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If you’re dreaming of a wedding venue that blends sweeping outdoor views with the comfort of a luxury lodge, look no further than Deer Ridge Estate. Tucked away on 160 acres in Tonganoxie, Kansas, this breathtaking estate feels like a peaceful weekend getaway—yet it’s just a short drive from Kansas City. It’s the kind of venue where your entire celebration can unfold in one place, surrounded by nature, soft light, and gorgeous scenery in every direction.
A Setting Designed for Relaxed, Beautiful Weddings
What I love most about Deer Ridge Estate is the flexibility it offers! The property includes a stunning 10,000-square-foot lodge, peaceful outdoor ceremony spots, wide open fields, wooded trails, and a serene pond. Whether you’re planning a large wedding or something more intimate, the estate has space to match your vision without feeling overwhelming.
The atmosphere is warm, inviting, and intentionally designed. It blends rustic charm with modern comfort, giving you the best of both worlds. You get that dreamy “escape to the countryside” feeling while still having all the convenience of a well-equipped venue.
A Weekend Wedding Experience
One of the biggest perks of Deer Ridge Estate is the ability to stay right on the property. The lodge offers overnight accommodations, beautifully appointed bedrooms, and private suites that are perfect for getting ready on the wedding day.
Having everything in one place takes so much stress off your shoulders. There’s no rushing between locations, no coordinating large groups across town, and no fighting traffic on the biggest day of your life. Your wedding party can relax, get ready together, and soak in every moment from the rehearsal dinner to the morning after the celebration.
Indoor + Outdoor Spaces You’ll Love
Deer Ridge Estate offers several ceremony and reception options, each with its own charm. You can exchange vows outdoors under the trees, near the pond, or on the spacious decks. And if Midwest weather decides not to cooperate, the indoor lodge is elegant, warm, and filled with natural light—an ideal backup plan you’ll actually be excited about.
The reception space is equally flexible. You can host a cozy dinner indoors or invite more guests and spill out onto the patios and lawns. The venue can comfortably host large groups, but it still feels intimate and connected.
Photographer-Approved Beauty in Every Direction
From a photography standpoint, Deer Ridge Estate is a total dream. There are endless locations for portraits:
- golden-hour fields
- the peaceful pond and deck
- wooded paths for romantic moments
- the modern lodge interior for classic, clean images
- wide open skies and rolling landscapes
Every part of the estate feels intentional and scenic. Whether you’re shooting a first look, family portraits, sunset photos, or candids throughout the day, you’ll never run out of beautiful backdrops.
Why Couples Love Deer Ridge Estate
Over and over again, couples rave about:
- the friendly, attentive staff
- the convenience of onsite accommodations
- the beauty of the grounds in every season
- the stress-free flow the venue makes possible
- the ability to bring in their preferred vendors
- the included tables, chairs, and event essentials
- the relaxed “weekend retreat” feeling
It’s the type of place where your guests can slow down, enjoy the surroundings, and truly be present with you.
Final Thoughts: Is Deer Ridge Estate Right for You?
If you’re looking for a wedding venue near Kansas City that offers privacy, beauty, and a meaningful experience for both you and your guests, Deer Ridge Estate is absolutely worth a tour. It’s perfect for couples who want nature, comfort, and an entire weekend to celebrate with the people they love most.
With its scenic views, flexible spaces, and thoughtfully designed lodge, Deer Ridge Estate makes your wedding feel like its own little getaway—full of joy, connection, and unforgettable moments.
Your wedding guest book doesn’t have to be a plain notebook on a table. It can be fun, meaningful, personal, and something you’ll actually want to look at long after the day is over. As a Kansas City wedding photographer, I’ve seen so many creative guest book ideas, and today I’m sharing some of my favorites!
These ideas let your guests leave memories, stories, advice, and love in a way that feels true to you as a couple.
Audio Guest Books
One of the most popular modern ideas is an audio guest book. Your guests pick up a vintage-style phone and leave a sweet (or hilarious!) message. You’ll hear voices, laughter, and real emotion — and it becomes something you can listen to for years. It’s personal, unique, and honestly so fun.
Polaroid or Photobooth Guest Books
Set out a Polaroid camera and let guests take photos of themselves throughout the night. They can tape their picture into a book and write a little message beside it. It’s candid, silly, and guaranteed to bring smiles every time you flip through the pages. You’ll end up with a mix of goofy photos and heartfelt notes.
