Southern Charm Wedding in the Summer | Riley + Gage from Ottumwa, Iowa
Riley and Gage celebrated their wedding weekend at Emerson Fields on a hot day in mid-June with temperatures soaring to 89 degrees. Despite the heat, their photos are a breath of fresh air and southern charm. See for yourself when you look through these images. I bet you won’t even be able to tell when you look at these photos! This sweet couple’s wedding was full of bespoke details, making it one of the most unique and personalized weddings ever at Emerson Fields, but it did throw us a curveball.
Riley is a native of Macon, Missouri so with her local connections and with the help of her mother and wedding coordinator, the wedding day flourished with the best of the best helping them create a wedding weekend full of southern charm at Emerson Fields. Slow your scroll as you take in all of these sweet details like fresh peaches as place cards, an overflowing charcuterie table, a cocktail caravan, and wedding reception surprises!
“We chose Emerson Fields because it was so convenient with everything included in the price. We were so thankful for Amelia’s flexibility and the options to get married outside, on the dock, or inside. We got married on such a hot day in June, that we decided last minute to have our wedding inside the venue instead of in the pavilion.
Amelia made this transition easy and flawless and really helped alleviate any stress I had about last minute changes. [Emerson Fields] was also our first choice because my parents are small business owners, so supporting another small business in the Macon community was a huge priority for us. ”
“We couldn’t have been more happy with Emerson Fields for our daughter’s summer wedding. Having gorgeous pictures was so important to me- and looking back on the this beautiful day- there isn’t a bad backdrop- outside, inside, by the lake, in the woods, in the bridal suite, in the pavilion or meadow- there are just so many options for great pictures.”
Flexibility is key when it comes to choosing the perfect wedding venue, and we take pride in being the experts in accommodating your unique vision. Picture this: the couple had envisioned an idyllic outdoor wedding ceremony with a cool breeze blowing, but when the temperatures soared in the week leading up to the big day, Riley, the bride-to-be, knew she had to make a change for the comfort of her guests. That's when she reached out to us, and we were more than happy to help. With just days to spare, we seamlessly adjusted the setup, swiftly pivoting to an indoor wedding ceremony.
We understand that nature can throw us a curveball, but rest assured, our team is well-prepared to adapt to any unforeseen circumstances. Allow us to delve into more details about the marvelous wedding day and the transformation that was made to pull it all together.
Riley perfectly captured the essence of her dream wedding when she described it as "romantic, vintage, and personal." And we couldn't agree more. Every detail and personal touch of their special day seemed straight out of the pages of Southern Bride Magazine. As you may have gathered from our previous portfolio blogs, we absolutely adore it when couples craft a weekend wedding experience that truly reflects their unique love story. At Emerson Fields, we're honored to provide the canvas upon which these unforgettable moments unfold but this one was extra special because some of our favorite wedding vendors, Koch’s General Store and Noland’s Catering of Macon, are family to Riley.
Peach and Blue Wedding
with Southern Charm in Missouri
“We loved the extended rental time- getting to be in the building all day Friday gave us the chance to decorate without feeling rushed, and it was the perfect spot for a fun rehearsal dinner of tacos! Having a brunch on Sunday at the venue was the cherry on top of the perfect weekend.”
The wedding vendors arrived on Friday to set up décor and drop off supplies before the big Saturday wedding. Riley and Gage had their rehearsal at Emerson Fields with Tyena from D-Zines Weddings as their wedding coordinator. Then they enjoyed a family-style rehearsal dinner inside the air conditioning of the venue.
On Saturday morning, the bridal crew arrived and got to work with hair and makeup. Riley’s mom said, “The girls loved the upscale spa/salon feel of the bridal suite with its huge mirror and plush couch- it felt so special.” There were three junior bridesmaids, two ring bearers, and a flower girl in the wedding party as well as four traditional bridesmaids and four groomsmen.
The shimmer roses in pale peach and soft blue floral accents gave this summer wedding day a real Southern charm feeling. Riley wore such a strikingly romantic gown with exaggerated puff sleeves, an off-the-shoulder neckline, and a flowing skirt. It was perfectly paired with a pearl-accented veil. She looked like a fairy tale princess! Now let’s dive into the rest of the fairytale wedding day.
“One of my favorite things we had was peaches and eucalyptus leaves as name cards, since my parents sell Georgia Peaches. It was such a special way to incorporate my parents’ business, and bring in our color.”
