Why I’ve Fallen in Love with Photographing Micro-Weddings


Truth be told, photographing weddings used to stress me out. Capturing one of the most important days of a couple’s life comes with a lot of pressure—and a lot of logistics. Add in a wedding party, extended family, friends, and the occasional rogue Aunt Esther (who may or may not have been pre-gaming cocktails for hours), and things can quickly descend into chaos.


That all changed in December 2023, when one of my childhood best friends asked me to photograph her wedding. Kaselynn and her now-husband, Matt, introduced me to a wedding style that completely changed my perspective: the micro-wedding. And let me tell you—it was magical.



So What Is a Micro-Wedding?


A micro-wedding is an intimate celebration with no more than 50 guests. For Kaselynn and Matt, their guest list was even smaller—just 25 people, mostly immediate family. The result? A relaxed, personal, and unforgettable day.

Three wedding rings arranged artistically on a wooden windowsill.
Beautiful white roses and greenery arranged in a classic bouquet on wooden chair.
Wide view of an A-frame room interior with bridal party getting ready at a house in Innsbrook, Missouri.
A decorated slim Christmas tree stands next to a curtained doorway where someone peeks through wearing a red dress holding a coffee cup
A makeup preparation scene in front of windows with natural light.
Two people getting ready in a bright room with a red dress visible.
Sister of the bride and expectant mother sitting and getting makeup done in preparation for ceremony.
Grandmother and granddaughter smiling at each other while getting ready for wedding ceremony.
Black and white image of bride getting eye makeup done by a professional makeup artist
Black and white Portrait of woman bride in elegant white dress smiling brightly.
Formal portrait of man in white shirt and bow tie against wooden wall. Groom portrait.
Group toasting with drinks at a celebration in rustic wooden venue. Groom and groomsmen getting ready.
Three men in formal attire laughing and enjoying drinks together.
Black and white image of two people sharing an emotional embrace. Groom and his mother.

A Picture-Perfect Day at Innsbrook Resort


The wedding took place at Innsbrook Resort, a charming lake community in Innsbrook, Missouri. The serene surroundings and cozy atmosphere set the perfect tone for a low-key yet stunning celebration. With such an intimate gathering, every detail felt intentional, and every moment was brimming with genuine connection.


Empty waterfront restaurant interior with wooden cross-back chairs and large windows overlooking scenic water view.
Rustic wedding bar setup with wooden whiskey barrels supporting a natural wood tabletop decorated with elegant flowers.
Elegant wedding centerpiece with cream roses, baby's breath, and delicate greenery in a simple glass vase.
Elegant dining room setup with wooden crossback chairs, forest green napkins, and wine glasses on rustic farm tables.
Elegant white rose and baby's breath floral centerpiece in glass vase on wedding reception table with wine glasses.
Elegant wedding table setting with gold charger plates, dark green napkins, and delicate white floral centerpieces.
Rustic wedding reception venue with wooden farmhouse tables, crossback chairs and formal place settings.

What made this wedding so special wasn’t just the picturesque setting or the love shared between the bride and groom (though that was breathtaking). It was the calm, intimate vibe that allowed everyone to be fully present. Without the rush and stress of a large event, I could focus on capturing the quiet, heartfelt moments that tell a couple’s unique story.

From candid smiles during the ceremony to meaningful conversations at the reception, every shot I took felt like a window into their love. It reminded me why I do what I do—and why I’m now such a huge advocate for micro-weddings.


Before the ceremony, Matt and Kaselynn shared a heartwarming first look that perfectly captured their love and anticipation. Despite the chilly Missouri winter day, their radiant smiles and undeniable connection brought warmth and light to every frame.

Wedding first look moment with bride in long sleeve dress and groom in black tuxedo at an outdoor venue.
A couple embraces during their outdoor wedding ceremony overlooking a serene lake on a cloudy winter day.
A romantic outdoor wedding scene with a couple in formal attire standing by a serene lake view on an autumn day.
A couple walks together outdoors along a lakeside path on a cloudy day, with bride in white gown and groom in dark suit.
Couple shares an intimate moment outdoors with bride wearing fur shawl and white boutonniere on groom's lapel.
A happy couple embraces outdoors on their wedding day, wearing formal attire with a natural winter landscape behind them.
A winter wedding couple poses outdoors by a lake with bare trees and shrubs in the background.
A couple shares a romantic moment outdoors in autumn wearing elegant wedding attire with a bouquet of white flowers.
Three people walking outdoors at a winter wedding, with bride in white gown holding bouquet and wearing fur shawl.

Meagen, Kaselynn's twin sister and maid of honor, has been by her side through thick and thin and vice versa. I've had the privilege of watching these two laugh, argue, and support one another since our grade school days, and the bond they share is as strong as ever. The photo above perfectly captures their unbreakable connection—some things never change. :)

Wedding ceremony takes place under a wooden hexagonal arch decorated with greenery against floor-to-ceiling windows.
A couple exchanges vows during an intimate wedding ceremony in black and white photography.
A groom in a black tuxedo and bride in a white dress hold hands during their wedding ceremony near large windows.
A couple embraces during their winter wedding ceremony under a wooden hexagonal arch decorated with greenery and lights.
A member of the wedding party stands at the front holding a white floral bouquet in front of a glass-walled venue.
A young child peeks between wooden cross-back chairs during an indoor gathering or event.
A couple walks down the aisle together after their indoor ceremony with rustic chairs and blue light streaming through windows.

A New Perspective

If you’ve ever considered scaling back your wedding plans, let me assure you—smaller doesn’t mean less special. In fact, it might just be the key to creating a day that’s truly unforgettable. And as a photographer, there’s nothing more rewarding than capturing the raw, authentic beauty of a celebration like Kaselynn and Matt’s.


Wedding guests seated at an elegant table with white linens and floral centerpieces during an evening reception.
People gather at an elegant dinner table with candlelight and floral centerpieces while someone stands to give a speech.
A black and white photo of a couple embracing during their wedding celebration with twinkling lights in the background.
A speaker in a black suit and tie holds a microphone while giving a speech at an elegant indoor reception venue.
A pair of dancers share a joyful moment on the dance floor, with one wearing a navy blue dress and the other in a vest.
Three people in fur coats laughing together at night on a balcony railing.
A couple shares an intimate moment at a nighttime wedding reception, with the bride wearing a fur wrap over her gown.
A bride in white dress and fur coat dances with groom in tuxedo near outdoor fire pit on winter evening.
Newlyweds pose in front of an illuminated neon sign at their reception with elegant white bouquet and formal attire.

Vendors


Venue & Catering: Innsbrook Resort

Florals: Walter Knoll

Dress: Ultimate Bride

Makeup: Megan Dorhauer


Planning a small, intimate wedding? Count me in! I’d love to connect with you and hear all about your vision for your special day. Let’s create something beautiful together.