Some engagement sessions feel like stepping straight into a movie, and Danielle and Quentin’s was exactly that! These two brought style, personality, and a perfect mix of moody vintage charm and carefree fun to their session. With two incredible locations—the historic Hotel Phillips and the breathtaking Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts—they truly got the best of both worlds.

Moody & Romantic at The Hotel Phillips

The Hotel Phillips offered perfect vintage charm! The warm lighting, vintage decor, and classic architecture created the perfect setting for a session that felt timeless and cinematic.

Danielle and Quentin’s outfits were absolutely on point. Danielle stunned in a white jumpsuit with a lace sleeve overlay, paired with a sleek white blazer. Quentin looked effortlessly sharp in a black suit with a crisp white button-up. Together, they looked elegant with just the right touch of edge.

We started in the hotel’s library, sipping cocktails and capturing those intimate, stolen-glance moments. From there, we moved to the grand staircase, where their formal attire blended beautifully with the moody lighting and old-world charm. Then, things got even more fun! We creative with the classic old-school elevators and even had a blast on a luggage cart, proving that romance and laughter go hand in hand. The balcony shots added a dramatic, almost Gatsby-esque feel!

A Bright & Carefree Vibe at Kauffman Center

Then we made a total 180 and switched gears for the second half of their session. Heading to the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, we left the moody, romantic atmosphere behind and embraced a fresh, playful energy.

Danielle changed into a red dress that popped beautifully against the soft spring colors. Quentin complemented her look perfectly in a soft purple button-up and jeans, adding just the right amount of contrast. The flowers were blooming, the trees were full, and everything about the setting was ideal.

We strolled around outside the building and every laugh, every sweet glance, and every little moment was a reminder of just how perfect these two are together!

The Best of Both Worlds

Danielle and Quentin’s engagement session was the perfect blend of vintage charm and playful fun. From the elegance of The Hotel Phillips to the fresh, joyful energy of the Kauffman Center, they got a session as dynamic as their love story.

Thinking about an engagement session that truly reflects you? Let’s plan something magical—moody, romantic, playful, or all of the above!

Vintage Charm Meets Springtime Love | Kansas City Engagement Photographer

There’s something extra special about capturing a proposal. The raw emotion, the happy tears, and the sheer excitement of saying “YES!” always make these moments unforgettable. And Anne and Logan’s proposal at The Nelson-Atkins Museum? Absolute perfection.

Logan had everything mapped out—right down to the celebratory champagne! Under the trees in the park at The Nelson, he got down on one knee and asked Anne to spend forever with him. The joy on her face said it all! It was one of those moments that felt like time slowed down, just for them.

After the big moment, we wandered around the museum grounds, taking in everything The Nelson has to offer. This place is a dream for proposals and engagement sessions! Nestled between the trees, we captured sweet, quiet moments where Anne and Logan soaked it all in. Then, we made our way to the grand stairs, where the architecture added a timeless, elegant touch to their photographs.

Next, we stopped by the water feature, where the reflection of the sky and the soft ripples in the background created a dreamy effect. And, of course, we couldn’t miss the beautiful red flowers in full bloom—perfectly framing the joy on their faces. Every spot gave us a different vibe!

After all the excitement, it was time to celebrate! Anne and Logan headed to a local restaurant, where their closest friends and family were waiting to toast to their future. The energy in the room was contagious—hugs, happy tears, and lots of clinking glasses filled the night.

Why The Nelson is the Perfect Proposal Spot

The Nelson-Atkins Museum isn’t just an iconic KC location; it’s full of little hidden gems that make any proposal feel magical! Whether it’s the grand stairs, the lush green spaces, or the romantic sculptures tucked away in the gardens, every corner offers something special. And when you add in a thoughtfully planned surprise like Logan’s, it becomes an unforgettable experience.

Anne and Logan’s proposal was everything a love story should be—joyful, heartfelt, and full of meaning. I feel so lucky to have captured it all!

Thinking about popping the question? Let’s chat! I’d love to help you plan and capture your perfect moment.

Proposal Under the Trees at The Nelson-Atkins Museum | Kansas City Photographer

Engagement sessions are all about capturing the unique love story of each couple! Bailey and Kevin’s rose garden session at Loose Park was nothing short of magical. Surrounded by the glow of a golden evening, this session showcased their love, laughter, and chemistry.

