Sometimes I start writing a blog and realize about halfway through that it has a theme. It normally doesn’t start with one…but when I sat down to write this blog the theme was simple and clear: family.
If you’ve been married, are to be married, or have even stepped foot inside of Silver Oaks there’s probably a point in time we’ve referred to you as “family.” At this point, most of you know that Silver Oaks Chateau was built from the ground up by husband and wife team Ron and Sandi Tate. Their vision was a space and customer service that felt like a second home for your family for the day. Their daughter, Andrea, works here part time. Ron and Sandi make a point to treat the two full timers, Todd and myself, like family too.
When Ron and Sandi’s niece Kaitlyn was engaged, the entire day was a no brainer. It was finally time to have real family spend the day at Silver Oaks Chateau.
Last year had its rough points for many and our Silver Oaks family was no exception. You all know that brides and grooms, I’m sure Kaitlyn as no exception, had added stressors associated with the pandemic during their wedding planning. You may also know that venue owners and other small business owners shared their most challenging year. What you do not know, is that this particular family experienced the passing of several loved family members amidst everything else. Ron and Sandi each dealt with the passing of a parent through the year. Through it, they held family a little tighter and celebrated every moment they had with family. Kaitlyn’s grandma, and Sandi’s mother, was actually able to make it to Kaitlyn’s wedding and I am sure the entire family will treasure the memories of Kaitlyn and Blake’s wedding a little extra because of it.
There are so many more details I want to go into about Kaitlyn and Blake’s perfect - literally perfect - day, but I could write for hours and I’m afraid I’ll lose you. Unsurprisingly, Ashley Fisher does it again and captures more in these photos than I could possibly put into words, so maybe I’ll let her tell the whole story. Just make sure you scroll ALL the way through to catch the fun Chiefs details, cozy cocktail hour, greenery galore, and endless treats on treats on treats!
I will say, you have to take note of the backdrop. The leaves dropped earlier than normal this year so we were almost worried the color wouldn’t be perfect. Of course, Silver Oaks property showed up for Kaitlyn and Blake. Pro tip for you Missouri brides: if you want COLOR, the very end of October and first week or two of November is when to book your wedding. You cannot go wrong!
Caterer: Ces and Judy’s Catering
Photographer: Ashley Fisher Photographer
Florist: Walter Knoll
DJ (Ceremony and reception): Millennium Productions
Chalkboard: Jenna Jordan