Custom Photo Books
Many couples create a guest book using their engagement photographs. It’s a beautiful way to display your images while letting guests write in the margins. The pages become filled with love and memories — and the book becomes something you’ll actually keep on your coffee table.
Signed Vinyl Records
If you’re music lovers, a vinyl guest book is perfect. Choose a few of your favorite records and let guests sign around the edges with metallic markers. Then frame them and display them in your home. It’s modern, cool, and such a fun nod to your style.
Advice & Date Jar Notes
For something simple and sweet, set out small cards and ask guests to write advice, well wishes, or future date night ideas. You can read them on your honeymoon or save them for your first anniversary. It’s a low-stress option that still feels personal.
Anniversary Wine Bottles
Interactive guest books always get guests excited. Having bottles of wine dedicated to milestone anniversaries for guests to sign are a sweet touch! You’ll get to open them later and see all the sweet notes from guests.
Globe or Decor Guest Books
If you love to travel, let guests sign a map, globe, or atlas. Or have them sign a frame, or piece of home decor! It looks beautiful on display and symbolizes the adventures ahead.
Make It Personal
Your guest book should feel like you. Pick something tied to your personalities, hobbies, or story. No matter which option you choose, the best guest books are the ones that make you smile years later.
If you’re planning your wedding and want more inspiration, I’m always happy to share ideas — and help you capture every special detail of your day.
One of my favorite wedding day moments is a first look with your bridesmaids. It’s fun, emotional, and full of the kind of reactions you’ll want to remember forever. Your bridesmaids have been with you through so many parts of life — college years, late-night conversations, planning sessions, and everything in between — so letting them share in the moment you reveal your final bridal look is truly special.
If you’re building your wedding day timeline and looking for a meaningful, joy-filled moment to add, this one deserves a spot.
Why a Bridesmaid First Look Is Worth It
Your bridesmaids have probably seen photos of your dress and heard about every little detail, but seeing you fully ready for the first time is completely different. The reactions are priceless — the gasps, the tears, the laughter, the cheers. It’s a moment filled with so much love and pure excitement.
A first look with your bridesmaids also helps slow the morning down. It gives you a chance to breathe, be present, and take in all the support around you before the day speeds up.
It Makes for Beautiful, Candid Photos
As a Kansas City wedding photographer, I can promise you this: these moments photograph so well. Bridesmaids never hold back, and their genuine reactions create some of the most natural images of the entire day.
You’ll get:
- joyful group photos
- emotional close-ups
- fun, playful shots
- a memory you can relive forever
This moment adds warmth and personality to your gallery in a way nothing else does.
A Perfect Way to Start the Celebration
A first look with your bridesmaids also sets the tone for the rest of your wedding day. You’re surrounded by your closest friends, hyped up, smiling, and ready to walk into one of the biggest moments of your life. It’s uplifting, grounding, and so much fun.
Plus, it’s a great way to thank them for standing beside you — not just on your wedding day, but through every season of life.
Tips for Planning a Bridesmaid First Look
To make this moment smooth and easy:
- Plan it right after you put your dress on
- Gather your bridesmaids in one room and have them face away from the doorway
- Walk in when you’re ready and let the moment unfold naturally
- Keep tissues close — someone always cries!
Adding a first look with your bridesmaids is such a sweet way to create connection, excitement, and emotion on your wedding day. It brings your favorite people together, gives you a moment to soak it all in, and adds beautiful storytelling to your gallery.
One of my favorite things about photographing couples and families in Kansas City is finding ways to make each session feel personal. Choosing meaningful locations for your session is one of the easiest and most beautiful ways to do that. Whether you’re celebrating an engagement, a new baby, an anniversary, or simply capturing this season of life, the right location can add depth, emotion, and story to your images.
Let’s talk about how to choose a spot that feels like you and how to make your session even more meaningful.
Start With Places That Matter to You
Think about the places that tell a part of your story. Maybe it’s the coffee shop where you had your first date. Maybe it’s the park where you walk your dog every morning, or the street where you take family strolls after dinner. These spots might seem simple, but they often hold the sweetest memories.
When you choose a location that has meaning, you feel more relaxed and connected — and that shows in your photographs.
