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Located 20 miles from downtown Kansas City in scenic Parkville, the Hawthorne House sits nestled in the final hills of the Ozarks before the Great Plains. The Hawthorne House was established in 1997, and the property features three spaces to utilize for couples’ special day.
The Gazebo is an outdoor location that allows for a garden-style wedding. The space sits up to 300 guests with chairs being provided by the venue. The gazebo sits in front of a large, natural private grounds for a serene, lush background.
If an indoor wedding is desired, then couples can utilize the Chapel. The Chapel offers a traditional wedding-feel with a temperature-controlled building and built-in pews sitting up to 250 guests.
The Hawthorne House also offers a large reception hall known as the Emerson Room. This large, pillar-less hall includes a built-in bar. The designated dance floor provides a great experience for all guests.
Located on the property as well are Bridal Suites for getting ready. They also provide a room for the Groom and groomsmen to relax before the ceremony. The Hawthorne House Facility Rental allows for six hours of “getting ready” access. The Bridal Suite offers a large bar area with well-lit mirrors and a spacious, outdoor balcony, and the gentlemens’ suite includes plenty of comfy couches, a television, and room to kick back and relax. The Hawthorne House offers a Mimosa Morning Package as well for the morning-of, as well as offering wine and beer for all palettes.
When designing your wedding, the staff at the Hawthorne House encourage you to bring your own decorations to add your own personal touch. Other amenities include a Preferred Catering List featuring caterers who offer full services. The staff have chosen the best of the best while keeping budget and cuisine in mind.
The Hawthorne House has its own staff of experienced wedding planners there to make sure your big day goes off without a hitch. Visit their website to book a tour and begin the first steps on your journey to “I do!”
In November 2024 I had the pleasure of capturing a rustic and classic Fall wedding day at Deer Ridge Estates. I had captured Kaela and Kyle’s engagement session earlier in the year and I was so excited to photograph all the love, laughter, and memories on their wedding day, too! Deer Ridge Estates provided a rustic backdrop to their timelessly classic fall wedding. It was easy to see how much thought and love went into the planning of this day by all the small little details that made the day so special!
Thoughts from the Bride | Kaela
Kaela’s favorite part of the wedding day was all of the planned time alone together. She said, “the day goes so fast, but taking time to do a first look, read letters and lots of photos alone made our day romantic and special in the midst of the crazy timeline!”
When asked to describe the day in one word she decided on peaceful. “That word is all I can use to describe it,” she said, “I never once felt stressed or worried despite not everything going perfectly smooth. Marrying my person was all I could focus on.”
She loved the venue because of it’s size, and incredible scenery. She wanted the guests to not feel packed, and have a beautiful sunset to watch and she would say they succeeded!
Her favorite small detail about her wedding day was her shoes, both pairs! (Check out the vendor list below for more information.)
The specific moment of the day that made it really feel official to Kaela was when Kyle gave his vows to Kaela’s daughter Emmy. “That was the moment that really solidified that we were becoming one family unit.”
Kaela thinks the hardest part about wedding planning was creating the seating chart! Her biggest advice to wedding planning couples is to take time to be alone together through the day. She said, “the first look, especially is an intimate moment that I will cherish forever! The day goes too fast, make sure to stay together at the reception and enjoy each other’s company.”
Vendors
Paper Goods
Yellow Brick Graphics @yellowbrickgraphics
Florist
Nici Johnson @5thirteenfloral
Caterer
Food – Chipotle
Staff/Management – KC bridal boss
Cake Decorator/Baker
Emily Kate’s Bakery @emilykatesbakery
Videographer
Westrose Photo and Film @westrose_photoandfilm
DJ/Band
Julien Johnson @juju_witdabeatz
Hair Stylist
Lovely Beauty KC @lovelybeautykc
Make-Up Artist
Lovely Beauty KC @lovelybeautykc
Attire (Dress/Suit) Designer/Store
Dress – True Society KC @truesociety_bellevogue
Suits – Modern Groom @themoderngroom_
Shoes/Jewelry/Accessories
Shoes – Kate Whitcomb @katewhitcombshoes & Betsey Johnson @betseyjohnson
Rings
Diamonds Direct @diamondsdirect
Ice Cream Truck
Pop’s Sweet Shop @popsmainstreet
Photo Booth Rental
Kansas City 360 Photo Booth Rentals @kansascity360photoboothrentals
Since today is Father’s Day, I thought it would be a good time to highlight an often under appreciated wedding day moment – the father’s first look with the bride.
