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

Five Wedding Dress Shopping Tips from a Bridal Stylist | Guest Blog – 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!

  1. 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!
  2. Affordability: Professional photography doesn’t have to break the bank! Minis are priced competitively, making them accessible to a wide range of budgets.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.





All About Mini Sessions | Kansas City Wedding Photographer

This week I caught up with Lexi Nardini, the Owner and Director of Floral and Design at Love, Lilacs! I love collaborating with other talented wedding vendors in the KC area. Having photographed multiple weddings that have featured Lexi’s beautiful floral designs, I know how talented she it. I asked if I could pick her brain about all things wedding floral and as always, she didn’t disappoint!

When did you start your business and what drew you to becoming a florist and business owner?

I went to college at the University of Missouri for a degree in event planning! The dream was to be a wedding planner- I just love all things weddings! During my junior year, I took the intro to floral design class as a fun elective, and fell in love with it. I went on to get my minor in floral design, and along the way decided to switch career paths and become a wedding florist instead! I used my knowledge of floral, along with my events/business degree as a perfect combination to start my business after college. The rest is history!

What are some of your favorite current wedding floral trends?

As my business name may hint, I loveeeeee springy florals. My favorite weddings are the classic springy pastels- a trend I don’t think will ever go out of style!

How far in advance do you recommend couples reach out to you about wedding floral planning?

 I usually recommend around 12 months out, and I would say that is the standard I see. But with that being said, I get a whole range! Some two years in advance, and some a couple months away. There is never a wrong time to reach out to me, I am always happy to help! You never know when your favorite vendor could be available, so always check just to be sure. Maybe your date will still be open and maybe not, but always worth the ask in my opinion!

How do you balance creating pieces that look current and also stand the test of time?

Balance is the key with designing! This pertains to lots of different elements in the design process, including symmetry, negative space, bloom size, etc. I always work with the couple to make sure they know what to expect with our florals, and explain to them how we can make sure they are timeless while following the trends at the same time. This all happens during our design meetings, and if the couple is unsure on how to go about this, I am always happy to lead the way with questions to help us get there!

How to you help couples determine what style of florals they are looking for?

If I have a couple that is having trouble deciding on their aesthetic, a great place to start is talking about the season of their wedding. This really gets the conversation going and helps me determine what they like and don’t. Another element is my look-books! I create a custom look-book for each couple, full of ideas, inspiration photos, pricing, descriptions, etc. This look-book is what we refer to at our first meeting/consult, and having that visual really helps us dream up the perfect florals for them!

If you could give couples planning their wedding one piece of advice pertaining to florals, what would it be?

My go-to advice for couples is to repurpose those ceremony florals to the reception! I know this is kind of obvious for vendors, but some newly weds aren’t aware of this and it’s such a money saver! The ceremony tends to be a short period of time, so might as well use those florals throughout the entire event. An example of this is grounded aisle markers (lining the aisle) being moved to tables as centerpieces, or moving the floral arch at the altar to frame the couple behind the sweetheart table. There are tons of possibilities!

What are you most looking forward to within your business in 2024?

I am looking forward to growing our Love, Lilacs team! I absolutely love wedding florals, so bringing more girlies to the LL team will allow us to take on even more, which is the dream!

If you are in the process of planning your wedding, I highly recommend saving this post to come back to as you dive into floral planning. And if you haven’t picked out a florist yet, give Lexi and call to see if working with her would be a good fit for you. She is truly wonderful at what she does!

All Things Wedding Floral Q+A | Guest Blog – Love, Lilacs

Forty minutes North of Downtown Kansas City, White Iron Ridge is nestled in the soft fields of Clay County, Missouri. What began as a small vision for owner, Rebecca ‘Becky’ Hofmeister, soon expanded into a full-fledged wedding venue operation with the help and drive from family friend Amanda Newton.

The Vision

Amanda: “[Becky brought me] in to help propel her vision, and [we] started designing and dreaming together. Land was purchased, a construction team was hired, plans were made, and we started booking couples for future wedding dates as we started building.”

