Beautiful Innsbrook Resort Wedding: Sophia and Ryan

Apr 8, 20203 min read

One of the things I love about photographing weddings is spending time getting to know my couples. The engagement session is a really wonderful opportunity to watch them connect and laugh and ask them questions about each other. Sophia and Ryan are fun to be with and they also share a strong faith. They laugh a lot and they know each other so well. It seems they are a perfect match. Sophia is into marketing and creating beautiful things and happens to be AH-MAZING at make-up. I mean flawless. Ryan is into biochemistry, hunting and hopes to become a brew master. Sophia said that Ryan is, “the best man I know”. I think that’s pretty sweet to love each other so well.

You can check out Sophia and Ryan’s engagement session here. It was a sweet lead up to their wedding on February 29th (yes, Leap Day) at the Innsbrook Resort in Innsbrook, Missouri. It was an absolutely stunning winter Missouri Wedding Day! It was unseasonably warm and the sun was shining. Grateful for that gift as a wedding photographer.

Sophia and her bridesmaids had access to the Innsbrook Resort’s Bridal Suite overlooking the lake. The wedding florals by Bloominous were made up of classic whites and tiny pops of yellow with bold green accent leaves. They worked so well with the hunter green bridesmaid’s dresses. I couldn’t believe that Ryan’s mom created all the lovely bouquets!

Sophia’s mom and Ryan's mom tucked themselves away and helped Sophia put her stunning Blush by Hailey Paige wedding dress on. This was a special moment for them and then a great way to have a reveal with her bridesmaids afterwards.

The guys got ready in a lodge room right inside the clubhouse over a few beers and laughs. Before long, it was time for the ceremony to begin. Sophia remembers this as her favorite part of the whole day. She shares, “Ryan’s cousin Gwen Schwartzkopf was our officiant, and we actually hadn’t heard the ceremony she had written until the actual ceremony, and it was so beautiful. Her metaphor about life and the faith journey being like a bike ride was really beautiful.” It truly was.

After Sophia and Ryan were announced as Mr. and Mrs. Schwartzkopf, the cocktail hour began. Sadie and I whisked Sophia and Ryan off for some portraits. As the sun started it’s decent on the horizon, Sophia asked to wear a fur coat that happened to be a family heirloom. It was the perfect accessory and she rocked it! As we were finishing up portraits of Sophia and Ryan, he noticed a group of white-tailed dear just hanging out in the field next to the clubhouse. We laughed about it and I’m sure he wished he could have gotten a little closer. Wink. Wink.

The reception began with a yummy meal catered by Innsbrook Resort followed by the first dances. I loved their choices. Take a listen.

Sophia and Ryan danced to Forever Like That by Ben Rector.

Sophia and her dad danced to Daughter by London Wainwright III and Ryan and his mom danced to a cover of You Are My Sunshine.

Enjoy.

Sadie and I loved documenting your beautiful day Sophia and Ryan. We can’t wait to feel super jealous when we see all your beach photos from your upcoming honeymoon. (get out of here Corona). Thank you a million times over for being so incredible.