Allison + Jaron | Kansas City Wedding | Nagel Portraits
Allison and Jaron decided on the The Legacy at Green Hills for their wedding venue. The Legacy at Green Hills sits on nearly 40 acres just outside Kansas City. With the woods and the pond and the pavilion, It's a location that seems destined for an all-day, outdoor party. One potential problem for this particular day was that it was forecast to rain pretty much all day long... and not just rain, but a torrential downpour with a tornado warning just waiting to be dropped.
Shortly after we got there we watched high winds and heavy, nearly sideways, rain pummel the entire area. Needless to say, the bride and groom were a little distraught as they watched their long awaited, well planned, day changing before their eyes. We knew that there would most likely be at least a couple breaks in the rain so we made sure that we were always ready and watching for a chance to get outside. And sure enough, those breaks came. Not only were we able to grab a few photos outside, but those photos came with epic skies, muted (in a good way) colors, and a uniqueness that otherwise would not have been found. A perceived setback turned into a perfect part of their story... and we had the opportunity to document it. For that we are grateful!
Kristina + Eric | Kansa City Wedding | The Barn at Schwinn Produce Farm
This fun, rustic wedding was photographed by Nagel Portraits, with a ceremony and reception at the barn at Schwinn Produce Farm.
Kristina and Eric were married on June 30th, with a ceremony and reception at The Barn at Schwinn Produce Farm.
Right from the start, it was obvious that these two had something special. Their first look was one of the sweetest we’ve ever seen as they stood back to back and read aloud the letters that they’d written to each other. After having read, and cried, and laughed, they both turned around to see each other for the first time that day... Eric’s response in particular was absolutely priceless. He seemed to be precuriously balanced on the line between crying and laughing. Overwhelmed with joy, it was as if the emotional side of his brain was trying to make his body do both at the same time. One of our favorite shots is from this moment (above).
The ceremony itself was just as touching, and we were thrilled by the details that Kristina poured into the décor. She did a fantastic job matching everything to the environment at Schwinn Produce Farm, creating a backdrop that had a subtle country / rustic vibe without overdoing anything... not easy to accomplish. It all fit in perfectly!
And we could NOT get enough of that dance floor at the reception! Kristina was a dancer and cheerleader at KU, so during the reception, she and a few fellow cheerleaders performed the classic “Rock Chalk Jaywalk KU,” followed by a dance party of epic proportions. We’ve never, ever seen so many talented dancers in one room before! That was probably the most fun we’ve had shooting a reception—ever!
Of course, for as much fun as the reception was, there was also room for some quiet, beautiful moments. Kristina and Eric were married on the same day that her parents had been married years ago. It was truly remarkable to see Kristina’s mom and dad share a dance on their special day—and to see the love in Kristina’s expression as she watched them dancing.
Kristina & Eric, we can't thank you enough for asking us to document your wedding day. You made us feel like part of the family, and we were so honored to have a small part in your big day. You are truly special people; it was a blessing to watch you move through this part of your life.
***Video at bottom of post***
Vendors
- Bride's wedding dress: Morilee by Madeline Gardner from Mia's Bridal & Tailoring;
- Grooms wardrobe: International Suit Warehouse Plano
- Wedding planner/coordinator: Sarah Enderle
- Invites/paper products: Annica Anderson
- Florist: Karen Pendleton
- Cake maker: Alchemy Bake Shop
- Caterer: Minsky's NW Berry
The Impact and Importance of Photography
I posted this image on Instagram yesterday and I can't stop thinking about it. I'm thinking about how much fun I had with Paige and Martin. I'm thinking about how sweet and kind... and happy they were (and not just, "it's my wedding day and I'm over-the-moon excited to be marrying the love of my life," but a true happiness that comes from the deep parts of the human soul).
I posted this image on Instagram yesterday and I can't stop thinking about it. I'm thinking about how much fun I had with Paige and Martin. I'm thinking about how sweet and kind... and happy they were (and not just, "it's my wedding day and I'm over-the-moon excited to be marrying the love of my life," but a true happiness that comes from the deep parts of the human soul).
Here's what is really at the front of my mind though: How this image captured a beautiful, heavy, emotional part of the day. I didn't set out to create an image like this. In fact, this was a shot through the trees, roughly 90 degrees from where Katherine was directing the bride and the groom. It just happened. I don't know if this will end up speaking anything profound to Paige and Martin, but it speaks to me, and it makes me feel.