The White Iron Ridge event space is located on Seventy-two privately held acres. The all-white barn is completed with unique and stunning chandeliers, a grand staircase. It also features Overnight Guest Suites for up to Thirty-two guests and a Honeymoon Suite. The entire event space can accommodate up to 350 guests.

The Amenities

Amanda describes the aesthetic as: “Elegant, white, and clean.” The all-white event space is the perfect canvas for any style wedding or event.

Though there is no onsite coordinator, the Event Manager is there all day to make sure the entire process runs smoothly.

Says Amanda: “We give our couples access [to the site] starting at 8 a.m. so they can get ready in our onsite Bridal Suite.” The Bridal Suite is equipped with large mirrors, salon stations, a steamer, and a private bathroom. They have everything needed to make sure the ladies look their best. The groom and groomsmen also have a space to get ready! Their space includes a T.V., a gaming console, and a wet bar – everything needed to keep the gentlemen occupied.

As far as outside vendors, Amanda says: “We welcome outside vendors and continue to welcome vendors to build new partnerships. We also have an awesome recommended vendor list we provide all couples!”

When asked what her favorite part of working in the wedding industry is, Amanda replied: “I love being a part of the beginning of each couple’s journey as they pick their date and venue. [I love] hearing their vision and excitement as they start planning, and then seeing their vision come to life and witnessing one of the happiest days of their lives.”

I have had the opportunity to capture multiple weddings at White Iron Ridge and can attest to it’s beauty! If you think you may be interested, give them a call or fill out the contact form on their website.

White Iron Ridge Venue Spotlight | Kansas City Wedding Photographer

As 2023 comes to a close and 2024 begins I wanted to hop on and recap my busiest year yet! A letter from Nat, if you will.

Over the past 12 months I captured a total of 101 sessions, 23 of those being weddings. That averages to almost 2 weddings a month!! I had a total of 40 Lightroom catalogs for the year, each with lots of time spent editing. I also filled 5 hard drives and 28 SD cards!

Just to give you a glimpse into what an average year in photos looks like – I took 159,944 photos total. I edited 39,488 of those photos and delivered 124 total galleries!

The most popular sessions on my schedule were couples, families, and maternity. But I captured so many different sessions and had a BLAST!

It may vary from month to month, but overall, my most used apps this year were Honeybook (client and project management), Google Docs, Instagram, and Gmail. 

It was the busiest and BEST year yet. I feel so incredibly blessed to serve Kansas City and surrounding areas because I truly have the best clients! I look forward to many more great years ahead. Cheers to 2023; let’s see what you’ve got in store 2024!

XOXO,

Nat

A Letter From Nat | Kansas City Wedding Photographer

There are so many special moments to be captured on your wedding day! Family portraits are a great way to remember what loved one’s were there to celebrate with you. Depending on the size of your family, this process may be quick or take a little while. The best way to ensure it goes by smoothly and everyone gets a photography is to be prepared! I’ve put together some tips for how to prepare for fast and organized family portraits.

Make The List

Once your RSPV’s have come back and you know who will be attending the wedding start by making a list of everyone who will be attending the “family portrait” portion of the wedding. This typically takes place right after the ceremony. It is important to make a list because sometimes it is more than just family who needs to stay. It is also important to let anyone who should be staying that they are on the list, so they don’t leave!

Organize The List

After you’ve made you list it’s time to start organizing it! I recommend starting with one partner’s side of the family and then work your way to the other’s. Write down all the different groupings you’d like photographed. Parents, siblings, grandparents, etc. Narrow your groupings down to the exact photographs you want. What I mean by this is if you want photographs with each grandparent, write them down individually (ie. picture with Grandma, picture with Grandpa, and picture with Grandma AND Grandpa). This way there is no confusion between you and your photographer. There will be so much going on that you may not remember that you wanted individual pictures with them and if you don’t write it down you will likely just get a group photo.

Share The List

When you are done creating all your groupings it is important to share the list with your photographer! If you have a wedding planner or a day of coordinator it is important to share with them, as well. If you want everyone to be informed, you can also share it with anyone who is on your list so they know they need to stay back after the ceremony. When they ceremony is over, have the Officiant make an announcement reminding anyone who is taking family portraits to stay back instead of leaving.