Bailey and Kevin chose a wardrobe that perfectly complemented the soft, romantic setting of the rose garden. Their light neutrals—tans, creams, and whites—felt timeless and elegant. Bailey’s dress added a delightful pop of color with its subtle pattern, enhancing the warmth of the setting. The golden hour light illuminated the park, casting a dreamy glow that made every moment feel intimate and heartfelt.

Loose Park is a treasure trove of stunning backdrops, making it an ideal location for engagement photographs. The rose garden offered a vibrant, romantic setting, while the lake reflected the soft evening light. Stonework columns and stairs added a touch of classic elegance, and the rich brown bridge brought depth and charm to the session. Gorgeous greenery surrounded the couple, creating a natural frame that highlighted their connection beautifully.

Bailey and Kevin’s ease in front of the camera made the session a joy to capture. Their playful personalities and genuine comfort with each other translated effortlessly into their photographs. Whether they were sharing a quiet moment by the lake or laughing on the bridge, every interaction felt authentic and full of love.

Making the Most of Your Engagement Session:

  1. Choose a location that reflects your style: Loose Park’s variety of backdrops offered something special for Bailey and Kevin, making their session truly unique.
  2. Plan your wardrobe carefully: Neutral tones like tans, creams, and whites photograph beautifully and complement natural settings. Adding a pop of color, like Bailey’s dress pattern, can make your images stand out.
  3. Time your session wisely: Golden hour—the hour before sunset—creates soft, flattering light that adds warmth and romance to your photographs.
  4. Relax and enjoy the process: Bailey and Kevin’s comfort and fun-loving energy made their session feel effortless. Trust your photographer, and focus on enjoying the experience with your partner.

Engagement sessions like this one remind me of the joy and excitement that come with celebrating love. Bailey and Kevin’s beautiful connection, paired with Loose Park’s stunning scenery, resulted in a collection of timeless photographs that they can cherish forever!

Rose Garden Engagement Session | Kansas City Engagement Photographer

An engagement session at Hotel Phillips in downtown Kansas City is the perfect mix of classic, romantic, and timeless charm. Gabi and Sal’s session captured all these elements beautifully, with every detail adding to the moody elegance of the evening!

The Style

Gabi looked breathtaking in her white satin boat neck dress, featuring a chic knot detail at the waist. Sal complemented her perfectly in a classy baby blue suit paired with a crisp white shirt and brown shoes. Their wardrobe choices brought a sophisticated yet modern vibe that paired effortlessly with the warm, moody lighting of the hotel.

The Mood

The session started in the hotel bar, where the dim lighting and rich tones created an intimate and romantic atmosphere. Gabi and Sal shared quiet moments that felt straight out of a classic film. From there, we explored the hotel’s vintage photo booth, which added a playful yet nostalgic touch. The laughter and closeness these two shared in that cozy space truly brought their love to life.

Next, we moved to the library, a hidden gem within Hotel Phillips. The soft lighting and quiet atmosphere made it feel like they had stepped into their own world. It was the perfect spot for intimate moments and tender exchanges.

Getting Creative

One of the most fun parts of the session was capturing elevator photographs! Elevators are surprisingly great for showing connection and personality, and Gabi and Sal’s chemistry shone through in every frame. We also couldn’t resist using the baggage cart, which added a playful, 90’s Nancy Meyers vibe to the session. The mix of elegance and fun felt so true to their love story.

Finally, we stepped outside for some iconic downtown Kansas City photographs. The historic architecture and city lights provided a stunning backdrop, proving that downtown hotels are ideal for engagement sessions. With the versatility of indoor and outdoor locations, every moment of Gabi and Sal’s session felt unique and magical.

The Hotel Phillips delivered a moody, romantic atmosphere that matched Gabi and Sal’s love perfectly. This session was a beautiful reminder of how personal and meaningful engagement sessions can be.

Hotel Phillips Engagement Session | Kansas City Engagement Photographer

Hannah and MK’s fall engagement session at Loose Park in Kansas City was nothing short of magical! As the sun dipped down, the golden hour light took over the entire park, creating a warm, glowing atmosphere. Their choice of neutral black and white outfits added a stunning focal point against the vibrant fall backdrop. The deep oranges, rich yellows, and golden hues of the leaves added a beautiful touch to each photograph.

