon first meeting, Maggie thought Cody was a breath of fresh air. He immediately opened up about his family and never tried to impress her…which actually impressed her! When he first saw Maggie, Cody noticed how beautiful she was and thought that she must be dating one of the guys that was on the trip with them. Spoiler alert – she wasn’t! Good thing, too, because I’m all about how this love story turned out! Three days after their camping trip, the duo went on a date back in Raleigh. Even then, Maggie and Cody knew that their relationship was the beginning of something special. Only three months later, on a magical trip to visit Cody’s family in Vermont, they both felt their journey together would be forever.

As a couple, Maggie and Cody don’t take themselves too seriously and they love to love life. They joke all the time and love to laugh, which was totally apparent throughout their wedding day! Maggie always teases Cody that she actually hates that she loves him so much. She says he is such a gentle, kind, caring person that it is impossible to get mad at him. She also loves that he has found his passion in life – as an animator at a game studio. Because of this, he has inspired her to go after what she really wants, and she recently started a real estate investment company in addition to her day job! Her incredible work ethic is one of the things that Cody adores about his leading lady. He loves that she puts her heart and soul into everything she does. These two are certainly a power couple!

They Said “I Do” in a Romantic, Lakeside Wedding

On May 4, 2019, Maggie and Cody promised to be together forever at the beautiful Wildcliff venue in front of all of their family and friends. Maggie’s bridesmaids dressed in ivory, while the groomsmen looked dapper in navy suits. The outdoor setting with greenery, wood accents, and natural colors radiated a timeless and elegant air with a twist of trendy individuality that showed off the bride and groom’s personalities.

Personal touches added to the enchanting magic of Maggie and Cody’s wedding day. Maggie wore a bracelet that she borrowed from her mom, while her headpiece was made by a friend of her mom’s. Her “something blue” was from her sister, and was sewed into the bottom of her dress. Cody also honored his family in his attire. A sweet photo of Cody and his dad was sewn onto the back of Cody’s tie, with the words “Wouldn’t be here without you dad. Love you.”

The family love didn’t stop there, though! Cody’s dad officiated the lakeside ceremony, and even wore some suave socks embroidered with the words, “Officiant and father of the groom.” The bride’s grandpa sang a song during the ceremony, and had the bridal party and wedding guests feeling all kinds of emotion! In addition, Maggie’s mom baked the wedding cake, and they used the cake topper from Cody’s parent’s wedding. The grandmas made cookies and candies, and Maggie’s aunt made cake pops. The wedding day was truly a family affair! It was so sweet to see how much the newlyweds made an effort to include their loved ones in their big day.

And They Began Their Happily Ever After

The venue itself provided ample opportunity for stunning shots of everyone’s favorite couple and their lakeside wedding! We captured amazing photos in the caves, on the floating dock, and in the outdoor reception area. However, while the setting was beautiful and charming, it was nothing compared to the love between Maggie and Cody. These sweethearts smiled and laughed the whole day, and it was so obvious that they were overjoyed to starting their lives together and happy to be celebrating with their loved ones!

Planner: Debbie Bailey
Videographer: Trevor Day
Florist: Debbie Bailey
Cake/Dessert: Cake by Brides Mom, Cookies, Candies: Brides Grandma’s, Cake Pops: Aunt
Stationary: MagnetStreet
Decor: Wildcliff
Rentals: Head Table, Napkins: A1 Party Rental
Caterer: Peachtree Banquet
Band/DJ: Lost Wax KC
Makeup Artist: Jessica Jane, Once Upon a Bride
Hair Artist: Mom’s Friend
Wedding Rings: Diamonds Direct
Bridal Dress Boutique: Gilded Bridal, Raleigh, NC
Jewelry: Earrings: Amazon, Bracelet: Borrowed from Mom
Bridal Shoes: Bella Belle Shoes
Bridal Headpiece or Veil: Family friend made
Groom Suit Designer: Custom
Bridesmaids Dresses: Dessy
Ceremony Venue: Wildcliff Weddings & Events, Blackwater, MO
Reception Venue: Wildcliff Weddings & Events, Blackwater, MO

Vendors:

Videographer: Trevor Day

Caterer: Peach Tree Banquet

Band: Lost Wax KC

Makeup Artist: Once Upon a Bride