page 114 X metropolitan weddings
X SUMMER / FALL 2025
written by | Meg Daniel photographed by | Lighter Focus Photography
Lake approved
Olivia and John met through work during the pandemic. While they often talked professionally over the phone and through emails, due to the covid safety protocols, they had never met in person. A year later, they had the opportunity to talk face-to-face. Both were smitten with each other and went on their first date one week later. After dating for a year, John planned a sneaky proposal getaway. He told Olivia they were going to the Colorado mountains for a weekend with friends. At the resort, there was a river that ran behind the hotel. John suggested that they walk down to see the water before they met up with their friends. Hiking in snow up to their knees, they trekked down to the river. Unbeknownst to Olivia, John pulled out a note and a ring from his pocket, got down on one knee and asked for her hand in marriage. Both of their parents and a photographer were on hand to witness the entire event.
Living in Colorado, they looked for places to get married but nothing seemed just right. John grew up in Missouri and his family had always vacationed at his grandfather’ s fishing cabin on Table Rock Lake. It was such a sentimental place for John, he suggested they look for a venue there. They toured Integrity Hills at Big Cedar and fell in love with the place. Olivia really wanted a venue that was secluded, had a view of the water and they both loved the aesthetic at Big Cedar- it was perfect.
But planning a wedding from multiple states away was going to be a challenge, so Olivia and John hired wedding planner, Misty Willinger. Through her contacts, advice and wisdom she was their super hero, helping connect them to vetted vendors and making their special day perfect.
Next, Olivia needed to find her dress. There was a designer she loved, so she flew to New York with her family to try on dresses. Olivia says,“ When I found the dress, I just did not want to take it off. I loved it so much! I was actually sad I would only get to wear it for one day!” John sported a classic black tux and the bridal party wore earth tones of champagne, blush pink and neutrals. These neutral tones were also woven into the florals provided by Rosewood Florist.
Allen from Lighter Focus wowed them with his photos. Olivia shared with him,“ our people are important. I wanted moments captured, not just staged photos. Allen heard our plea and committed to our request. You can tell he is passionate about photography and he took our engagement pictures as well.”
Incorporating family into their love story has been important to this couple from the beginning. John has six siblings and they have always teased each other that future spouses must be“ lake approved.” Can they hang with our family for four days of being together on the water? John says Olivia fit seamlessly into their tribe.
Olivia also incorporated her side of the family into the wedding. Her little brother officiated the ceremony and it was such a special moment for these siblings. She says,“ I was not going to cry, but when I saw my little brother crying, I started too!”
After the ceremony, Big Cedar kicked off the dinner party, catering a tasty meal of short ribs, sweet potatoes and salmon. The couple had a delicious four tier wedding cake, but also had a groom ' s cake that was decorated like John’ s grandfather ' s lake cabin. Guests enjoyed an indoor and outdoor dance floor with perfect weather and a gorgeous sunset for beautiful photos. All that Music provided amazing DJ services. Olivia says their family did not need much motivation to dance as everyone was dancing all night long. Misty had suggested using cold sparklers for the send off and Olivia and John exited their perfect evening with the sparks flying. The couple had a limo waiting to whisk them away to the honeymoon suite, while their guests enjoyed pizza for a late night snack.
Olivia and John encourage other engaged couples to decide what is most important to you and focus on that. Stay in the moment and do not sweat the small stuff. And John adds,“ make sure she is‘ lake approved.’” Xxoxo