The Magic of Golden Hour

Golden hour is a favorite time for photographers! During this brief period, the soft light creates a natural glow, adding a sense of warmth to each image. At Loose Park, the golden light filtered through the trees, highlighting the colorful leaves as they fell, giving Hannah and MK’s photographs a romantic, timeless feel.

The sun’s lower angle in the sky during fall cast long, gentle shadows, enhancing depth in the portraits. This lighting is perfect for couples who want to capture genuine intimate moments! Golden hour brings out natural expressions while keeping the mood relaxed and joyful. For Hannah and MK, this meant their photographs were filled with both love and warmth. <3

Why Loose Park is the Perfect Fall Location

Jacob L. Loose Park, covering 75 acres of beautiful landscapes, is one of Kansas City’s top spots for wedding and engagement sessions! Its stunning rose garden features about 3,000 roses and nearly 130 varieties. In the fall, the park transforms into a palette of rich colors, creating the perfect backdrop for portraits!

The park’s open spaces, tree-lined paths, and serene ponds provide a variety of settings for beautiful compositions. During Hannah and MK’s session, the glowing sunset emphasized the landscape and their love for each other in a truly beautiful way.

Benefits of a Fall Golden Hour Session

Choosing a fall golden hour session captures both beautiful lighting and the season’s natural beauty. The combination of soft sunlight and the bright colors of the leaves creates a romantic and colorful atmosphere. It’s a perfect choice for couples who want timeless, elegant portraits that highlight their connection!

For any couple looking to celebrate their love in a stunning way, a fall session during golden hour is truly a wonderful choice!

Magical Golden Hour at Loose Park | Kansas City Engagement Photographer

An engagement session at Liberty Memorial in Kansas City is always a breathtaking experience, especially during golden hour. This magical time, just before sunset, bathes everything in a warm, bright glow, creating a romantic atmosphere!

I recently photographed James and Stacy, a couple whose fun personalities shown through during our session. James wore khakis with a crisp white short-sleeve button-up shirt, creating a classic, timeless look. Stacy’s stunning two-piece outfit, with white and cream lace, added an elegant touch to the session.

Their neutral outfits perfectly complemented the golden hour’s soft light. The warm tones played beautifully off their clothing, enhancing the overall mood. The neutral palette allowed the golden hues to take center stage, highlighting both the couple and the location.

At Liberty Memorial, the golden hour light adds warmth and depth to every photograph. The setting sun’s glow, combined with the city’s skyline, creates a captivating backdrop. Choosing this location during golden hour ensures timeless, breathtaking moments.

James and Stacy’s session is a perfect example of how thoughtful outfit choices and timing can make all the difference. Their session was not only about capturing their love but also about showcasing the beauty of Liberty Memorial.

The result was a series of stunning images that perfectly captured the essence of their relationship. Liberty Memorial, especially during golden hour, offers a unique blend of historical significance and natural beauty. It’s an ideal location for capturing an unforgettable engagement session.

Golden Hour Engagement Session at Liberty Memorial | Kansas City Engagement Photographer

I recently had the pleasure of capturing a beautiful spring proposal session at Loose Park. It was a bright, sunny spring day. Katie wore a lovely baby blue dress, while Zach looked sharp in dark slacks and a white button-up shirt. I hid in the trees as they arrived and I waited in place for Zach to lead Katie to the bridge where he popped the question!

The bridge provided a perfect, rustic backdrop for the proposal. Katie had no idea what was coming, making it even more special. Zach got down on one knee, and Katie’s reaction was priceless. I was thrilled to capture this heartfelt moment.

When they were done sharing their special moment, we moved to the park’s beautiful fountains. The fountains certainly added a touch of elegance to the session. Zach and Katie’s happiness was infectious, they both couldn’t stop smiling! The sound of the water from the fountains made everything feel even more magical. .

During the session we explored most of Loose Park. The blooming flowers and lush greenery were specifically perfect for springtime photographs. Katie and Zach’s love for each other shone through in every photograph. The chemistry between the two of them made my job easy! I loved how relaxed and natural they were together.

To finish the session, Katie and Zach had a little picnic. They brought a couple of their favorite drinks and relaxed on a cozy blanket. It was undoubtedly a perfect ending to a perfect day. They toasted to their future, and I captured the moment. The casual picnic style added a personal touch to their proposal story.