Let me explain: There are a few pieces to this. First, Paige's dad passed away two years ago. Here brother's wife passed away only a few weeks ago. Losing a loved one carries so much weight and the process of grieving is different for everyone. There's no right and wrong way to grieve, but there are definitely opportunities for positive (and negative) responses to the pain that we have when losing someone so close to us. Both Katherine and I were extremely moved last Saturday: Paige and Martin's wedding day. Watching Paige's brother walk her down the aisle; watching Martin's brother walk down the aisle with a bouquet of flowers sybolizing Paig'e sister-in-law's presence there with them all; watching (and weeping) and trying to hold it together, while Paige danced with her brother during what is traditionally the father/daughter dance while a slideshow of images played on the wall behind them; taking in the memorial table that was put together for those beloved members of the family. It was heavy, and their was a sadness in the air. But that wasn't all. Somehow there was a celebratory spirit of joy too... and not only for the new life that Paige and Martin are embarking on, but for the lives lived and loved and cherished in those two individuals that were not in physical presence. I don't know how to explain it, but there was a palpable air of joy and heartache; excitement and sadness. And it was far more fullfiling than it was depleting... at least from my perspective. It was not only a time to celebrate Paige and Martin, but a time to thank God for her dad... and for her sister-in-law.
When I lost my brother to a sudden stroke over five years ago my perspective on image making changed drastically. Katherine and I had visited Kansas City from San Diego in September of 2011. We did a family session for Matt (my brother), Molly (his wife), and Harper (his daughter). He passed away hardly six months later. Those photos that we were able to capture (never even having the slightest notion of any of us not being here for the next 50+ years) became such significant treasures, not only to us, but to our families and to Matt's friends. They still hang on our walls. I've been taking pictures with one camera or another for years, but never did it rest on me the significance that a single photo can have until then.
Those are some of the things that are going through my mind when I look at the photo above. These moments are cherished... every minute... every day that we get to spend with each other.. with our parents... with our kids! I'm sobered by the responsibiility that rests on us to capture these moments on a medium like a photograph that can be kept forever and cherished at will. And I'm so thankful that we have been given the opportunity to share that gift with so many others. I know that those photographs of Matt have meant so much to me, and I hope and I pray that that will ring true for the families that we have worked with in the past and will work with in the future.
Paige and Martin: I can't thank you enough for inviting us to step into your world... to be given the opportunity to see behind the curtain of your grief, and your joy, and your love, and your sadness, and your celebration. Thank you!
Lindsey + Dustin || Kansas City Wedding :: the Legacy at Green Hills
Lindsey and Dustin were married on June 3rd with their ceremony and reception held at The Legacy at Green Hills in Kansas City, MO.
As unassuming and down-to-earth these two are, we quickly realized how easy it is for them and their entire squad to let loose and have some serious fun... as evidenced by the 200-yard trek/processional through the woods, Bud Light in hand, as their quests awaited the ceremony on the eastern shore of a quite pond at the back end of the property. It was impossible to look in any direction that day and not see at least one or two people laughing! Lindsey and Dustin were relaxed and ready to let the day just wash over them, stress free, in a wave of friendship, family, and joy.
Something unique about this wedding?...
Lindsey and Dustin were married on June 3rd with their ceremony and reception held at The Legacy at Green Hills in Kansas City, MO.
As unassuming and down-to-earth these two are, we quickly realized how easy it is for them and their entire squad to let loose and have some serious fun... as evidenced by the 200-yard trek/processional through the woods, Bud Light in hand, as their quests awaited the ceremony on the eastern shore of a quite pond at the back end of the property. It was impossible to look in any direction that day and not see at least one or two people laughing! Lindsey and Dustin were relaxed and ready to let the day just wash over them, stress free, in a wave of friendship, family, and joy.
Something unique about this wedding?... well, there actually was a lot, but one thing that stood out to us: Dustin works at a plant nursery/landscaping company and a love of nature is one thing, among many, that they both share. He and Lindsay potted and grew 20+ plants to be used as décor during the reception. They then invited the guests to grab one of the plants to take home as a gift. The couple also put mint in jars of soil for everyone to take home and plant as a memory of the wedding day. One of the varieties was chocolate mint, which is the one we took…yum! We loved how they incorporated their love of nature as such a prevalent theme to their summer wedding... and they would have been hard pressed to have chosen a better environment than the beautiful property at The Legacy at Green Hills.
Their dog, Luca (originally Lindsey’s), was definitely one of the guests of honor. Luca is hands down THE best-behaved dogs we’ve ever seen and seemed to have an old and gentle soul, wandering around loose all day, constantly close to Lindsey or Dustin throughout the day. They LOVE their dog—and everyone else seemed to as well.
