The Moments That Matter: Drew & Mike’s Spring Wedding

Drew & Mike’s April Wedding at Hawthorne House: A Wedding Day Made Their Own

There is no one right way to plan a wedding.

While there are traditions, timelines, and plenty of inspiration to choose from, the most meaningful wedding days are often the ones that feel most like the couple themselves. Drew and Mike's April wedding at Hawthorne House was a beautiful example of just that!

With their closest friends and family surrounding them, their day was thoughtfully planned around what mattered most to them: being together, celebrating with their people, and fully enjoying every moment of their wedding day. And that's something every couple can take away from their story.

From a Birthday Party to Forever

Drew and Mike's story began at a mutual friend's birthday party on the night of Drew's graduation. They talked throughout the evening, but Mike never got Drew's number. A few weeks later, they both ended up at the Lake of the Ozarks with a group of friends. They started talking more, and when they returned to Kansas City, they decided to go on a proper date. The rest is history!

Their engagement story was just as memorable. Mike planned a surprise proposal party for Drew, but there was one small detail he forgot to mention to the guests helping with the surprise: the celebration was actually happening at their house, not at the restaurant where they had just had dinner. When they arrived home, Drew found the house decorated for a party, complete with a banner that read, "She Said Yes." Mike quickly sent her to check the front door, where two of her best friends from college were walking up the driveway. Once everyone was inside, Mike got down on one knee and asked Drew to marry him.

Although their friends already knew the proposal was coming, the moment was still perfect. After Drew said yes, her whole family came out of the guest room to celebrate with them! From the very beginning, their story has been about bringing the people they love together, and their wedding day carried that same sentiment.

Planning a Wedding Around What Matters to You

One of the best pieces of wedding advice we can offer couples is simple: figure out what matters most to you and build your day around it.

For Drew and Mike, what mattered most was having their favorite people together and being able to spend meaningful time with them throughout the celebration. That priority influenced several of the choices they made on their wedding day and helped create an experience that felt authentic to who they are as a couple.

A First Look That Gave Them More Time Together

Drew and Mike chose to have a first look before their ceremony, giving them extra time together throughout the day! Their first look allowed them to take photographs before the ceremony and join their guests during cocktail hour. They loved being able to spend that time celebrating with family and friends, sharing conversations and soaking in the excitement of the day.

It was a timeline decision that reflected what mattered most to them: being present with the people who had come to celebrate their marriage.

An Intimate Celebration

Drew and Mike celebrated with 107 of their favorite people, creating a day filled with connection and joy! Every guest was part of the story they've built together, and having them all in one place made the celebration feel especially personal. From heartfelt conversations to a full dance floor, their wedding reflected what mattered most to them: sharing the beginning of this next chapter with the people they love.

Making the Most of Your Venue

Drew and Mike made the space their own by incorporating pieces from Hawthorne House's décor collection into their celebration. Their florals from added beautiful spring touches throughout the day, complementing the natural beauty of the property. With trees beginning to bloom around Hawthorne House, April provided a gorgeous backdrop for photographs by Brooke Buck Photography. The combination felt elegant, welcoming, and perfectly suited for a spring wedding!

The Details That Made It Feel Like Them

Some of the most memorable details from Drew and Mike's day were the thoughtful touches that reflected their personalities and preferences. They chose Margaritas and Manhattans as their signature cocktails, giving guests a taste of two of their favorites during the celebration. Brancato's Catering provided the evening's meal, while Sweet Boutique KC created their wedding cake. Their DJ kept the celebration going throughout the reception, giving their guests plenty of time to dance and celebrate. Lovely Beauty KC helped Drew and her bridal party get ready for the day, while Courtney Captures KC documented the celebration on video. Together, each vendor helped bring Drew and Mike's vision to life and create a wedding day that felt uniquely theirs!

Let Your Wedding Be Yours

Wedding planning comes with endless ideas, inspiration, and traditions. It can be easy to feel pulled in many different directions along the way, but what we love most about Drew and Mike's wedding is how clearly their choices reflected what was important to them. They prioritized time with their guests, meaningful moments together, and a celebration filled with the people they love most. From their first look to their signature cocktails and thoughtfully chosen guest list, every decision contributed to a day that felt personal, joyful, and true to their story.

A Day Worth Remembering

In April, Drew and Mike celebrated their marriage surrounded by their favorite people, beneath blooming spring trees and in a space they made their own. Their wedding was filled with meaningful moments, genuine connection, and so much joy! Most importantly, it reflected who they are as a couple and what matters most to them.

When you're planning your own wedding, start by asking yourselves what you want to remember most about the day! Let those priorities guide your decisions and create a celebration that feels authentic to your relationship. Drew and Mike created that kind of day, and we were so happy to be a part of it! ♡

Drew & Mike's Vendor Team

Venue & Coordination: Hawthorne House
Photographer: Brooke Buck
Videographer: Courtney Captures KC
Entertainment: DJ Connection
Florist: Wild Hill
Beauty: Lovely Beauty KC
Caterer: Brancato's Catering
Cake: Sweet Boutique KC