Overall, this spring proposal session at Loose Park was truly memorable. Katie and Zach were so much fun to work with! Their love and excitement made the session special. Capturing these moments is why I love being a wedding photographer. I can’t wait to see Katie and Zach’s journey continue. Congratulations to the happy couple!

A Spring Proposal in Loose Park | Kansas City Engagement Photographer

Winter in Kansas City can be magical, especially for engagement sessions. I had the pleasure of capturing an elegant winter engagement session at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Kansas City. This iconic location, with its stunning architecture and urban elegance, provided a perfect backdrop for the couple’s special moments!

One of the significant perks of winter engagement sessions is the unique ambiance they offer. The Kauffman Center’s sleek, modern design contrasted beautifully with the soft, diffused winter light. The result was a series of photographs that were both dramatic and romantic. The winter season brings a serene and peaceful atmosphere that adds a touch of sophistication to any session.

The couple embraced the winter theme with their attire. The bride-to-be wore a chic, long, white, silk dress that flowed gracefully in the breeze. Her fiancé complemented her look with a classic black sweater and a dark pants, perfect for the crisp winter air.

Winter engagement sessions also come with the advantage of fewer crowds. The Kauffman Center, typically bustling with activity, was more tranquil, allowing us to explore various angles and locations without interruptions. This sense of intimacy made the session more personal and relaxed for the couple.

The couple’s session was not only about capturing beautiful images but also about enjoying the experience. The quieter, less hectic environment of a winter session allowed them to focus on each other, resulting in genuine, heartfelt moments. These candid interactions made the photos even more special.

In addition to the serene atmosphere and beautiful lighting, winter sessions at iconic locations like the Kauffman Center offer a unique perspective. The architectural marvels of the building, combined with the seasonal beauty, create a one-of-a-kind setting that stands out from traditional engagement photos! This elegant winter engagement session was no exception!

Elegant Winter Engagement Session | Kansas City Wedding Photographer

Winter in Kansas City can be unpredictable and chilly. An indoor location like John’s Greenhouse provides a perfect setting for engagement sessions. I had the pleasure of capturing a greenhouse engagement session at John’s and despite the cold weather outside, the greenhouse was warm and inviting.

Indoor locations offer consistent lighting and controlled temperatures, ensuring comfort for everyone. John’s Greenhouse, with its lush greenery, and vibrant backdrop, made this couple’s engagement session feel like a tropical escape!

The couple chose outfits that perfectly complemented the greenhouse’s aesthetic. They opted for simple yet bold colors, which stood out beautifully against the greenery. The bride-to-be wore a stunning deep orange dress, adding a pop of color to the photos. The groom-to-be chose a classic cream colored shirt, offering a sharp contrast to the green foliage. The greenhouse’s natural light highlighted their features and the details of their clothing.

Using an indoor location like John’s Greenhouse has several benefits. It provides a unique and picturesque environment, perfect for capturing special moments. The controlled setting eliminates the stress of weather-related issues. The greenhouse’s lush plants and flowers create a vibrant, natural background for photos.

In winter, outdoor sessions can be challenging due to the cold and unpredictable weather. An indoor location ensures that the session can proceed without any weather-related interruptions. John’s Greenhouse offers a warm, comfortable space for couples to relax and enjoy their session!

Greenhouse Engagement Session | Kansas City Engagement Photographer

Along with winter comes proposal season! Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year are great times to pop the question because family and friends are already gathering. I had the opportunity to capture a special backyard proposal this past proposal season.

Kristian set up twinkly Christmas lights in Catelyn’s Parent’s backyard for a very romantic proposal. It was a cold evening, but that didn’t stop anyone from coming out to celebrate the newly engaged couple! After he led her to the backyard and popped the question, their family and friends came out of the house to congratulate them. They celebrated with a champagne pop, treats, and toasts.

Kansas City has a lot to offer when it comes to venues and locations for proposals, but nothing is as special as popping the question in a place that is special to the couple. I always recommend choosing a spot that has special sentiment for the proposal and then having a small celebration after! It could be at someone’s house, a restaurant the couple loves, a coffee shop they frequent, or a park they love to go to. Regardless of where they decided to pop the question, this next step into their relationship will be remembered forever.

Backyard Proposal | Kansas City Engagement Photographer