A Kay McFarland Japanese Garden Wedding

The choice of a Kay McFarland Japanese Garden wedding made perfect sense for Meredith and Charles; it was the perfect venue to reflect their laidback personalities. For anyone who hasn't been, the garden is part of the Topeka Zoo and can be rented for private events. It is an absolutely gorgeous space, serene and open and calm. I arrived early to walk the grounds and check in with Meredith, who was preparing to put on her dress while Charles greeted the arriving guests.

They both greeted me like an old friend, Meredith warm and open and Charles joking around immediately. Their fantastic senses of humor punctuated every part of the day, so it was especially moving to catch them in more vulnerable and emotional moments. Waiting to walk down the aisle with his parents, Charles closed his eyes and collected himself.

After both sets of parents had found their seats, Charles did a lap and made his way back down the aisle, this time clapping his hands as if to pump up the crowd (who responded with the enthusiasm and laughter that you would expect from a group of close friends and family). Sharing a laugh with their officiant, he settled himself in and turned his back before Meredith walked down with her dad.

After family photos, we took some time to walk the grounds. Water features and tiny waterfalls were our soundtrack as we admired the red bridges, the teahouse, and the winding walking paths through stones and evergreens.

The reception was in full swing when we finished up, and I was particularly impressed to see that the couple made the full rounds of the room, stopping at each table to greet and visit with their guests. When it came time to cut the cake, Meredith posed with the knife as Charles, ever the joker, put his hands up in surrender. The first dance soon followed, along with a shared Groom and his mother / Bride and her father dance. The floor opened soon after and I got to witness for the first time a very spirited "Church Clap," along with the timeless infectiousness of Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance With Somebody."

I was leaving as the sun was going down, and I asked Meredith and Charles if they felt up to a couple more portraits in the gorgeous light. They obliged, and it was a nice reprieve for them as well to take some moments together in the quiet. It was the perfect end to a perfect wedding day, and I am so happy to have been a small part of it.