I’ve known Katie since Kindergarten. So when she first approached me about shooting her wedding, needless to say, I was beyond honored! And Mark, wow what a guy! I can honestly say it’s been a joy getting to know him, and I have to say they are definitely perfect for one another! I discussed much about their wedding day plans over the past year, shot their oh-so-fun e-session, played with their incredibly cute pup, Izzy, and basically got to know Katie all over again, along with her wonderful new family. They are such hilarious, amazing, fun-loving people, and it has been a privilege and a blessing to work with them! The wedding took place at the beautiful St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, in Springfield, MO. The reception followed at Touch Restaurant just up the road. Such a cool place! Anyway, check out these two beautiful people and their equally beautiful day!
www.kriswalden.com
Katie’s dad gets to see his beautiful daughter in her wedding dress. 
I love this one! 
Mark’s turn! 
This next one is my personal, all-time favorite image from the entire day! So beautiful!
About the bride
Katie was born in Springfield, MO and grew up in Ozark, MO. She went to Ozark High School, where she graduated in 2007. She went to William Jewell College in Liberty, MO where she received her bachelors degree in business with a minor in marketing and a minor in entrepreneurship. She played basketball at Jewell for three and a half years. She lives with Mark in Kansas City and just began her career at Cerner. 
About the groom
The year was 1984, Mark Allen Hillix practically birthed himself during of the greatest storms to ever tear through Missouri. It is rumored that a lightning bolt struck the hospital just as he crowned, causing the power grid to shut down for a mile and a half. Upon exiting the womb, Mark immediately challenged his father’s mustache. The doctor that delivered Mark commented that the mustache was so powerful and majestic that it was difficult to look directly at it without tears forcing their way out of his eyes. The doctor also noted, “The mustache was such a rare breed that it had the ability to shape shift. Handlebars, pencil, normal… even the “Hitler” was achievable with the change of a facial expression. The images still haunt me twenty-seven years later.” The middle years are difficult for historians to pin-point. Stories, legends, myths, and facts all intertwine throughout this young man’s life. Only a few facts are certain. Mark graduated from the University of Missouri – Kansas City, twice. Each time it related to business and such endeavors. Virtually no other facts could be verified as true and could not be used in this section.
How they met
Mark and Katie met in February of 2008. Katie had just transferred to William Jewell in Liberty, Mo to play basketball and Mark was working at GNC in Kansas City, Mo. One day, Katie and her family decided to go shopping at Zona Rosa after a basketball game. While Mark was working that glorious day, Katie and her family stopped by the fine establishment, otherwise known as GNC. Jeff, Katie’s dad, was talking with Mark and asking about different supplements that GNC carried. Mark and Katie exchanged glances throughout the time that Katie and her family were in the store (It was definitely love at first sight). About a week later, Katie came back to Zona Rosa to shop. Fortunately, Mark was outside cleaning the windows of the store and saw Katie coming. He wanted to catch her attention, so what did he do? He sprayed Katie in the face with Windex. “Ooooh sorry, did I spray you there?” Mark asked. They began talking and eventually started dating a few months later. The rest is history! 
The wedding party
“We are very blessed to have great friends in our life. Throughout the years, these people have always held a special place in our lives. Thank you to each one of you who has agreed to be a part of our special day!”
- Mark+Katie Hillix
Katie’s attendants
· Katy Colby, Maid Of Honor
· Hillary Adams, Bridesmaid
· Erica Hogan, Bridesmaid
· Brandie Roberts, Bridesmaid
Mark’s attendants
· Tristan Meck-Gilbert, Best Man
· Daniel Garlow, Groomsman
· Chaz Hoskins, Groomsman
· Steve Ketcham, Groomsman 
Fist bump. 
I love this one! 
Too much fun! 
I love them! 
The photo booth was a blast. So many great pictures!
First dance.
Father-daughter/Mother-son dances.
Props to the DJ: Pulse Productions.
Here’s another of the beautiful bride and groom. 
Mark and Katie honeymooned in Cancun, Mexico.
Congratulations you guys, and I pray for God’s greatest blessings over your household! If you missed their engagement photos, don’t forget to check them out! And check out more from Mark + Katie’s wedding on our Facebook page! Be sure to like us to keep up with all the latest posts!
Mark + Katie’s engagement story:
“We were on their second trip to Florida together in August of 2010. Mark had it planned out with Katie’s dad that we were going to go to a nice dinner and then take pictures on the beach. We had been taking pictures on the beach for about 30 minutes and then Mark says “Hey Jeff, I have a great idea for a pose” then Mark got down on his knee and asked Katie to marry him. Katie’s dad got the entire thing on video along with a lot of great pictures. After the proposal, there was a beautiful rainbow over the ocean. It was a perfect proposal.” :)
