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
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A PARKVILLE & ENGLISH LANDING PARK SESSION

The first time they met, they were dressed in their Christmas best – in ugly-Christmas-sweater fashion, that is. But with her bubbly, life-of-the-party persona, she stood out to him for more than just her Christmas-tree-patterned leggings. He tracked her down after that evening through […]

OPEN

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A PARKVILLE & ENGLISH LANDING PARK SESSION

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engagement

...

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A SESSION AT GRINTER SUNFLOWER FARMS

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A SESSION AT GRINTER SUNFLOWER FARMS

After tying the knot earlier this year, these two are about to add another member to their family – and in a case of perfect timing, this summer’s crop of sunflowers bloomed precisely when they were wanting to do a maternity session (which they substituted for the engagement session I typically do […]

engagement

...

AN INTIMATE AT-HOME WEDDING IN LOUISBURG

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OPEN

It didn’t take long after meeting in college for them to feel at home with each other. And when it came time to plan their wedding, they couldn’t think of a more fitting place than their own home – which they transformed into a perfectly personalized venue for this very important day. Cassie and […]

AN INTIMATE AT-HOME WEDDING IN LOUISBURG

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wedding / photo + film

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A BERRY HILL & LAKE SHAWNEE SESSION

Plenty of relationships go through periods of long distance, but for these two, residing in separate countries has been their story from the start. Bonded by their shared faith and a love bridging the distance between Kansas and Canada, they’ve built a life they look forward to finally sharing in one […]

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A BERRY HILL & LAKE SHAWNEE SESSION

Plenty of relationships go through periods of long distance, but for these two, residing in separate countries has been their story from the start. Bonded by their shared faith and a love bridging the distance between Kansas and Canada, they’ve built a life they look forward to finally sharing in one […]

engagement

...

A BURR OAK WOODS ENGAGEMENT SESSION

Her first clue he might be the one for her came when he kept his cool after an hour in the cold, struggling with a wheel stuck with rust that made it impossible to change the tire he’d shredded against her curb. It was around midnight a few Decembers ago, when they were co-workers on […]

OPEN

Her first clue he might be the one for her came when he kept his cool after an hour in the cold, struggling with a wheel stuck with rust that made it impossible to change the tire he’d shredded against her curb. It was around midnight a few Decembers ago, when they were co-workers on […]

A BURR OAK WOODS ENGAGEMENT SESSION

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A LADOGA RIDGE WINERY & SMITHVILLE LAKE SESSION

It turns out assault by shopping cart is not necessarily a bad way to begin a relationship. And if this sounds like something out of a romantic comedy, that’s also very fitting – because these two seem as meant-to-be as any perfect couple conjured up by Hollywood. After she almost ran him over with her […]

OPEN

A LADOGA RIDGE WINERY & SMITHVILLE LAKE SESSION

It turns out assault by shopping cart is not necessarily a bad way to begin a relationship. And if this sounds like something out of a romantic comedy, that’s also very fitting – because these two seem as meant-to-be as any perfect couple conjured up by Hollywood. After she almost ran him over with her […]

engagement

...

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