Guests milled about the rooftop terrace of the Kansas City Public Library, where Brooke and William Hardy were married.
{ submitted photos by patrick binder }
Brooke Hardy, 28, and William Hardy, 29
Wedding date: Sept. 5
Altar alternative: This bookish bride and groom wed on the rooftop terrace of The Kansas City Public Library downtown.
Aside from its stunning view, the streamlined space contains planters of wildflowers and illuminated glass floor tiles that added subtle shine during the post-dusk reception.
Inside, the striking architecture of the former bank provided gorgeous photo opportunities.
Location inspiration: “We knew from the beginning that we wanted an unconventional space,” Brooke Hardy said. “We had attended too many weddings that seemed exactly the same — we really wanted to do something more unique. We wanted something permanent and personal where we could pass by in the future and remember our wedding day.”
The rite stuff: “We were able to time everything so the sun was setting during our ceremony and it was dusk/dark during the reception,” William Hardy said.
The couple designed Dewey Decimal-inspired bookmarks for party favors and used stacks of books to hoist cupcake stands at the reception.
“We were going for a stylish, sophisticated look, but didn’t want to take anything too seriously,” Brooke Hardy said.
The only hitch: Unbeknownst to the couple, about a dozen onlookers assembled on an adjacent rooftop.
“When William and I were pronounced man and wife, the unexpected guests clapped and whistled and yelled their well wishes down to us,” Brooke Hardy said.
