PAGE 108 X METROPOLITAN WEDDINGS X SUMMER / FALL 2023
WRITTEN BY | MEG DANIEL PHOTOGRAPHED BY | LIGHTER FOCUS PHOTOGRAPHY
in case you didn ' t know
Music has a way weaving itself into your heart . Certain songs can often express feelings and emotions more eloquently than you can say them out loud . Noel and Tom have often shared playlists , songs and lyrics , professing their love to each other . Tom would even send sweet notes in flowers to Noel with musical reference sentiments like “ In case you didn ’ t know … love , Tom ”
In November 2021 , the couple went on vacation to Hawaii . Tom planned to pop the question and had already coordinated a Zoom call with family and friends back home to be able to watch the proposal . He found a beautiful lunch spot with live music . Tom snuck away , asking the musician if she could sing “ In Case You Didn ’ t Know ” by Brett Young , while he proposed . While a total surprise to Noel , it was the perfect proposal . It was small and intimate , just the two of them , but their family and friends were able to share in their joy through the Zoom call .
The couple knew early on they wanted to get married at Big Cedar Lodge and reserved the Integrity Hills Chapel and Stables for their ceremony and reception . Planning a wedding from Kansas City was going to be a challenge , so Tom and Noel hired wedding planner , Misty Willinger to help coordinate and plan their perfect day . Noel says , “ it was a match made in heaven , we could not have done it without her . Misty handled everything so well and took all the ‘ unknowns ’ out .”
Both the bride and groom found not one , but two outfits for their wedding day , one to wear at the ceremony and another for the reception . In Wichita , Kansas with her mother , Noel found the perfect dress to get married in , but her consultant showed her one more . It was beautiful , sparkly and Noel looked at her mom and said , “ I cannot leave without this dress , I think we are going home with 2 dresses !” Tom also found two outfits , a fitted black tuxedo for the ceremony and a custom tailored green sports coat for the reception .
Wisely , the couple agreed early on what was important to each of them and honored each other ’ s wishes . “ This allowed us to let everything else go and our mindset on our wedding day was so relaxed and at peace .”
Alan Wohlgemut with Lighter Focus Photography . Noel loved his style and says , “ I did not realize how important the relationship is with your photographer . He was relaxed and did not make us feel rushed , but still produced exceptional photos . His personal skills were phenomenal .”
Noel chose to have a private first look , having her father walk her down the aisle to Tom in the chapel before the guests arrived . She said it was one of their favorite moments , and then when she walked down the aisle during the ceremony , it was just as emotional . Another special moment was during the ceremony , their pastor proclaimed , “ Love does not hold a marriage together , but your marriage holds your love together .” Tom remembers , “ it felt like time was standing still .”
Music had woven its way through this relationship and it was important to Tom to have a live band . While Noel prefers a DJ because she enjoys hearing the original artist perform their own songs , Tom wanted his favorite band , Lost Wax , to play at the wedding . The newlyweds knew their first dance would be “ In Case You Didn ’ t Know ” by Brett Young . Tom had been working diligently behind the scenes to get the country music star to come sing this special song in person for them at their wedding . He kept it a secret and when the Lost Wax struck up the tune , the couple started to dance . But Tom pulled away from his bride , walking towards the microphone . Noel , not knowing what was happening , was worried Tom was going to sing . Instead he said , “ I love Lost Wax , but I love this woman more . So I want the original artist to sing this song for you ,“ and introduced Brett Young to the stage . Noel was completely caught off guard and shocked , yet when the couple danced together with Brett serenading them , it felt like it was just the two of them and the star-struck crowd melted away .
Brett played about 10 more songs , then turned the stage back over to Lost Wax . Guests enjoyed an open bar , a scrumptious dinner from Big Cedar , delicious cake from Sugar Leaf Bakery , espresso martinis , a live painter and then sent the newlyweds off with fireworks and cold sparklers . In case you didn ' t know , Tom and Noel are completely in love and had a perfect , magical wedding . Xxoxo
Tom wanted lots of flowers and Tanarah Luxe Floral knocked it out of the park with an abundance of gorgeous white floral arrangements , backdrops , garlands , arches and more . Misty had also recommended