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!
I must interrupt my typical wedding-related content to share this lifestyle session I did with my cousin and her family earlier this month, just a week after they welcomed a beautiful boy they named Hayes River. And of course, I know all of us currently enduring a record-breaking cold spell in the […]
I must interrupt my typical wedding-related content to share this lifestyle session I did with my cousin and her family earlier this month, just a week after they welcomed a beautiful boy they named Hayes River. And of course, I know all of us currently enduring a record-breaking cold spell in the […]
...
Given that they met at his going-away party, she didn’t have the slightest inkling he’d ever be more than an acquaintance. He was in the Army, after all, while she’d just started college at Mizzou – and the fact that they wouldn’t live anywhere near each other for the next several years didn’t exactly […]
Given that they met at his going-away party, she didn’t have the slightest inkling he’d ever be more than an acquaintance. He was in the Army, after all, while she’d just started college at Mizzou – and the fact that they wouldn’t live anywhere near each other for the next several years didn’t exactly […]
...
When they set out to plan their wedding, they knew they had quite a task ahead of them – but they didn’t anticipate the added challenge that dry weather would present when it came to turning her parents’ land into their dream venue. Jessica shares: My parents recently built a house that is […]
When they set out to plan their wedding, they knew they had quite a task ahead of them – but they didn’t anticipate the added challenge that dry weather would present when it came to turning her parents’ land into their dream venue. Jessica shares: My parents recently built a house that is […]
...
They knew each other in what may seem like another lifetime now, then reconnected at just the right time to form a beautiful life together – complete with seven kids between them! And this beautiful day that made their family official was definitely filled with a Texas-sized dose of joy. […]
They knew each other in what may seem like another lifetime now, then reconnected at just the right time to form a beautiful life together – complete with seven kids between them! And this beautiful day that made their family official was definitely filled with a Texas-sized dose of joy. […]
...
She was a rare find: A beautiful, classy girl who knew more about cows than he did. Thus it’s no surprise that through the agriculture program at Kansas State University they became college sweethearts – or that several years later they took the next step and tied the knot. Their wedding was at her […]
She was a rare find: A beautiful, classy girl who knew more about cows than he did. Thus it’s no surprise that through the agriculture program at Kansas State University they became college sweethearts – or that several years later they took the next step and tied the knot. Their wedding was at her […]
...
When they began dating as college students, he gave her a ring as a sign of his seriousness. And almost eight years after that gesture, the commitment it signified brought about an even more permanent one – not to mention a new set of rings! A few words from the bride: Our vision for the day was […]
When they began dating as college students, he gave her a ring as a sign of his seriousness. And almost eight years after that gesture, the commitment it signified brought about an even more permanent one – not to mention a new set of rings! A few words from the bride: Our vision for the day was […]
...
check out these favorites:
an elegant summer wedding at the elms
an elegant wedding at
the elms
tips for top-notch travel photography
TIPS FOR TOP-NOTCH TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY
weatherproof
your wedding day
A nature trail session in autumn
at us, visit our adventures
>
we have you covered
with a custom timeline!
unsure how
long you need
a photographer
at your wedding?
create yours!
we haven't been everywhere,
but it's on our list.
