the blog
Choosing between mini v. full sessions can be tricky, but don’t worry—I’ve got you covered.
As a photographer, I understand that selecting the right session for your needs can be a challenging decision. Whether you’re planning a family portrait session, a couples’ session, or an individual portrait session, it’s essential to understand the differences between mini and full photography sessions to make an informed choice.
Mini sessions are quick and budget-friendly, perfect for capturing those spontaneous moments without breaking the bank. They are short and sweet, lasting around 15 minutes to an hour. Great for busy schedules! They’re often themed, so you can capture those holiday vibes or celebrate milestones with flair.
Full sessions are like the director’s cut, offering more time and creative freedom for personalized shots. They’re the whole shebang, lasting anywhere from 1 to 4 hours. With full sessions, you can mix it up—multiple outfits, different locations, you name it! They’re perfect for those who want a customized and immersive photography experience. Full sessions require more time and resources, but the personalized attention is worth it. They offer flexibility for both you and the photographer to get creative.
Most importantly, when deciding between mini v. full sessions, find a photographer who understands your needs and has the style you are looking for!
Mini Sessions
Full Session
Last Fall I had the opportunity to travel outside of Kansas City to Effingham, Illinois to capture a good friend’s rehearsal dinner! It was a beautiful afternoon when everyone met at Firefly Grill to rehears for the wedding the following day. Firefly Grill offered a picturesque landscape that photographed wonderfully. I was able to capture some dreamy and romantic moments between Claire and Kyle before the rehearsal began.
As friends and family gathered at the grill I was able to capture couples, family, and friend groups that had made the trip into town for the wedding! The rehearsal dinner is often overlooked when it comes to professional photography. But it is a wonderful opportunity to capture documentary style moments!
They ran through the ceremony as the sun was setting on the lake. Then everyone met at Village Wine and Spirits for the rehearsal dinner!
Village Wine and Spirits is located in a beautiful historic building. The exposed brick walls are complimented by the original crown moldings and gorgeous wooden floors. The tables were decorated with simple and elegant flower arrangements of white roses and baby’s breath. The addition of polaroid photos of Claire and Kyle on each table were a nice personal touch!
Everyone enjoyed dinner and then memories of the bride and groom were shared by family and friends through speeches and toasts. At the end of the evening I was able to sneak away with Claire and Kyle. We captured some fun flash photography moments around the building! I love when my couples are up for some experimenting.
It was a lovely Fall afternoon and evening, spent with incredible friends and family! I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to capture this special moment. Cheers to the happy couple!
The Riffels had a stunning, quaint, and classic wedding in Downtown KC at the very beginning of the year! The bride was a vision in her stunning long-sleeved white dress, which was complimented by her beautiful bouquet of flowers. Her choice of fun brown silky shoes added a playful twist to her ensemble, perfectly complementing her personality.
The ceremony at Holy Trinity Chapel was nothing short of romantic. In the heart of downtown Kansas City the Riffels exchanged their vows surrounded by their closest friends and family.
Following the ceremony, we embarked on a adventure around downtown and at Union Station, capturing intimate moments and candid laughter. The bride’s bouquet was an arrangement of white flowers with vibrant brown and green leaves that perfectly complimented her dress.
As the sun set on their special day, we made our way to Lifted Spirits Distillery for an evening celebrations. The distillery is rustic and chic, with wooden walls and twinkly lights hanging from the ceiling. Surrounded by loved ones, they celebrated the beginning of their forever.
Capturing the love and joy shared on this day was an absolute joy and privilege. This winter wedding was a celebration of love, laughter, and new beginnings, and I feel incredibly grateful to have been a part of it.
Here’s to the Riffels – may your love continue to grow with each passing year. Cheers to a lifetime of happiness and cherished memories!
Hey, babe! Are you ready to find your very own something white? It’s no secret that bridal gown shopping is one of the most fun and exciting parts of wedding planning- it’s also one of the most nerve wracking parts for many brides. To help ease those bridal jitters, we’ve compiled a few tips and tricks to help you have the best experience possible. Bridal gown shopping shouldn’t be stressful – keep reading for some advice that is sure to set you up for dress success!