The morning of Riley's wedding was filled with precious moments as she and her bridesmaids prepared in the cozy bridal suite. But it was the tender first look between Riley and her father that truly tugged at our heartstrings. In the foyer of Emerson Fields, the pair shared a few moments, and Riley presented her dad with a custom-made pale peach tie. This thoughtful gift featured a black-and-white photograph of them working together on the farm during her childhood—a cherished memory that held immense significance for them both. It's these personal touches that give us such joy, as they beautifully reflect the deep bonds and shared memories of the families that come together to celebrate here.
Riley and Gage had planned for a first look outdoors before the ceremony. Under the pavilion's comforting shade, Riley approached Gage and softly tapped his shoulder. The first-look moments always deliver a sincere exchange of smiles, tears, laughter, and heartfelt conversations.
These are the moments your photographer can capture raw emotion without onlookers and the perfect time to work out all of the nervousness before the ceremony begins. As Gage and Riley shared this intimate time they also expressed their personal vows to one another. We love this idea because you can really say what is in your heart with privacy. The traditional vows or speeches can still be included at the wedding ceremony.
“My husband and I also did the first look and vows together before the wedding. This time was so special to us to have time just the two of us before the wedding. I know first looks are so controversial, but that time before the wedding just the two of us is a memory I will cherish always. ”
After sharing their personal vows, Riley and Gage took portraits together around Emerson Fields. Because it was such a hot summer day, they opted for shaded photos under the pavilion, in the wooded clearing by the meadow, and inside the wedding venue.
Looking at these photos you would never know that this June wedding day was sweltering! Hillary and Grant Photography did a great job snapping stunning photo after stunning photo while keeping the couple shaded and utilizing various locations around Emerson Fields.
Our all-white wedding barn and the feminine touches Riley chose with the soft peach, delicate blue, and linen color palette come together in the prettiest Southern charm wedding style. We can’t get enough of these images of Riley and Gage stealing kisses on the stairs in the venue either. (see the money shot below!)
With about 200 guests coming to the wedding ceremony inside the venue, we set up for an Oscar-style ceremony with guests seated at their tables. We included close family members in the ceremony by arranging five rows of chairs nearer to the stage area for them to be ushered in and seated.
Riley used round tables on the main floor for her guests and rectangular tables on the mezzanine level. The pre-decorated family farmhouse tables at the back of the venue created an aisle and made it quick to flip the space to the reception after the ceremony ended.
Here comes the bride…
Guests made their way inside the air-conditioned venue, guided by ushers to their assigned tables and seats. Gage and Riley's uncle, who also served as the officiant, took their positions on the stage as music filled the air. Riley, accompanied by her father, walked down the aisle after the wedding party processional and the atmosphere was pure joy. Every eye was fixed on the couple as they clasped hands in front of the wooden cross. From any angle within the venue, guests had a perfect view of this heartwarming ceremony that unfolded before them.
As a symbol of unity, the couple decided to plant a small tree during the ceremony, a heartfelt expression of their commitment. Riley's uncle, Bryan, delivered a meaningful message on marriage, inviting the wedding guests to offer prayers for the couple as they embarked on their new life together. With the exchange of rings and heartfelt vows, Riley and Gage were pronounced husband and wife, filling the room with jubilant applause.
As the couple joyfully retreated to celebrate their newlywed status, we swiftly shifted gears to transform the venue for the dinner hour. With most guests already comfortably seated at their assigned tables, the process was remarkably efficient. Within 30 minutes, we set up the head table, reorganized the family tables, and stowed away the ceremony chairs with the help of our staff and the wedding coordinator’s team. The venue seamlessly transitioned to create an inviting atmosphere for the upcoming dining experience.
We love that our couples always have the option of an indoor ceremony, no matter the weather or season. We have our venue transformation process (flip process) dialed in so that family and friends can head straight to cocktail hour and socialize while we work behind the scenes.
Guests enjoyed one of the best cocktail hours to date! It doesn’t hurt that Riley’s parents own Koch’s General Store and Riley’s grandparents are THE Sonny and Lois Noland of Noland’s Catering. The epic charcuterie table with overflowing meats, cheeses, crunchy crackers and pretzels, dips, fruit, and so much more left everyone feeling perfectly satisfied as they visited while family formal photographs were taken.
“We rented a little bar camper, D-Zines by T strung lights from the venue to the camper and it made the best little outdoor casual spot for our family to hang out- it’s amazing how every bride can turn EF’s white backdrop into whatever they want- and it takes so little to make it personal and gorgeous!”
