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I met up with Katie & Ryan for their couples rooftop session in Kansas City near the Crown Center. As you’ll see these two are just FUN.
Their session was full of laughter and goofy faces and intimate moments between the two of them. Their love is very evident and authentic.
And let’s not even mention their STYLE. I mean, checkered pants and a black jumpsuit?! These two are classics.
I loved every second of this session, and highly recommend this location to any of my clients looking to get this couples rooftop session vibe.
Looking for a photographer for your Kansas City wedding? Inquire with me HERE.
Morgan and Chris had their engagement session at the Museum of Prairiefire, here in Kansas City. I love this location for photo sessions because it allows for so much versatility.
The colorful windows add some color to the background especially in the Winter & early Spring before things are blooming. And they give you a wide range of outfit options! You can choose to wear warm or cool colors, either looks great.
And bonus: there’s so many great restaurants nearby – I always encourage my couples to make a date night out of their engagement session since they’re already all dressed up already!
Looking to hire a Kansas City Wedding Photographer? Inquire HERE.
This October couples session was sooo much fun with McKenzie + Ian! The first location was a cozy, cuddly in-home photoshoot at their house. The second location was at Tiffany Castle, which was perfect for their classic, spooky October photoshoot!
My packages include multiple locations as long as time allows. I love finding versatile spots to help my couples feel comfortable in front of my camera! Whatever location you have in mind, I’m totally down to try anything that helps us capture your unique love story!
You don’t need to wait til the weather is warm to have your couples shoot! In-home shoots are gaining popularity and for good reason. Exhibit A: these pics of McKenzie + Ian!!!
Cozy, In-home Photoshoot
I looooove doing in-home photoshoots because it’s capturing such a real part of their lives! This is the home Mckenzie + Ian live in together and the couch they cuddle on every day. Plus doing an in-home shoot means that your photos definitely won’t look like anyone else’s. This captures them in an authentic way, especially with how goofy these two are together!
Five Tips For Your In-Home Photoshoot
1. Include Your Pets
The BEST part of doing in-home photoshoots is 110% hanging out with furry friends. They’re a part of the family, so why shouldn’t they be included? Photos with your pets will forever be a beautiful way to remember them. As a cat mom myself (shoutout to Mozzie!) I loved having these two cuties jump in a few pics. And their adorable dog, Rosie, was such a sweetheart.
2. Find Good Lighting
Good lighting is KEY to having a beautiful photoshoot. Of course I’m trained and experienced in all kinds of lighting, but glowy, gorgeous lighting is absolutely the way to this photographer’s heart.
We can find good lighting in your house by shooting near windows, like these amazinggggg windows in McKenzie + Ian’s sunroom.
Another tip is to consider the time of day and the direction your windows face. If your windows face west, then right before sunset will help us get the dreamiest pics of you two.
3. Be Yourself!
A lot of people get nervous in front of the camera, and that’s okay! If you want to loosen up, let’s kick off our shoot by making a drink. For example, if the two of you love mojitos, I can start photographing you two making drinks together. This movement not only creates ADORABLE candids, but doing something helps you relax a little.
To keep your mind off of the shoot, or to get unique photos, you guys can keep doing things while I take photos. Make cookies together or cook a special family recipe. Don’t try to be perfect – show up as yourself and that will be more than enough!
Try dancing in the kitchen, cuddling on the couch, kissing and hugging your partner. I’ll certainly help direct you, these are just some tips to get super authentic photos!
4. Wardrobe
Some people love dressing up for their photoshoots while some people dread it! My number one tip will always be to find something you’re comfortable + confident in.
If you’re unsure what to wear for an in-home photoshoot, I suggest something a little more casual. I’m assuming that you guys don’t wear formal outfits to hang out at your house together, right??
I love how McKenzie + Ian had colorful, patterned socks on for their in-home shoot. And then because it was quick and easy, McKenzie threw on a cardigan for a little versatility!
When we do an in-home photoshoot, you can totally wear your slippers. Like I said, just wear whatever makes you comfortable!!
