McKenzie and Samantha’s Timeless and Chic Country Club Wedding

Samantha and McKenzie tied the knot at a beautiful country club in Omaha, NE., not far from where they met more than five years ago at the University of Iowa. Mae Small Photography beautifully documented the cherished love between these glowing brides on their wedding day, where the bright green grass looked radiant as they said “I do” on a fall day in a ceremony that was as stunning as it was personal.

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The Love Story

College football season is a magical time, especially for Samantha and McKenzie who first crossed paths tailgating before an Iowa Hawkeyes football game. They both happened to be spending the weekend at a mutual friend’s apartment, and they hit it off right away. “We spent the next few weeks texting and talking on the phone and finally agreed to meet in Des Moines — halfway between where we were both living at the time,” McKenzie says. “That was five years ago, and we were inseparable ever since.”

Years later, McKenzie and Samantha were in Captiva Island, Florida, celebrating Samantha’s birthday. “I proposed to her the morning of her birthday, and we drank champagne on the beach the entire day,” McKenzie says.

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The Ceremony

Two large flower pillar arrangements with white flowers served as a beautiful altar backdrop on the green grass of the country club where the brides saw each other for the first time on their wedding day after walking down the aisle to Etta James’ “At Last.” “I think we were both surprised that we picked a similar style of dress,” McKenzie says. The bridal party wore chic light pink flowing dresses in an array of styles and held beautiful bouquets of baby's breath.

The brides wrote their vows and recited them in between a few of their favorite songs, which were played by a string quartet. “We wanted to make sure our ceremony reflected our relationship and the things we loved most,” McKenzie says. “I adored that we were surrounded by so many people we loved, and that everything was so personal. Looking back, I believe our day reflected everything we hold dear to us as a couple and what we will continue to hold dear in our marriage.”

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The Party

White linens covered the round tables in the reception room, and gold accents added a beautiful contrast to the tablescape where white lilies and champagne roses served as a beautiful centerpiece. A delicious seated dinner consisted of a salad of market greens, roasted sweet potato, goat cheese and candied pecans tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette with lemon parmesan chicken served over Yukon whipped potatoes and sauteed seasoned vegetables.

The brides shared their first dance to “ILYSB” by Lany, an upbeat electronic song with sweet sentimental lyrics. After a night filled with dancing, pizza was delivered and a tasty smores bar was set up near the firepit to combat late-night munchies. An epic crisp white six-tiered cake with incredible detailing towered in all its delicious glory in two flavors: classic white wedding cake and white cake with lemon filling, which paired perfectly with their signature cocktail of Tito’s vodka and a splash of cranberry with lime.

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Team of Talents

Venue: Omaha Country Club
Photography: Mae Small Photography
Videography: Wedding Memories of Omaha
Floral Design: Melrose Floral
Stationery: Minted, Wedding Paper Divas
Catering and Cake Design: Omaha Country Club
Wedding Dress: Wtoo by Watters, Madeline Gardner
Wedding Accessories: Rhylan Lang, Von Maur
Bridesmaids Dresses: Ready or Knot
Men's Suits: Jerry Ryan
Makeup Artist: Lauren Woita Beauty
Hair Stylist: Kontempo
DJ: DBaz Event Group
String Quartet: Midland String Quartet

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