By Photos by Ivory Grove Photography/Nichole Park Photography
For Zola Crowder and Ian Heck, getting married was truly a family affair. The Columbia couple met more than five years ago at the FieldHouse, when both were students at the University of Missouri. Although neither Zola nor Ian were Columbia natives, the pair opted to make their home here after graduation. So when it came to their wedding in Missouri, family and friends from all over the world arrived to join in the celebration. “We were able to spend the entire weekend in this little slice of paradise surrounded by our closest friends and family,” Zola says.
And the families of both the bride and groom worked to ensure the weekend was perfect, from start to finish. Zola’s family helped style her hair and makeup, create the wall decorations for the reception, as well as the invitations and signage. Ian’s family stepped in as the officiant, flower girl and ring bearer, as well as making a beautiful letter box. Family friends served as ushers and performed the music for the ceremony. “It truly incorporated family throughout the entire weekend,” Zola says.
While the weekend was spent at the Cedar Creek Hotel & Event Center in New Haven, Missouri, Columbia was represented in so many ways. From Zola’s dream dress, which was found at Vows Bridal & Formal and altered by Designs X Nadine, to Ian’s wedding band created by Buchroeders Jewelers and the rehearsal dinner cake made by Sugar, Butter & Flour. “Our wedding was one heck of a weekend,” Zola says. “So much love, laughter and magic.”
At the ceremony itself, even though there was not a cloud in the sky for the lakeside nuptials, a light sprinkle of rain began to fall to the delight of all. “People always say it’s good luck if it rains on your wedding day,” Zola says. “It truly felt like God and our loved ones were watching from above.”
To submit your wedding for consideration, send information and photos to mleroux@mailzimmer.com.Include your and your spouse’s names, occupations, wedding date, location and your photographer’s name.
