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This colorful day celebrating Kala + Cooper was amazing. I know a lot of couples might be nervous about planning an outdoor wedding in Kansas City, because our weather can be a little unpredictable! But Kala + Cooper proved that with the right venue, a few umbrellas, and a whole lotta love, nothing can stop a wedding that’s meant to be. This blog post will feature all my favorite parts of their outdoor wedding at Bliss Plaza.
As a Kansas City wedding photographer, I LOVE when my couples know how to party! These two planned a day that honestly felt so unique to them.
From the bright color palette, to the fun socks, all the way to Kala killing it on the dance floor… These two were clearly sooooo happy to get married. They’re head over heels for each other, and we had a wonderful time celebrating that!
Pre-Ceremony Celebrations
Everyone got ready on-site at The Bliss Plaza Event Venue. Their bridal suite was perfect for pre-wedding drinks + dancing! Kala and her girls rocked their Harry Potter themed shirts.
Cooper grabbed a drink with his guys. They were such a fun group!
Kala told me that the moment this felt real, the moment it really kicked in, was reading the letter that Cooper wrote her. She said this was one of, if not THE, best part of her day.
Something unique I looooved was the first look Kala did with her grandmas. This was such a special moment and I hope she cherishes these pictures forever.
Their Wedding Outfits
Kala was absolutely glowing in her Morilee/Wedding Expressions by Geri dress! My favorite part is this detail on her bodice.
The coolest part about Kala’s wedding OOTD was her shoes. She decorated them herself! Seriously so impressive.
The bridesmaids were gushing over her – It’s so fun to do a first look with your girls! Their dresses were so fun and really helped elevate the colorful theme of the day. All the girls looked bomb, and their dresses were from Azazie.
Cooper KNOWS that his bride is stunning. These two crack me up.
I love a navy blue suit, and Cooper was killing it in his. All the guys’ outfits were Calvin Klein at Men’s Wearhouse. Their pink ties matched the ceremony decor and coordinated with the girls’ dresses. These colors just make me so happy!!
And we can’t forget about the socks. Super cute, boys!
Kansas City Outdoor Ceremony
I love outdoor ceremonies because the lighting is natural and the scenery is beautiful.
The Hamiltons got married at The Bliss Plaza Event Venue, with a beautiful landscape surrounding their outdoor ceremony space. Guests were able to keep dry under this cute gazebo!
Kala + Cooper wrote their own vows. It always impresses me so much when couples do this!! I love hearing what you love about your favorite person. The Hamiltons did a beautiful job of speaking from their hearts. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
Despite the rain, everyone was so happy to see these two finally tie the knot.
But nobody was happier than Kala + Cooper!
Indoor Wedding Reception
Kala + Cooper told me the best part of their day was having all their favorite people in one place. As I looked around their reception, I could tell their favorite people were over-the-moon happy for the beautiful couple!!
The Bliss Plaza was the perfect space for their indoor wedding reception in Kansas City. It’s a blank slate with the ideal balance of rustic and elegance! The neutral aesthetic makes it easy to customize, especially with the bright colors that Kala + Cooper picked.
I loved this H that all their guests signed. This is a unique way to display all the support from their family + friends!
The cupcake bar was an easy and DELICIOUS way to feed a crowd, plus the colors matched their theme perfectly! All their food was done by Katie’s Catering.
As Disney fans, their first dance song choice was obvious. Can You Feel The Love Tonight was the perfect pick, and honestly, yeah, I could feel the love! These two practically have heart eye emojis when they look at each other!
When I asked Kala to describe how they felt on their wedding day, she said, “Pure bliss. The whole day felt perfect and wonderful.”
These two are both vets, so now they’re BOTH Dr. Hamilton!!
I asked them…. What’s some advice you’d share with someone who’s planning their wedding day?
“Weddings are stressful, expensive, and time-consuming to plan. Lean on the people who ask to help, and lean on each other through the process. Enjoy the process and the day, it goes so quick!”
For more advice from real couples check out this blog post: Advice from Real Brides
Congrats BIG TIME to Dr. + Dr. Hamilton!!
To plan your own outdoor wedding at Bliss Plaza check out these amazing vendors!
KC Wedding Vendor Credit:
- Venue – The Bliss Plaza Event Venue
- Stationery – Zazzle
- Florist – Blooms by Breck
- Caterering + Cake – Katie’s Catering
- DJ – DJ Fernando at Fernando Productions
- HMUA – Hyde Salon
- Bride’s Dress – Morilee/Wedding Expressions by Geri
- Rings – House of Diamonds
- Groom’s + Groomsmen Attire – Calvin Klein at Men’s Wearhouse
- Bridesmaid Dresses – Azazie
Destiny and Ross were planning their wedding during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. They opted for a Kansas City wedding with a backyard reception. Celebrating with their friends and family while also keeping everyone safe and comfortable was their main priority.
When I first spoke with Destiny I was eager to hear all about their wedding day plans. She told me how excited they were to just be married already. They wanted to keep their wedding on the smaller side but still throw an awesome party. Destiny and I connected instantly. She told me they wanted their photographer to be someone that was easy to talk to, shared their vision, and that they could trust to capture all of their most important memories from their day.
After our first conversation Destiny was sure I was the photographer for them. I always stay well connected to my couples in the months leading up to their wedding, especially during such an uncertain year of 2020. I kept them informed on any new guidelines or restrictions that were put in place for Kansas City and the Independence Area. My couples know they have my support 100% and that I am here to help make their experience stress free from the minute they inquire to the end of wedding day, gallery delivery day, and beyond.
