Planning your wedding in Kansas City? Achieving that radiant bridal glow is essential, and Courtney Michelle Cosmetics in Lee’s Summit, MO, offers a suite of services tailored to make every bride feel confident and beautiful. As a premier provider of Kansas City wedding makeup, Courtney Michelle ensures personalized attention to detail, making your special day […]

Kansas City Wedding Makeup | Courtney Michelle Cosmetics

May 21, 2025

There’s something beautifully gritty and wildly romantic about the West Bottoms in Kansas City. It’s one of my favorite locations for engagement sessions because it combines vintage industrial charm with rich textures, historic buildings, and that dreamy golden light that seems to hit just right between the aged brick and rusted fire escapes. For Ryan […]

Westbottoms Kansas City Engagement

May 15, 2025

Backyard weddings are intimate, personal, and incredibly special—but they come with a unique set of challenges. Whether you’re planning your own or photographing one, here are a few things I’ve learned from shooting these beautiful at-home celebrations: DO:✅ Plan for weather even if it’s “never” rained that time of year.✅ Rent quality lighting and a […]

Kansas City Backyard Wedding Do’s and Don’ts

May 15, 2025

A moment they’ll never forget—mother and son, heart to heart.

This session had everything—mountain backdrops, spontaneous laughter, and that kind of golden light that wraps around you like a hug. As a Colorado Springs engagement photographer, I’m always in awe of what this place has to offer. From the dramatic red rock formations at Garden of the Gods to the quiet surrounding trails, there’s no […]

Colorado Springs Engagement Photographer

May 15, 2025

Couple standing close together in front of red rocks at Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs.

Few places in Kansas City are as striking and timeless as the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. A Kauffman Center wedding offers the perfect blend of modern architecture, sweeping city views, and light that practically dances around you. Whether you’re tying the knot here or simply stopping by for wedding party portraits, this space […]

Wedding Photos at Kauffman Center | Kansas City, MO

May 15, 2025

Groom kissing bride on cheek during bridal party portraits.

One of the most personal (and frequently debated!) wedding day decisions is whether or not to have a first look—that intimate moment where the couple sees each other before the ceremony. For some, it’s a chance to slow down, connect, and ease the nerves. For others, there’s something sacred about waiting until the walk down the […]

Should You Have a First Look? Pros, Cons, and Creative Alternatives

May 13, 2025

Let’s be real: wedding planning is a lot. From managing budgets and navigating family dynamics to choosing vendors and deciding on every last detail, it’s no wonder so many couples feel overwhelmed at some point along the way. And while mistakes are part of any big life event, some of them can cost you time, money, […]

The Biggest Wedding Planning Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

May 13, 2025

You’re engaged—congratulations! Whether you’re still riding the high from the proposal or already knee-deep in Pinterest boards, the early days of engagement can feel like a whirlwind. Between the excitement, celebration, and the influx of questions from friends and family, it can be tough to know where to begin. That’s why having a clear roadmap […]

What to Book First When You’re Newly Engaged

May 13, 2025

This is one of the most common questions I get, and the answer really depends on your wedding size, timeline, and priorities. As a Kansas City wedding photographer who often works with second shooters, here’s what you should know: The Benefits of Having a Second Photographer When You Might Not Need One Real Talk: Is […]

Do I Need a Second Photographer for My Kansas City Wedding?

May 2, 2025

Groomsmen walking in front of Kauffman Center of Performing Arts.

So you’re engaged—cue the champagne pop and happy tears! Now comes the “Wait… what do we do first?” phase. As a Kansas City wedding photographer who’s been part of more wedding days than I can count (and cried at 90% of them, let’s be real), I’ve seen firsthand how the planning process can either be smooth […]

A Kansas City Wedding Planning Timeline: What to Book First

April 3, 2025

Bride and groom wedding portraits kansas city missouri