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Emily and Shawn’s dreamy vintage elopement at the Johnson County Court House in Olathe, KS was an intimate and elegant affair. The courthouse, with its historic charm and understated grandeur, provided the perfect backdrop for their special day.
Emily was a vision in her boat neck satin dress. Her stunning veil, outlined with vintage lace, added a touch of classic romance. The vintage pear-shaped engagement ring she wore sparkled beautifully, complementing her overall look. Emily’s choice of a pearl string necklace was a perfect finishing touch! Emily’s classic white and green bouquet was a perfect accent to her ensemble. The subtle pops of green complemented the white dress and added a fresh, natural touch to the overall look.
Shawn looked classy in a black suit paired with a crisp white button-up shirt. His attire was understated yet sophisticated, allowing Emily’s dress and accessories to take center stage.
The golden sunlight during their elopement created a dreamy and magical ambiance. The soft, warm light coming into the courthouse created a beautiful glow, making every moment feel special. The golden hour light added depth and warmth to the photographs!
Elopements at the courthouse offer a unique sense of intimacy. They allow couples to focus solely on each other, away from the larger scale of traditional weddings. The simplicity and personal nature of a courthouse ceremony create a deeply meaningful experience, filled with genuine emotions and treasured moments.
Emily and Shawn’s dreamy vintage elopement was a perfect blend of elegance and intimacy! The beautiful setting, combined with their classic attire and the golden sunlight, made their day truly memorable. Their photographs will serve as a timeless reminder of their love and the special, quiet moments they shared at the Johnson County Court House.
Courtney and David’s spring wedding at The Jayhawk Club in Kansas City was a day full of love and joy. Their special day was truly magical, set against a venue that combined elegance with natural charm.
Firstly, the couple’s favorite part was their first look. They both felt a mix of anxiety and excitement beforehand. However, seeing each other privately calmed their nerves, reminding them they were in it together. Reflecting on the day, they agree it was the best moment.
Courtney and David described their wedding as the best day of their lives. Surrounded by their favorite people, they felt incredibly loved. Additionally, the hard work they put into planning paid off, with every detail noticed and appreciated. They didn’t want the day to end, feeling rewarded by their vision coming to life.
The Jayhawk Club was the perfect venue for their wedding. They loved the tall ceilings with exposed beams and the windows. The windows welcomed natural light and offered stunning views of the golf course. The indoor/outdoor cocktail hour was a hit, fitting everything perfectly into the space.
Their first dance was to “Another” by Adam Doleac. This song was important to them from the start of their relationship. The lyrics told a story they connected with deeply, making it the perfect choice for their first dance as a married couple.
Additionally, the wedding was filled with personal details Courtney and David will cherish. Their dogs were used as cake toppers and napkin icons. The memorial display included a ladder from a late loved one. They honored the groom’s parents by choosing their wedding date, which was his parents’ anniversary. Other highlights included marquee letters with their last name, the groom’s personalized socks, sunflowers in the sunflower room, a mariachi band, and a family heirloom vehicle for their sendoff.
For David, the moment it felt real was when he saw all their family and friends at the altar. He felt supported and knew it was right. Similarly, for Courtney, the reality hit when she entered the sanctuary with her dad. She felt relieved and at ease seeing familiar faces.
Courtney and David’s wedding was a beautiful blend of love, personal touches, and cherished moments. It was a day to remember for everyone involved.
When planning a wedding, photography is a major consideration. Traditional posed shots are no longer the go-to for many couples. Instead, there’s a growing trend towards documentary style wedding photography. This approach captures real, unscripted moments, making it a popular choice for modern weddings.
What is Documentary Style Wedding Photography?
Documentary style wedding photography is all about capturing the day as it naturally unfolds. The photographer takes a step back and observes, aiming to catch candid moments. These might be a laugh between friends, a tear during the vows, or a spontaneous dance move. This style focuses on storytelling, preserving the genuine emotions and events of the day.
The Growth in Popularity
In recent years, documentary style wedding photography has seen a significant rise in popularity. Couples today want their wedding photos to reflect their unique love story. They prefer images that capture genuine emotions over posed portraits. Social media has also played a big role in this shift. Authentic, candid photos resonate more with people scrolling through their feeds. They feel more personal and relatable.
The Value of Documentary Style Wedding Photography
Documentary wedding photography offers several unique advantages. Here are a few reasons why it’s valued by so many couples:
- Authenticity: This style captures real, unfiltered moments, preserving the true essence of the day.
- Emotional Depth: Candid shots often carry more emotional weight than posed ones, showing real joy, tears, and laughter.
- Storytelling: A series of candid photos can tell a complete story, from getting ready to the final dance.
- Comfort: Without the pressure to pose, couples and guests can relax and be themselves, resulting in more natural photos.
- Timelessness: Authentic moments never go out of style. They provide a timeless record of the day.
Different Styles Within Documentary Wedding Photography
Within the documentary style, there are several sub-styles, each with its own unique approach:
Photojournalistic Style
Photojournalistic wedding photography is all about capturing the event as a journalist would. The focus is on telling a story through images. The photographer remains unobtrusive, capturing moments as they happen without interference. This style results in a collection of images that together narrate the wedding day.
Fine Art Documentary Style
The fine art documentary style combines the candid nature of documentary photography with an artistic approach. Photographers in this style focus on composition, lighting, and framing to create visually stunning images. The result is a blend of genuine moments and artistic beauty.
Black and White Documentary Style
Some photographers specialize in black and white documentary wedding photography. This style emphasizes the raw emotions of the day, stripping away distractions caused by color. Black and white images often feel timeless and classic, highlighting the emotional moments of the day.
Lifestyle Documentary Style
Lifestyle documentary wedding photography captures candid moments but also involves some direction. The photographer might gently guide couples or guests into natural interactions. This style balances spontaneity with a bit of artistic direction, resulting in relaxed yet beautifully composed images.
Why Choose Documentary Style for Your Wedding?
Choosing documentary style wedding photography ensures you get a true reflection of your day. It captures the small, meaningful moments that might otherwise be missed. These photos will bring back memories and emotions every time you look at them. If you value authenticity and storytelling, this style is perfect for you.
It’s a movement towards capturing weddings in a way that feels real and meaningful. By choosing this style, you’re investing in photos that will tell the story of your day for years to come. Whether you prefer the straightforward approach of photojournalism or the artistic touch of fine art, there’s a documentary style that will perfectly capture your wedding. So, embrace the candid, the genuine, and the beautiful moments of your big day with documentary wedding photography.
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.
