C&S | Bonner Springs Summer Wedding | The Farm at Wooden Springs

August 27, 2019

Photos from Chris and Sam’s summer wedding in Bonner Springs at the Farm at Wooden Springs by Kansas City wedding photographer Jerry Wang Photography.

Title | Our Story

Tell us how you first met? Who what when where why? Give us the dirty details.

Chris and Sam met on the dance floor on a warm, Wednesday evening in June of 2013. Chris was just getting ready to start his second senior year, and Sam was eagerly anticipating her junior year at the University of Kansas. After spotting each other across the room and making eye contact awkwardly throughout the night, an instant connection was made between the two. Although Chris left with only her number that evening, fate had other plans to bring them together. Sam had plans to go to Worlds of Fun the following day. Coincidentally, Chris was performing there over the summer. Sam was surprised to see the man she had connected with the prior evening drumming at a theme park in Missouri. What were the odds!? Some might call it fate.

When did you know he / she was the one? Was there something he / she did?

Chris: I knew Sam was the one when we were driving back from her family’s annual 4^th of July celebration. I remember arriving back at my apartment and telling Josh (my roommate at the time) that I was going to marry her. I’ve never doubted it since then.

Sam: It was one specific conversation we had about five or six months into our relationship. We were sitting together on the couch in my college apartment, and out of nowhere, Chris started talking about our “timeline.” I sat quietly and listened as he planned out our future together – when we would get engaged, buy a house, have children. I distinctly remember thinking to myself, “okay.” I felt no sense of hesitation, fear, or anxiety – only comfort. Everything he was saying sounded so right.

What is the most memorable date you’ve ever had?

Chris: Well, it wasn’t necessarily a single date, but our weekend trip to Omaha a couple of years ago was so much fun!

Sam: Every single week when we go to the grocery store! We make a date out of it with lunch or dinner, and I’m always so incredibly happy when we get our cart and start wandering the aisles together. I turn into such a giddy puppy following him around, hanging all over him – it’s ridiculous.

Tell us about the proposal (did you see it coming, how long was it in the planning? How did you feel? Nervous, excited, freaking out?)

It’s difficult, being in a relationship with Chris. Sam knew a proposal was coming. Chris and Sam had been discussing it for a while, and Sam thought she knew the perfect time and place for it to occur. Sam’s family was coming into Lawrence for the KU/OU football game on a Saturday in November, and she thought getting engaged on campus in front of her family would be a perfect scene of joy and love. Chris had other plans. Although he did not deny that they would be engaged at the football game that Saturday, he left out (rather intentionally) a few small details. Chris and Sam had dinner plans the Friday before with their great friends Josh and Allison Maddux (Shout-out to those two! Go look at their pictures on this website!). After dinner on the Plaza, Allison feigned the desire to take pictures of the group. As you may expect, one of the pictures was Chris on his knee. Sam was in utter shock. After a few “No!”s of disbelief, she said “Yes!” and walked away with a beautiful ring on her finger.

Tell us the one thing you love most about each other.

Chris: I love Sam. Everything about her is incredible. She is so smart, she is so kind, and out goals in life align so well! If I had to pick one thing that I love most about Sam, it would be the way I feel when she is in my arms. The loving warmth and calming rhythm of her breath, coupled with her soft skin and eagerness to cuddle bring me a level of happiness unmatched in my life.

Sam: Chris is the most impressive person I’ve ever met. He is full of genuine confidence, and he never hesitates to reveal his authentic self. Both his eagerness to learn and willingness to fail inspire me daily. He is the greatest teammate and my perfect opposite. He is kind, slow to temper, disciplined, and patient. His passion for his career, family, and friends is truly one of a kind. I am so lucky to have found such an incredible partner!

If you feel comfortable, share with us something silly or quirky the other person does

Chris: Have you ever ridden the Mamba at Worlds of Fun? If you have, I can think of no better metaphor for the roller coaster of emotions Sam will experience in a given day. No, a given minute. The highs and lows come suddenly and swiftly. However, with my guarding rail of love and my seatbelt of patience, this thrilling ride of emotion is one that I hope never ends.

Sam: So, during our first ever meal together, Chris didn’t utter a single word. Seriously. I thought to myself, “there’s no way this is going to work out.” However, I quickly learned that he just has these crazy, winding conversations with himself in his head! He’ll be thinking about the green beans on his plate, which will turn into Royals’ baseball players of the 80s, and then somehow end up at Game of Thrones. Now, I just let him do his thing and eventually ask, “Where are we?”

Describe the theme or décor for your wedding.

Our target was upscale family reunion – casual but elegant. The floral displays were the focus of the design, which were enhanced by the simplistic style and setting of the venue. We avoided too many “extras” so our guests could enjoy conversation without feeling overwhelmed by activities.

Vendor List

Photography | Jerry Wang Photography

Hair | Tavvy Potts (The Wild Side)

Transportation | Pech Limousine

Ring | Shane Co.

Florist | Heart and Soul Floral

Ceremony Venue | The Farms at Woodend Springs

Reception Venue | The Farms at Woodend Springs

DJ / Entertainment | Mic King

Catering | Olive Events

Cake and Cookies| Tasty Kake Co.

Dress Designer | Made With Love Bridal