page 126 X metropolitan weddings
X winter / spring 2026
written by | Meg Daniel photographed by | Cj & Julie photography and videography
Better than Anything!
From childhood friends to newlyweds, Sydney Grace and Garrett have known each other since elementary school. But as they grew up, they went to different colleges and moved apart. One Sunday after Garrett had moved back into town, he ran into Sydney Grace at church and they decided to reconnect and grab dinner. The spark between these two lovebirds was instantly rekindled and they both knew they were quickly falling in love.
In January, Garrett decided to propose at the picturesque bridge at Finley Farms at Ozark Mill. He designed her engagement ring to be similar to her 100 year old great grandmother’ s ring which Sydney Grace has always loved and admired. While taking some photos on the bridge before their meal, Garrett asked the all important question,“ Will you marry me?” Of course, she happily said yes.
The couple knew they wanted to get married in June and had to move quickly to put their dream wedding plans in place. They started by looking for a venue and toured Sparrow Lane. Sydney Grace says,“ everything was so bright and airy, it felt like a blank canvas we could make our own. We could see ourselves getting married here.” The couple booked it on the spot!
Sydney Grace and Garrett then went to the Metropolitan Wedding Expo in January and were able to meet area experts and vendors to get ideas for their own wedding. She says she picked up the Metropolitan Weddings magazine and referred to it often for tips and ideas, and even passed it on to a coworker for her own wedding( yay!).
Then it was off to find a dress! After looking at a couple of bridal boutiques with her mom, she narrowed it down to 2 or 3 dresses at Evermore Bridal. Once she put her dress on with a veil for the second time, she just knew this was“ the one!”
One of their favorite parts of the wedding was the flowers. The couple met Rebecca Jentes, from Garden Studio, at the Metropolitan Wedding Expo and were blown away by her beautiful arrangements. Sydney Grace showed her photos of what she wanted and Rebecca was able to pull her dream together, creating just the look they wanted for their wedding.“ Rebecca was amazing! From planning to set up, she did just what I asked for. I would highly recommend her!”
Sparrow Lane had recommended CJ & Julie Photogaphy and Videogaphy for photography and videography and that pairing was just what the couple was looking for. They loved Julie’ s style and she was able to get them to relax, capturing natural, casual photos.
Before the 2:00 pm ceremony, Sydney Grace and Garrett decided to share their vows privately with one another. At the ceremony, her father walked her down the aisle, while Garrett teared up as he saw his bride. Sydney Grace was adamant she wanted the bridesmaids to stand beside the groom and the groomsmen to stand beside her. She also encouraged the families to sit that way as well. Not only did this represent the solidarity and support of their marriage from both family and friends, but it also allowed the ladies and her family to see Sydney Grace and the men and his family to see Garrett.
Now it was time for the reception. Sydney Grace and Garrett have always loved the food at Arris Pizza, so why not have them cater their favorite meal? Pasta and salad was enjoyed by all, but first a special blessing over the meal was said by her grandfather. The couple cherished all the speeches, but especially the speech by Sydney Grace’ s father, who prayed over the married couple.
Live Events DJ services treated the guests to a fun evening, especially the newlyweds first dance.“ We really looked forward to this song. It is sentimental to us and speaks to our story.” Garrett and Sydney Grace chose“ Better than Anything” by Corey Harper.
Keeping the wedding on track was the Day of Wedding Coordinator, Cassidy Johnson and her team.“ She was a gem! I wanted to relieve stress from both of our moms. Cassidy and Charity took care of everything, kept the day moving and made everyone feel at ease,” says Sydney Grace.
She advises future brides to“ try not to become so overwhelmed by little details. We were planning our wedding in four months and I was worried about small details that did not even matter.” Just remember this day is about celebrating the love you two share and as Corey Harper says,“ you ' re all that I need. The way that you love me is better than anything.” Xxoxo