Ella + Ethan | Topeka KS Engagement Session | Location, Location, Location
I first met Ethan and Ella about 2 1/2 years ago when they came into our studio to discuss working together to capture their wedding day. I instantly knew that this was a couple that I really wanted to work with. They were both so sweet, and such genuinely happy individuals, I was stoked at the chance to work with them for both their engagement session as well as their wedding.
We just shot their wedding this past Saturday (more on that soon), and while I was designing their engagement guestbook as part of the wedding photography package that they ordered I was reminded of how much I loved that shoot. It was a unique shoot for me in a couple of respects: One, we shot in locations I had never even seen (in Topeka, Kansas), and two, those locations were both so unique in and of themselves. We started at a historical park called Ward-Meade and ended at an ice cream shop that Ella used to go to with her mom when she was a kid. I’ve said this to many of you before, but one of the most important things when choosing the locations for your photoshoot is to make it personal! If at all possible, choose places that mean something to you. Many of our couples will choose to shoot at a location where they got engaged or had their first date. Some will choose to shoot in their home (we LOVE that one:). Some will choose certain places in the city (or the country) where they’ve spent a lot of time together… or a special restaurant… or bar… or bookstore… or ice cream shop! Remember, the locations you choose are the backdrop of your images and they can say as much about you and about this stage in your life as how you interact with each other in your photographs.
I had a wonderful time shooting with Ella and Ethan. The locations were super fun and these two photographed SO WELL!
… I can’t wait to get to their wedding photos!
Amanda + Stephen | Kansas City Engagement
It always takes me by surprise when a couple's wedding day approaches. Sometimes it feels like we just shot an engagement session the previous week, and then BAM.. wedding day is here!
It's one of the best, most rewarding, parts of our jobs getting to connect with our couples on a personal level. After an engagement session, we're so often able to come away with newfound friends, and that's a pretty meaningful thing for us. Amanda and Stephen are no exception. Although their engagement shoot happened on one of the hottest days of the year last year during the dreaded peak of that Kansas City summer, these guys killed it! Not only did they look amazing, but their spirits were high, and the heat didn't seem to be able to touch them (aside from the sweat on their foreheads :). Maybe it was the glow of going through the process of cementing these moments as one of the first touchstones on their future life together. Maybe it was that they just love being with each other no matter what else is happening around them. Maybe it's because they had already got the afternoon off ... or maybe it was because the end of the day (shotgunning a couple Natty Lites in cognito at Loose Park) was in their minds throughout the shoot. Maybe it was a combination of all of that. Whatever it was, these two enjoyed their time taking engagement photos around KC, and I surely enjoyed my time with them!
Amanda and Stephen... we're so excited to celebrate with you here in a couple of weeks and can't wait to see how everything unfolds on your big day!!
Until then... cheers!
Monica + Patrick || Wedding :: Kansas City, MO
Monica and Patrick McIlvaine were married on June 28th, 2014 at Lake Quivira. I often feel like a broken record, but we have had the incredible fortune to have worked with so many wonderful people. Monica and Patrick were certainly no exception! ..Such genuine people that exude honest and thoughtful care to those around them. We have had a pleasure working with them and their families
Justin + Adrienne || Wedding :: Kansas City, MO
Ever since we shot Justin and Adrienne's engagement session, we've been stoked to partner with them on their wedding day. They are two of the nicest people you will ever meet, and we've really enjoyed getting to know them. Justin and Adrienne were married at Christ Community Church in Brookside had their wedding reception at The Guild in the Crossroads.
On a side note: I've been after that particular photograph above since we moved to Kansas City about 2 years ago. I finally had the time, location, and the perfect couple to pull it off!!
Oh, lastly, this was also our first time working along side the folks from The Photo Bus. They've got a seriously rad thing going (there are a couple photos at the end of this post)... so, if you're looking for a fun and unique photo booth option for your wedding reception, please check them out!
Now... some photos...
Laura + Dan || Wedding :: Kansas City, MO
Laura and Dan are two of the sweetest, most genuinely nice people I've ever met. It was a joy to be a part of their day!
