Madison and Jay O’Neill

Tied the Knot:  October 13, 2018

Madison (Clay) O’Neill, 30, attended University of Kansas and earned her degree in communication studies with minors in business and dance. She currently works and travels as a business development executive for a local bridal designer and wholesaler, Essense of Australia. Madison enjoys her one-year-old Bernese mountain dog, Rosemary, and updating the couple’s 83-year-old home in Waldo.

Jay O’Neill, 29, graduated from UMKC with a communication studies degree and works in the supply chain and logistics field for Smart Warehousing. Jay is a devoted dog dad who enjoys a good evening on the patio with friends and spending time with family.

Madison and Jay met while working for Essense of Australia, a wedding gown company. “We saw each other passing in the hallways for several months,” Madison smiles. “We were too shy to start a conversation!”

Jay’s proposal plan proved to make him a little uncomfortable. “We went to Catawissa, Missouri, to pick up our Bernese mountain dog puppy,” shares Madison. “We had walked around a small lake with our new puppy, Rosemary. Even though it was a hot day, he was wearing a heavy jacket; the ring was in the jacket pocket. We were getting ready to leave and Jay dropped down on one knee and popped the question. After I said ‘Yes,’ a much-relieved and very hot Jay quickly took off his jacket.”

The blissful couple tied the knot October 13, 2018. Attending Madison as Maid of Honor was Kelsey Lemieux; bridesmaids were Becca King and Britney Truitt. Jay’s Best Man was his brother, Kyle O’Neill; groomsmen were Kyle Kirk and Matt Thompson. 

Madison wore an heirloom gown that was first worn by her grandmother on December 14, 1943, and subsequently by her aunt and mother. The 75-year-old gown of luminous Skinner satin, in candlelight, originally featured a sweetheart neckline, leg-of-mutton sleeves extended to a point over the hand, and a skirt that lengthened into an aisle-wide train. The back of the dress featured 31 satin-covered buttons and loops that began at the neckline and trailed down the back, ending in a dropped-V waist. Madison altered the original gown, using the lower portion as the skirt over her own custom wedding dress. Following the ceremony, she took off the skirt, thus achieving two looks for her special day.

The couple honeymooned in the Greek islands, visiting Santorini and Crete. ■

 Photography
Laura Foote Photography
2nd Shooter, Bailey Pianalto

Bridal Gown
Belle Vogue Bridal

Bridesmaids’ Gowns
Belle Vogue Bridal

Groom’s Suit/Tux
Suit Supply

Groomsmen Suits/Tuxes
Generation Tux

Florist
Blue Bouquet

Caterer
The Intercontinental

Wedding Venue
Loose Park Rose Garden

Reception Venue
The Intercontinental

Hair Styling and Makeup
Traci Morby

Cake
Adorn Cakes

Videography
Luxe Studios

Wedding Coordinator
Nellie Sparkman, Events and Stationery Studio

Jeweler
Calhoun’s Jewelers, 
Montanari Fine Art Jewelers