The measure of a man is not determined
By his show of outward strength
Or the volume of his voice
The thunder of his actions
Or of his intellect or academic abilities
It is seen rather in terms of the love that he has
For his family and for everyone
The strength of his commitments
The genuineness of his friendships
The sincerity of his purpose
The quiet courage of his convictions
The fun, laughter, joy and happiness he gives to his
family and to others
His love of life
His patience and his honesty
And his contentment with what he has
-Grady Poulard
There are so many parts of my job as a wedding photographer that make the work I do so enjoyable. It is fun to reminisce on some of the very special parts! The father’s first look with the bride is is such an incredibly special moment. Being able to capture the raw emotions of the moment is a great feeling! I love that my clients get to be in the moment and also have photographs to look back at.
Traveling is one of my favorite things! Even if is is just a few hours east to Evergreen Plant Co. in Greenville, IL. I had a BLAST capturing this engagement session for Hayle and Ben in a new place. One of my recommendations to couples that want to do an engagement session in the winter is to find a unique indoor location. I have done winters sessions at breweries, coffee shops, in-home, and at other plant shops!
I really enjoyed getting to know the couple during our session! Ben and Hayle both went to Greenville University, and knew of each other, but didn’t start talking until Hayle reached out to Ben via Facebook. Things started slowly as they got to know each other, but once they did, they knew it was a forever kind of thing. They love to go out for dinner and drinks as a date night and really like to try out new places around the STL area.
When I asked Hayle what they are most looking forward to as a married couple she said retirement, traveling, having children, and grandchildren! She said she ask’s Ben weekly if they can retire. It was her idea that we meet at Evergreen Plant Co. for their engagement session, and I am forever grateful!
Liberty Memorial is a popular location for a variety of sessions: proposal, engagement, senior, family, and even branding or headshots. This Liberty Memorial proposal was nothing short of dreamy! The perfect time of the year, at the perfect time of day, created the perfect moment for this couple. I feel so blessed that I was able to capture it!
One of my favorite parts of the session was the moments the couple spent together right before he popped the question! I could tell it was so special and intentional. Being able to capture moments like that make me fall in love with my job more and more.
After he popped the question we had a good time walking around the property and capturing moments of the newly engaged couple! My favorite spots at Liberty Memorial change depending on the time of year and time of day. We were able to have some privacy in each of my favorite spots during this session!
Of course, we had to get some photographs with the iconic Liberty Memorial Tower as the sun set. We also had time to capture some moments in front of Union Station before heading up to a rooftop where we took some skyline photographs.
Proposals are so much fun to capture because it is the first big step toward forever with your favorite person. Being able to look back at these cherished moments is so important!
The Fall colors showed up for this stunning golden hour senior session at Shawnee Mission Park in Kansas City, Missouri. The colors were ALMOST as vibrant as Jeanine’s fun and boisterous personality. She has the kind of smile that could light up any room! I had so much fun capturing her fun personality and interests in this senior session.
One of the pieces of advice I always give to my seniors is to include anything from your high school experience that is important to them. It could be a letterman’s jackets, class ring, sports uniform, etc. Jeanine brought some “props” with her to help commemorate her time spent cheerleading while in high school. Having these items helped personalize her session and will provide beautiful photos for her to look at when thinking back on her time in high school and in cheerleading.
She also coordinated her outfits to perfectly match the beautiful Fall colors! Her white dress was the perfect contrast to the colors of the leaves. Her second outfit included a maroon shirt that matched the rustic surroundings! Coordinating your outfits with your surrounds can help really make your photographs turn out beautifully.
I will go to Shawnee Mission Park for senior sessions again and again, it never disappoints! Jeanine’s session was no exception.
I had the pleasure of photographing an beautiful senior, Sydney, at Shawnee Mission Park. She wanted a beautiful backdrop to help capture her personality as she closed out this exciting time in her life and began a new one. My time spent with her and her mother for this senior session was nothing short of delightful!
We met up just as the afternoon sun was going down and cast a beautiful golden light on our surroundings. Shawnee Mission Park served as the perfect backdrop, offering multiple settings that perfectly complemented the Sydney’s personality and style. Whether we were at the lake, standing among the trees, or taking a walk through the park, each scene provided a canvas for creating timeless memories that she can cherish for years to come.
