real-life love stories • resources for brides
real-life love stories
•
resources for brides
welcome to the blog
As a Kansas City wedding photographer, I'm in the business of capturing beauty. But
just as important a part of the job is providing my clients with information they need
to ensure their wedding goes off without a hitch (other than the intended one, of course!).
I share a lot of those helpful details here, alongside featured engagement sessions and weddings. So take a look around for inspiration as well as insight that I hope will help you
make the most of your own wedding-planning process. And if I can assist in any way, just ask!
As a Kansas City wedding photographer, I'm in the business of capturing beauty. But just as important a part of the job is providing my clients with information they need to ensure their wedding goes off without a hitch (other than the intended one, of course!).
I share a lot of those helpful details here, alongside featured engagement sessions and weddings. So take a look around for inspiration as well as insight that I hope will help you make the most of your own wedding-planning process. And if I can assist in any way, just ask!
and other words of wisdom
I'm so happy you're here.
In most cases, it's advisable from a timeline perspective for the bride and groom to have a first look and then to do a majority of their portraits prior to the ceremony. This tends to create a more relaxed flow for the day.
However, only you can decide whether it's a priority for you to wait until the walk down the aisle to see your fiancé. So pick the option below that best suits you!
do you plan to
do a first look?
yes, I'm all
for a first look.
no thanks,
i think I'll wait.
will you have a long
break between events?
will you have
a long break?
This refers to a break of more than two hours between the ceremony and reception (as opposed to a shorter break like a cocktail hour). Lengthy delays like this typically occur only at Catholic weddings.
It's worth noting that this scenario is one that often lends itself well to shooting portraits after the ceremony and thus may not require a first look for making the day flow smoothly.
yes, I'll have
a long break.
yes, I'll
have a
long break.
no, my events
are back-to-back.
no, my
events are back-to-back.
WILL YOU HAVE A LONG
BREAK BETWEEN EVENTS?
WILL YOU HAVE
A LONG BREAK?
This refers to a break of more than two hours between the ceremony and reception (as opposed to a shorter break like a cocktail hour). Lengthy delays like this typically occur only at Catholic weddings.
It's worth noting that this scenario is one that often lends itself well to shooting portraits after the ceremony and thus may not require a first look for making the day flow smoothly.
yes, I'll have
a long break.
yes, I'll
have a
long break.
no, my events
are back-to-back.
no, my
events are back-to-back.
WILL YOU TRAVEL
BETWEEN LOCATIONS?
Travel time is something couples often don't take into much consideration, but it can really add up over the course of a wedding day and thus is an important factor for including in a timeline.
It's also important to consider all points in the day that can involve travel – including travel between venues as well as travel to and from portrait locations.
Travel time is something couples often don't take into much consideration, but it can really add up over the course of a wedding day and thus is an important factor for including in a timeline.
It's also important to consider all points in the day that can involve travel – including travel between venues as well as travel to and from portrait locations – even if everything is fairly close together.
yes, I'll need to allow travel time.
no, I'll be staying
at one site all day.
no, I'll be staying at one site all day.
WILL YOU TRAVEL
BETWEEN LOCATIONS?
Travel time is something couples often don't take into much consideration, but it can really add up over the course of a wedding day and thus is an important factor for including in a timeline.
It's also important to consider all points in the day that can involve travel – including travel between venues as well as travel to and from portrait locations.
Travel time is something couples often don't take into much consideration, but it can really add up over the course of a wedding day and thus is an important factor for including in a timeline.
It's also important to consider all points in the day that can involve travel – including travel between venues as well as travel to and from portrait locations – even if everything is fairly close together.
yes, I'll need to allow travel time.
no, I'll be staying
at one site all day.
no, I'll be staying at one site all day.
WILL YOU travel
BETWEEN LOCATIONS?
Travel time is something couples often don't take into much consideration, but it can really add up over the course of a wedding day and thus is an important factor for including in a timeline.
It's also important to consider all points in the day that can involve travel – including travel between venues as well as travel to and from portrait locations.
Travel time is something couples often don't take into much consideration, but it can really add up over the course of a wedding day and thus is an important factor for including in a timeline.
It's also important to consider all points in the day that can involve travel – including travel between venues as well as travel to and from portrait locations – even if everything is fairly close together.
yes, I'll need to allow travel time.
no, I'll be staying
at one site all day.
no, I'll be staying at one site all day.
WILL YOU TRAVEL
BETWEEN LOCATIONS?
Travel time is something couples often don't take into much consideration, but it can really add up over the course of a wedding day and thus is an important factor for including in a timeline.
It's also important to consider all points in the day that can involve travel – including travel between venues as well as travel to and from portrait locations.
Travel time is something couples often don't take into much consideration, but it can really add up over the course of a wedding day and thus is an important factor for including in a timeline.
It's also important to consider all points in the day that can involve travel – including travel between venues as well as travel to and from portrait locations – even if everything is fairly close together.
yes, I'll need to allow travel time.
no, I'll be staying
at one site all day.
no, I'll be staying at one site all day.
Do you want your
grand exit captured?
Do you want your exit captured?
This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving an hour or so earlier.
In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.
This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving earlier.
In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.
yes, I want my exit captured.
no, I don't need all-day coverage.
DO YOU WANT YOUR
GRAND EXIT CAPTURED?
