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                  

erin wisdom-watson
thanks for stopping by!
I'm so happy you're here.
let's connect:
(quite literally!)
we have you covered
with a custom timeline!

I have you covered
with a custom timeline!

unsure how long you need a photographer?

click here to
create yours!

free resource!

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!

submit

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!

submit

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!

submit

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!

submit

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!

submit

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!

submit

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!

submit

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!

submit

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!

submit

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!

submit

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!

submit

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!

submit

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!

submit

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!

submit

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!

submit

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!

submit
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A SWEET SPRING WEDDING IN INDEPENDENCE

Theirs may have been a love story that started later in life, but the expression in his eyes when he looks at her shows young love isn’t only for the young. Tilda and Gary: Your day and your dynamic together were a delight to capture. Here’s to many years of as much happiness as you had today! […]

OPEN

Theirs may have been a love story that started later in life, but the expression in his eyes when he looks at her shows young love isn’t only for the young. Tilda and Gary: Your day and your dynamic together were a delight to capture. Here’s to many years of as much happiness as you had today! […]

A SWEET SPRING WEDDING IN INDEPENDENCE

OPEN
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...

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AN UPTOWN THEATER WEDDING RECEPTION

What a colorful and lively, fun and funky wedding reception these two had – and it was a delight to get to document it! Erinn and Max: Thanks so much for the honor of capturing your first few hours as husband and wife, and all the love of those who came to celebrate them with you. If this day […]

OPEN

AN UPTOWN THEATER WEDDING RECEPTION

What a colorful and lively, fun and funky wedding reception these two had – and it was a delight to get to document it! Erinn and Max: Thanks so much for the honor of capturing your first few hours as husband and wife, and all the love of those who came to celebrate them with you. If this day […]

wedding

...

A BEAUTIFUL WEDDING AT THE ELMS HOTEL & SPA

It was unlikely a woman from the West Coast would meet a Midwestern man. But for these two, a mutual friend led to long-distance love, which eventually brought about this wedding day complete with soil from each of their home states they combined in a single jar. Michelle and Jason: It was so […]

OPEN

It was unlikely a woman from the West Coast would meet a Midwestern man. But for these two, a mutual friend led to long-distance love, which eventually brought about this wedding day complete with soil from each of their home states they combined in a single jar. Michelle and Jason: It was so […]

A BEAUTIFUL WEDDING AT THE ELMS HOTEL & SPA

OPEN
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...

OPEN

A BRIGHT ENGAGEMENT SESSION IN TOPEKA

What he first saw was her sweetness – and how well she wore cowboy boots with a skirt. Of course, she’ll undoubtedly also look stunning in a wedding dress. April and Brandon: You two are wonderful together and were such good sports despite the unseasonable cold we had for […]

OPEN

A BRIGHT ENGAGEMENT SESSION IN TOPEKA

What he first saw was her sweetness – and how well she wore cowboy boots with a skirt. Of course, she’ll undoubtedly also look stunning in a wedding dress. April and Brandon: You two are wonderful together and were such good sports despite the unseasonable cold we had for […]

engagement

...

A SPRING WEDDING FOR HIGH SCHOOL SWEETHEARTS

What better time to start a new chapter than just as spring was coaxing out new life all around the rural church where they began a new life of their own. Raeanne and Adam: We couldn’t have asked for a better beginning to this wedding season than your beautiful day! We hope these images (and many […]

OPEN

What better time to start a new chapter than just as spring was coaxing out new life all around the rural church where they began a new life of their own. Raeanne and Adam: We couldn’t have asked for a better beginning to this wedding season than your beautiful day! We hope these images (and many […]

A SPRING WEDDING FOR HIGH SCHOOL SWEETHEARTS

OPEN
wedding

...

we have you covered
with a custom timeline!

unsure how
long you need
a photographer
at your wedding?

click here to
create yours!
free resource!

we haven't been everywhere,
but it's on our list.

>
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wisdom-watson
wanderlust
I have you covered with a custom timeline!

we have you covered
with a custom timeline!

unsure how
long you need
a photographer
at your wedding?

click here to
create yours!

free resource!

© 2024 Wisdom-Watson Weddings LLC | all rights reserved

© 2024 Wisdom-Watson Weddings LLC
all rights reserved