A few pieces of advice I offer to all my senior session clients or anyone preparing for their own senior sessions:
- Plan Ahead: Take the time to coordinate outfits, and discuss any specific ideas or preferences you may have with your photographer. Preparation is key to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable session.
- Be Yourself: Your senior portraits should reflect who you are at this moment in time! Don’t be afraid to express yourself and showcase your unique personality through your clothing, props, and poses.
- Embrace the Moment: Senior year is a time of excitement and anticipation! Your session is an opportunity to celebrate this milestone in your life. Relax, have fun, and allow yourself to be fully present in the moment.
- Trust Your Photographer: Your photographer is there to guide you every step of the way. From posing to lighting to capturing the perfect shot. Trust in their expertise and vision, and you’ll be amazed at the results.
Choosing between mini v. full sessions can be tricky, but don’t worry—I’ve got you covered.
As a photographer, I understand that selecting the right session for your needs can be a challenging decision. Whether you’re planning a family portrait session, a couples’ session, or an individual portrait session, it’s essential to understand the differences between mini and full photography sessions to make an informed choice.
Mini sessions are quick and budget-friendly, perfect for capturing those spontaneous moments without breaking the bank. They are short and sweet, lasting around 15 minutes to an hour. Great for busy schedules! They’re often themed, so you can capture those holiday vibes or celebrate milestones with flair.
Full sessions are like the director’s cut, offering more time and creative freedom for personalized shots. They’re the whole shebang, lasting anywhere from 1 to 4 hours. With full sessions, you can mix it up—multiple outfits, different locations, you name it! They’re perfect for those who want a customized and immersive photography experience. Full sessions require more time and resources, but the personalized attention is worth it. They offer flexibility for both you and the photographer to get creative.
Most importantly, when deciding between mini v. full sessions, find a photographer who understands your needs and has the style you are looking for!
Mini Sessions
Full Session
Last Fall I had the opportunity to travel outside of Kansas City to Effingham, Illinois to capture a good friend’s rehearsal dinner! It was a beautiful afternoon when everyone met at Firefly Grill to rehears for the wedding the following day. Firefly Grill offered a picturesque landscape that photographed wonderfully. I was able to capture some dreamy and romantic moments between Claire and Kyle before the rehearsal began.
As friends and family gathered at the grill I was able to capture couples, family, and friend groups that had made the trip into town for the wedding! The rehearsal dinner is often overlooked when it comes to professional photography. But it is a wonderful opportunity to capture documentary style moments!
They ran through the ceremony as the sun was setting on the lake. Then everyone met at Village Wine and Spirits for the rehearsal dinner!
Village Wine and Spirits is located in a beautiful historic building. The exposed brick walls are complimented by the original crown moldings and gorgeous wooden floors. The tables were decorated with simple and elegant flower arrangements of white roses and baby’s breath. The addition of polaroid photos of Claire and Kyle on each table were a nice personal touch!
Everyone enjoyed dinner and then memories of the bride and groom were shared by family and friends through speeches and toasts. At the end of the evening I was able to sneak away with Claire and Kyle. We captured some fun flash photography moments around the building! I love when my couples are up for some experimenting.
It was a lovely Fall afternoon and evening, spent with incredible friends and family! I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to capture this special moment. Cheers to the happy couple!
The Riffels had a stunning, quaint, and classic wedding in Downtown KC at the very beginning of the year! The bride was a vision in her stunning long-sleeved white dress, which was complimented by her beautiful bouquet of flowers. Her choice of fun brown silky shoes added a playful twist to her ensemble, perfectly complementing her personality.
The ceremony at Holy Trinity Chapel was nothing short of romantic. In the heart of downtown Kansas City the Riffels exchanged their vows surrounded by their closest friends and family.
Following the ceremony, we embarked on a adventure around downtown and at Union Station, capturing intimate moments and candid laughter. The bride’s bouquet was an arrangement of white flowers with vibrant brown and green leaves that perfectly complimented her dress.
As the sun set on their special day, we made our way to Lifted Spirits Distillery for an evening celebrations. The distillery is rustic and chic, with wooden walls and twinkly lights hanging from the ceiling. Surrounded by loved ones, they celebrated the beginning of their forever.
Capturing the love and joy shared on this day was an absolute joy and privilege. This winter wedding was a celebration of love, laughter, and new beginnings, and I feel incredibly grateful to have been a part of it.
Here’s to the Riffels – may your love continue to grow with each passing year. Cheers to a lifetime of happiness and cherished memories!