DO YOU WANT YOUR
EXIT CAPTURED?
This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving an hour or so earlier.
In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.
This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving earlier.
In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.
yes, I want my exit captured.
no, I don't need all-day coverage.
DO YOU WANT YOUR
GRAND EXIT CAPTURED?
DO YOU WANT YOUR
EXIT CAPTURED?
This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving an hour or so earlier.
In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.
This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving earlier.
In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.
yes, I want my exit captured.
no, I don't need all-day coverage.
DO YOU WANT YOUR
GRAND EXIT CAPTURED?
DO YOU WANT YOUR
EXIT CAPTURED?
This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving an hour or so earlier.
In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.
This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving earlier.
In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.
yes, I want my exit captured.
no, I don't need all-day coverage.
DO YOU WANT YOUR
GRAND EXIT CAPTURED?
DO YOU WANT YOUR
EXIT CAPTURED?
This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving an hour or so earlier.
In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.
This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving earlier.
In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.
yes, I want my exit captured.
no, I don't need all-day coverage.
DO YOU WANT YOUR
GRAND EXIT CAPTURED?
DO YOU WANT YOUR
EXIT CAPTURED?
This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving an hour or so earlier.
In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.
This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving earlier.
In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.
yes, I want my exit captured.
no, I don't need all-day coverage.
DO YOU WANT YOUR
GRAND EXIT CAPTURED?
DO YOU WANT YOUR EXIT CAPTURED?
This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving an hour or so earlier.
In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.
This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving earlier.
In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.
yes, I want my exit captured.
no, I don't need all-day coverage.
DO YOU WANT YOUR
GRAND EXIT CAPTURED?
DO YOU WANT YOUR
EXIT CAPTURED?
This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving an hour or so earlier.
In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.
This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving earlier.
In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.
yes, I want my exit captured.
no, I don't need all-day coverage.
your timeline
is ready! yay!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
your timeline
is ready! yay!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
your timeline
is ready! yay!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
your timeline
is ready! yay!
your timeline
is ready! yay!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
your timeline
is ready! yay!
your timeline
is ready! yay!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
your timeline
is ready! yay!
your timeline
is ready! yay!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
your timeline
is ready! yay!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
your timeline
is ready! yay!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
your timeline
is ready! yay!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
your timeline
is ready! yay!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
your timeline
is ready! yay!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
your timeline
is ready! yay!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
your timeline
is ready! yay!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
At some point in recent years, it struck me as strange that despite growing up in Topeka, I’d never been to the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site — which memorializes one of the most well-known cases in Civil Rights history. And after visiting the Little Rock Central High School National […]
At some point in recent years, it struck me as strange that despite growing up in Topeka, I’d never been to the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site — which memorializes one of the most well-known cases in Civil Rights history. And after visiting the Little Rock Central High School National […]
...
Despite the name of this post, I would be remiss to not point out that this was not just an anniversary trip; it also doubled as the final of our four trips for Seth’s 4-0. We hadn’t initially planned for any of them to serve as a dual celebration for two separate occasions, but after having to cancel an August […]
Despite the name of this post, I would be remiss to not point out that this was not just an anniversary trip; it also doubled as the final of our four trips for Seth’s 4-0. We hadn’t initially planned for any of them to serve as a dual celebration for two separate occasions, but after having to cancel an August […]
...
Even before she swiped right on his Tinder profile, he stood out from the others — simply because she recognized him from her microbiology class at Fort Hays State University. That little boost of familiarity didn’t mean, though, that she was ready to jump into a relationship right away. It was a […]
Even before she swiped right on his Tinder profile, he stood out from the others — simply because she recognized him from her microbiology class at Fort Hays State University. That little boost of familiarity didn’t mean, though, that she was ready to jump into a relationship right away. It was a […]
...
Surprising her with a proposal wouldn’t be easy, given that they’d been together for several years — and the engagement ring in his possession was one she’d picked out. But despite these giveaways that he’d soon be popping the question, the detail that truly tipped her off was his insistence that their five beloved […]
Surprising her with a proposal wouldn’t be easy, given that they’d been together for several years — and the engagement ring in his possession was one she’d picked out. But despite these giveaways that he’d soon be popping the question, the detail that truly tipped her off was his insistence that their five beloved […]
...
They met in Milan — Milan, Missouri, that is. And while this small Midwestern city might not be as renowned as its Italian counterpart, it’s certainly significant to their story. at her friend’s quinceañera. They went on to marry at a courthouse about five years ago, and since then, the Catholic ceremony […]
They met in Milan — Milan, Missouri, that is. And while this small Midwestern city might not be as renowned as its Italian counterpart, it’s certainly significant to their story. at her friend’s quinceañera. They went on to marry at a courthouse about five years ago, and since then, the Catholic ceremony […]
...
Even in this modern world of dating apps, a blind date arranged by a human being rather than an algorithm can still do the trick for starting a love story — which is exactly what led to this perfect pairing and their wonderful wedding day. About their vision for this occasion, Kristen shares: Our […]
Even in this modern world of dating apps, a blind date arranged by a human being rather than an algorithm can still do the trick for starting a love story — which is exactly what led to this perfect pairing and their wonderful wedding day. About their vision for this occasion, Kristen shares: Our […]
...
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