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!

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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
create your custom timeline
just answer a few questions to find your best fit!

A BRIARCLIFF WATERFALL ENGAGEMENT SESSION

As a bartender, he was no stranger to seeing girls dressed in their best for a night on the town. But still, she stood out — first for her outer beauty and soon enough for all her other impressive attributes. As for her: She soon enough found that any initial reservations she’d had about giving […]

OPEN

As a bartender, he was no stranger to seeing girls dressed in their best for a night on the town. But still, she stood out — first for her outer beauty and soon enough for all her other impressive attributes. As for her: She soon enough found that any initial reservations she’d had about giving […]

A BRIARCLIFF WATERFALL ENGAGEMENT SESSION

OPEN
engagement

...

OPEN

A CLASSY KU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION WEDDING

Probably not too many couples can claim to have spoken every single day they’ve known each other – especially when living several hours apart initially. But the bond these two formed instantaneously (after meeting by chance at an adult Slip n’ Slide party) was strong enough to facilitate […]

OPEN

A CLASSY KU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION WEDDING

Probably not too many couples can claim to have spoken every single day they’ve known each other – especially when living several hours apart initially. But the bond these two formed instantaneously (after meeting by chance at an adult Slip n’ Slide party) was strong enough to facilitate […]

wedding / photo + film

...

A STYLISH ROYAL ROOM WEDDING IN KANSAS CITY

They started out as residents in the same university dorm who soon came to be college sweethearts. And theirs was a relationship that proved to have staying power past graduation – as evidenced by this beautiful wedding day that brought them their new status as husband and wife! Clara and Mark: […]

OPEN

They started out as residents in the same university dorm who soon came to be college sweethearts. And theirs was a relationship that proved to have staying power past graduation – as evidenced by this beautiful wedding day that brought them their new status as husband and wife! Clara and Mark: […]

A STYLISH ROYAL ROOM WEDDING IN KANSAS CITY

OPEN
wedding / photo + film

...

OPEN

A LODGE AT IRONWOODS WEDDING IN LEAWOOD

Their story began long before they could comprehend how significant it would be. It started so early in life, in fact, that her dad felt the need on their wedding day to assure everyone that the marriage hadn’t actually been arranged – even if some elements of it strongly resembled a scenario in which the […]

OPEN

A LODGE AT IRONWOODS WEDDING IN LEAWOOD

Their story began long before they could comprehend how significant it would be. It started so early in life, in fact, that her dad felt the need on their wedding day to assure everyone that the marriage hadn’t actually been arranged – even if some elements of it strongly resembled a scenario in which the […]

wedding / photo + film

...

A SMITHVILLE LAKE ENGAGEMENT SESSION

He had his eye on her for a while before she finally came around. But the important thing is that she did – thanks to mutual friends and the chance she took to get to know him well enough to see what a wonderful match they’d make. Their engagement has also been an exercise in patience, as they’ve […]

OPEN

He had his eye on her for a while before she finally came around. But the important thing is that she did – thanks to mutual friends and the chance she took to get to know him well enough to see what a wonderful match they’d make. Their engagement has also been an exercise in patience, as they’ve […]

A SMITHVILLE LAKE ENGAGEMENT SESSION

OPEN
engagement

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A CHIC EXECUTIVE HILLS POLO CLUB WEDDING

She never could have guessed she’d meet her future husband while wearing holiday-themed leggings. But thank goodness for ugly sweater Christmas parties and for that one in particular, because it brought together this sweet couple and led to this day! About their wedding vision, Sam shares: […]

OPEN

A CHIC EXECUTIVE HILLS POLO CLUB WEDDING

She never could have guessed she’d meet her future husband while wearing holiday-themed leggings. But thank goodness for ugly sweater Christmas parties and for that one in particular, because it brought together this sweet couple and led to this day! About their wedding vision, Sam shares: […]

wedding / photo + film

...

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.

>
back to business
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