Fall Wedding Venue at Emerson Fields | Chrysa + Jake from Alton, Illinois
When Chrysa and Jake set out to find the perfect destination for their fall wedding, Emerson Fields immediately captured their hearts. Chrysa, hailing from a suburb near St. Louis and Jake, from Macon, Missouri, the couple envisioned an unforgettable wedding weekend at Macon county’s own Emerson Fields. Nestled amidst the changing leaves, a serene lake, and the tranquil countryside, Emerson Fields emerged as the premier fall wedding venue in Missouri. However, with the unpredictable October weather, Chrysa and Jake faced a last-minute decision on the precise location for their wedding ceremony on this brisk fall day.
“With Jake being from Macon, we always drove past Emerson Fields admiring how beautiful it was, so once we got engaged, it was the obvious choice. I loved the beautiful scenery and also the fact that we got the venue for the entire weekend.”
We thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with Chrysa and Jake to bring their dream fall wedding weekend to life. As with any couple, we were happy to help Chrysa and Jake with vendor recommendations, custom floorplan tips, and meet with them in person to finalize all of the details. The most significant question for all of us was whether they would opt for an indoor or outdoor wedding ceremony. They were planning an outdoor fall wedding in the pavilion, but the weather started to change as we got closer to their wedding day. We'll delve into that story shortly, but first, let's see how this Midwest couple got together!
We asked Chrysa about Jake’s surprise engagement and here’s what she said:
“We met during July of 2020 during the height of covid on Bumble. Jake proposed in May of 2022 at the Cousley Sunken Garden (which is a garden in memory of my late grandmother across the street from my grandpa's house), and he had a surprise party planned with all of our closest family and friends.
Our engagement was the happiest day of my life until our wedding on October 28 which took the cake for truly being the best day of our lives.”
Getting Ready at Emerson Suites
Chrysa and her bridal party enjoyed a cozy night at Emerson Suites on Friday after the rehearsal dinner, turning it into a delightful pre-wedding slumber party complete with matching pajamas. Chrysa brought thoughtful gifts for her bridesmaids, and together, they all enjoyed relaxing within the spacious 14-person lodging, creating lasting memories before the big day.
On Saturday morning, the ladies opted for the convenience of being in the venue dressing suites. Conversation and laughter erupted all morning long while the hair and makeup team pampered the bridal party. Jake and his groomsmen arrived at Emerson Suites once the ladies departed. They enjoyed a laid-back morning watching football on the TV as they began getting ready. The lodging served as the perfect place for them to unwind before the flurry of wedding day activities began.
First Looks
The couple opted for a more traditional approach, choosing not to have a first look together before the wedding. Instead, Jake shared a heartfelt first look with his mom on the front patio of Emerson Fields, creating a precious moment filled with love and anticipation. Chrysa saved her grand reveal for the stage inside the venue, where her bridesmaids joyfully discovered her in her stunning wedding gown. Before the ceremony, Chrysa shared a touching moment with her grandfather, who saw her in her gown for the first time, adding a layer of sentimentality to the day. These unique first look experiences added a personal and intimate touch to the wedding day, reflecting the importance of their family.
Chic // Romantic // Fall
Chyrsa and Jake’s vendor team got started decorating Emerson Fields for a beautiful fall wedding reception early on Saturday. The couple had envisioned an outdoor wedding ceremony with the fall foliage in the background. On the morning of the wedding, the projected high temperature dipped into the low 40s and the couple decided to move from an outdoor fall wedding ceremony to an indoor ceremony. At Emerson Fields, we are always flexible and can make the switch between ceremony locations work, especially with unexpected weather changes.
Our staff and the event management team took the initial outdoor ceremony plan and reworked it for inside the venue. We set up chairs near the stage for close family and friends, leaving the tables decorated and ready for the reception. Wedding guests arrived and found their seats at their table with a great view of the ceremony on the stage. The king’s table for the wedding party and their plus ones served as an aisle marker. The venue’s gold Chivari chairs paired elegantly with the eucalyptus and soft peach roses loosely tied with a bow along the aisle.
