1. Real Weddings

Elizabeth & Keith: An Outdoor Wedding in Shawnee, KS

Elizabeth Fry and Keith Kwapiszeski met through a mutual friend in 1991, at an outdoor concert at Kansas City's Starlight Theatre. Seven years later,

Elizabeth Fry and Keith Kwapiszeski met through a mutual friend in 1991, at an outdoor concert at Kansas City's Starlight Theatre. Seven years later, after graduating from KU and re-locating to Houston, the lovebirds found themselves on Captiva Island, Florida, the grand finale to Keith's week-long, pre-proposal scavenger hunt. Keith popped the question at sunset, on a sailboat, as they sailed past playfully splashing dolphins. THE BRIDE Elizabeth Fry, 24 THE GROOM Keith Kwapiszeski, 26 THE DATE June 12

The Reception
The ceremony was held on the lush lawn and gardens extending from the back of their house. For one summer evening, the backyard was an enchanted forest. Hickory, oak, and elm trees offered shade and filtered light, while redbirds sang from the branches.
I have always been at peace in beautiful surroundings, says Elizabeth. For our wedding, I envisioned a romantic, outdoor setting, with flowing dresses and flowers everywhere. Her mother, a prominent Kansas City-area florist, styled the event with a sunset-colored palette-classic peonies, hydrangeas, lilies, and roses in romantic shades of yellow, pink, lavender, and purple.
Two flower girls, their heads crowned with baby's breath, carried a garland of flowers down the aisle to lie upon the unity candle table.
A handkerchief belonging to Elizabeth's maternal grandmother, also deceased, was woven into her bouquet.
The Couple
The Gown
Flowers circled the horses' necks in wreaths, burst from shepherd hooks lining the bridal path, and thousands of scattered pink and purple rose petals formed a natural aisle upon the grass.
The newlyweds, their families, and other loved ones reveled beneath a gleaming white tent aglow with rosy, reflective light. It had a moonlit, Shakespearean quality, with garden blooms and drippy greenery hanging overhead, lanterns flickering on long tables, and fairy lights twinkling from tall potted trees.
Six bridesmaids wore in silk chiffon dresses in periwinkle, sage, and maize by Belsoie.
The Programs