The Creekside Barn Wedding in Nebraska | Kori and Connor
Kori and Connor’s fun, family-focused Roca Berry Fam wedding in Nebraska was a masterclass in incorporating significant family elements into a celebration. From the decorations to the invitations to the trail mix snacks, every aspect was lovingly crafted by a family member. Their day showed how the little details really do matter, and how fun it is to involve everyone in the process!
Kori and Connor met when they were just in seventh grade. “We ran hurdles together, and I remember his calm presence and how stinking funny he was,” Kori said. Connor remembers their first meeting vividly. His basketball had rolled over to Kori, and she wouldn’t give it back until he told her his name. “I told her my name, and Kori doesn't even remember that to this day. I had a crush on her even back then,” said Connor. Sparks flew throughout the rest of school, and their families knew they’d someday be attending a ceremony where the pair said, “I do!”
I first met Kori and Connor for an engagement session in downtown Omaha. With brick walls and city streets as our background, this session had this modern, urban feel that beautifully contrasted against the countryside wedding they were planning. The beautiful Roca Berry Farm was the first thing Kori knew she needed to get booked for her big day. “This has been my dream venue even before I started dating Connor,” she said!
The wedding morning started with Kori and her mom getting ready together, with a few breaks for Tik Tok recordings in between. I took the detail photos while the wedding party got ready for the day. But these weren’t just any old detail photos! Connor loves Air Jordans, so Kori bought her first pair in honor of the day, and she wanted them incorporated into her gallery! So we were able to put a fun spin on the standard, elegant detail shots.
While I was playing with flowers and sneakers, Kori had her hair done in natural, loose waves by Wendy Ziemba from Impulse Studios and her makeup by Keri Hastings. She zipped up her simple, strappy dress from The Bridal Collection, stepped into her summery Kork-ease shoes, and was ready to walk down the aisle. But not without a first look!
Even though traditional first looks are lovely, I love when couples add additional first looks with family members. Kori had a heartfelt first look with her dad, who teared up when he saw her. Then, we went to the first look with Connor, where they shared their personal vows from custom wooden vow books from Etsy. The moment was sweet and emotional as they reflected on when they met and how far they had come in their relationship.
The ceremony itself was very family-focused, including the potted plants that lined the aisle from Harmony Nursery. Every family member planned on taking home a plant post wedding reception! Kori’s sister’s seven children made a trip down the aisle, totaling up to three flower girls, two ring bearers, and two junior bridesmaids! The wedding party then walked down the aisle in a mix of colors inspired by the countryside, such as rose and dusty blue. Then came Kori, and she absolutely took the guests’ breath away. The family elements continued throughout the ceremony as Kori and Connor tied a unity string, and each of their fathers burnt the ends of it with a candle.
After the “I do”s, it was time for a hay rack ride and portraits! But a wedding day can be long and exhausting for a bride, so it was no surprise to me when Kori got a foot cramp mid-portrait session. But Connor was there to the rescue! Rather than pushing through, he pulled her aside and massaged her foot for her. It was such a sweet moment that sincerely showcased their love for each other, and how much Connor cares about Kori.
That’s something that really stood out to me during this celebration: the genuine, tender care everyone present had for each other. And that love was made tangible by the details of the day. All around us were items handmade by family members, including the bridal bouquets painstakingly created by Kori and her Mom. Even the wooden centerpieces on the table were hand-carved by Kori’s dad!
When the reception began, the party REALLY kicked into gear! Connor Mogul of The Music Mogul played great music into the night, and the guests tore up the dance floor. For just a moment, I was able to steal Kori and Connor away for some evening photos outside, and before we knew it, it was time for the sparkler exit into the party bus!
Before the wedding, Kori described her vision: “I envisioned lots of colors, antiques, lots of thrifted and DIY projects. Great food, amazing cake, candid moments, and our closest friends and family.” Her vision couldn’t have come more beautifully to life! I loved capturing it all for her so she can treasure it all for decades to come.
Venue : The Creekside Barn at Roca Berry Farm
Hair Stylist : Wendy Ziemba with Impulse Studios
Makeup Artist : Styles with Keri
Bridal Boutique : The Bridal Collection
Bridal Shoes : Korkease
Groom Attire : Tip Top Tux
Groom Tie : The Tie Bar
Groom Shoes : Nike
Floral Design : DIY by Kori & MOB from Hobby Lobby
Ceremony Florals : Harmony Nursery
DJ : Conner Mogul - The Music Mogul
Linen Rentals : Elite Events Rental
Rings : Gundersons Jewelers
Invite Design : DIY on Canva
Mirror Design : Junkin Chic
Dessert : Hyvee
If you have a wedding on the way, I’d love to talk about how I can help you realize your wedding photography vision, too. Or if you want to check out some more epic weddings, see below!
xx,
Jennifer Lourie