“We even had to pivot from an outdoor to indoor wedding, and even that decision was not stressful thanks to the great team at Emerson and our amazing vendors.”
Indoor Fall Wedding Ceremony
It always warms our hearts to witness the unique touches our couples bring to their wedding ceremonies. Chrysa and Jake's special day was a genuine family-filled celebration. Since Chrysa and Jake wanted to stick with tradition and not see each other until the ceremony, D-Zines Weddings installed white drapery at the back of the venue so Chrysa could be concealed and make a big entrance. Jake’s face when he saw his bride coming down the aisle was priceless! They were both beaming with joy. Chrysa's grandpa, affectionately known as "Poppie," proudly walked her down the aisle.
Their officiant was Jake’s brother-in-law and he had everyone laughing and feeling the love during the heartfelt ceremony. Jake’s mom and sister sang a beautiful song during the ceremony, adding a personalized touch to the special music. The room was buzzing with anticipation and joy as Chrysa and Jake read their vows to one another. Jake began his vows with “You’re my favorite person” and that sealed the deal for the crowd! Instead of a unity expression, Chrysa and Jake decided to have the marriage license signed during the ceremony.
“I think having our family so engrained in the big day made it one of a kind. ”
Chrysa and Jake shared their first kiss on the stage as their family and friends cheered! They swiftly made their way down the aisle, exchanging a second kiss before slipping out the back of the venue for a moment of privacy.
Fall Wedding Reception Venue
As Jake and Chrysa made their way to the pavilion for some intimate newlywed portraits, their guests made themselves at home at Emerson Fields with lively conversations and savoring specially crafted cocktails. The couple thoughtfully showcased a rendering of Emerson Fields as their guest book, inviting guests to leave their heartfelt messages on the border of the framed artwork. The venue was adorned with cherished family heirlooms, including the cake topper from Chrysa's grandparents' wedding and framed photographs, adding a sentimental touch to the celebration. The photo booth proved to be a popular attraction, drawing guests to capture fun moments on the vintage settee, creating additional fun memories to cherish.
Live Band and Dance Party
Chrysa and Jake were highly conscious of ensuring their guests had an incredible weekend wedding experience at Emerson Fields. For most attendees, it was a cherished weekend getaway with many guests traveling from out of state. Chrysa and Jake fully embraced the spirit of celebration for their reception plan. The toasts from the wedding party were crafted with a blend of thoughtfulness and humor. Opting for a highly interactive live band from St. Louis, MO, Chyrsa and Jake aimed to provide guests with an exceptionally entertaining time. To elevate the overall experience, the couple decided to add on the Celebration Package for their Emerson Fields weekend wedding, featuring a dazzling live fireworks display and a late-night pizza delivery. This thoughtful addition not only kept the party going but also resonated with guests who appreciated the intentional and fun elements seamlessly woven into their weekend wedding experience.
Diamond Empire Band truly stole the spotlight with its exceptional performance. Setting up during cocktail hour, they effortlessly captivated everyone with their high-energy music during the reception. The venue came alive with music from the seven-piece ensemble, immersing everyone in an unforgettable experience. Chrysa and Jake's first dance marked the beginning of an epic celebration, as the band skillfully grabbed everyone's attention, infusing the atmosphere with a vibrant and lively energy that lasted throughout the evening. If you’re looking for a wow factor for your guests at the wedding reception, take notes!
“The band truly set the tone for our wedding and really made sure everyone had a great time. I think the dance floor was full the entire night!”
Live Wedding Painter
One highlight of the wedding reception was the live painting session by Cindy Scott Artistry. Cindy's skillful artistry always captures the essence of the celebration by seamlessly weaving together all of the elements into a beautiful piece of art. Chrysa and Jake will no doubt cherish the canvases as lasting mementos of their wedding day.
We asked Cindy for her perspective on working with this couple for a unique wedding keepsake.
