Kristen & Patrick in Columbia, MO

Muted shades of white and taupe accented with vibrant pinks created a fresh feel for this Missouri wedding. The Bride Kristen Rasse The Groom Patrick Hanson The Date September 17 Kristen Rasse and Patrick Hanson’s story begins in the most auspicious of places: their high school parking lot. “The first time we actually talked I was only a freshman and he was a senior,” remembers Kristen (now a 23-year-old sales representative). “I was terrified during the whole conversation!” She quickly overcame her jitters when Patrick (now a 26-year-old real estate appraiser) asked her out four months later, and the two became an item not long after. Seven years later, on the anniversary of their first date, the two had plans to go out for dinner to celebrate, but nothing in Kristen’s wardrobe seemed appropriate for the momentous occasion. “I was very frustrated because I couldn’t find anything to wear, as usual,” says Kristen. She was standing in front of her closet complaining when she heard Patrick ask, “Do you want something new to wear?” She turned around to find him with a ring in his hand. “I was so surprised,” Kristen says, “and of course I gladly accepted.” Nine months later, they married at a historic church in Columbia.