Congratulations to Jessica and John on their wedding! After an intimate ceremony with just the two of them last year, they recently celebrated their wedding with family and friends in a beautiful ceremony and special exchange of vows.
Love Story
John saw Jessica at work two years before they actually met. When he saw Jessica, he told his friend, “I will marry that girl.” Their first official date was at Cedar Lakes Winery in Wright City, before this they would casually meet up for lunch as friends before work.
Jessica knew John was “the one” when he brought her along to his summer family vacation in the Ozarks with his daughter. The couple had only been dating one month but Jessica completely fell in love with how sweet, caring and romantic he was.
Jessica said, “Just seeing him with his daughter doing ‘girl things’ like when we went and had a spa day, so facials, pedicures and manicures, (mind you my husband is 6’7) was the most precious thing in the world. How much love he can give off and how welcoming his family was just warmed my heart and right then I knew I belonged, and we were meant to be. I swear when people say “when you know you know” it's seriously so true, the feeling when we are together is something totally different than anything else. Still feel that way to this day.”
Proposal
Six months into their relationship, Jessica took John home to meet her family for Thanksgiving. Jessica had some errands planned, so John took the opportunity to grab lunch with her sister. Jessica thought it was great he was bonding with her family, but little did she know they were going ring shopping!
John proposed while playing the game Life with Jessica’s family. When she landed on “get married,” John walked over to her, got down on one knee, and proposed in front of her whole family. Of course, she said YES! The whole family was in on the surprise and planned the entire evening. They caught the proposal on camera. It was truly a night to remember.
Wedding
Jessica and John’s wedding was a Winter Wonderland. The couple was married a year prior to their celebration day. They had to reschedule their wedding due to COVID, but they were able to get married in Florida prior to all the shutdowns. It was just Jessica and John and it was magical. John wanted to make sure everything was perfect for Jessica, and it was!
Jessica said, “Little did we know during this trip I was also pregnant with our son. Which was amazing news and another reason to celebrate. Last year was rough for many but for us two was one of our best years, we were able to have our wedding celebration (with just a small amount of friends and family but made it that much more intimate) and also give birth to a healthy handsome boy.”
During their wedding celebration, Jessica said seeing John’s face as she walked down the aisle was priceless. As her mom walked her down the aisle, Jessica knew without a doubt John was the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with.
Jessica was most looking forward to saying their vows, not only to each other but the vows Jessica was giving to her soon-to-be eight-year-old stepdaughter to always treat her as her own and to love and cherish her for as long as she lives. Seeing both of their families join together as one will always be a special memory.
Vendors
Ceremony Venue: Chanting Oak Ridge
Caterer: Anchor Blue Bistro
Photographer: Shane Photography
Thank you to Jessica and John for allowing all of us at Mia Grace Bridal to play a role in your special day. We wish you love and happiness as you begin the next chapter of your life together!