Theda + Igor || Wedding :: Kansas City, MO
Better late than never, right? Theda and Igor were married in Kansas City last November, and for some reason, I'm just now getting around to blogging it. Theda and Igor both live and work in Washington DC, so our pre-wedding time together was somewhat limited. However, we did get to meet up for dinner in Westport one night at the delicious Westside Local (which I would highly recommend!), and we sort of became fast friends. I had a ridiculously good time with them and it was one of those moments when you realize that you probably would have been good friends in back in high school. Anyway, Katherine and I had a great time celebrating with them on their wedding day and we're so glad that our worlds ended up colliding. This is one of my favorite parts about the job, getting to meet and befriend people that you may not otherwise get the chance to.
Our post-ceremony photo journey included a stop at one of Kansas City's oldest burger joints, Winsteads. Everyone was hungry and much of the wedding party was either from out of town or out of the country, so the consensus was that a local burger run was a must. It's that type of spontaneity that often gives you such memorable experiences from your wedding day.
One last comment: Theda and I shot a bridal session a couple of days before the wedding date, and after including several of those, the gallery below became somewhat large. So, I apologize if I crash your computer.
Rachel + Stephen || Engagement :: Kansas City, MO
I don't often get the opportunity to shoot engagement photos in the dead of the Kansas winter, however, I was stoked when Rachel and Stephen decided to do their engagement session on a trip to KC to see family in December! There are a few things about the winter here that I absolutely love: The chance to bundle up, the excuse to drink hot chocolate & Bailey's on a semi-consistent basis, a good reason to revert to my childhood while I tromp around snow and play with my kids, and the love of a well crafted fire in the fireplace while listening to Gregory Alan Isakov. On top of those, I do love to shoot in the winter. Whether it's just after, or during, a snow storm when I'm just shooting for my own creative exploration, or it's shooting a couple who are willing to brave the cold and work together with me to create some beautifully unique images. Not everyone wants to have their photographs taken when it's below 40 degrees and overcast, but I believe that those who are, are in for a treat. I had a great time getting to know Rachel and Stephen and had a blast hanging out with them while we did the shoot. I'm glad that we got to shoot when we did and where we did, and I believe we came out with some pretty fantastic images. So, without further ado, and with no more rambling, here they are...
Kristen + Brandon || Wedding :: San Diego, CA
Although most of our wedding photography is now based in Kansas City, we do still shoot fairly often in San Diego. It is always a pleasure to return, especially when it's to work with such fine people as the Braunreuther and the Wischmeyer families (yes, it did take me a bit to learn the spelling on both of those names, but I think I've got it now). I mean, with the weather, the beach, the Mexican food, the lifestyle, and the dear friends that we have there, there's not many negative things to say about the greatest place on earth (except perhaps that we now live 1,679 miles to the East.
So... this post has a lot of photos! And here's my official disclaimer :: I usually try to trim down to about 20-30 of the best (my favorites), but there were just too many in this case! I don't know if it is because I get sucked into telling a story through the imagery and don't want to leave anything out, or if it's because we had such a blast working with Kristen and Brandon and their crew that every shot holds some sort of personal value, or if it's just because I'm still in love with San Diego and looking through these photos keeps taking me back. Well, regardless of the reason, here are 60 photos from the Wischmeyer wedding... Enjoy!
The Nagels || Family Portraits
I must say, it pains me to look through these photos as I post them. These were taken last September of my brother and his family. My brother, Matt, died of a sudden, massive stroke at the age of 35 just 2 months ago. It is a gift to have been his brother for 33 years… not long enough! He was a true friend, an amazing father, a great husband. I miss him dearly, as does his family. I am continually inspired by the way these photos bring him to life every time I look at them. Matt, I love you… and I will always miss you.
The Garrs || Family Portraits
Some favorites from a portrait session with the Garrs in Kansas City. The Garrs are such good people. They’re very close friends with my brother’s family so it was great to finally meet them!
