Typically, you’ll find Morgan Rider and Kody Darnell cranking out reps at the gym. (That’s actually where they met!) But, on Saturday, August 12, 2023, Morgan and Kody became husband and wife with a beautiful Willow Creek Barn wedding in Frankfort, Indiana.
I can’t begin to tell you how honored I was that Morgan and Kody trusted me to be their wedding photographer, and I’m so excited to share their lovely, lavender and sage wedding on the blog!
Morgan & Kody Darnell celebrated their marriage with a Willow Creek Barn wedding in Frankfort, Indiana.
Wanting a country wedding vibe and a location that was centrally located for their families, Morgan and Kody decided to have their big day at Willow Creek Barn in Frankfort, Indiana.
The day started with Morgan and her girls getting ready in Willow Creek’s bridal suite with hair by Rachel Rayburn (Yes! We’re related!) and makeup by Jodi of MoMichell Makeup Artistry. (Side note: It was a warm day, but the fact that the girls’ hair and makeup held up all day is a testament to how talented this hair and makeup team are!)
After all of Morgan and Kody’s beautiful details had been photographed and videoed (If you’re looking for a videographer, LVP Studios is amazing!), hair and makeup were complete, and getting ready photos had been taken, Morgan kicked off her and Kody’s wedding day with a first look with her bridesmaids, a first look with her dad, and—finally—a first look with her groom.
Now, after their first look and taking some photos, Morgan and Kody were thrown for a bit of a loop. You see, they had planned and put together a beautiful outdoor ceremony. However, as guests began to arrive, it began to downpour.
While I’m sure this oh-so-sweet couple was feeling anxious, they invited all of their guests to come hang out in the barn and—with the help of Willow Creek Barn’s incredible staff—decided to delay their ceremony by 30 minutes so that the rain could pass and chairs could be dried. And, just wait until you see the ceremony space. It was just beautiful, and I think you’ll agree that Morgan and Kody made the right choice!
Following their ceremony, which included both traditional and personally written vows and Morgan and Kody putting their brand into a beautiful piece of wood, we moved on to quickly taking family and bridal party photos so that Morgan and Kody could get onto the portion of the day that they’d been most looking forward to: their reception.
And, let’s just say that between DJ Sunn of RatPak Mobile DJs (one of my very favorite wedding DJs), glow sticks, delicious barbeque from Eddie Joe’s Icehouse, and cigars around the fire, Morgan and Kody’s reception was a grand time from beginning to end! And, Megan (my second shooter), LVP Studios, and I certainly enjoyed ending the night with sunset photos with Morgan and Kody and their grand sparkler exit—which Willow Creek did an excellent job of orchestrating.
I’m not sure what happened after photo coverage ended, but knowing Morgan and Kody, I have no doubt that their celebration continued to be a great time!
On their wedding day, one thing was evident. Kody & Morgan understand what it means to put one another first.
There were countless perfect aspects and details of Morgan and Kody’s wedding day. However, as I think back on August 12, 2023, something really stands out. And, that is the fact that Morgan and Kody already know what it means to put one another first.
You see, throughout the day, Morgan and Kody had a few decisions to make. For example, should they delay their ceremony because of the rain? Should they push back their reception time a bit to take all of the family photos they’d wanted to take?
They may have had different opinions on these matters, but in each and every situation, they consulted one another, were clearly willing to do what the other thought was best, and reached compromises.
Morgan and Kody, I hope and pray that you always approach life with the same mindset and hearts that you did your wedding day: with love for one another, by putting one another first, and by choosing to have fun in the process.
Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Darnell!
Morgan and Kody, I am just so, so honored that you trusted me to be your wedding photographer. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for allowing Megan and me to celebrate your big day with you and to capture your first day as husband and wife.
I hope the two of you love these previews from your Willow Creek Barn celebration. But, I hope you love being husband and wife even more. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Darnell!
Want to see more of Morgan and Kody? Check out their sunrise engagement photos in Lafayette, Indiana!
Creative Team
Venue: Willow Creek Barn
Officiant: Pastor Eric Alwine
Wedding Dress Boutique: Nancy’s Bridal Boutique
Wedding Dress Designer: Madam Burcu
Seamstress: Taylor To Go
Hair Stylist: Rachel Rayburn
Makeup Artist: Jodi Fujimot of MoMichell Makeup Artistry
Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie
Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse
Florist: 21 Petals
Caterer: Eddie Joe’s Icehouse
Baker: Little Miss Cupcakes
DJ: DJ Sunn of RatPak Mobile DJs
Rings: Vierk’s Fine Jewelry
Videographer: LVP Studios
Photographer: Victoria Rayburn Photography
