Averi + Brodie Ball | The James (Previously Market 116) Industrial Venue Wedding

I have been ecstatic since the moment Averi and Brodie booked me to capture both photo and video for their June wedding at the beautiful Market 116 Industrial Wedding Venue. Living only half an hour away from this incredible venue and their home store (which I visit entirely too frequently, according to my husband), I was so excited for the opportunity to create in this amazing space.

I first met Averi and Brodie the month before at their engagement session, so I already knew I was walking into what would be an unforgettable day. If you missed their engagement session story, check it out at https://www.mackenzieslackphotography.com/post/averi-brodie-engagement-missouri-wedding-photographer-mackenzie-slack-photography. You'll fall in love with their young hearts immediately. If you find yourself needing more of a reason to love these two, Averi had "second breakfast" listed on the itinerary for their wedding day - and I know I can't be the only one out there who completely relates to this and wishes they would have put that on the itinerary for their own wedding day!

When I entered the venue the first thing I noticed was the smell - If I wouldn't have known any better, I would have thought I walked right into a donut shop. The smell of Hurts Donuts and coffee filled the room and instantly put a smile on my face. As I glanced around the room I saw that the venue was decorated beautifuly with olive and maroon tones. Ball mason jars hinted towards this sweet couples newly shared last name and were placed throughout the space giving it a rustic feeling. Looking down the isle, the wooden arbor was beautifuly decorated with flowers and greenery - the perfect foreground for the exposed brick wall behind it. The sheer white curtains that covered the wall of windows let the soft, romantic light flood into the space. Looking back towards the main entrance, I found greenery wrapped around the metal poles at the mouth of the staircase that leads up to the bridal suites. The metal of the railing, wooden treads, and greenery created the perfect balance between nature and industry.

As I said my hello's I fell in love with this sweet couple all over again. Like them, their bridal party and family was just as fun and lovable. They even got in on the trend of having a groomsman be the "flower man" which included a fanny pack, some interesting moves, and a lot of laughter! The bridesmaids - 7 in total - were so fun and just as sweet as Averi. They were dressed in maroon gowns of different styles and looked flawless! As the bridesmaids waited on the balcony behind the sliding barn doors, Averi's mother helped her step into her gorgeous Azazie wedding dress - and of course, she looked incredible! This special and emotional moment shared between the bride and her mother is always one of my favorite parts of the day. Once ready, we slid open the doors and revealed Averi to her bridesmaids. The smiles on their faces were priceless and the tears shed were so full of love - a theme that would continue throughout the day.

As I photographed and took video of the details before the ceremony, I could not get over how gorgeous the boquets were! They came from a company called Sola Wood Flowers. You read that right - wood flowers - but they were soft and so beautiful and full! I typically love real flowers but unfortunately, they don't last forever. I think it is amazing that you can now have something just as gorgeous that can be kept and admired forever. The options for weddings these days really are endless!

Averi and Brodie's ceremony was one of the sweetest I have ever seen. Averi was walked down the isle by her father and by the time they reached the end of the isle she wore the biggest smile - her adorable dimples lighting up - which made for the sweetest photograph of her and her dad. The officiant of the ceremony was their highschool coach and you would never have known that this was the first wedding he had officiated. The ceremony was so sweet and so much thought was put into it. The ring box, carried by Averi's sister, was even a mini Ball mason jar! As the ceremony progressed I learned that Averi and Brodie had taken the time to write personal vows - something I encourage every couple to do! The amount of love and joy that filled the room as they read their promises to eachother was incredible. After the exchange of rings, the ceremony was complete and sealed with a kiss!

The reception fun started as the bridal party went outside to the garden space to take a few photos. The day was beautiful but incredibly hot with harsh light so we opted to return indoors to finish bridal portraits. After portraits were finished, the bridal party joined the guests in enjoying Hurts Donuts and Coffee from J Brews (If you have not had Justin's coffee yet, it is a MUST! Check them out at Jbrewscoffee.com). Going along with the coffee and donut theme, another fun aspect of the day was the guests bringing unique coffee cups as gifts to the couple, which were displayed on the donut table for everyone to admire.

The rest of the day was filled with fellowship, dancing, and an abundance of joy. As the guests began to leave and the family started to pack up decor, I stole Averi and Brodie for a few more quick photographs. The balcony by the brides suite created the most romantic scene and was one of my favorite locations for photos! This couple is so in love that they couldn't help but radiate it during their portraits. The romantic images we captured and this amazing couple will forever be one of my favorites and I am so grateful for the opportunity to have captured their special day!