PAGE 110 X METROPOLITAN WEDDINGS X WINTER / SPRING 2023
WRITTEN BY | MEG DANIEL PHOTOGRAPHED BY | CHRISTINA ZAPATA PHOTOGRAPHY
A Great Picture Moment
In college , Kayla met Nathan and they quickly became friends . After about a year of friendship , their love bloomed and they dated for four years . Sequiota Park had always been a special place for this couple , enjoying many dates , walks and picnics here . Unbeknownst to Kayla , Nathan had a plan . In cahoots with her best friend , Jena , and her mom , Nathan knew he had to propose to Kayla at Sequiota . Kayla had no clue her life was about to change that day at the park , yet Jena was able to capture the emotional moment Nathan proposed on film . After Kayla said yes , Nathan then proposed to Kayla ’ s six year old daughter , Rosalie , who was bursting with excitement !
For years whenever her family visited Top of the Rock at Big Cedar Lodge , her father would often ask , “ wouldn ’ t you want to get married here ?” The Chapel of the Ozarks is such a magical setting - the view , the sunset , the cannon . It was the ideal place for these two lovebirds to get married .
When it was time to go dress shopping , Kayla took her mom and Jena to The Dress Bridal Boutique in downtown Springfield . While Mom and Jena found dresses for Kayla to try on , there was only one gown that caught her eye . After she tried the dresses the others had picked for her , she put on her gown and just knew this was “ the one ,” bursting into tears . Nathan chose to wear a dark navy suit and vest from Men ’ s Suit Mart . At the Metropolitan Wedding Expo , Kayla found a dress for Rosalie from David ’ s Bridal that was similar to her gown , just perfect for her daughter .
Kayla and Nathan chose to use floral rose colors in their decor using reds , maroons and blues . She worked with her florist , The Nest , and kept the look simple with lots of greenery and a variety of natural roses , adding pops of color . The bridesmaids wore navy and the groomsmen had navy suits with maroon ties , completing the look . Kayla reminisces walking through the reception , the room filled with the fragrance of gorgeous flowers .
Overwhelmed trying to find a photographer , Kayla found Christina Zapata at the Metropolitan Wedding Expo . Christina was so bubbly and easy to talk to , she immediately put Kayla at ease . She loved her photography style . Kayla says , “ looking at Christina ’ s portfolio , she not only captures the picture , but she captures the memories as well .” And Christina did just that ! The Chapel of the Ozarks is just gorgeous at sunset and there is a large cannon they will fire off at the end of the ceremony . Nathan really wanted a photo with the cannon exploding at sunset and Christina was able to capture that memory .
Kayla had a first look with her dad , and got really emotional when she saw him , knowing he has always been there to support and encourage her . The couple also had plans for Kayla ’ s college and professional mentor , Dr . Ferguson , to officiate the ceremony . Yet tragically , he died in a car accident three weeks before the wedding . Thankfully , they were able to use the Greene County Sheriff ' s chaplain to help them tie the knot .
But seeing Nathan waiting for her at the altar was one of the most emotional moments . Kayla says , “ I was replaying all of our memories as I was walking down the aisle and we both were just sobbing .” Their ceremony was everything they had dreamed of and then they had a reception at Arnie ’ s Barn at Top of the Rock . The staff at Arnie ' s Barn made it so easy and seamless with dinner choices and table set up . While everyone was eating their dinner , Kayla and Nathan went ahead and cut their cake , ensuring that dessert was ready for their guests as soon as they finished their meal . While the guests were nibbling on cake , the newlyweds had their first dance . Kayla loved seeing how their two families came together , talking , laughing and problem-solving any issues that came up . Kayla and Nathan wanted to stay until the end of their reception to say goodbye to all their guests , ending their night with a special moment with just the newlyweds and their parents . They were surprised when a close family friend gifted them with a honeymoon suite at a local hotel , then they were off to California for a honeymoon .
Anytime someone asked Kayla what her “ Plan B ” was if “ Plan A ” went wrong on wedding day , she would reply , “ Just make sure the photographer gets it on film , it will be a great picture moment !” She advises other couples to stay true to who you are . “ This is your wedding day and in the end , you are marrying the love of your life . Just enjoy it !” Xxoxo