Ian and Hannah’s Fresh Air Farm vintage barn wedding was a beautiful blend of nostalgia, rustic charm, and love.
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Ceremony & Reception Venue: Fresh Air Farm Photography: Cassandra Castaneda Photography Gown: Tara Keely Menswear: Men’s Wearhouse Bridesmaid Dresses: The Gown Gallery Invitations: YellowBrick Graphics Hair: Paisley & Stripe Salon Makeup: Kay Kremer Flowers: Wild Hill Flowers PhotoBooth: The Photo Bus KC Band:The Magnetics Cake: Adorn Cakes Videography: One Tree StudiosIan & Hannah’s Love Story Ian and I met while I was attending the University of Kansas in Lawrence and he was stationed at Fort Riley in Manhattan. We had mutual friends that decided to throw a Halloween party in Manhattan. They told me before the evening started that I had to meet Ian because he was the male version of myself. Ian was supposed to be deployed to Afghanistan that very week but his orders got cancelled and he was able to join the party. He arrived dressed as Alex from “A Clockwork Orange.” Halloween is my favorite holiday, so I loved how he got into character and even went so far to apply false lashes on one of his eyes! We didn’t get to talk much during the party but were the last two standing that night, which opened a window of opportunity. We started talking and found out we had a lot in common. He was very charming and genuine. That night was the first time I had ever kissed a man with fake lashes on. After that Halloween night, we dated long distance for three wonderful years. We decided to spend my 24th birthday in Kansas City. Ian made plans for us to go to Loose Park since they had a pretty rose garden currently in full bloom. Afterward, we had plans for dinner on the Plaza. Looking back, I should have known it was being set up for a proposal, but I honestly didn’t have a clue. It turned out to be oddly hot for a fall day, and Ian was wearing a wool sports jacket (to hide the ring box). I know he gets hot easily, so I was confused on why he insisted on wearing it the entire walk. We came to a bridge with a beautiful willow tree in the background. He stopped and was quiet for a moment. He then dropped to one knee. I started crying while he said, “Hannah Renae Mitchell, you have been the light of my life and I want you to continue being my light. Will you marry me?” Of course, I said yes! We decided to have a year and a half engagement and were able to live together for a year of that, which was wonderful! We both wanted a small intimate wedding. We ended up having around 80 guests, all immediate family, and close friends. We are both laid back and enjoy the outdoors, so we loved the barn idea. Our wedding was rustic, intimate, chic, with a dash of boho. What made our wedding truly unforgettable was the band and fireworks show! Our wedding and honeymoon was the most amazing experience we could have ever dreamed of. It was truly the happiest day of our lives! A Few Special Pieces: The diamond in my ring had been carried in our family for a very long time. My mom gave Ian the ring when she came to visit us in Texas. She was hugging me goodbye, took it off her finger, and handed it to Ian without me even noticing. After receiving the ring, Ian had the diamond reset and learned from the jeweler that it is an old European cut diamond. The history and familiar family connection to the diamond means so much to me. The Groom’s Favorite Part of the Day My favorite moment of the day was seeing Hannah for the first time. I’ve never seen her, or any woman for that matter, look so absolutely beautiful. The Bride’s Favorite Part of the Day My favorite part of the day was when we got to share a quiet moment together in the barn directly after being announced as husband and wife. We exited the ceremony to “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” and made our way directly to the barn. The emotional feeling is somewhat indescribable, but we both knew that what we were feeling in that moment was magical.