A Rustic, Bohemian Wedding at the Red Barn in Jefferson City, Missouri

A secluded red barn set the scene for Jessica Bargate (28 and a creative director) and Jay Pelzer’s (37 and owner of a video production company) laid-back bohemian bash. To put a personal twist on the festivities, the pair filled the day with their favorite things, including vinyl records, lawn games and a vintage Volkswagen Beetle borrowed from a friend. “We knew from the start that we weren’t trying to be traditional or formal in any way,” Jessica says. “We wanted the day to feel authentic and special.” Both the ceremony and reception were held in the same location to ensure a seamless transition and to keep the party flowing. Barbecue was a must-have menu item for the newlyweds, who served pulled pork and brisket alongside savory mac and cheese and sweet vanilla-spiced doughnuts. Cocktail hour called for local brews and signature mojito cocktails, which guests sipped while a local artist drew custom sketches of the partygoers. For their first dance, Jessica and Jay opted for an acoustic version of Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.”