Choose the best “I Do Crew” for YOU
We know you want to have everyone be apart of this special day and you’ve probably been looking forward to it for quite some time. Do yourself a favor…ensure you are brining supportive people who are going to hype you up and celebrate you! Invite only people who you absolutely cannot make a decision without and who are going to be over the moon happy for you. Want to have more people celebrate finding your dream dress? Bring the to your gown pickup or schedule a happy hour after your appointment to continue the celebration! This is a win/win, as your extras can still be included in your experience without overwhelming you.
Do your research!
Research where you want to shop and make sure you are only visiting stores that you feel match your criteria for your gown and you feel will give you the best experience! Finding your wedding dress should be enjoyable and shopping at too many stores can lead to being overwhelmed. Let’s avoid getting dress fatigue! There are so many amazing stores – it’s easy to want to visit them all. We promise picking just a few will make your shopping experience so much better. Consider your budget, style, party size, wedding date, etc when planning your destinations.
It is totally okay to not attend all of the appointments that you book.
If you end up finding your dress earlier in the day, don’t be afraid to cancel your other appointments! We get it – you’ve got your crew and you planned to make a whole day of this moment. It’s important to remember the whole point of the day – to find your dream dress! If that happens at store number one, you’re so lucky! You can spend the rest of the day celebrating with your crew and check finding your gown off the list of wedding to-dos. We always encourage our brides to live in the moment and celebrate with their crew by taking fun photos, popping champagne, and soaking it all in!
Be flexible!
Maybe you have a certain gown style in mind but then end up liking something else once you start trying on dresses…that is absolutely okay! If fact, this is pretty common! Pinterest inspo is great but ultimately, you have no idea what you are going to like until you put it on your body. It might take your brain a few minutes to catch up but we promise it is okay to fall in love with something totally different than your initial vision. Give yourself permission to fall in love with the very first dress you try on, cancel appointments you don’t need or say “yes” to the gown that you feel amazing in but that’s totally different from your original vision.
This is all normal! Bridal gown shopping is different from any other type of shopping so allow yourself to love what you love, whether that be dress number one or dress number ten.
Let’s make a deal, okay? Once you find your dress, no more looking!
It is so common to think “but what if there is something else out there?” Designers come out with collections twice a year and there are hundreds of designers and gowns in the world – there is always going to be something else out there! That is okay! Stop overanalyzing those photos of yourself the day you purchased your gown. Your dress is perfect! Don’t worry that you are missing out on something else. Unfollow those dress inspo Instagram accounts and revise your Pinterest searches – you said yes for a reason!
– The Team at Something White Bridal Boutique
Are you looking to capture precious moments in a convenient and affordable way? You should consider mini sessions! Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, capturing a few family portraits, or simply want to freeze a moment in time, mini sessions are the perfect solution. I’ve compiled some key information about why mini sessions might be right for you!
- Convenience: Life can be hectic, and finding time for a full-length session may seem daunting. Minis offer a quick and convenient alternative, typically lasting around 20-30 minutes. This means you can fit a professional photo session into even the busiest of schedules!
- Affordability: Professional photography doesn’t have to break the bank! Minis are priced competitively, making them accessible to a wide range of budgets.
- Variety: Despite their shorter duration, minis still offer ample opportunity to capture a variety of poses and moments. Whether you’re looking for classic portraits, candid shots, or themed setups, we can make the most of every minute.
- Perfect for Every Occasion: From family portraits to engagement announcements, minis are versatile enough to accommodate a wide range of occasions. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, birthday, or simply want to update your family photo album, minis provide the perfect opportunity to document every special moment.
- Quick Turnaround: Minis provide you with a gallery that is smaller than what a normal session would. So the turn around time is typically quicker! Within a few days of your session, you’ll receive a selection of beautifully edited images.
- Professional Expertise: When you book a mini, you’re not just getting someone who owns a camera – you’re getting a skilled photographer with years of experience. From lighting and composition to posing and editing, I know how to capture you at your best!
If you think any of the categories above apply to you, consider a mini session! A quick, fun, versatile way to capture all those special moments.
