couple and their golden retriever at James A Reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Kansas City

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.

couple and their golden retriever at James A Reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Kansas City
couple with their dog, golden retriever
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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.

Fall Couples Photos at James A Reed Memorial Wildlife Area
couple and their golden retriever at James A Reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Kansas City
couple and their golden retriever wearing a black and white plaid bandana
Kansas City couples photographer
couple walking their dog at James A Reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Kansas City

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

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golden retriever wearing a black and white bandana, couple takes fall photos with their dog
couple and their golden retriever at James A Reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Kansas City
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couple and their golden retriever wearing a black and white plaid bandana James A Reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Kansas City
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couple and their golden retriever at James A Reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Kansas City
couple and their golden retriever at James A Reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Kansas City
Fall couple photos at James A reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Kansas City
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couple and their golden retriever at James A Reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Kansas City
Fall couple photos at James A reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Kansas City
Fall couple photos at James A reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Kansas City
couple and their golden retriever at James A Reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Kansas City, fall photos with your dog

Fall Couples Photos at James A Reed Memorial Wildlife Area

guy kisses girl on cheek near pond at loose park in kansas city for their fall couples photos

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.

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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.

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Fall Couples Photos at Loose Park with vivid colors before the leaves fall off the trees

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.

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Fall Couples Photos at Loose Park by Kansas City photographer
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loose park pond looking gorgeous in the fall with the bright greens and yellow trees reflecting in the water
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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.

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Fall Couple Photos at Loose Park in Kansas City

Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City

As the sun began to set behind the blooming rose garden, Bridgette and John wrapped up in each others arms and smiled as they looked in each others eyes. It was the perfect summer evening for an engagement session at Loose Park.

Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Romantic Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Romantic Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City

Bridgette and John have been dating for two years now. Two years filled with love, laughter, and commitment. The gardens made for a beautiful background for their photos. It represented their growth throughout their relationship and their love blossoming into their new marriage.

Fun Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Laid Back Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Laid Back Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Romantic Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Romantic Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City

Loose Park is a classic location in Kansas City for engagement photos. It’s filled with colorful blooms, stunning fountains, and pretty bridges. Every inch of the park is a photographers dream.

Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Casual Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Casual Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Laid Back Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City

Bridgette, John, and I strolled around the park and had a blast! They are such a fun loving couple. Every photo idea I had, they added so much joy to the photos. John is so good at making Bridgette smile – goofy jokes, tickle attacks, and tons of kisses. Their session was just a peek into their relationship but I can tell their marriage will be strong, being built on the foundation of joy. They always strive to make each other happy and add a little fun to each other’s lives. Even when it’s a relaxing night just hanging out watching Harry Potter at home, there is never a dull moment for these two.

Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Casual Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Fun Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City

John added a lot of excitement to a very ordinary family dinner event by surprising Bridgette with a breathtaking sparkly ring and promising to love her for the rest of his life.

Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Fun Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Fun Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Laid Back Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City

From the night of their engagement until their wedding next year Bridgette and John will have a lot of special days and they are excited to plan the rest of their lives together. Their summer engagement session at Loose Park was a great way to capture this time of their lives.

Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Casual Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City
Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City

Love the look of nature for photos? Shawnee Mission Park is another great option in Kansas City

Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park in Kansas City

Summer Engagement Session at Loose Park

engagement photo outfit ideas

Shawnee Mission Park was the perfect location for Jordyn and Austin’s couples photos. The tall grass and the beautiful lake gave us alllllllll the natural summer vibes we could want for their laid-back photoshoot.

Adventurous couples photoshoot at Shawnee Mission Park. Engagement photos for the laid back couple in love in the Kansas City Area
Adventurous couples photoshoot at Shawnee Mission Park. Engagement photos for the laid back couple in love in the Kansas City Area
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Adventurous couples photoshoot at Shawnee Mission Park. Engagement photos for the laid back couple in love in the Kansas City Area
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Adventurous couples photoshoot at Shawnee Mission Park. Engagement photos for the laid back couple in love in the Kansas City Area
Adventurous couples photoshoot at Shawnee Mission Park. Engagement photos for the laid back couple in love in the Kansas City Area
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Kansas City Couples photoshoot at Shawnee Mission Park
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couples photoshoot near the lake Shawnee Mission Park
couples photoshoot near the lake

Jordyn and Austin are used to taking iphone photos but they wanted to have a professional photo session to remember such a transitional time in their lives. They both have finished up school are getting ready for some big changes; Jordyn is about to start her new job here in Kansas City and in just a few weeks Austin will be moving to Omaha to train for his new job. Jordyn and Austin have known each other since middle school and have been together for three and a half years. This will be their first time being states away. They’ll miss being able to get dressed up and try out new restaurants together for date nights but they know it’ll be all the more meaningful when their together again.

couples photoshoot near the lake Shawnee Mission Park
Adventurous couples photoshoot at Shawnee Mission Park. Engagement photos for the laid back couple in love in the Kansas City Area
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couples photoshoot near the lake Shawnee Mission Park
Natural and relaxed engagement photos
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couples photoshoot near the lake Shawnee Mission Park

Jordyn and Austin’s Shawnee Mission Park couples photos stunningly documented their love; the way Austin looks at Jordyn when she smiles, or the way Jordyn gently holds Austin’s hand. Subtle ways they express their love for each other.

carefree and candid engagement photos ideas
Natural and relaxed engagement photos

The key to capturing those intimate and candid moments between you and your partner is to try to forget the camera even exists. Find a photographer that you trust to guide you through poses and ideas that help make you feel comfortable. When you’re relaxed during a photoshoot you’re able to be more carefree. The natural chemistry between you and your partner will shine through and your photographer will be able to capture it all.

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engagement photo ideas Shawnee Mission Park
Adventurous couples photoshoot at Shawnee Mission Park. Engagement photos for the laid back couple in love in the Kansas City Area
timeless engagement photos in black and white for the boho couple
Adventurous couples photoshoot at Shawnee Mission Park. Engagement photos for the laid back couple in love in the Kansas City Area
timeless engagement photos in black and white for the boho couple
Adventurous couples photoshoot at Shawnee Mission Park. Engagement photos for the laid back couple in love in the Kansas City Area

click here for even more tips to having the best couples photo session EVER!

Shawnee Mission Park Couples Photos