Crisp White & Emerald Green Spring Wedding | Sarah + Carson from Columbia, MO
At Emerson Fields, we love highlighting unique weddings and wonderful couples! This crisp white and emerald green spring wedding had sweet touches of blush pink and displayed how a natural décor shines at Emerson Fields. It was an honor to host the start of the Millers forever in May. Along with an expert team of vendors, we want to showcase all the swoon-worthy photos from Tannah Terry Photography and walk you through this fun-spirited, spring wedding.
Classic. Elegant. Natural. Fun.
Caron and Sarah met while both attending the University of Missouri, Columbia (MIZZOU). Carson attended Mizzou and graduated with his undergraduate degree there while Sarah studied at Northwest Missouri State in Maryville, MO. Little did they know when they both enrolled in the Gross Anatomy lab during their first semester of graduate school that they would hit it off amongst the cadavers. (Yes, you read that right - CADAVERS.) As two physical therapy students, they quickly formed a bond during this class and the rest is, as they say, history.
Sarah and Carson’s classic wedding brought the outdoors in with their emerald greens, sage greens, blush pink, and crisp white color palette. With an estimated wedding budget of $30-$35K, they knew they wanted to select a venue that was the perfect backdrop for an elegant wedding day and could accommodate their 290 person guest count. The Millers were excited to find Emerson Fields conveniently located less than an hour north of Columbia, MO where the couple both graduated from Mizzou and now live.
When we asked Sarah the question “What did you love about having your wedding at Emerson Fields?” she said…
“The absolute beauty of the venue. We barely had to decorate! The natural lighting, the bridal suite, the Bluetooth speakers, Amelia and Steve, the list goes on. ”
“Barely had to decorate!” but they still choose to enhance the white venue space with welcoming customized signage. Sarah selected coordinating custom table numbers, a seating chart in the foyer, and welcome signage to tie everything together. On the guest book table, Sarah and Carson chose family photos to display to give the space a homey, warm touch. Sarah and Carson’s engagement photo adorned the vintage chest of drawers near the restrooms in the venue. Selecting a beautiful open canvas like Emerson Fields ensured that all of the couple’s personal touches really stood out and made the space perfect for their friends and family to feel comfortable.
The understated table decor and white candles gave the reception space a fresh, natural feel for quests to relax at while eating. D-Zines Weddings in Macon, MO created lush bouquets and wedding party flowers that brought the whole vision together and were repurposed for centerpieces after the ceremony. The white linens included in the Emerson Fields rental were the perfect backdrop to such stunning florals. The families brought in gorgeous green ferns to keep the natural and clean style continuous throughout the reception space.
The Millers had a completely new headtable idea for their wedding party and we loved it! They used the white farmhouse tables, included in the venue rental, and centered them amongst the guest tables on the main floor. This created a family-style dining experience for the couple and their wedding party, which really made it a special evening! It also meant that the stage was clear during the day for their first look and portraits. Before the reception, Whorlow Entertainment set up two dueling pianos and a drum set for the reception entertainment. Carson LOVES dueling pianos and it was a special nod to the couple’s favorite date night. Plus, it was something exciting and different for their wedding guests to enjoy during cocktail hour and dinner!
“Carson loves dueling pianos to scream “Friends In Low Places” at the top of his lungs. It was a perfect fit!”
Because the vendors and the couple used Friday to set up the reception, the entire venue was ready to go by the time Sarah and her bridesmaids showed up on Saturday morning for hair and makeup. Sarah and her sisters added some final décor touches with the wedding coordinator while they fluttered around the venue in their matching pajamas that morning. They enjoyed time together talking, laughing, and sipping mimosas while getting ready for the big day in the bridal suite. Sarah had the brilliant idea of sourcing her bridesmaids’ gowns from an online boutique, Hello Molly. They were unique and the perfect shade of green to add a pop of classic color to the day!
“Having the venue all weekend was a game changer. Everything was so relaxed, easy and convenient. We had plenty of time to decorate on Friday. It was a beautiful setting for the rehearsal and dinner that followed. Saturday was beyond expectations and a memory of a lifetime. Steve and Amelia, and all the vendors, made it feel like being taken care of by family.”
Sarah knew she wanted a wedding dress that was not only gorgeous, but was comfortable and economically priced. She purchased her bridal gown from Azazie for a mere $190! Now that’s a smart, budgeting bride if we ever saw one! Her gown was exquisite, suited her style perfectly and made dancing the night away to the tunes of the dueling pianos easy!
After everyone had time to relax and get ready, came one of the most special moments of the day - the first look! Carson and Sarah shared a private first look moment on the stage in the venue. They didn’t mind a few onlookers so there were some cheers and claps from the balcony area. After the cheers were over, the sweethearts shared some long hugs and soft conversation while they enjoyed a few quiet moments alone. The all white backdrop and the natural light from the windows created a beautiful framework around the couple. By having a first look, Sarah and Carson got to enjoy more time together on their wedding day and take some pictures before guests arrived. Not to mention, it helped calm any pre-wedding jitters because they each got to see their favorite person and talk through some of their anxiousness together.
“Invest in a great venue. That way you won’t have to stress about décor, a place to get ready, or a place for the rehearsal dinner. It’s all right on site and SO accessible. ”
These groomsmen, with their personalized “Carson” socks, perfectly paired ties and effortless style, were the perfect gentlemen - always offering an arm to escort the ladies. And these ladies are really the only “décor” this day needed. Those midi-dresses in a vivid green were flirty, fun and classy all the way! Sarah and Carson incorporated siblings, college friends and colleagues in their wedding party and boy did they have fun together!