Creating a well-equipped getting ready space for the wedding party can greatly enhance the experience and help ensure everyone looks and feels their best on the big day. Here’s a list of items that would be beneficial to have:
Essential
- Full-length mirrors: Essential for checking attire from head to toe and ensuring everyone looks their best. Your photographer will likely use this for photographs, too!
- Steaming or ironing station: To remove any wrinkles or creases from clothing.
- Skincare products: Moisturizers, primers, and other skincare essentials to prep the skin before makeup application. Don’t forget the deodorant!
- First aid kit: Band-aids, pain relievers, and any other essentials for minor emergencies.
- Snacks and drinks: Keep everyone energized and hydrated with a selection of snacks and beverages. Maybe some champagne for a toast!
- Chairs and seating area: Comfortable seating for the wedding party to relax between getting ready tasks.
- Emergency kit: Including items like stain remover, sewing kit, safety pins, and fashion tape for any wardrobe malfunctions.
- Phone chargers: Keep everyone’s devices charged so they can capture and share special moments throughout the day.
- Bluetooth speaker: Set the mood with some background music while getting ready. You can have the wedding party create a ‘getting ready’ playlist beforehand!
- Wedding day timeline: Display a schedule of events so everyone knows when they need to be ready. This is helpful and keeps everyone on task!
- Personal touches: Consider adding some personal touches or decorations to the space to make it feel special and memorable for everyone involved. Also think about any props you might want in your getting ready photographs.
Optional
These items will come in handy if you and/or your wedding party are opting to do your own hair and makeup! If you have a hair and makeup artists coming, it may be a good idea to have some of these items anyway, as backups.
- Hair styling tools: Hair dryers, straighteners, curling irons, and brushes for styling hair.
- Makeup station: Equipped with good lighting, mirrors, makeup brushes, and a variety of makeup products suitable for different skin tones and preferences.
- Hair accessories: Hair ties, bobby pins, clips, and any other accessories needed for hairstyles.
By providing these essential items, you can create a comfortable and organized getting ready space. One that will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable wedding day for the entire wedding party!
Sally and Jacob tied the knot at the Weston Red Barn Farm, surrounded by Kansas City’s Fall beauty. I had the pleasure of capturing their laid-back, rustic celebration filled with heartfelt moments and charm.
Sally’s favorite part of the day was their first look, hands down. She swears by it, saying it brought a calming vibe to the chaos. Seeing your partner before the madness begins? Essential.
I loved their wedding day vibe. They went in with a “whatever happens, happens” attitude, focusing on the fact that they were marrying their favorite person. Simple and sweet.
The Weston Red Barn Farm was a beautiful venue for their wedding day! The cozy, farm feel and those giant barn doors decked out with twinkling lights. Picture-perfect and oh-so-romantic.
One very special feature of the day was the incorporation of Sally’s grandma’s star brooch and Jacob’s grandparents’ wedding necklace. Sentimental touches that made their day even more special!
Their advice for couples that are in the wedding planning process is to talk it out with your partner. Figure out what’s most important to you both. For Sally and Jacob, it was all about photography and food – the good stuff!
Sally and Jacob’s wedding was a cozy, love-filled affair that perfectly captured the essence of fall in Kansas City. It was an absolute joy to be part of their special day, snapping away and soaking in all the warmth and happiness. Here’s to many more love stories like theirs in the KC!
Amidst August’s warmth, I ventured into Shawnee Mission Park with the B’s for family portraits. Choosing Shawnee Mission Park as the backdrop provided vibrant green foliage and a stunning setting. The family’s wardrobe, a blend of bright and dark neutrals, harmonized seamlessly with the natural palette, creating timeless yet vibrant portraits.
For families planning their session, consider these tips:
Coordinate Outfits: Opt for a color palette that complements the natural surroundings. A mix of bright and dark neutral colors can add depth and visual appeal.
Choose the Right Time: Scheduling your session during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon ensures soft, flattering light that enhances the warmth of family moments.
Embrace Candid Moments: While posed shots are essential, candid moments capture the true essence of your family. Encourage playful interactions and genuine expressions to create authentic memories.
Plan Poses Ahead: Discuss with your photographer about specific poses or moments you want to capture. This ensures a variety of shots that reflect your family’s personality.
