I don’t think I have ever worked with a couple like John & Shay. These two were so sweet in love, and I always had a blast during each of our conversations and meetings. I loved that both of them were passionate about getting married and planning their celebration together. After searching out several venues, these two decided to celebrate their marriage at Stephens College, a historic all-women’s college located in downtown Columbia, Missouri. The two used the College’s onsite chapel, named Firestone Baars Chapel, for their ceremony service. The reception was held inside the gorgeous Kimball Ballroom.

We asked Shay, “What made you choose to work with Plan it Terra? Why did that matter to you?”

Shay and her bridesmaids began the day inside Historic Senior Hall where their hair and makeup teams helped get the ladies photo-ready. Senior Hall was full of chatter and excitement; Shay was seriously smiling from ear to ear. Stephens College provided plenty of bubbly and yummy pastries to munch on all morning. Later in the morning, John, the groomsmen, and bridesmen joined everyone at Senior Hall.

While everyone got ready, the vendor team worked hard to setup Kimball Ballroom. Bare Roots created the most beautiful editorial floral arrangements for this wedding. I think my favorite floral was the sweetheart table, which featured a lush statement ground floral. Bare Roots used lots of orchids for this wedding, and they were to die for! SW Productions a variety of lighting details including tree projections, which could be seen later on the ballroom’s windows during the reception.

Rachel Reyes Photography and John Pattyson Videography got started on photographing all of the lovely details including jewelry from one of our favorite local jewelers, Buchroder’s. One of the most stunning items to photograph was Shay’s completely custom bridal gown, which was designed and created by JM Couturiere. Shay chose a beautiful grey lace for her gown, and it was complimented by her stunning bouquet of blushes and whites.

John and Shay met each other for a First Look outside on the Historic Senior Quad, and this nearly put us to tears. They were so dang sweet, but we didn’t expect anything less. After plenty of portraits with each other, the couple took photos with their bridal party and their families. It was important for John & Shay to complete all photos before the reception as they elected to not have a cocktail hour.

As guests arrived for the ceremony, they were greeted by the beautiful sounds of The January Lanterns, a local husband and wife music duo. Ya’ll, if you haven’t heard of them, you’ve GOT to check them out for your wedding. Our team assisted with getting all of the guests seated inside Firestone Baars Chapel and also getting everyone lined up for the ceremony. The couple’s nephews were eager to assist as ushers, so the two were responsible for opening and closing the doors for the ceremony processional. They did a fantastic job.

The ceremony was short and sweet, and it ended with a unique song choice selected by the couple, “This is Halloween.” The January Lanterns killed it! Guests slowly made their way from the chapel to Kimball Ballroom, where the sound selections from DJ Shark Attack filled the space while the vendor team made their transition from ceremony to reception.

The couple and their wedding party made their grand entrance, which was immediately followed by their first dance. A lovely plated dinner was served followed by passed champagne. The speeches from John and Shay’s wedding were hysterical, specifically the Best Man’s. I don’t think anyone was not smiling by the end of his funny, heartwarming toast to the newlyweds. The evening ended with plenty of dancing and energy. We are so excited for John & Shay to spend the rest of their days as husband and wife. Congrats!

John and Shay hired our team for Full Service Planning, which included a variety of planning meetings, vendor and contract procurement, design support, RSVP management, timeline development, a venue walkthrough, assistance with the layout, confirming final details with vendors, facilitating the rehearsal, managing their wedding day, and so much more.

We asked Shay, “What would you say to a couple who is thinking about booking us?”

If you’re looking for a luxury wedding planner based in Missouri that is focused on heart-centered and personalized services, please contact me and my team- we would love to work with you! Check out our blog to get a better sense of our approach to wedding planning & our style, and follow us on Instagram! We love to exceed any expectations you have for your day.

Venue: Stephens College - Firestone Baars Chapel (Ceremony) + Kimball Ballroom (Reception) || Full Service Planning: Plan it Terra led by Terra || Floral Designer: Bare Roots LLC || Custom Bridal Gown: JM Couturiere || Jewelry: Buchroeder’s || Photography: Rachel Reyes Photography || Videography: John Pattyson Videography || Catering & Bartending: Stephens College || DJ: DJ Shark Attack || Bridal Makeup: Studio Bride STL || Bridal Hair: Uplifted Salon || Vintage Rentals: Pretty Little Things || Baker: Wishflour Bakery || Live Musician: The January Lanterns || Lighting & Draping: SW Productions || Rentals: US Rents It || Rentals: A1 Party & Events

Hey, I’m Terra!

Born and raised in Missouri, I’m a grateful wife and dog mom to my rescue pups, Hildi & Lola. I’m a true believer in the pursuit of bold dreams, learning from mistakes, and staying curious.

I'm a girl that lives in her Chacos during the summer, and I'm typically always wearing lipstick. Yes, red is my preference! When I'm not helping engaged couples plan weddings, you'll find me on stage teaching Jazzercise classes. Needless to say, creating engaging experiences that leave people feeling good afterwards is my passion. Seriously!

I’ve created this blog and my wedding packages to empower you to plan an awesome wedding day and put all of the stress and obligations straight into the dumpster! Now that sounds like a party.