Shelby and Dalton’s wedding was at one of our favorite venues–Kempker’s Back 40 in southern Missouri. As a Jefferson City wedding photographer, we love photographing weddings in this lush and picturesque part of Missouri. With rolling hills, dry creek bottoms and historic barns, this venue has an overwhelming number of beautiful backdrops.

There were so many things to capture on Shelby and Dalton’s wedding day. After their outdoor ceremony in front of the weathered grey barn, the wedding party piled into a pickup truck for an alternative hay ride through the countryside. I think I shot 1000 images on the ride. Lots of balancing acts off the back of the trailer and the danger/excitement of avoiding a hole in the bottom of the trailer floor made things interesting.

After the hay ride, the wedding party was introduced into the reception. Even with a bit of rain, Shelby and Dalton danced the night away under a canopy of string lights. Guests loved the line dances and the evening ended with our favorite kind of beautiful blue twilight.

Congratulations to these two newlyweds! Scroll down to see all of our favorite crazy moments from this wedding at Kempker’s Back 40…

Bride and groom hold their dachshunds at this Jefferson City wedding.
White miniature horse in the woods of Kempker's Back 40 wedding venue.
View of the Kempker's Back 40 wedding venue near Jefferson City, MO.
Lots of hands helping button up wedding dress in Westphalia, MO.
Classic fine art wedding photographer in Jefferson City.
Bride holds a card from the groom before her wedding in Jefferson City.
Bride on the couch with dogs while reading groom's letter.
View of the Kempker's Back 40 barn wedding venue in mid-Missouri.
Engagement ring on a cake pop at mid-Missouri wedding.
Drunk wedding party on hay ride in southern Missouri.
Shirtless best man gives toast at Kempker's Back 40.
Bride and groom have first dance at Kempker's Back 40.

Thanks to the following vendors who contributed to Shelby and Dalton’s day!

Venue – Kempker’s Back 40

Florist – Argyle Flowers

Wooden signs – Handmade by couple

Popcorn bar – Ready’s Popcorn

Desserts – The Sugar Tree Cupcakery & Bakery

Vintage glass lanterns – Belong to grandmother

Bride’s dress and hair accessory – Belle Mariee

Bride’s shoes – Gianni Bini

Bridesmaid dresses – Bill Levkoff

Bride and bridesmaids robes – Divine Bridal Shop

Groom and groomsmen suits – Samuel’s Tuxedo 

Custom koozies – Midwest Advertising

Dog bow ties – Meranda Makes

DJ – Around the Clock