I met Cassidy and Lucas last year at Luc’s sister’s wedding (hi, Beca and Layne!) and I remember thinking, “WOWZA. This couple is smokin’ hot.” But also, I thought they were so incredibly cute together. Turns out, they’ve basically been cute together their whole lives, because—brace yourself—they’ve already been together for eight years! Turns out, sometimes you just know when you’ve found the right one. These two now-Texans chose the gorgeous Willows Bend Wedding and Event Space in Carbondale, KS just south of Topeka. This gorgeous lakeside wedding space also has an indoor venue that is open, beautiful, and perfect for a new beginning to an already wonderful relationship.

Before the wedding

Cass is stunning in every day life, so seeing her light up on her wedding day was quite an experience. Her mom and sister—also her maid of honor— helped her start her day off right. I really love seeing the way these women adore and support each other. Mom is so proud of her girls and it shows.

I loved Cass’s gown—an elegant, handmade, off-the-shoulder dress from Grace Loves Lace in Dallas. I’m a bit obsessed with this company, which designs gowns for what they call an “effortlessly sophisticated, captivating, down to earth, sexy and authentic woman.” And that’s Cass.

I also just have to say, that first look with Dad always just melts me into a puddle of goo. It gets me every time I get to see a dad turn and see his daughter in her wedding dress, glowing and beautiful. I can see the emotion in her dad’s eyes—those years of memories running through his head, and how his little girl is all grown up. That moment is the sweetest.

Lucas was looking so GQ as he got ready for his big day. The Black Tux—a modern tux company that allows people to try their tuxes on at home—kept him looking suave and so incredibly handsome.

The lakeside wedding

The wedding day itself couldn’t have been any more perfect. Willows Bend is a gorgeous setting for a wedding. Only open since 2019, this venue is such a great find and I have a feeling that, despite Covid-19, it’s going to have massive success in the coming years!

When this couple finally said, “I do,” it was a long time in the making. Eight years after they first started dating, Mr. and Mrs. Boyd made their happily ever after official.

Making the most of Willows Bend

The couple, their wedding party, and I took full advantage of Willows Bend. Both inside and out were absolutely gorgeous. From the views alongside Carbondale Lake to the interior of the Willow Bend event space itself, there just wasn’t a bad spot for photos.

Celebrating the Boyds

Finally, the guests were beyond excited to celebrate Luc and Cass. From the toasts to the first dances, every moment was beautiful for these two newlyweds.

And finally…

This couple’s day was made unforgettable with so many stellar vendors, including Emily Mills for hair, and rings from Diamonds Direct. The gorgeous floral designs were from the incredibly creative Chinell’s by Ariel. For the reception, catering was done by Virginia Soppe, BellaRoca Cakes made the cake, and music was by Aaron Koker at Sound Origin Productions. And, most importantly, congratulations, Cass and Luc, and thank you for allowing me to capture your absolutely perfect day!