“Chrysa contacted me early on in her wedding planning, excited about incorporating the experience of a live painting, and had a couple of very specific requests for me. As we talked, I gathered she was very sentimental, she wanted to provide a memorable experience for her guests, and she loved that their wedding would happen at Emerson Fields with plenty of spaces for guests to explore and enjoy themselves, with scenery that would make for stunning photos.
The live paintings, actually two canvases for Chrysa and Jake, hit on all of those things. I worked to adequately represent the scenery and light-filled space of the venue from my pre-ceremony work (overhearing some sweet pre-wedding jitters among the wedding party and close family) all the way til the near-end of their reception with a jam-packed bouncing dance floor.
Guests loved watching the progress of the paintings, able to pick out details of the event that they had witnessed themselves, and commenting on how quick the artwork was coming together. Chrysa's 's sweet Poppie noticed his late wife, Chrysa's beloved Mimi, painted in to further tell the couples' unique story - a step beyond what their photography could do. It's always an honor to be invited into such intimate moments, and such major milestones in a couple's story. And each story sticks with me as I continue following and cheering my couples on.”
Chrysa and Jake envisioned a family-filled fall celebration at Emerson Fields, making it the ideal weekend wedding destination, but not too far from home. With guests coming from just a few hours away, Emerson Fields offered the perfect getaway. The wedding preparations kicked off on Friday, transforming the venue into a romantic fall celebration that lasted through Sunday’s farewells.
Some of our favorite highlights from Chrysa & Jakes’s wedding:
Chrya’s Poppie! He’s just the sweetest. The cheer squad turned bridal party was pretty amazing as well.
The convenience of on-site lodging at Emerson Suites allowed the bridal party to get ready before the rehearsal dinner.
What began as a Friday evening slumber party seamlessly transitioned into a Saturday morning filled with breakfast and glam team arrivals, adding to the charm of this unforgettable weekend wedding.
Saturday unfolded into a beautiful whirlwind with their indoor Oscar-style ceremony that was full of laughter and celebration over Chrysa and Jake's commitment.
The night culminated in a joyous celebration of live music, a packed dance floor, and jaw-dropping fireworks, leaving everyone with lasting memories.
On Sunday morning, amidst gathering belongings, we got to see Chrysa and Jake and give them all of our love and well wishes before they departed. Saying goodbye is the sad part.
“It was a great experience. I can honestly not say enough great things about Amelia and her team. From the very beginning, all of our questions were answered, and we never felt like a bother asking additional questions. ”
Emerson Fields stands as a premier weekend wedding destination in the Midwest, offering the perfect setting for gathering with dear loved ones and creating unforgettable memories. Couples from various corners of the United States have chosen Emerson Fields for their weekend getaway wedding, making it a cherished wedding destination. We would be delighted to host your weekend wedding experience at Emerson Fields! Click HERE to inquire about planning your fall wedding at our Missouri wedding venue.
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Looking for more fall wedding venue inspiration? Check out this blog: Your Guide to Fall Weddings in Missouri
Vendor Team
Guest Count: 185
Wedding Photographer | Kelsi Crockett
Wedding Venue | Emerson Fields
Wedding Videography | Megyme Productions
Florist | Petaled Pail
Catering | Raspberry’s BBQ
Desserts & Wedding Cake | Cakes by Kristina
Bartender | Case N’ Keg
Musicians | Diamond Empire Band
Bridal Gown Boutique | Mimi’s Bridal Town & Country, Enzoani gown in “Ora”
Bridesmaid Gowns | Bella Bridesmaid St. Louis
Menswear | Matthew Mason Clothing - Chris Alwan
Rings | Clayton Jewelers
Shuttle Service | Good Guys Shuttle
Event Management | Sheridan Bealmer, D-Zines Weddings
Napkins & Glassware | A.B. Helton Fine Linens and Rentals
Other rental decor | D-Zines Weddings and Petaled Pail
Gabrielle Isom - 01/25/2024