About a gazillion years ago, in my youth, once upon a time, I did wedding photography. It is fast-moving, stressful, most times fun, and sometimes profitable. The photographs made on a couple's wedding album is the one thing that will last a lifetime in many cases, outside of the rings. Lots of money, time, and effort are put into wedding photography and the wedding in general. According to data from The American Marketing Association, the average wedding will cost 35-50 thousand dollars or higher, depending on where you live. That's a lot of scratch.
With wedding photography, the most important thing for a photographer is to have excellent backgrounds for your shots. Some venues have great backdrops, but others do not. Nothing is worse than showing up to shoot a wedding and doing it in a windowless room with nothing of interest as the backdrop. Ugh. Photographers and brides know the importance of a good background, and most wedding venues are booked with that concept in mind. We recently received a call from a new wedding venue in Marquand.
I've always loved Marquand, and we are even holding the 573 Chalk Festival there in April. It is a cute little town of 209, but they attract many tourists and visitors to their village—simply put, they get it. Marquand is on the clear water Castor River and has several Airbnbs, a winery, history, and a few great places to eat. But the coolest thing there is the old opera house, Homan Hall, built in 1927. And now it is being turned into a great wedding venue. Exposed brick, high ceilings, big natural light, wood floors, a stage, grand piano, located next to the shallow Castor River for great "Trash the Dress" pics, a park, and other outdoor locations for great photography. We decided to check it out and do a shoot there. We grabbed a model, some dresses and flowers, and got to work.
I'm pretty impulsive to some, but... Meet our model, Jackie Martin.
My name is Jacqueline, but I've always gone by Jackie. I'm 25 and from Fredericktown. I love animals and spending time with family. I'm pretty impulsive to some, but I live to experience and create new memories. My job is quite simple: I assist my grandmother with her needs. I've always concluded that helping people is my true calling.
The shoot was cool and fun.
The shoot was cool and fun. I have never had my pictures or hair and makeup professionally taken. Hannah and Sarah were great. Although it was cold—they were working on the building with the heat down—I'm glad I got to be a part of something different and super cool.
I'm glad I got to be a part of something different and super cool.
Homan Hall was originated in 1927. The downstairs was mainly used for Commerce, and the upstairs hosted several forms of musical entertainment, including piano wars and, to this time, an annual Christmas program. The downstairs has been renovated to host wedding ceremonies, and the upstairs has been upgraded to accommodate receptions of all kinds, including weddings, family reunions, birthday parties, and more.
Chic satin white dress provided by Love's Bridal & Prom in Jackson.
February 22, is the grand opening and open house at the hall. Several vendors who provide services for weddings and receptions will be onsite, including caterers, DJs, photographers, and a bridal fashion show. Hours are from 12-4. Door prizes and refreshments will also be available—more info on FB and Marquand Missouri Annual Events.
Thanks to everyone who helped with and provided for this shoot to happen.
Wardrobe modeled by Jackie Martin.
Makeup By Hannah Politte
Hair by Sarah Politte
Pics & Video T. Smugala
For over 100 years, Butterfields Florist has served the community with a strong relationship with its residents, providing quality service and fun! Specializing in weddings and special events several designers on hand to help you plan every detail of your special day. Contact Butterfields Florist.
Roses provided by Butterfields Florist.
Dry floral bouquet provided by Butterfields Florist.
Colorful bouquet provided by Butterfields Florist.
Love's Bridal & Prom is a premier bridal shop in Jackson, serving the surrounding areas since 1990. Our store specializes in formal wear and offers a wide selection of dresses, gowns, and more. We also provide alterations and dress fittings to ensure our customers look and feel best for their special occasions. Discover the perfect dress at Love's Bridal & Prom.
Beautiful white dress provided by Love's Bridal & Prom.
Non traditional bride outfit provided by Dress 2 Impress Resale.
Jacket $12. Skirt $16. Shoes $9. A thrifty outfit.
Dress 2 Impress Resale and Hope 4 Autism in Farmington provide a secure and supportive space for teenagers and adults with autism to enhance their social skills and acquire valuable work experience. The 120-hour unpaid internship, which involves training conducted at Dress 2 Impress Resale, is free. Consider donating now to sponsor an intern at Dress 2 Impress.
Beautiful purple dress provided by The Glass Slipper in Fredericktown.
Pearl sheen dress provided by The Glass Slipper.
The Glass Slipper is focused on making it possible for every young lady to have her princess moment, no matter the season or occasion. The Glass Slipper is a hidden resource for everyone in the 573 area. They carry over 2000 dresses in stock. Most are new and very budget-friendly at $50 or less. You can expect to see brands like Windsor, Azazie, and Everpretty, to name a few. They enjoy offering various sizes, including little girls through women's size 30. You can schedule a personal shopping experience by contacting them at The Glass Slipper.
Beautiful sparkly blue dress provided by The Glass Slipper.
Get Out There! Paint something. Join something. Take that class. Rehab something. Do something. Do anything. What one person can do, another can do. That sunken sofa will be fine without you. Crawl out and live your dream—time's a wastin' and running out!
Pics & Words - T. Smugala aka supreme Leader of 573 Magazine
Be sure to visit all of our awesome sponsors who make these stories possible!