Because Riley and Gage had a first look earlier, many of their photographs were already taken but they went out by the lakeside to snap a few more with that “just married” look! When they stepped back into the venue, they were able to enjoy the grazing table with their guests. Some guests made their way outside to enjoy the warm, summer evening and play cornhole or lounge by the cocktail caravan.
When the cocktail hour ended, the wedding party was introduced and the reception celebration really got started! Noland’s Catering, Riley’s grandparents, provided an outstanding dinner with multiple entrée options. This wedding lacked for nothing - décor, delicious food, fresh florals as far as the eye could see, divine desserts, VIBES. It was all here.
During the reception, Riley planned a non-traditional bridal bouquet toss. Tyena from D-Zines Weddings helped create a Maypole for Riley with pretty ribbons tied to the top. Every single lady held on to a ribbon while a special song played and Riley snipped off the ribbons one by one. The lady with the only intact ribbon at the end earned Riley’s bouquet! Personalized details and unique experiences like these are what your guests are going to talk about for years to come.
“One of my favorite parts was doing a May Pole instead of a traditional flower toss. It was such a fun way to get all the girls involved in a new way. I love all of the new twists on old traditions. We also played “June Bride” during the May pole which is a song from my favorite movie, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, which was perfect for our June wedding.”
This wedding reception will go down as one of the most jam-packed and enjoyable parties in Emerson Fields’ history!
Here are some of the most fun details Riley and Gage included in their Southern charm wedding reception:
Huge dessert table with all the best treats from Koch’s General Store and Gage’s favorite donuts from Iowa
Personalized menus with an order of events at each table
Fresh peaches with a eucalyptus leaf name card on the family tables, a nod to Koch’s General Store’s first peach stand business
Riley’s unique Maypole bridal bouquet toss
A cocktail caravan, rented from A-1 Events & Rentals in Columbia, Missouri, on the lawn with pina coladas served in real pineapples for the guests
An outdoor lounge with teak patio furniture, string lights, cocktail tables, and lawn games for guests to enjoy
Riley’s reception “change” wasn’t an outfit change but a surprise haircut! You should have seen Gage’s face!
Special candlelight last dance in the bridal suite was set up by Riley’s mom for the couple to enjoy a few quiet moments together
All the guests were ushered outside during the couple’s private dance for the surprise fireworks show
Riley and Gage’s surprise when they came out to the fireworks display over the lake
Late-night snacks of homemade cookies to go
“I also loved the candles my mom and aunt worked so hard to surprise us with at the end of the night for a candlelit dance with my husband and I [in the bridal suite]. It was such a nice way to end the night. It was romantic and the best surprise I wasn’t expecting.
I also was surprised by fireworks from my grandparents, which were so special.
Additionally, I had my hairdresser cut my hair between the wedding ceremony and reception! Who needs a dress change when you can just change your hair? ”
In the midst of an immersive wedding weekend, brimming with personal touches and infused with that effortless Southern charm, it was an absolute delight to collaborate with our beloved local wedding vendors to create an unforgettable celebration for Gage and Riley. Hosting this enchanting peachy Southern charm June wedding at Emerson Fields was wonderful, and we wholeheartedly wish the newlyweds a lifetime of happiness!
“The best part of the entire experience had to be Steve and Amelia. Amelia’s advice while planning the wedding was invaluable- I loved her emails with tips, and her blog posts with pictures from other weddings were so helpful as we were making all the wedding decisions. They are just such great people and we felt so fortunate to find a date that worked so our daughter could be married at EF. Thanks so much Amelia- we loved everything about our weekend at Emerson Fields!”
Love this summer wedding style? Check out our Top 10 Tips for a Missouri Summer Wedding.
Wedding Vendor Team
Guest Count | 250
Wedding Photography | Hillary and Grant Photography
Wedding Coordinator | D-Zines Weddings (Tyena)
Florist | D-Zines Weddings
Caterer | Noland’s Catering
Cake & Desserts | Koch’s General Store
Cocktail Caravan | A1 Party & Event Rentals CoMO
Bartenders | Case N’ Keg
DJ | Top Sound Mobile DJ
Bridal Gown | All My Heart Bridal, Studio Levana
Bridesmaid Gowns | Azazie
Menswear | Men’s Wearhouse
5/30/2023 - Gabrielle Isom