They switched into their more formal, spooky outfits for our pictures over at Tiffany Castle. Just like how their jeans matched the in-home vibe, these all-black fits were gorgeous for a spooky shoot!
5. Go Outside
It’s not a classic October photoshoot without some pumpkins on the porch, right?? I love how these turned out. It’s a great reminder of the details of their engagement season.
The second location was Tiffany Castle, a beautiful Kansas City castle built in 1909! Someone actually lives here but McKenzie and Ian got permission to use their house as a backdrop.
The spooky vibes were amazing with their dark clothes. And the red shoes McKenzie chose were adorable!
I love how we got to celebrate McKenzie + Ian’s engagement with a photoshoot that showed off so much of their personalities and their lives together. The October theme and in-home setting really tells their love story in such a unique way!!
Photoshoots always make for the perfect date night but here are some other really great fall date ideas.
For more fall photo session inspiration check out Sofi + Robert at Shawnee Mission Park and Chelsea + Thao at James A Reed.
Kansas City is full of gorgeous locations to propose to the love of your life. Jackson planned his proposal at the WWI memorial in Kansas City.
Jackson wanted to fully surprise Kiley so he needed a little help. He reached out to me a couple weeks before and asked me to help him plan it so it went smoothly and to photograph it when the time finally came. I was absolutely thrilled to do both!! It’s so fun to photograph a couple at the very beginning of their engagement all the way up wedding day and beyond.
I was so happy Jackson reached out when he did because we are getting close to one of the most popular times of the year for marriage proposals.
The most POPULAR time for proposals
There are two times through out the year that your Instagram feed is more likely to be full of “I said yes!” And “pop the champagne I’m changing my last name!” posts.
The holidays❄️; between November and the new year, and a few spread out till Valentine’s Day.
A great way to celebrate with the whole family!
And
SUMMER time☀️; June through August. There’s more time in the day, people are naturally more relaxed and happy.
With temperatures rising and the rain finally leaving the forecast we are getting closer to summer with each day.
Jackson planned his proposal at the WWI memorial in Kansas City. Kansas City has so many beautiful places to propose including; The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, Loose Park Rose Garden, Union Station, Crown Center, or The Plaza.
If you’re planning a proposal for the upcoming months reach out and let’s get it all worked out! It can be overwhelming trying to coordinate everything but I’m here to help!!
And you’ll even have photos of your partners reaction 🥰
For more tips on planning a proposal check out my blog Planning the Perfect Proposal in 5 easy steps
As a Kansas City wedding photographer, I get asked all the time how couples can personalize their sessions to represent their relationship best! I’m here to give you my best tips to make your engagement session super personal.
A majority of my wedding packages include an engagement session so that I can meet my couples and they can have a little practice in front of the camera. Once we start the planning process I usually get the same question, and the answer is actually super simple!!
The conversation usually goes like this;
My couple: “How can we make our engagement session feel more… like “us”?? “
My cheesy answer: JUST BE YOU! ✨
My couple: “But like how?! “
📸 Easy- it all starts with the location. Pick a spot that you love or that means something to you!
How to make your engagement session super personal – location. location. location.
Think back to your first date, or the trail you always walk on, or a well known landmark in your city, or maybe your favorite ice cream place, or that cute park you always drive by.
There are tons of options and a good photographer can make any location work!
We can even do multiple locations if you want to explore a new photo worthy spot in your city and then relax back at your favorite local coffee shop.
This is exactly what we did for Elena + Kade’s engagement photos. We started at the Nelson to get some beautiful fall colors and to represent Kansas City. Then we headed to Hi Hat coffee so they could sip their yummy drinks and get a few more photos that really help tell their love story. ☕️
For more engagement photo inspiration check out these blog posts Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park, Engagement Photos with the Kansas City Skyline, Smoke Bomb Engagement Photos, or Fall Engagement Photos at Shawnee Mission Park.
Sydney and Joey wanted to have a pizza date photo session in Lawrence, Kansas. Lawrence is one of their favorite towns so they headed down Massachusetts Street to grab their favorite pizza from Papa Kenos Pizzeria and a couple sodas, then they set up a pizza picnic date at South Park.