Use Your Home as a Backdrop
Your home is full of memories, and it’s one of the most meaningful locations for your session. In-home sessions capture your real life in the places where you spend the most time. Curling up on the couch, cooking together, playing with your kids, rocking your newborn — these everyday moments create warm, intimate photos you’ll love forever.
Celebrate Your Milestones Where They Happened
If you’re planning an engagement session, consider the spot where the proposal took place. For couples celebrating anniversaries, revisiting your wedding location can feel incredibly nostalgic. Even maternity sessions can be special at the place where you often walk together or the room you’re preparing for baby.
Going back to a place tied to a milestone brings out emotion in a way nothing else can.
Choose Locations That Reflect Your Personality
Meaningful doesn’t always have to be sentimental — sometimes it’s simply you. Love bookstores? Let’s shoot among the aisles. Obsessed with the riverfront? Let’s go. Love the skyline? Downtown KC has endless views. Your session should reflect who you are right now, and choosing a place you genuinely enjoy makes the experience fun and natural.
Blend Multiple Spots for More Storytelling
You don’t have to choose just one location. Start at your home, then visit your go-to park. Begin in the city and end in a quiet natural spot. Mixing locations lets you tell a fuller story and gives you variety in your final gallery.
Choosing meaningful locations for your session adds emotion, personality, and story to your photographs. Whether it’s your home, the place you first met, your favorite Kansas City spot, or a location that simply makes you happy, the right setting helps you feel comfortable and connected — and it shows in every image.
Let’s talk about something that can make a huge difference on your wedding day — an unplugged ceremony. If you haven’t heard the term before, an unplugged ceremony means asking your guests to put their phones and cameras away during your vows. As a Kansas City wedding photographer, I can confidently say this small request can make a big impact!
Be Present in the Moment
Your wedding ceremony is one of the most meaningful moments of your life. It’s the moment you look into your partner’s eyes, surrounded by your loved ones, and say “I do.” When everyone’s holding a phone instead of a hand, it changes the energy in the room. Asking guests to unplug lets them fully experience the emotion — the laughter, the tears, the love — without distraction.
Leave the Photos to the Pros
You’ve spent time choosing your wedding photographer, and it’s our job to capture every moment beautifully. When guests lean into the aisle with phones or flash unexpectedly, it can block your photos or alter the lighting. An unplugged ceremony ensures your professional photographs are clean, timeless, and focused entirely on you.
Protect the Magic of the Moment
There’s something so special about hearing gasps, laughter, and applause instead of the click of a camera. Your guests will remember the warmth of the moment far more than a blurry photo on their phone. Plus, when you receive your gallery later, you’ll have gorgeous photographs to share with everyone — ones that tell the story perfectly.
Make It Simple for Guests
If you decide on an unplugged ceremony, include a note in your program or have your officiant kindly announce it before the ceremony begins. A simple reminder goes a long way in helping everyone be present and respectful.
Your wedding day only happens once — and it deserves your full attention. Choosing an unplugged ceremony in Kansas City allows you and your guests to be truly present, creating memories that last a lifetime
One of my favorite things about being a photographer is documenting every chapter of your story. Whether it’s a surprise proposal, a wedding day, or a cozy in-home family session, each moment is a new piece of your journey — and being invited to capture them all is such a gift.
Watching Love Grow Through the Years
There’s something so special about seeing a couple’s story unfold over time. Maybe I first met you during your engagement session, when everything was new and exciting. Then came your wedding day — full of laughter, emotion, and those little in-between moments that make your story yours.
And just when I think my heart couldn’t get fuller, you call me again — this time for maternity photographs, or maybe your first newborn session. Watching the same couple grow from newly engaged to proud parents (and then to a bustling family!) is such an incredible privilege.
The Joy of Documenting Every Chapter
Nothing brings me more joy than following a couple through each phase of life. When I get to photograph your engagement, wedding, maternity, and newborn sessions — and then your family portraits year after year — it feels like being part of something bigger than a single moment.
Your story becomes part of mine, too. I get to witness the laughter, the milestones, and the quiet moments in between. And the best part? You’ll have photographs that tell your full story — from “yes” to “I do” and beyond.
