Downtown Kansas City Rooftop Wedding
What do you say to your best friend when a turn of the world ruins her wedding plans? What do you say to someone who has been dreaming and planning for her wedding for so long when the world says to her - no you can’t. You listen. You comfort. You say - yes you still can! In whatever way you can and want to. And you drop everything to be there in whatever way she needs you to be.
2020 threw one big curveball at all of us and as the world stopped and stood in place - Corrie and Jake kept planning. And replanning. And then scrapping that plan and starting over with a brand new plan altogether until they were sure this plan would work even when they weren’t 100% sure because who could be at a time like this? But that’s Corrie and Jake - warm and receptive and present for whatever life throws at them. Compatible in every way. Constantly encouraging the other. They truly embody to me what knowing who oneself is and what they are seeking in another and giving all that they can into this thing they’ve created together - their life and all of the wonderful things they are building towards.
So they said - to hell with coronavirus. Let’s get married anyway. And they did and I was so so fortunate to join them and be a witness (and photographer) to it along with my husband Kyle, and our friends Dani and Matt, with Matt officiating.
The day, from my perspective, started with a kiss on our daughter’s forehead and a million goodbyes to her and my mom before KP and I hopped in the car and drove the 3 hours to Kansas City, a city I love so much. Upon arrival, we stopped by Dani and Matt’s apartment to drop off a jewelry box that belongs to Corrie’s grandmother and was brought to my house by Corrie’s parents earlier in the week as a surprise to Corrie - her “something old." Inside contained a few charms that belong to her grandmother with the thought that they would make a great addition to Corrie’s floral bouquet. Another “something old.” Dani and I also ordered Corrie a blue garter (something blue!), a bracelet (something new!), and I pulled a few of my own rings to enclose in the box (something borrowed - who doesn’t like options?) that we placed in the box to be given to her when Dani & Matt arrived later that afternoon. Dani also picked up a 2020 penny for her shoe. Once we left Dani’s we made the short drive over to Corrie and Jake’s loft where they were already prepping food for the celebration. Another thing I love so much about both Corrie and Jake is that they love to host. And they were so gracious and kind to not only provide but cook all of the food for THEIR OWN WEDDING. Wild you guys. Seriously.
After some hugs, welcome bevies, and catching up - we headed up to the roof to check out the ceremony spot and talk over the plan. The sun had finally come out in the midwest after a week and a half of nonstop rain - and the brightness of the sun reflected off the whitecap roof like a mirror, enveloping you as you tried to see through squinted eyes. After some joking and singing about being blinded by the light, we made our way back through the window into the loft and set about the rest of the afternoon. Corrie and I ran out to pick up her flowers and scout out some spots for photos. When we got back, we started getting ready until Dani and Matt arrived. Then we gave her the jewelry box, and I asked everyone to have a seat in front of the tv.
Unbeknownst to the couple, our friend Dana had a wonderful idea in having as many of their friends and families submit videos of love and congratulations to Corrie and Jake that I edited into a compilation. They loved it. Thank you again to everyone who submitted a video! After watching the video, we scrambled to continue getting ready and then Kyle and I took Jake to get set for the first look at the nearby WWI memorial and park. After the first look and hopping around to a few different spots for photos, we headed back to the loft to get set for the ceremony which was live-streamed to close friends and immediate family. Tequila shots first though because duh - Corrie and Erin tradition. The timing was perfect as the sun had just begun to set, and the sky was filled with wispy clouds and an airy blue-purple color. The ceremony went off without a hitch, and we concluded with a late dinner, drinks, and dancing.
What a way to start a marriage. What a way to embrace what we cannot change. Corrie and Jake, I love you both so much. Thank you for having us be a part of your day. We can’t wait to celebrate with the whole gang at the formal reception next May! Kyle and I wish you nothing but the best, because that’s what you’ve ever been to us and so much more. Love you times a thousand!
Flowers: Beco Flowers • Cake: Lexi’s Cakes • Dress: NOA Brides • Suit: Houndstooth