Finally wedding day was here!! It was a beautiful summer day in early September. Destiny and Ross had their ceremony outdoors at Stoney Creek Hotel in Independence Missouri. The lush trees and pond were a gorgeous setting for their intimate ceremony.
We then headed to their family backyard for their reception. Great weather, good drinks, and upbeat music was all this couple needed celebrate their new marriage with their friends and family.
I was so happy I was able to be a part of Destiny and Ross’ big day. They were able to completely be themselves while I was there to capture photos that were authentic to them. Photographing important moments form their Kansas City wedding with a backyard reception that they’ll remember for years to come.
Interested in having a summer wedding? find more inspiration from Anna and James’ wedding at The Hawthorne House, Mckenna and Micah’s wedding at Mildale Farm, and more all on the blog.
Anna and James planned the most gorgeous summer wedding at The Hawthorne House. Being surrounded by their closest friends, celebrating with their families, and a beautiful golden hour made for the perfect day.
Anna and her bridesmaids started the morning off right with a toast of champagne. They then got ready in Hawthorne House’s newly renovated bridal suite.
James got ready in the groom’s room with his best man and groomsmen by his side.
A really special moment that is often overlooked is a bride’s first look with her bridesmaids. The women she grew up with, her sisters, and her closest friends are always so thrilled to see her all dressed up on her wedding day.
First looks never fail to bring this photographer to tears. Whether it’s a bride with her dad, a mother and son, or two partners seeing each other for the first time it is always incredibly meaningful.
Hawthorne House is a stunning wedding venue in Parkville, Missouri. It has tall, lush trees surrounding the grounds, a lovely reception hall with a wrap around deck, a cute gazebo, and a quaint chapel for a ceremony.
The chapel is the perfect location for a traditional wedding ceremony. Anna’s father walked her down the aisle where James was waiting. After Anna gave her dad a hug she was ready to officially marry James – the moment they had been waiting for was finally here.
The chapel was filled with close friends and family all there to show their support for this newly married couple. There is something so magical about being in a room full of only people that love you.
Anna and James have been together for many years. It’s clear how much love they share for each other.
A summer wedding at the Hawthorne House means a sunset that can’t be beat. The golden light shines over the vast lawn peaking through the trees.
A few more husband and wife portraits after the ceremony gave Anna and James some time to let the whole day fully sink in. The were able to bask in the setting sun and their love for one another.
Anna and James kept their reception decor classic and elegant. The open space of the reception hall welcomed guests for the happy hour and then the DJ got the party going when the wedding party made their grand entrance.
Members of the wedding party gave thoughtful toasts to the couple. Wishing them years of happiness and love.
Anna and James shared their first dance as husband and wife. As the music started, the room fell silent. Guests watched from their seats, some holding tissues to dab their watering eyes.
After the traditional dances the party really got started! The DJ turned on his colorful lights and guests hit the dance floor.
Anna and James were now officially Mr. and Mrs. Taylor. They danced the night away with their friends and family. The happiest night of their lives after an amazing day.
Check out another gorgeous summer wedding on the blog here
Featured Vendors
Venue: The Hawthorne House
Dress: Stephanie’s Bridal
Suit: Tip Top Tux
Rings: Helzberg
Bridesmaids Dresses: Davids Bridal
Flowers: Hitched Floral
Wooden Ceremony Cross: Belle Journee
Paper Goods: Vista Print
DJ: Complete Weddings and Events (Ryan)
Caterer: Jack Stack
Desserts: The Mad Batter KC
McKenna and Micah’s summer wedding at Mildale Farm was filled with personal touches, from early morning devotions to private last dances. Every last detail was planned to focus of their relationship and their soon to be marriage.
McKenna reached out to me to photograph their wedding about 12 months before their date. We had plenty of time to work together and build a photography package that truly fit their needs for their day. I knew they had many important moments through out their day and I wanted to be sure to capture them all.
The planned ahead of time to schedule in some special moments for just the two of them through out the day. They both woke up earlier than everyone else and did devotions together before the hustle and bustle of the day really got started. This gave them the chance to really let it sink in that it was their wedding day. Once their wedding party woke up they both went to their separate getting ready rooms to spend the rest of the morning with their friends and family. They didn’t see each other again until the moment Mckenna walked down the aisle and Micah got to see his soon-to-be wife in her wedding dress.
After the ceremony they dedicated time for just couples portraits. They sent all their guests, family, and wedding party to the cocktail hour. This gave them another moment to just be together – officially married!!
Then it was PARTY TIME! After a yummy BBQ dinner and delicious desserts McKenna and Micah hit the dance floor with all their guests. Nothing beats getting to celebrate with all the people in your life that love and support you.
Once the party started winding down McKenna and Micah planned to have a private last dance. Their guests headed outside to get ready for their sparkler exit while they slow danced in the now empty space. They both we’re very emotional because the day they’ve been dreaming of was over and they were so happy to finally be married to one another.
It is so important to schedule all of these intimate moments together when you’re creating your wedding day timeline. Getting to pause a little of your wedding day and truly soak it all in.
Advice from the Bride
Your wedding day really does go by so quickly and it’s over and done before you know it. Hire vendor that you trust so you can leave all the details and worries to them and really soak in every moment of the day!
Summer Wedding at Mildale Farm Vendors:
Venue: Mildale Farm
Day of Coordination: Taryn Golling
Photographer: Natalie Nichole Photography
Videographer: Isabel Lauby
Florals: The Little Clover
Caterer: Katie’s Catering
Invitations: Minted
DJ: DJ Connections
Bride’s Dress: Natalie M
Hair: Emily Perry – CopperCanyonCo
MakeUp: Ashley Strasser
Grooms Attire: Generation Tux