Why It Matters
Photographs freeze time in the best way. They remind you where you started, how far you’ve come, and all the love you’ve built along the way. Whether it’s your anniversary, your child’s first steps, or simply a family day at home, these memories deserve to be documented with care and joy.
So, if you’re ready to keep adding to your story, I’d love to help you capture every chapter — big or small. Because your love, your growth, and your laughter are worth remembering at every stage.
If you’re on the hunt for a wedding venue that feels like something out of a fairytale—modern, romantic, and completely one-of-a-kind—Avent Orangery Kansas City might just be the dream you didn’t know you had. As the very first all-glass greenhouse venue in the Kansas City metro, it is turning heads and setting a new standard for light-filled celebrations.
Whether you’re envisioning a sun-soaked ceremony, a candlelit dinner, or portraits that feel straight out of a European garden, Avent Orangery offers a stunning, versatile backdrop with an atmosphere all its own.
A Glimpse Into The Story
Avent Orangery is a modern gem in the heart of Kansas City, bringing minimalist architecture and natural elegance together in one breathtaking space. As KC’s first all-glass greenhouse venue, it has quickly become a favorite for couples looking for a clean, bright, and magical setting to say “I do.”
What Makes Avent Orangery Unique?
Let’s talk about the obvious: glass! The structure is entirely transparent, which means your wedding is bathed in dreamy natural light from start to finish. And right next to the venue? A 30-foot-tall Beaumont Fountain—perfect for portraits, cocktail hour, or a romantic first look.
Avent Orangery also offers two distinct outdoor options:
- A 190-seat amphitheater-style ceremony space
- A European-inspired patio dining area perfect for intimate events or cocktail hours
Inside or out, every part of the venue is designed to be beautiful and functional.
Amenities & Services
Avent Orangery keeps things simple but thoughtful. Every rental includes:
- Tables, chairs, and lighting
- Two beautifully renovated getting-ready suites inside the nearby Chateau Avalon
- Staff setup and teardown of furniture
- Open vendor policy (plus a curated preferred vendor list!)
- On-site parking and full wheelchair accessibility
- Ceremony + reception flip support
- Gorgeous chandelier and patio string lighting for evening events
Couples are welcome to bring in licensed caterers and food trucks—yes, really! While Avent doesn’t offer coordination services, they’re happy to connect you with trusted planners who know the space well.
Ideal for Weddings… and More
While weddings are the main event, the venue also welcomes private parties and corporate gatherings. With space for up to 225 guests, it works beautifully for large celebrations or more intimate affairs.
Whether you choose to host your ceremony in the greenhouse, the amphitheater, or beside the fountain, every space transitions seamlessly from ceremony to reception—with a weather backup plan built in.
Picture-Perfect Moments
From open fields and wooded backdrops to the clean lines of the greenhouse itself, Avent is a photographer’s dream. The natural light is flawless, and the variety of settings means your wedding gallery will have depth, texture, and style.
Bonus: candles and hanging installations are welcome! Just make sure open flames are enclosed in jars or vases.
Booking & What to Expect
Most couples book Avent about a year in advance, but availability is posted on their website so you can check it anytime. Pricing varies depending on the day of the week, and the venue is open from 9 AM to 11 PM. Sparklers? Totally allowed. Fireworks? Not so much.
A signed contract and initial payment are required to reserve your date. While payments are non-refundable, Avent does allow for date changes—a policy they’re happy to walk you through during your tour.
Final Thoughts from the Avent Team
When asked what advice they’d give couples considering Avent, the team said, “We value transparency. Ask ALL the questions!” Every wedding at this venue is memorable because each one reflects the couple behind it. If you’re drawn to clean lines, lush surroundings, and a space that’s beautiful on its own or dressed to the nines, Avent Orangery might be the perfect match.
Schedule a Tour
Ready to see this dreamy space in person? Head to www.aventkc.com to check availability and schedule a tour. The Avent team is ready to welcome you with open arms—and an incredible view!
When it comes to saying “I do,” more couples are choosing a Kansas City micro wedding to celebrate their love. These intimate gatherings may be small in guest count, but they are overflowing with romance, intentional details, and major moments that will stay with you forever.
One of the biggest draws of a micro wedding is the intimacy. With fewer guests, couples can truly connect with every single person in attendance. Instead of being pulled in a hundred directions, you get to slow down and soak in the love that surrounds you. That closeness often leads to a deeper sense of meaning and joy throughout the day.