The wedding party spent time and plenty of laughs with Tannah Terry (photographer) to capture some stunning photos! It was obvious to everyone that these men and women were there to support and celebrate their dear friends. We loved that the bridal party and groomsmen were able to laugh and have FUN while taking photos! Finding a talented photographer who can make your wedding party feel at ease truly makes all the difference in your wedding photos.
Caron and Sarah each chose attire that not only made them stand out individually, but also coordinated so effortlessly. Getting individual portraits on your wedding day is something you will never regret! Plus, parents and other family members will love having these treasured memories in print! Carson and Sarah’s couple portraits were romantic, intimate, carefree, and showcased their unique personalities. The meadow at Emerson Fields provided the perfect shade of green as a backdrop for these stunning portraits.
After spending the afternoon taking photos and relaxing with their wedding party, it was time to start the ceremony! This May wedding started at 4:30 PM under the open air pavilion. Sarah beamed as she was escorted down the aisle by her father. Carson attended church at Crossroads Christian Church growing up, so it was extra special for his pastor, Matt Stieger, to officiate the wedding. Sarah chose to use the 9 foot wooden cross, that was included with their venue rental, to signify their faith and relationship with God. A sense of faith, family, and friendship enveloped the entire ceremony.
With the white timber frame of the pavilion, the touches of greenery added a freshness to the space while also leaning in to the natural, earthy feel of an outdoor wedding. Sarah added her own cozy rug to anchor the space and add visual interest to the altar area. Simple little details like the white candles down the aisle and swags of greenery tied to the end chairs really display how effortless but beautiful the pavilion is for an outdoor ceremony.
The couple asked Katie Martin and John Mark Hatfield to sing and play a special song during the unity expression. Mixing two individual vases of sand into one vessel signified these two individuals becoming one unified couple. Sarah and Carson made it even more intimate and personal by sharing their own words in their personal vows to one another. Sharing from your heart is always a beautiful way to make your wedding ceremony unique and special to you and your guests.
DRUMROLL PLEASE….
Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Carson & Sarah Miller!
*APPLAUSE*
Mr. and Mrs. Carson Miller sealed the deal with a sweet kiss and lots of cheers! Friends and family applauded as the couple made their way smiling down the aisle back to the venue. They took a minute to make everything legal (don’t forget this important detail!) and signed the marriage license after retreating back to the bridal suite. Their wedding party celebrated with a toast on the balcony! After a few moments celebrating together, Carson and Sarah returned to the pavilion for family photos while wedding guests went inside the venue for social hour.
The family provided appetizers for the guests during social hour along the back brick wall of the venue. Notice that monograms on the tablecloth? The details of this wedding were everything! Guests were welcomed into the venue with drinks, snacks, and a sweet “thank you” card from the newlyweds. This little note was also a great way to add a pop of color to the place setting! His and Her signature cocktail options were available at the bar and guests enjoyed the party atmosphere of the venue while socializing.
The wedding party stole the show with their entertaining entrances to the reception! Dancing. Mock proposal. Team T-shirts. That dip kiss! This wedding party knew how to have FUN and enjoyed being right in the center of all the family and friends.
Sarah and Carson shared a first dance while the pianos played softly behind them. The live music made guests really feel “in the moment” as they experienced it all along with the couple.
After a yummy bite of wedding cake from Koch’s General Store and a delicious dinner catered by Noland’s Catering, the speeches, toasts, and embarrassing stories began! We won’t go into all the juicy details of these toasts, but they were personal and so fun! Wedding toasts that can make people laugh and maybe even cry are always memorable.
Pro Tip: Let your photographer steal you away for 20 minutes while your guests enjoy an extra slice of cake or a drink so you get perfect golden hour photos. The dreamy sunset backdrop to these dusk photos are perfection! We know Carson and Sarah will showcase these stunning images in their home and remember this special day for years to come.
As the sun set, Sarah and Carson each took turns sharing a special dance with a parent. The dueling pianos were rockin’ and interactive as they entertained guests throughout the night. The dance floor was packed all evening as everyone enjoyed celebrating together!
As their wedding guests spent time chatting and laughing on the patio, Carson and Sarah shared a moment together just soaking in that newlywed feeling. At Emerson Fields, our desire is to see you and your loved ones share special once-in-a-lifetime moments together. From getting ready, to family portraits, to a first kiss, to laughing and dancing the night away - we want it all for you! Carson and Sarah Miller had a beautiful wedding weekend full of special times with family and friends. They got to relax and enjoy their wedding day feeling confident that everything was covered. There were able to focus on what truly matters - creating a life you love with the one you love.
“Don’t forget to budget silverware, plates, napkins, etc. That was a steeper purchase than I had budgeted for.”
Thank you to the Millers for choosing Emerson Fields to host your dream wedding day! We love seeing couples unite together in love and start their forever.
Looking for more spring wedding inspiration? Check out our blog Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Weddings in Missouri or Lush Spring Wedding with Modern Elegance.
Interested in having your unique and relaxing wedding day at Emerson Fields? Set up a tour with us!
Vendor Team
Guest Count | 300
Venue @emersonfieldsvenue
Photography @tannahterryphotography
Videographer - Nathan Harkins
Florals @dzinesweddings
Catering @nolandscateringofmacon
Wedding Cake @kochsgeneralstore
Rentals - A.B. Helton Fine Linen Rentals
Wedding Day-Of Coordinator - Rebecca Miller @18jrmiller
Bride’s Gown @azazieofficial
Hair Stylist - Reflections of Macon, MO
Make Up Artist - Rose Halpin @rizzlemyhizzle
Menswear @menswearhouse
Bridesmaids’ Dresses @hellomolly
Live Musicians - Whorlow Entertainment @whorlowentertainment
Bartenders - Friends of Family
Officiant - Matt Stieger, Crossroads Christian Church
Rehearsal Dinner Catering - Coal Miner’s Daughter
Gabrielle Isom - 08/4/2021