Originally this session was supposed to be Sydney and Joey’s engagement photos before their wedding day; however with COVID they ended up rearranging their plans. They got married a few months before at a small court house ceremony in Topeka and are planning on having a big reception to celebrate the next fall.
When we started planning their couples session I asked Sydney and Joey if they had any ideas on locations or a vision for their session. They said they wanted to keep it casual and make sure it felt like THEM!
We decided on starting our photo session at South Park because it is a really special place to them. Sydney used to work for the Lawrence Park department, so she spent a lot of time taking care of the park and making it beautiful. I love when clients choose photo locations that mean something to their relationship.
If you’re wanting some couples photos done I highly suggest choosing a spot or going with an idea that truly represents your relationship. Sydney and Joey love having laid back date nights so we grabbed some pizza and went to the park. If you and your love have a go-to date night that you absolutely love – you should have photos of those magical memories together.
I’ve photographed couples doing all sorts of activities to show off their relationship together, for example I’ve taking pictures at a couples favorite coffee shop, on their farm land with their cows, picnics on the Nelson Atkins lawn, at their house, and even with their dogs. Whatever brings you both joy and feels comfortable for your relationship is exactly what we should do at your photo session. Couples session are about YOU and YOUR LOVE.
You deserve to have photos that represent your relationship exactly as it is. If you need help brainstorming ideas for ways to make your couples photos feel more like you guys, I have a guide I like to share with my couples and I’m more than happy to help spark some ideas.
This pizza date photo session in Lawrence Kansas turned out amazing and I know your photos will too!
Check out these tips on how to have the best engagement session ever or find more inspiration for fall couples photos here and here.
Lakshmi and Abhitej wanted a gorgeous location for their couples photoshoot. We scheduled their romantic pre wedding photos at the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City. Lakshmi and Abhitej are from Kansas City but were getting married just a few weeks later in Dallas Texas.
There are a few keys to having a perfectly romantic engagement session that makes you feel like you’re a part of a romantic comedy movie; the location, your wardrobe, and your connection.
Lakshmi and Abhitej scheduled their session in November so the fall colors were vivd across the grounds and the classic architecture gave us a variety of background options. The contrast between the natural landscaping and the architectural structures makes for the perfect romantic location.
Their outfits were elegant almost as if they stepped off a movie set. Lakshmi’s red ballgown was the perfect pop of color. She looked incredible walking on the steps of the Nelson. Abhitej’s dark suit jacket complimented her dress and made it pop even more.
The main key to having romantic pre wedding photos is to have your true connection between the two of you SHINE. Focus on each other and lean into the directions from your photographer. I always pose my couples in a natural way to get candid in between moments that really show their love for one another.
Lakshmi and Abhitej’s romantic pre wedding photos at the Nelson Atkins turned out amazing. For more inspiration check out Christina and Nick’s winter couple session at the Nelson Atkins.
Living in the middle of the midwest we are lucky to have a wide variety of location options when it comes time for photos. Whether you want a natural area or more of an urban feel to your photos there is always a place that will fit what you’re looking for. Chelsea and Thao wanted a more natural location for their fall photos because they wanted to capture the autumn colors. We decided to do their fall couples photos at James A Reed Memorial Wildlife Area.
James A Reed Memorial Wildlife Area is in Jackson County, near Lee’s Summit Missouri. As a Kansas City photographer it was a great location to add to my list. Chelsea and Thao had been to the area many times, they love to take their golden retriever, Thor, there to run and play. The area is also great for fishing which is one of their favorite past times.
This made choosing to do their couples photos at James A Reed Memorial Wildlife Area even easier because it’s a place that’s more sentimental to them, rather than just another park or a place they’ve never been before.
I always suggest my couples choose a location that means something to them over somewhere that’s just “pretty”, backgrounds are important but the way the location makes you feel makes all the difference.
The area is HUGE we had so many different spots to choose from, I’m surprised we didn’t get lost! We found really beautiful places in wide open fields, near the water, and spots to really capture the beauty of fall.
