page 120 X metropolitan weddings
X winter / spring 2026
written by | Tonya Shoats photographed by | Christina Zapata Photography
Where light & love meet
Hidden among the trees in Branson, where autumn leaves glowed in the afternoon light and the hush of the woods seemed almost sacred, Stonegate Glass Chapel appeared straight from a dream— a place where hopes met devotion. For Kayla and Justin Hunter, it was the perfect setting for a story of laughter, belief, and forever promises.
Their connection began online through a dating app that quickly blossomed into something real.“ Everything just came so naturally with her,” Justin said.“ We enjoy just being together— it still feels that way.” What started as playful messages grew into a bond grounded in shared values and genuine friendship.
After two years of dating, Justin planned a sunset proposal at Top of the Rock in Branson. The evening unfolded like a film— appetizers, a golden sky over the hills, and a quiet walk before he knelt down with a ring.“ I knew it was coming,” Kayla remembers,“ but I didn’ t know when. The timing made it perfect.”
When it came time to plan their wedding, the couple wanted something that reflected both their romantic style and their faith in God. The glass chapel at Stonegate felt destined— peaceful, elegant, and surrounded by nature.“ When we first saw it, we fell in love right away,” Kayla said.“ It felt tucked away and enchanted, like something out of a fairytale.”
Over seven months, they worked hand in hand to plan their celebration. Stonegate’ s team helped with coordination, catering, and décor, keeping the process simple and smooth. Kayla’ s priorities were finding the perfect dress and writing meaningful vows. Her sparkling ball gown from Gracie’ s Bridal was everything she hadn’ t expected—“ I went in thinking I didn’ t want a ball gown,” she said.“ Then I tried one on and knew it was the one.” Justin chose a classic black tux from Carl’ s Tuxedo with a plum bow tie that matched their fall palette of eggplant, cream, and ivory.
They met photographer Christina Zapata at a local open house.“ Her photos had this natural, timeless quality that matched our style,” Kayla said. Christina’ s creative eye captured every detail— from candlelight flickering against glass to the emotional first look between bride and groom.
On the morning of the wedding, Kayla’ s heart raced as she stood at the chapel doors with her father.“ Once the doors opened, I saw Justin and started to get teary-eyed,” she remembered.“ All we had imagined was suddenly real.” Justin’ s favorite moment came when she reached him at the altar.“ When she walked in with her dad, I just thought how lucky I was,” he said.
The ceremony was intimate and deeply personal. As light filtered through the windows, Kayla and Justin assembled a unity cross— a quiet symbol of their shared belief. Surrounded by family and friends, they exchanged vows and sealed them with a kiss, which Kayla nearly forgot in her excitement.“ I turned to my sister to hand off my flowers and started to walk down the aisle before I realized!” she laughed.
The reception was alive with laughter, music, and radiance as guests gathered beneath subtle lights. Stonegate’ s catering team served a meal guests are still talking about, followed by a beautiful cake from Catering Creations topped with the infamous cake topper that had gone missing hours before.“ We finally found it right before cutting the cake, but it wasn’ t on there very well,” Kayla recalled.“ It fell off mid-cut and landed flat on the floor. The videographer caught the whole thing!” The moment became one of their favorite memories— a reminder that joy often hides in life’ s little stumbles.
Floral arrangements by Linda’ s Flowers added romance to every corner, pairing deep plum tones with soft cream blooms that complemented the chapel’ s glowing wood and glass. Their first dance to“ Amen” by John Adams felt like a prayer in motion— a celebration of gratitude and devotion. As the evening ended, gentle rain began to fall again just as guests lined up with sparklers for their send-off.“ It was special,” Kayla said.“ Almost like a blessing to close the night.”
Her advice for other couples:“ It’ s okay if things don’ t go exactly as planned. Take your time, breathe, and enjoy every moment.” Because true love doesn’ t need perfection— it grows through every season, rooted in trust and grace. Xxoxo