When Allie and Michael’s big day arrived on May 26, 2019, my team and I knew we were in for a real treat. Not only are they the cutest couple—with an adorable dog and 22 friends and family members alongside them as their wedding party—but they also chose The Farm at Woodend Springs to be the host for their celebration.

It was our first opportunity to work at this dreamy family-owned-and-operated venue nestled on 10 acres in Bonner Springs, Kansas. The staff is exceptionally organized and accommodating to ensure their clients are nothing but happy, which is very nice to see! They were an integral part of helping to make the bride and groom’s wedding go as seamlessly as possible.

From the couple’s dog, Cedar, walking down the aisle to the absolutely stunning head table adorned by Wild Hill Flowers, Michael’s memorable welcome speech, Allie’s dance with her grandfather, her uncle surprising the duo with tequila for a margarita bar at the reception, and the magnificent five-tier cake, there were so many details that went into making this stunning affair one for the books.

Read on for Allie and Michael’s wedding day recap and sweet moments captured by the ever-so-talented Tracy of Tracy Routh Photography!

How did you two meet & how did he pop the question? Tell us your love story!

As told by Michael:

The Sunday of Labor Day weekend in 2016, I met up with Allie at a Royals game. I was waiting near a beer stand and watching the game when I turned to see her walking my way. I thought, “This girl is way out of my league, but here goes nothing!” I offered to buy her a beer and she shook her head saying, “No thanks.” Well, at least I tried! After talking for a bit, I gave her a hug and walked away thinking, “I’ll never see her again.” To my disbelief, Allie texted me before I got back into my seat.

That talking kept up and progressed to going on our first date at Nick and Jake’s that following Thursday. I remember picking her up and being incredibly nervous, more nervous than any date I had ever been on. We each got a salad, because I was afraid if she saw the way I maul a chicken wing or shred a rib bone, that would be the end of it. Worst salad I’ve ever had, however, Allie did order a drink! Progress! Our incredible two-hour dinner date and conversation came to an end when I drove her home and offered to walk her to her door. She said no and gave me a side hug in the car. I thought yet again, “Well, you tried!” Following suit, she then immediately texted me saying how much fun she had and couldn’t wait to see me again. Boom!

We hung out Friday and Saturday following our first date and things just took off from there. Two weeks after, I told her I loved her at the Plaza Art Fair followed with, “Oh, will you be my girlfriend?” Luckily, my feelings and question were reciprocated by her and the rest was history. We moved in together in May of 2017, welcomed Cedar to our family in September, proposed in March of 2018, and bought a house in April. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think back to how everything happened and how incredibly grateful I am that Allie said no to a beer.

Describe your wedding vibe in one sentence:

Summer romance.

How many friends, family members, and loved ones attended your wedding?

220

Where did you allocate the most funds?

Food and flowers!

What was totally worth it?

CAKE! Spent almost $1,000, but the beautiful five-tier cake was the centerpiece of the room.

Share a few things that helped you along the way with planning a wedding.

McKenzie's tips for rentals/design, friends/bridesmaids’ referrals for vendors, McKenzie’s checklist to keep me on track timeline wise, and Pinterest for design/flower/dress ideas.

Tell us about some of the songs you used throughout your wedding and why you chose them.

“Make You Feel My Love” - Michael tears up every time he hears it!

Did you have something borrowed, blue, old, and new? Do tell!

Nope! Didn't want to be traditional :)

Do you have any practical advice for a soon-to-be bride? If so, please share your tips!

Do what YOU want/what makes YOU happy - it is your wedding. Not your parents, grandparents, friends, etc. You have to do what makes you happy because the wedding is about the bride and the groom.

What’s next for you as a couple? What memories are you looking forward to making together?

We are just excited to be married and enjoy being together (with our pup, of course!). We hope in the near future to bring a new member into our family (whether it be 2-legged or 4-legged).

Let us know one thing that WOWed you while working with McKenzie Phillips.

McKenzie was always ahead of the game! She would check in when payments were due and keep me on track during the planning process. She was also able to read my mind and know if I liked things just by the look on my face. :) It was so nice to know that the details were taken care of and that I had nothing to worry about the day-of.

Allie & Michael’s Summer Romance Wedding at The Farms at Woodend Springs