List, or no list, you’re wedding day is going to be perfect! Family members will hang back so they can be photographed with the Newlyweds and then head to the reception. Being prepared just helps move the process along quickly!

How to Plan Fast and Organized Family Portraits | Kansas City Wedding Photographer

Writing your vows can arguably be one of the hardest parts of preparing for your wedding day, especially if you aren’t great with words! It is always a good idea to discuss with your partner what your opinion is when it comes to vows. Do you want to write your own and say them in front of all your guests? Do you want to recite pre-written vows from the officiant? Or do you want a mixture of both? Where you write your own vows and share them in private while also reciting vows from the officiant at the ceremony. In my line of work, I’ve heard a lot of vows recited! I’ve put together a list of tips that will hopefully help you if you and your partner opt for writing your own.

Discuss Tone and Format

Before you get started it is important to discuss what you want the tone and format of your vows to be so they are similar. Are you going for more light-hearted, or serious? Do you want to tell a story, or make promises to each other? Maybe you both want the same format and maybe you both want to do something different! Either way, it is important to be on the same page before the day of the wedding so you have an idea of how to prepare and what to expect.

Sweet Memories.. Not Embarrassing One’s

You likely know your partner better than anyone else. Which means you’ve seen them at their worst and best. Even if you decide on doing light-hearted vows, it is important not to embarrass your partner in front of all your guests during a serious moment. Save the “spring break” and “drunken night out” memories for the reception speeches!

Practice

I know it can be nerve-racking just having to write the vows, but it is also important to practice them. I recommend practicing them by yourself a few times to make sure everything sounds good. Once you’ve done that, ask someone you trust to listen to you practice them out loud once or twice. Not only is it good practice for the wedding, but you can get some feedback about how they read and if you should make any changes or adjustments.

Remember, your wedding is just one day! So, although writing your vows may seem like a huge deal in this moment, what really matters is spending the rest of your lives together. Take a deep breath, grab some paper, and write from the heart. Trash one idea and start all over if you have to. At it’s core, you are promising to love your partner and that is all that truly matters!

How To Write Your Vows | Kansas City Wedding Photographer

For some, the idea of planning or attending a bachelorette party can seem like a nightmare. When in reality it should be a stress-free and fun time to get all the Bride’s favorite people together to celebrate her! I’ve put together some tips for planning the perfect bachelorette party, no nightmares involved.

Assign Roles and Create Guest List

One of the best ways to reduce stress is to assign roles for the bachelorette party before planning begins. This lets everyone know who is in charge of what, it also allows people to opt out of taking on a planning role if they don’t have the time. This helps everyone stay organized and keeps things from becoming overwhelming! Once roles have been assigned it’s time to start creating the guest list. Who’s coming? Just the wedding party? Is the Mother of the Bride and Mother of the Groom coming? Is it ALL the bride’s friends? After the guest list is established, it’s time to start planning!

The Details

Date, location, and lodging should be the first things on the planning list! Once those three are determined you can start scouting out all the fun things to do in the area. It is important to have a conversation with everyone invited about the cost of the party. If everyone is working with a smaller budget, look at places closer to home. If you have a larger budget you can look at flying with your pals to a new place! After you get your lodging booked, start coming up with an agenda for the party!

Picking a Theme

It seems like picking a bachelorette party theme is a big deal these days! The truth is, it can be as simple or extravagant as the Bride wants. Simple parties can be just as fun as Extravagant one’s! Once you’ve decided on a theme you can decided how you want to decorate, what kinda of outfits to plan for, and what the overall “vibe” is going to be. It is important to relay this information to everyone invited early on so they have time to plan!

Creating and Agenda

Coming up with a game plan for the party is important, especially if it is a multi-day party! Start by deciding on a rough timeline for each day of the party. This should include where you will be going, when and where you will be eating, and what the weather will be like. Sharing this information will allow everyone time to plan their outfits. It will also give people time to plan for how often they will be eating out and gauge how much money they will be spending on outings and activities! Transparency is KEY when organizing groups of people.

