page 106 X metropolitan weddings X Summer / fall 2021
written by | Meg Daniel photographed by | jessica yahn photography
�dance the night away�
It all started and ended with a dance party . Emily Crane and Lucas Elsberry met the first weekend of college at the University of Kansas at a dorm sponsored “ Welcome ” dance party . These freshmen started out as friends and within a few short months , love had blossomed and they dated through college and law school . Eight years later , Lucas knew he wanted to propose to Emily on a trip to Colorado , but he wanted to surprise her and find just the right moment . On the last day when Emily had given up all hopes of being engaged on this trip , he popped the question on a picture perfect hike in the mountains .
While the couple was living in Kansas City , they knew they wanted to get married in Springfield where Emily grew up . Coordinating all the details of a wedding long distance meant many weekend trips to meet with vendors so they hired wedding planner , Mary Douglas , from Bringing it Together Events . Mary was able to best use their limited time in town by narrowing down choices and use her vast array of contacts to put together the perfect team of vendors to make their wedding day flawless .
Emily and Lucas planned a fall wedding . They chose to mimic the colors of autumn throughout their wedding decor highlighting warm reds , burgundy , orange and gold . Haseltine Estate had gorgeous fall foliage and provided the perfect space , incorporating nature , a beautiful mansion and was close enough to town to allow guests to be able to get transportation the night of the wedding .
In search of her dress , Emily , her mom and maid of honor took a trip to New York City to visit Kleinfeld Bridal , a boutique often featured on the hit television show , “ Say Yes to the Dress .” While Emily was not featured on the show , she was able to see many of the cast members and actually meet her dress designer , Pnina Tornai , who happened to be at the store for a trunk show . It was a once in a lifetime experience to be able to discuss her chosen gown with it ’ s designer . and your spouse need to be happy with the wedding .” With this advice in mind , they chose an amazing team of vendors who made their wedding day seamless . From her photographer , Jessica Yahn , to catering by Simply Delicious , everyone pitched in to make the day perfect . At one point in the evening , the strap on Emily ’ s dress popped loose and all the wedding vendors helped fix the wardrobe malfunction . Mary was fielding any last minute questions and decisions , and Simply Delicious Catering went above and beyond to create an amazing meal . They served a filet with crab cake , stuffed chicken breast with wild mushrooms and butternut squash pasta to their delighted guests .
Sugar Leaf Bakery in Branson created the perfect cake . Emily wanted a delicious traditional wedding cake and after tasting 6-7 cakes , knew Sugar Leaf had just what she wanted . Her family also loves champagne , so of course , they had to have a champagne and a candy dessert bar at the wedding !
Emily and Lucas dreamed of a wedding reception full of dancing and laughter . Elevate Entertainment was able to create just that atmosphere to keep the party going . After Emily and Lucas ’ first dance , she and her father had their time to shine . They began by dancing to “ Unforgettable ” by Nate King Cole , but then the DJ scratched the record and kicked it up a notch , playing “ This Is How We Do It ” by Montell Jordan . Everyone got so excited and jumped onto the dance floor with them .
But both Emily and Lucas agree that the most memorable part of the night was their send off . They exited through a line of cheering guests , tossing dried lavender onto the couple . Lucas advises future brides and grooms , “ Take in the day and enjoy it all . Don ’ t stress over the details .” What started out as two college freshmen meeting each other on a dance floor , ended as a happily married couple dancing the night away surrounded by family and friends . XmW
“ Don ’ t be afraid to ask for help . You don ’ t have to plan the wedding alone ,” Emily cautions . “ At the end of the day , you