Relax and Enjoy: Family portraits are about creating memories together. Embrace the joy of the moment, and let the photographer capture the genuine connections between family members.
The B’s family’s session at Shawnee Mission Park radiates love and joy. As they braved August’s heat, their portraits stand testament to familial warmth, love, and timeless bonds. I had a blast capturing it!
Located in the artsy district of The Crossroads in Kansas City, UNION was built in 1929 as a film
processing center. Fast-forward 90 years and now UNION is home to a unique 24-hour event space.
Creating the Space
Remodeling of the building began in 2018, and in 2019 UNION hosted its first wedding. Some of
the key features of the event space include the natural, exposed brick walls, wood flooring, and
restrooms and bars located on all three levels. UNION also utilizes market lights to create a romantic
atmosphere for a romantic celebration. Getting ready rooms are also available for both sides of the
party; access starts at the beginning of the rental period, and each room is furnished with all the
essentials for a memorable morning-of experience.
Venue Features
Additional perks of the space include the use and availability of all three levels to host the
ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. The space can comfortably accommodate up to 200 guests but
are open to more depending on the layout and flow of the event. This is to ensure that clients are less
stressed about traveling back and forth from different day-of locations. UNION also has vendor flexibility
and BYOB beverage services to ensure everyone has a great time. The space is fitted with gorgeous
wooden farm tables, auxiliary tables, and metal bistro chairs that are available with a reservation.
Bringing the Building Back to Life
The team at UNION spent significant time and resources to bring back the vibrant and raw
materials to combine modern with industrial and rustic for a truly stunning event. The combination of
those elements forms an ambiance that needs very little, if any, décor. The event space does come with
additional décor options for clients, including ceremony backdrops, pipes and drapes, greenery
installations, market light walls, and more.
Planning and Coordination
The in-house planning services at UNION range from Day-of Coordination to Full-Service
Planning. Though there is an additional cost, the investment is worthwhile since clients receive such a
knowledgeable planning team. UNION also provides a robust list of potential vendors from their Vendor List, but they are more than happy to work with new vendors and add to their fantastic list of talented vendors.
A Quote from Jessica
When asked what their favorite part of working in the wedding industry is, the Venue Manager
at UNION, Jessica, replied:
“Honestly, we just love LOVE! Personally, my favorite part of working in this wedding industry is the constant movement of the job itself. There are never two identical weddings, so I love to take a couple’s visions, budgets, and personal touches and help them create their vision in our space. It’s fun to run a venue like UNION, because it’s truly a different timeline, flow, vendor team, and style with every celebration here. It tests my creativity as a Venue Manager and Planner and gives us our couples the chance to incorporate everything they have been dreaming of together!”
Capturing Special Moments
I’ve had the pleasure of capturing multiple weddings at UNION and love the space! I hope to work with them again in the future.
As the class of 2024 prepares for their next chapter, it was wonderful to capture Ava from Louisburg High School! A session that seamlessly blended her sophistication and spunk. We got to explore the iconic Kauffman Stadium and the vibrant streets of downtown Kansas City.
Ava, a radiant senior with a personality as dynamic as her wardrobe, effortlessly transitioned between three distinct outfits. The session kicked off with Ava donning a sweet white dress that exuded timeless elegance. Against the backdrop of Kauffman Stadium, the soft hues complemented Ava’s natural grace, creating a series of portraits that encapsulated the purity of her senior year.
Transitioning to downtown Kansas City, Ava embraced her vibrant side in a spunky mosaic top paired with crisp white jeans. The juxtaposition of the eclectic patterns against the urban backdrop added a playful touch to the session. As we meandered through the city’s dynamic streets, Ava’s radiant smile radiated through every frame.
For the grand finale, Ava showcased her bold and daring side in a silky maroon top paired with sleek black leather pants. This ensemble perfectly mirrored her confidence and determination as she approaches the threshold of a new chapter in life. Against the backdrop of the city’s skyline, the rich colors and textures created a stunning visual narrative, symbolizing the limitless possibilities awaiting Ava beyond high school.
As a senior portrait photographer, there is immense joy in capturing the individuality of each graduating senior. Ava’s session was a perfect blend of elegance and edge. Congratulations to Ava and the Class of 2024!