Micro weddings don’t mean you have to sacrifice the celebration either! Many couples choose to host a micro wedding ceremony and then plan a larger reception later. This way, you get the best of both worlds—the quiet, heartfelt vows in front of your closest loved ones, followed by a big party with extended friends and family. Some even choose to celebrate both on the same day, creating a seamless flow from small and intimate to large and festive.
Another perk? Micro weddings allow you to put your budget toward what truly matters to you. Whether it’s splurging on florals, booking your dream photographer, or creating a gourmet menu, having fewer guests often means more freedom to personalize your day.
At the end of the day, love is what makes a wedding unforgettable. A Kansas City micro wedding proves that you don’t need hundreds of guests to have a celebration full of laughter, tears, and joy. Sometimes, it’s the smaller moments that make the biggest impact.
If you’re planning a wedding in Kansas City (or anywhere, really!), one of the best pieces of advice I can give you is this: book your photographer early. I know—it’s tempting to wait until you’ve locked in your venue or finalized every last detail. But here’s the thing: your photographer is one of the first vendors you’ll want to secure, and here’s why.
1. We Book Up FAST
Popular wedding dates—especially spring and fall Saturdays—go quickly. Many photographers (myself included!) start booking a year or more in advance. If you’ve been eyeing a particular style or have a photographer you love, don’t wait. Reach out as soon as you have a date in mind!
2. Your Photographer Helps Shape Your Timeline
A big perk of booking early? Your photographer can help with your wedding day timeline! We’ll guide you on how long we need for portraits, when golden hour falls, and how to plan for a smooth photo flow throughout your day. The earlier we chat, the more helpful we can be in the planning process.
3. Engagement Sessions Fill Up Too
Thinking about doing engagement photos? Another reason to book your photographer early is to give yourself time to plan and schedule your session. You’ll want to avoid last-minute stress, and give yourself time to order prints, create save-the-dates, or just enjoy the process without a rush.
4. It’s One Less Thing to Worry About
Let’s be real—wedding planning is a lot. The earlier you lock in a photographer you trust, the more peace of mind you’ll have. You’ll know your memories are in good hands and you can start dreaming up your perfect gallery.
Your photographs are one of the only things you’ll have forever after the day is over. So if there’s a photographer whose work makes your heart skip a beat—reach out early and snag that date!
If you’re getting married in Kansas City and looking for a fun, detail-loving photographer who’s all about capturing the real, joyful moments—I’d love to chat!
Let’s make some magic together. ✨
Planning a photogenic proposal is one of the most thoughtful ways to pop the question—because not only will your partner remember the moment forever, they’ll have photographs to relive it again and again. If you’re dreaming of that perfect, heart-melting reaction caught on camera, here are a few key tips to make sure the magic and the lighting are just right.
Pick the Perfect Location
Start with a location that’s meaningful to your relationship or visually stunning (bonus points if it’s both). Think: a scenic overlook, a favorite trail, the botanical gardens, or the place where you had your first date. If you’re unsure, your photographer can help you brainstorm proposal spots that photograph beautifully in any season.
Time it Right
Golden hour is always a win! Proposing during the hour after sunrise or before sunset gives you that warm, glowy light that flatters everyone. Avoid the harsh midday sun if possible. And if your partner isn’t a morning person, maybe stick with sunset!
Coordinate with Your Photographer
A professional photographer can help you map out your proposal game plan, scout the location in advance, and capture genuine reactions without giving away the surprise. Make sure to share all the details—from where you’ll walk in to where you’ll pop the question—so they can be ready to photograph the big moment without being seen (until it’s time to celebrate!).
Think Through the Details
Small touches make a big impact in proposal photographs. Fresh flowers, champagne, or a handwritten note add romance and personality. If family or friends will be part of the surprise, plan when they’ll show up (and what they’ll do after the “yes!”).
Dress the Part
While this moment is meant to be genuine, it doesn’t hurt to look your best! Encourage your partner to dress up by planning a fake dinner date or outing. You’ll both feel confident and camera-ready when the moment comes.
When you’re planning a photogenic proposal, the little details matter. From lighting to location to who’s hiding behind the camera—intentional planning makes all the difference. And trust us: those emotional, joy-filled photographs will be worth every second of prep.