Out of all the wedding photography images we were able to capture on this special day, however, our favorite was the wide angle shot (above) of Lindsey and Dustin on top of a hill, holding balloons that spelled the word “LOVE.” The balloons had been sitting at the edge of the room during the reception as an element of the decor, but when we saw them we had to figure out a way to use them! We asked Lindsey and Dustin if they would be willing to go for a little walk around the property toward the end of the night to see what we came up with. The light was fading, the day was almost done, but they were so willing to try it out and see where it went—and it ended up being our favorite image of them all. It’s amazing how often spontaneity can breed creativity!
Lindsey & Dustin, thank you so much for inviting us to be a part of your wedding day! The love and laughter that was passed back and forth between you and your friends and family was nothing if not contagious. Your love for those closest to you is evident, and we were blessed to have been witnesses to that on one of the biggest days and most profound moments in your lives.
Kristina + Jacob || Kansas City Wedding :: Union Station
Kristina's and Jacob's wedding was a classy affair to say the least, and the venue only added to the ambiance! We've wanted to shoot a wedding at Union Station since we arrived in Kansas City 3 years ago. There's so much history packed into the building and it's a beautiful work of architecture. Mark actually started his career as an architectural photographer, so he's always amped when he sees the opportunity to combine his love of architecture with that of photographing people... so this was perfect.
Kristina's and Jacob's wedding was a classy affair to say the least, and the venue only added to the ambiance! We've wanted to shoot a wedding at Union Station since we arrived in Kansas City 3 years ago. There's so much history packed into the building and it's a beautiful work of architecture. Mark actually started his career as an architectural photographer, so he's always amped when he sees the opportunity to combine his love of architecture with that of photographing people... so this was perfect. Jacob and Kristina hail from Boston, so planning a wedding in KC was no easy chore. However the day went off without a hitch, thanks in large part to Hannah Klamann of Weddings By Hannah. Here's what it looked like to us :)
Katlyn + John || Kansas City Wedding
Katlyn and John... what a pleasure to work with these folks! They were so easy going... so natural... and so fun! It was our first time shooting at 1890 Event Space... and we LOVED it there! There is a beautiful old home on the property (where the girls got ready), a nice red barn, and a clean, crisp event space where the reception was held. There is also a great patio where the guests can enjoy a cocktail hour.
Courtney + Jeff || Kansas City Wedding
Rarely in my life have I seen 2 people laugh so much in one day… genuine, joyful laughter and smiles… all day long! Courtney and Jeff are not only SO apparently in love with each other, but they exude this authentic love and care to everyone around them. It’s beautiful to witness, it’s lovely to experience, and it makes you want to love better. I need more people like this in my life on a regular basis! Thanks, Courtney and Jeff for letting us into your world… it was truly a pleasure.
On a side note, we began offering video services as an extension of what we’re able to offer to our clients. Courtney and Jeff allowed us to create our pilot episode at their wedding (scroll down to view). More to come soon!
Ariele + Trevor || Kansas City Wedding
More Spring weddings, please... Wow! What a beautiful day in Kansas City?! We had such a fantastic time shooting engagement photos for Ariele and Trevor (didn’t hurt that we did the session right around the corner from our house out in the country, south of the suburbs), and we couldn’t wait to join them on their wedding day! Despite being behind schedule at the beginning of the day due to delays in makeup prep, we caught up, got some amazing images, and had a blast doing it!
Ariele and Trevor got ready at the Westin Crown Center, photos at Liberty Memorial and Loose Park, Ceremony at Colonial Church in Prairie Village, and Reception at 28 Event Space
Ariele + Trevor || Sneak Peek
Ariele and Trevor were married just a couple weekends ago right here in Kansas City. We're almost done with the photography post production, but couldn't wait to share a couple of our favorite images. Keep your eye out for more from this beautiful springtime wedding!
Rusty + Meagan || Wedding :: Boulder, CO
Remember that wedding almost a year ago when I got to spend the weekend with a handful of great friends from college and when I got to see this amazing couple get married? Yeah, it's taken just a bit of time, but here are some more images from Rusty's and Meagan's wedding in Boulder, Colorado.
I can't even describe to you how special it was to be a part of their lives in this way and to join with so many other great people in the celebration! Favorite moments include a midnight hike with the infamous Donnie Mortimer in Lyons, CO, and a midnight (the next night) march down Pearl Street after the wedding reception lead by Rusty, Meagan, and a few guys from the crazy talented Space Capone entourage (<-- seriously... click that link... you won't be sorry)!
These guys, and their families, know how to throw down a timelessly epic party, and they know how to treat those around them with love and hospitality.
Rusty and Meagan: Thank you so much for making me a part of these moments! My life is richer having celebrated this occasion with you, your families, and your (our) friends.