Girl’s Gotta Eat!

Make sure to plan out what meals you will be eating at where you’re staying so you can write up a grocery list for everyone to chip in on, and send out menu’s for the restaurants to plan on eating at. This allows everyone time to plan ahead. It also gives you the opportunity to call and make any reservations needed for the party!

Confirmation is Key

It is important to have everything planned about four months in advance. At that point you can reach out to everyone on the guest list and let them know what the plan is. You should know how much everyone’s portion of the party will cost. This gives everyone time to decide if they are able to go or will have to sit it out!

There is SO much time and planning that goes into preparing for a bachelorette party. I hope these tips help easy some of that stress! Is there anything I’m missing?? Let me know in the comments!

How to Plan for the Bachelorette Party | Kansas City Wedding Photographer

The buying of the engagement ring is the first step in the age-old process of getting married! To some, it is one of the most significant parts, for others it is a small token of symbolization. Regardless of how you see it, the styles and trends in engagement rings have changed over the decades. There are a few trends that are making a comeback!

Art Deco Style Rings

The Roaring 20’s is back in the 2000’s and the trends in engagement rings are mimicking those of the 1900’s. Art Deco style engagement rings are back and they are bigger (literally) than ever! Not only are some people choosing to go vintage and shop art deco style rings from the 1920’s in an effort to support sustainability, others are creating new rings with specific art deco vintage designs in mind. 

Pear Shaped Rings

The pear shaped style of rings actually began in the 1960’s and has grown and faded throughout the ages. Its popularity has grown within the recent years and continues to grow as we head into the new year. If you are on the hunt for the perfect engagement ring and haven’t tried on a pear shape yet, maybe give it a go? You just might surprise yourself!

Halo Style Rings

Whereas the Art Deco Style rings are popular as a whole, the Halo Style specifically has seen a large growth in popularity. The 1920s style art deco engagement ring that is rooted in a cluster rings smaller cut diamonds can help your center stone really shine!

Regardless of what you’re style is, finding a jeweler that values your opinion, budget, and vision is key when searching for the perfect engagement ring!

Popular Engagement Ring Styles | Kansas City Wedding Photographer

Including your furry friend in your engagement or wedding photographs can add a unique and heartwarming dimension to your special moments. Pets are family, after all, and having them by your side on such an important day can be incredibly meaningful. As an engagement photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of capturing countless moments with couples and their pets, so I’m here to share some tips on how to prepare for photographs with pets.

Communicate with Your Photographer

Before your photoshoot, have a detailed conversation with your photographer about your pet’s personality, quirks, and any specific shots you have in mind. This will help them plan the session accordingly and ensure they’re prepared to work with your pet.

Choose the Right Location

Select a location that is pet-friendly and safe. Parks, beaches, or any familiar environment where your pet is comfortable can be great options. Make sure the location allows pets and is easily accessible for your furry friend.

Bring a Handler

It’s essential to have someone (a friend or family member) who knows your pet well and can help manage them during the photoshoot. This person can hold the leash, provide treats, and keep your pet engaged and focused.

Practice Before the Big Day

If your pet isn’t accustomed to photo sessions, practice some basic commands and posing with them beforehand. This will help your pet feel more at ease during the shoot and improve the chances of getting the perfect shot.

Bring Treats and Toys

Treats and toys can be excellent motivators for your pet during the shoot. Reward them for good behavior and use toys to capture their attention and create playful moments.

Capture Candid Moments

Some of the most beautiful pet photos are candid shots that capture their genuine expressions and interactions with you. Encourage natural moments rather than trying to force specific poses.

Safety First

Always prioritize your pet’s safety and well-being. Keep them on a leash or harness to prevent them from running off, and be mindful of their comfort and hydration during the shoot.

Including your pet in your engagement or wedding photos can be a heartwarming and memorable experience. By following these tips and working closely with your photographer, you can ensure that the photoshoot is a success and that you capture beautiful moments that reflect the love and bond you share with your furry companion

How To Prep For Photographs With Pets | Kansas City Engagement Photographer