A Fairytale Fall Wedding: Madeline & Joe at Lost Hill Lake

A Golden Autumn Celebration: Madeline & Joe’s Forest Wedding at Lost Hill Lake

Under a crisp October sky surrounded by the rustling trees of the Lost Hill Lake’s Forest Venue, Madeline and Joe tied the knot in a day filled with laughter, love, and the warmth of fall. Their October wedding celebration perfectly captured the magic of the season - from the intimate moments of their first look to the glow of candlelight during their evening celebration.

A First Look Among the Trees

Madeline and Joe began their day with a sweet first look at Thinking Rock, one of Lost Hill Lake’s most scenic forest spots. Their two dogs, Billie and Murphie, joined the moment - making for heartwarming photos with the help of WedPets, adding that extra touch of personality to the day. Surrounded by golden leaves and dappled sunlight, their portraits along the forest trails perfectly reflected their calm and joyful connection.

The Ceremony in Walnut Grove

Guests gathered in Walnut Grove where a traditional arbor draped in white chiffon and accented with a floral corner piece by SisterChicks that framed the couple beautifully. The aisle was lined with natural mossy stumps and vintage glass bottles filled with blooms - simple, earthy, and elegant.

Madeline walked down the aisle arm-in-arm with her parents, while Joe entered with his parents, marking the beginning of a heartfelt ceremony.

The Reception: Woodsy Elegance Meets Cozy Fall Magic

Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktail hour surrounded by the sounds of laughter, clinking glasses, and the rich aroma of Pappy’s Smokehouse catering - a St. Louis favorite that kept everyone smiling.

The couple’s custom wedding package setup blended natural and refined elements perfectly.

Their dessert table was a showstopper - featuring Made by Lia’s signature creations like brownies, hand pies, and a giant cookie cake, styled with gold accents and greenery.


A Sentimental Touch

Throughout the day, family connections and personal details were woven into the celebration. Joe wore a pocket watch inherited from his grandfather, adding a meaningful heirloom to his wedding day look.

A Night Under the Stars

After dinner and a round of toasts, the couple shared their first dance beneath the open-air pavilion before changing outfits and dancing the night away. Guests gathered around fire pits, toasted marshmallows, and celebrated under a starlit October sky - the perfect ending to a day filled with heart and joy.

Take it from the happy couple:

”Our wedding at LHLE this October was an absolute dream! From the very beginning and throughout our engagement, we felt that each member of the LHLE team cared about us and our vision.

We received compliments from guests all night on our fairytale venue and we appreciated that the layout of LHL allowed guests to do more than just dance at the reception, since that's not always something people want to do. Guests could dance all night under the stars, hang out and roast marshmallows by the fire pits, sit and enjoy conversation in the pavilion, or wander the grounds for beautiful photo opportunities and fresh air. The amount of care and love that goes into everything the LHLE team does is so clear and greatly appreciated! We would recommend this venue to absolutely anyone.

We also went with vendors from their Preferred Vendor list and this was one of the best decisions we made (besides booking Lost Hill Lake). Everyone worked together like a well oiled machine which just helped make the day go so smoothly!”


Congratulations, Madeline & Joe! Thanks for choosing Lost Hill Lake Events!

Which Lost Hill Lake Package Will You Choose?

Special thanks to the vendors that helped bring this wonderful event to life:


Tucked away in the scenic woodlands of Franklin County, Lost Hill Lake offers a serene escape for couples seeking a wedding surrounded by nature. Just a short drive from St. Louis, Kansas City, Columbia, Springfield, and Branson, our forest venue blends peaceful charm with easy access for you and your guests.

From intimate elopements under the trees to full weekend wedding celebrations, Lost Hill Lake provides a one-of-a-kind backdrop of towering oaks, open skies, and photo-perfect views - the perfect place to celebrate love, in nature.

Come discover how we can create a truly memorable day for your special event. Ready to see Lost Hill Lake for yourself? Schedule a tour - we give tours 7 days a week!

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WeddingsSamantha Willifordpreferred vendors, wedding