page 114 X metropolitan weddings
X Summer / fall 2024
written by | Tonya Shoats photographed by | lighter focus Photography
Love at the lake
Within the picturesque landscapes of Table Rock Lake , Madison and Alex ' s love story blossomed amidst the glory of nature . Their journey , from chance encounters to heartfelt vows , reflects a union as vibrant as the colors of their summer wedding palette .
Madison , a high school English teacher hailing from Central Illinois , and Alex , a law student originally from Columbia , Missouri , found their paths intertwined during their pursuit of higher education . Fate brought them together at Missouri State University , where their initial meeting sparked a connection . Madison laughs as she recalls that she had all but given up on finding love during her college years . The men she had met were not what she was waiting for . But once she decided to stop looking , that was when true love finally found her . Madison vividly recalls their initial encounter , a moment suspended in time where she found herself unexpectedly captivated by Alex ' s presence . " I don ' t know what it was , but we just hit it off instantly ," she reminisces .
As their love blossomed , they discovered that they both had fond childhood memories and family ties to Table Rock Lake . “ Getting to know each other , we learned that we both spent a lot of time down at Table Rock Lake . I grew up going to the lake and visiting family . It became not only a special place just to me growing up , but a special place that we could now share together ,” Madison explains .
For Alex , the decision to take their relationship to the next level was marked by a moment of clarity and unwavering determination . " I knew that I wanted to date this girl ," he reflects , recounting when he laid his heart on the line . What followed was a couple of years of courting , communicating , and creating a solid foundation for a lifetime of commitment and mutual care . “ We were dating longdistance ,” remembers Alex , “ because Madison had one more year to finish her Masters degree and I was starting law school . So that time apart was a good challenge for us , and we were able to maintain good communication , which gave me even more confidence in my decision to propose .” Of course , Alex proposed at the very lake that bound their love story together , a place imbued with the echoes of their shared history and boundless love . He gathered his courage , along with both of their families , and proposed to her on a scenic hill , overlooking the glistening waters of Table Rock Lake .
As they began the adventure of wedding planning , Madison and Alex found help in the support of family and the expertise of trusted vendors . When it was time for Madison to choose where to have their wedding , Integrity Hills Chapel at Big Cedar seemed a natural choice for their venue .
Guiding them through the intricacies of wedding planning was Erin Schroeter , their dedicated event coordinator with Big Cedar Lodge . Erin ’ s expertise and attention to detail allowed Madison and Alex to navigate the planning process smoothly , ensuring that every aspect of their wedding exceeded expectations . Big Cedar Lodge also prepared a meal that had all who attended leaving with rave reviews of their dining experience .
On the day of their wedding , emotions ran high as Madison made her grand entrance . For Alex , the sight of his bride walking down the aisle was a moment he would forever cherish , a testament to the bond they shared and the journey they had begun together . Amidst the joy and laughter , Madison and Alex will always remember dancing in the fountain with friends and family in celebration . From heartfelt vows to tearful dances , every moment was proof of the enduring power of love and the promise of a future filled with shared dreams and amazing memories . Madison explains , “ Every little girl dreams of her wedding , but I really don ' t even think I could have dreamed up something that good . It was honestly better than I could have even imagined .” With Table Rock Lake as their witness , their love story continues to unfold , with future plans to someday share it with their own children and grandchildren , love at the lake . Xxoxo