reclaim|creative

Chris & Krystal’s wedding is one with a great story. What makes it even better is that as their friend, I’ve been able to experience a lot of their story firsthand… so this is going to be a long one…

I met Chris sometime around 2004. We were both students at Missouri State University in Springfield and we had a few mutual friends. I remember seeing him from time to time at concerts and other social events around Springfield before we met. Even before I met him, I had a feeling that he just had to be a super cool guy. Eventually we were introduced and became great friends. In those years, it wasn’t uncommon for a big group of 20-30 people to get together on a nightly basis and have fun themed parties. For example, we once had a “Breakfast Party” to which everyone brought their own box of cereal and we all watched “The Breakfast Club”. We had sushi-making parties, pancake parties, and often explored parts of Springfield that most people wouldn’t dare venturing to (such as climbing up fire-escape ladders of tall buildings in downtown Springfield — just to take in the view on warm summer nights). The bottom line is that some of my most vibrant, fun, spontaneous, and adventurous memories include Chris.

As we grew closer as friends, one of our other good friends bought a house and the three of us became roommates. While we lived together, Chris met a girl. Her name was Krystal. I remember how excited he was when they started dating. He’d talk about their relationship, and I could tell how intense his feelings for her were.

After several months of living in our friend’s house, I decided to transfer colleges and move to a different city, propose to  my then girlfriend (ericamay, of course!), and begin my voyage to eventually end up in Kansas City. Since I left Springfield, Chris and I have still remained great friends. I’ve been able to see his relationship with Krystal grow from afar.

I was so excited for both of them when I heard about their engagement. I couldn’t have been happier when they asked me to be their videographer. Every aspect of their wedding was amazing. The event took place at Peabody’s Farm near Springfield, and it was a beautiful venue for a hot summer wedding day. The details that Chris & Krystal chose (from the music to the decorations) added a vintage and rustic feel to their wedding day. The ceremony took place in the lawn and the reception was in the upper story of Peabody’s Farm’s big red barn. Everything came together to create a romantic and special event that I’ll never forget and am honored to have been a part of.

Chris and Krystal, thank you for inviting me to be a part of your wedding day — and more importantly, thank you for being my friends. I love you both and I love your story. I hope this film provides a little peek into that story of your relationship through one of the most special days in your lives together.

Enjoy!