real-life love stories • resources for brides
real-life love stories
•
resources for brides
welcome to the blog
As a Kansas City wedding photographer, I'm in the business of capturing beauty. But
just as important a part of the job is providing my clients with information they need
to ensure their wedding goes off without a hitch (other than the intended one, of course!).
I share a lot of those helpful details here, alongside featured engagement sessions and weddings. So take a look around for inspiration as well as insight that I hope will help you
make the most of your own wedding-planning process. And if I can assist in any way, just ask!
As a Kansas City wedding photographer, I'm in the business of capturing beauty. But just as important a part of the job is providing my clients with information they need to ensure their wedding goes off without a hitch (other than the intended one, of course!).
I share a lot of those helpful details here, alongside featured engagement sessions and weddings. So take a look around for inspiration as well as insight that I hope will help you make the most of your own wedding-planning process. And if I can assist in any way, just ask!
and other words of wisdom
I'm so happy you're here.
In most cases, it's advisable from a timeline perspective for the bride and groom to have a first look and then to do a majority of their portraits prior to the ceremony. This tends to create a more relaxed flow for the day.
However, only you can decide whether it's a priority for you to wait until the walk down the aisle to see your fiancé. So pick the option below that best suits you!
do you plan to
do a first look?
yes, I'm all
for a first look.
no thanks,
i think I'll wait.
will you have a long
break between events?
will you have
a long break?
This refers to a break of more than two hours between the ceremony and reception (as opposed to a shorter break like a cocktail hour). Lengthy delays like this typically occur only at Catholic weddings.
It's worth noting that this scenario is one that often lends itself well to shooting portraits after the ceremony and thus may not require a first look for making the day flow smoothly.
yes, I'll have
a long break.
yes, I'll
have a
long break.
no, my events
are back-to-back.
no, my
events are back-to-back.
WILL YOU HAVE A LONG
BREAK BETWEEN EVENTS?
WILL YOU HAVE
A LONG BREAK?
This refers to a break of more than two hours between the ceremony and reception (as opposed to a shorter break like a cocktail hour). Lengthy delays like this typically occur only at Catholic weddings.
It's worth noting that this scenario is one that often lends itself well to shooting portraits after the ceremony and thus may not require a first look for making the day flow smoothly.
yes, I'll have
a long break.
yes, I'll
have a
long break.
no, my events
are back-to-back.
no, my
events are back-to-back.
WILL YOU TRAVEL
BETWEEN LOCATIONS?
Travel time is something couples often don't take into much consideration, but it can really add up over the course of a wedding day and thus is an important factor for including in a timeline.
It's also important to consider all points in the day that can involve travel – including travel between venues as well as travel to and from portrait locations.
Travel time is something couples often don't take into much consideration, but it can really add up over the course of a wedding day and thus is an important factor for including in a timeline.
It's also important to consider all points in the day that can involve travel – including travel between venues as well as travel to and from portrait locations – even if everything is fairly close together.
yes, I'll need to allow travel time.
no, I'll be staying
at one site all day.
no, I'll be staying at one site all day.
WILL YOU TRAVEL
BETWEEN LOCATIONS?
Travel time is something couples often don't take into much consideration, but it can really add up over the course of a wedding day and thus is an important factor for including in a timeline.
It's also important to consider all points in the day that can involve travel – including travel between venues as well as travel to and from portrait locations.
Travel time is something couples often don't take into much consideration, but it can really add up over the course of a wedding day and thus is an important factor for including in a timeline.
It's also important to consider all points in the day that can involve travel – including travel between venues as well as travel to and from portrait locations – even if everything is fairly close together.
yes, I'll need to allow travel time.
no, I'll be staying
at one site all day.
no, I'll be staying at one site all day.
WILL YOU travel
BETWEEN LOCATIONS?
Travel time is something couples often don't take into much consideration, but it can really add up over the course of a wedding day and thus is an important factor for including in a timeline.
It's also important to consider all points in the day that can involve travel – including travel between venues as well as travel to and from portrait locations.
Travel time is something couples often don't take into much consideration, but it can really add up over the course of a wedding day and thus is an important factor for including in a timeline.
It's also important to consider all points in the day that can involve travel – including travel between venues as well as travel to and from portrait locations – even if everything is fairly close together.
yes, I'll need to allow travel time.
no, I'll be staying
at one site all day.
no, I'll be staying at one site all day.
WILL YOU TRAVEL
BETWEEN LOCATIONS?
Travel time is something couples often don't take into much consideration, but it can really add up over the course of a wedding day and thus is an important factor for including in a timeline.
It's also important to consider all points in the day that can involve travel – including travel between venues as well as travel to and from portrait locations.
Travel time is something couples often don't take into much consideration, but it can really add up over the course of a wedding day and thus is an important factor for including in a timeline.
It's also important to consider all points in the day that can involve travel – including travel between venues as well as travel to and from portrait locations – even if everything is fairly close together.
yes, I'll need to allow travel time.
no, I'll be staying
at one site all day.
no, I'll be staying at one site all day.
Do you want your
grand exit captured?
Do you want your exit captured?
This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving an hour or so earlier.
In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.
This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving earlier.
In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.
yes, I want my exit captured.
no, I don't need all-day coverage.
DO YOU WANT YOUR
GRAND EXIT CAPTURED?
DO YOU WANT YOUR
EXIT CAPTURED?
This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving an hour or so earlier.
In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.
This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving earlier.
In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.
yes, I want my exit captured.
no, I don't need all-day coverage.