We had a great time exploring the park and finding all these great spots. We were all smiling the entire session, especially watching their dog get so excited to be outside.
Check out my blog for other photographer recommended Kansas City locations for your next photoshoot, especially this session at Shawnee Mission Park
As the air begins to cool, the trees transform from green to orange, red, and yellow. The leaves start to fall towards the earth and all is calm. Autumn has arrived in the midwest. The best way to capture this new season is by taking fall couple photos at Loose Park in Kansas City.
Loose Park is one of my favorite locations for couples and engagement pictures because there is such a wide variety of breathtaking spots for backgrounds. In the spring the roses are blooming and in the fall the trees are bursting with color.
Nena and Tony hadn’t had professional photos of themselves taken since their wedding day. This year they wanted to get some fall couple photos taken at Loose Park. They both wore comfy sweaters and paired them nicely with jeans. I always encourage couples to wear outfits they feel comfortable in, that way we aren’t limiting ourselves to certain poses or prompts. The more comfortable you are in what you’re wearing the more confidence and happiness you will radiate through your photos.
We started our session in the Rose Garden and to my surprise there were still some roses blooming which is rare for late October, the best time for the roses is late May through September.
We then headed down towards the pond stopping by beautiful trees on our way. It was a pretty chilly autumn day so I was sure to give them lots of cuddled up poses and prompts with lots of movement to help get them warmed up.
The photos turned out gorgeous with such great pops of color. If you’re interested in booking a session with me at Loose Park fill out my contact down below, also please know that Loose Park requires all professional photographers purchase a photo permit a few days before their session ($25/hour fee).
Check out Bridgette and John’s summer engagement session for an example of Loose Park in the warmer months.
We all know the importance of continuing to “date” your partner, no matter how long you’ve been together. It helps keep the spark alive and strengthen your bond as a couple. 2020 has been one hell of a year and the need for connection is even greater now. Now that it is getting colder outside it’s becoming more difficult to find safe and socially distanced activities so here are 7 Winter date ideas for you to try out over these next few months.
1. Movie Marathon
You can NEVER go wrong with a movie marathon. Grab some blankets, put on your slippers, cuddle up, and relax.
2. Build Ginger Bread Houses
I hadn’t built a ginger bread house in YEARS, but this year we got a kit from target and worked together to build it. It ended up falling apart at the end but we had a blast putting it together and the candy was pretty tasty too. Next year we’ll have a little more of a plan. (The key is once you put together the foundation let it fully dry before putting on the roof)
3. Hot Chocolate Bar
Have a cozy night in but sweeten it up a little. Put together a build-your-own hot chocolate bar. Marshmallows, Candy Canes, Caramel, you name it! If you want to step it up a notch you could even make some hot chocolate bombs that are trending on tiktok.
4. Beer (or wine) Tasting at Home
Head out to your favorite liquor store or grocery store (don’t forget to wear your mask) and both of you pick out a few new drinks you’ve never had before. Return home, pour yourself each a little tasting and compare. You may even find a new favorite drink.
5. Home Cooked Dinner
Find a new recipe and start cooking. Trey and I love to cook together, it’s so fun putting in a little work and then sitting down to enjoy our meal together.
6. Christmas Light Tour
Get some hot chocolate to-go, crank up the Christmas tunes, and head out on a tour of the best Christmas lights in town. Drive through your neighborhood or a decorated park.
If you’re local to Kansas City check out
Powell Gardens Festival of Lights
Sar Ko Par Trails Park- Sar Ko Aglow
KC Wine Co’s Rockin Winter Wonderland
7. Ice Skating
If you really need to get out of your house for some fresh air, bundle up and hit the rink. You won’t even mind wearing a mask when you’re skating because it’ll help keep your nose warm.
Even though it’s colder and darker outside you can still find ways to have fun with your significant over even during a pandemic. I hope these Winter date ideas help inspire you to get creative and bring in a little winter cheer.
If winter and the weight of the pandemic is getting you down here are some self care ideas while you’re quarantining Self Care During Self Quarantine.
or Shows To Watch While You’re Stuck At Home.
