Hunter and Tanner’s wedding weekend at Top of the Rock in Branson, Missouri began Friday evening with an intimate rehearsal dinner at Big Cedar Lodge. Surrounded by their closest family and friends, the evening felt relaxed and personal, giving everyone time to settle in, share stories, and simply enjoy being together before the wedding day.
One of the reasons we love photographing more than just the wedding day is that we get to tell more of the story and learn the relationships that matter most. By the time the wedding day arrives, everyone already feels a little more at ease with us and our cameras!
The Wedding Day at Big Cedar Lodge
Paper Haven set the tone for the weekend with a beautifully thoughtful stationery suite, incorporating soft green details and custom touches that felt perfectly at home at Big Cedar Lodge and Top of the Rock.
Hunter’s wedding morning at Big Cedar Lodge was intentionally slow, with plenty of time to hang out with the women closest to her. She spent the morning getting ready alongside her sweet bridesmaids, mom, and grandmother.
Once she was dressed, Hunter shared a first look with her bridesmaids before stepping outside for another few moments with her dad. Both were full of the kind of reactions we love to document: genuine emotion, sweet anticipation, and so much joy! It was a perfect start to the day!
Tanner & His Groomsmen
Tanner spent the morning at Big Cedar Lodge with his groomsmen playing pool, laughing together, and getting ready without any need to rush the morning along.
Once everyone was dressed, they made their way to Top of the Rock for portraits, where the Ozark landscape made the perfect backdrop for a mix of classic group photos and plenty of personality between longtime friends.
Hunter & Her Bridemaids
After wrapping up the guys’ portraits, we spent a little time outside the chapel with Hunter and her bridesmaids before slowing things down for a few bridal portraits of her own. The stone chapel and sweeping views of Table Rock Lake made the perfect backdrop!
A First Touch at Top of the Rock
Before the ceremony, Hunter and Tanner spent a few moments together inside the chapel at Top of the Rock. Sitting in the pews, they read their private vows to one another, laughed, cried, and held hands without ever seeing each other. It was such a sweet way to slow everything down and be fully present together before the ceremony.
As they waited for the ceremony to begin, Tanner and his groomsmen settled in by the windows, shoes off, watching golfers below and taking in the views. It was an easy, unhurried pocket of the day spent hanging out together.. and quite a funny sight to see!
A Top of the Rock Wedding Ceremony
Hunter’s excitement was written all over her face as she made her way down the aisle, while Tanner’s reaction said just as much. Their ceremony was full of laughter and reactions from the people closest to them, ending with raised hands, a celebratory kiss, and a very happy walk back down the aisle together!
After the ceremony, the full wedding party came together outside the chapel, and the energy immediately shifted into celebration. Rather than keeping everything perfectly posed, we made space for them to laugh, move around, and enjoy those first few minutes of Hunter and Tanner officially being married.
Bride & Groom Portraits Overlooking Table Rock Lake
For their newlywed portraits, we stayed around the chapel and took advantage of the incredible views overlooking Table Rock Lake. Hunter and Tanner were playful and completely at ease together, giving us a mix of timeless portraits and the more candid, personality-filled images that feel especially true to them.
Some of our favorite frames came in the in-between moments: Tanner helping with Hunter’s train, her shoes coming off, and the two of them laughing as they moved from one spot to the next!
The Wedding Reception
The entire weekend was thoughtfully brought together by Jackie, Hunter’s friend and former coworker, who stepped into the role of planner with so much grace and love. There is something especially meaningful about having someone who knows you personally help bring your wedding day to life. Jackie could not have done a better job creating a day that allowed Hunter and Tanner to be fully present with their people!
Rosewood Event Floral filled the day with organic white and green florals, while Branson Party Rentals helped complete the reception design!
If you’re looking for a destination wedding photographer, let’s chat!
One of the most memorable moments came after dinner when everyone stepped outside for the daily sunset cannon ceremony. Guests gathered together overlooking the Ozarks as the cannon fired against the evening sky! It was such a fun and unique Top of the Rock experience that made the destination itself feel like part of Hunter and Tanner’s story.
Toasts & Time with Their Favorite People
From Friday evening at Big Cedar Lodge to a packed dance floor at Top of the Rock, Hunter and Tanner’s Branson wedding weekend was full of what we love most: beautiful surroundings, thoughtful details, and plenty of room for people to simply enjoy one another!
Before the night came to an end, Hunter and Tanner shared a final dance and walked through their reception space together to take it all in. One last moment to slow down before their sparkler send off. It was the perfect ending to an incredible wedding weekend!