DO YOU WANT YOUR
GRAND EXIT CAPTURED?
DO YOU WANT YOUR
EXIT CAPTURED?
This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving an hour or so earlier.
In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.
This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving earlier.
In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.
yes, I want my exit captured.
no, I don't need all-day coverage.
DO YOU WANT YOUR
GRAND EXIT CAPTURED?
DO YOU WANT YOUR
EXIT CAPTURED?
This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving an hour or so earlier.
In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.
This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving earlier.
In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.
yes, I want my exit captured.
no, I don't need all-day coverage.
DO YOU WANT YOUR
GRAND EXIT CAPTURED?
DO YOU WANT YOUR
EXIT CAPTURED?
This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving an hour or so earlier.
In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.
This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving earlier.
In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.
yes, I want my exit captured.
no, I don't need all-day coverage.
DO YOU WANT YOUR
GRAND EXIT CAPTURED?
DO YOU WANT YOUR
EXIT CAPTURED?
This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving an hour or so earlier.
In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.
This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving earlier.
In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.
yes, I want my exit captured.
no, I don't need all-day coverage.
DO YOU WANT YOUR
GRAND EXIT CAPTURED?
DO YOU WANT YOUR EXIT CAPTURED?
This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving an hour or so earlier.
In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.
This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving earlier.
In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.
yes, I want my exit captured.
no, I don't need all-day coverage.
DO YOU WANT YOUR
GRAND EXIT CAPTURED?
DO YOU WANT YOUR
EXIT CAPTURED?
This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving an hour or so earlier.
In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.
This is a detail that plays a big part in how much photography coverage you need, as it determines whether your photography team will stay through your entire reception rather than leaving earlier.
In cases where that extra coverage time creates too much budget strain, some couples stage an exit earlier in the evening – which may also allow more guests to participate.
yes, I want my exit captured.
no, I don't need all-day coverage.
your timeline
is ready! yay!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
your timeline
is ready! yay!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
your timeline
is ready! yay!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
your timeline
is ready! yay!
your timeline
is ready! yay!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
your timeline
is ready! yay!
your timeline
is ready! yay!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
your timeline
is ready! yay!
your timeline
is ready! yay!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
your timeline
is ready! yay!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
your timeline
is ready! yay!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
your timeline
is ready! yay!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
your timeline
is ready! yay!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
your timeline
is ready! yay!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
your timeline
is ready! yay!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
your timeline
is ready! yay!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked over this information. (We promise not to inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
Please enter your e-mail address below, as we'd love to follow up to see if we can offer any clarification after you've looked everything over. (We won't inundate you with a ton of unsolicited messages – promise!)
The "submit" button will take you right to your timeline. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out if we can provide more information or help in any other way as you're planning your big day!
They went to separate small-town schools and were connected by a friend on her softball team before becoming high-school sweethearts — ones destined to get engaged beside the ocean five years later. And now, they’re looking forward to the wedding next year that will usher in the […]
They went to separate small-town schools and were connected by a friend on her softball team before becoming high-school sweethearts — ones destined to get engaged beside the ocean five years later. And now, they’re looking forward to the wedding next year that will usher in the […]
...
As a senior in high school, she wasn’t so sure at first about having a boyfriend who stood nearly a foot and a half taller than her. But theirs was truly a case of opposites attracting – not only in terms of stature but also in the way his laid-back, go-with-the-flow personality balanced her penchant for planning […]
As a senior in high school, she wasn’t so sure at first about having a boyfriend who stood nearly a foot and a half taller than her. But theirs was truly a case of opposites attracting – not only in terms of stature but also in the way his laid-back, go-with-the-flow personality balanced her penchant for planning […]
...
Sometimes milestones come all at once – and not necessarily in the expected order. For these two, it’s definitely a season of one life change after another. And although they probably never expected to be already married at their engagement session, this was as perfect a time as any to […]
Sometimes milestones come all at once – and not necessarily in the expected order. For these two, it’s definitely a season of one life change after another. And although they probably never expected to be already married at their engagement session, this was as perfect a time as any to […]
...
It was perhaps not the most promising prelude to a first date: A message from him informing her of his plans to move hours away within a few weeks. Still, she agreed to go ahead and meet as planned, figuring a long-distance relationship – if it came to that – didn’t have to be a deal-breaker. The right […]
It was perhaps not the most promising prelude to a first date: A message from him informing her of his plans to move hours away within a few weeks. Still, she agreed to go ahead and meet as planned, figuring a long-distance relationship – if it came to that – didn’t have to be a deal-breaker. The right […]
...
It may have been her first day of work, but he was the one who ended up with something to call home about. The most perfect girl had just started at his job, he told his parents, after the moment they’d crossed paths and made eye contact they’d both remember. It would be a while before he’d work up the […]
It may have been her first day of work, but he was the one who ended up with something to call home about. The most perfect girl had just started at his job, he told his parents, after the moment they’d crossed paths and made eye contact they’d both remember. It would be a while before he’d work up the […]
...
It took two years at the same job before they realized what a perfect match they were. But then, finally, came the horror-movie-and-Schlotzsky’s dates, where being together felt like being best friends. And then, too, came their first zombie walk, where she had a distinct epiphany that he was The One she’d […]
It took two years at the same job before they realized what a perfect match they were. But then, finally, came the horror-movie-and-Schlotzsky’s dates, where being together felt like being best friends. And then, too, came their first zombie walk, where she had a distinct epiphany that he was The One she’d […]
...
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