An Intimate Rustic-Chic Wedding at a Private Home in Springfield, Missouri

Neither Rowena Raborar (41 and a marketing manager) nor Wyatt Dameron (36 and a lawyer) had expected to meet their future spouse on a flight from Denver, Colorado, to Springfield, Missouri, in December 2002, but that's exactly what happened. The two hit it off and exchanged email addresses before disembarking, but spoke only a handful of times before losing touch. Seven years later, the two reconnected on Facebook and after a period of long distance, Rowena took the plunge and moved from Los Angeles, California, where she was completing a degree in textile design, to Springfield, Missouri. For their wedding, the couple planned an intimate, laid-back affair at the home of Rowena’s sister. “We wanted the experience to be casual and family-focused,” Rowena says, “and neither Wyatt nor I could stand the thought of getting married in a hotel.” Taking advantage of the innate beauty of the home’s natural setting, the couple exchanged vows on the sweeping lawn against a backdrop of calm water, lush forest and a warm, vibrant sunset. Rowena and Wyatt incorporated Filipino elements, like a veil and cord ceremony, as well more nontraditional traditions, like ring warming as a nod to the importance of family. For the reception, the couple looked to their venue's geometric nature for inspiration and enlisted the help of Rowena’s mother to create geometric terrariums for all the tables. Fresh bunches of wildflowers, earthy succulents and air plants gave the intimate space an organic edge, while dozens of brightly lit pillar candles infused the evening with an air of romantic ambiance. Flour sack towels, fresh herbs and jam jars had a distinct rustic flair and a palette of copper, silver, navy and cream hues was sophisticated and chic. A tip from Rowena: “We are both older and went into the wedding knowing full well that we wanted it to be about us, our immediate families and close friends. Having that as a guiding principle helped us keep the spirit of the wedding alive throughout the months of planning.”