4 Things All Bridesmaids Wish They Would Have Known

February 21, 2018 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

You’ve been asked to be in a wedding — what an incredible honor! Of course, your gut reaction is a squealing “YES!,” but now that you’re in, here are some things you’re really gonna need to know.

1. Finances. You are gonna need to budget, stat!

The bridesmaid gown or tux rental, the bachelorette/bachelor party (and if they decide on a party bus or not …), the wedding shower, the wedding itself with all of the various travel / hotel expenses, and then hair and makeup on the big day.

It’s good to mentally prepare, and also budget for this big (yet oh-so-worth-it! commitment). Make sure to communicate with the entire wedding party and set a budget that works for everyone.

We reached out to one of the bridesmaids in a wedding we recently had the honor to shoot. Here’s what she had to say:

“As a bridesmaid, it’s important to know and expect the financial responsibilities … once you’re involved, if you can’t afford things, it makes it stressful for the rest of the group and isn’t fair to the bride.”

2. You’re going to wear a LOT of different hats

It takes a lot more than just “showing up” to be in the wedding party. You’re going to be in a major support role, too. You’re going to be a therapist, the snack fetcher, the pillar for the bride to stand on when she’s so stressed she can’t stand it (especially if you’re in the Maid/Matron of Honor or Best Man role!).

I’m going to tell you a story from a wedding of a best friend of mine.

Her husband couldn’t find his tux on their wedding day.

I saw a panicked look on his face (seriously, and hour to go until it was ‘walk down the aisle’ time). I asked him what was wrong.

“Christine, I can’t find my tux.”

Now, did I panic? No. Did I let the bride know something was amiss? Hell no. She was blissfully ignorant of the entire situation (as it should be).

I went into her room, poured her another glass of champagne, and stepped out into the hall.

“You’ve looked in your hotel room, everywhere?”

“Yes!” he said.

“I think you should go look at the house (her parents lived close by).”

“The house? I don’t think it’s there.”

“If it’s not here, that’s your last option!”

I convinced him to go look.

I walked back into the hotel room to a suspicious bride.

“Where is he?”

“Just getting ready. A little hungover from last night.”

That didn’t seem too crazy to her, and by the time she walked down the aisle, she saw her grinning groom in his tux (yes, it was at the house).

As a wedding party member, it is your job to put out the fires. It is not the bride’s job. It is your job to help her pee when her dress is too big. It is your job to hug her when she gets emotional that she’s about to start this new phase of her life!

Also, it is YOUR job to support the decisions she makes. Don’t make her life harder than it is. Don’t like the dress she picked? It’s not your wedding, so make sure to be supportive of her decisions, and let her know she looks stunning in it!

Hate the bridesmaids dress? Don’t ever let her know.

Think the shoes are tacky? She doesn’t!

As one of our recent bridesmaids put it: “Realizing it’s not your wedding, it’s your friend’s, so you need to be supportive of what they need and want, and help make decisions easier, not harder!”

3. Something is going to go wrong

This ties in well with my previous story. But it’s not just at that wedding. Something will happen at every wedding. Seriously. I’ve been in a dozen myself, and have personally been the photographer for more than I can count.

There have been at least 3 weddings where the pastor was late. In one of those cases, he told the bride only a few days before he couldn’t make it at all. In that case, the best man stepped up and got ordained online so he could officiate! Now, that’s commitment!

I once shot a wedding where the best man dropped out the week before.

I’ve been in a wedding where a bridesmaid showed up, didn’t like how her dress fit, and then literally drove back home and never came back for the ceremony.

I once had a groom who was uncertain if he was going to be able to do the mother-son dance because of family drama.

I don’t think I have ever shot a single wedding where the ceremony started right on time.

Things happen. Life happens. It’s all going to be ok!

As a member of the wedding party, try to deal with as much as you can. The bride and groom seriously don’t need anymore stress. And, if it can’t be helped, keep that champagne flowing!

4. After the wedding, your job isn’t quiiite over!

All those gifts need to get packed up in someone’s vehicle! Also, sometimes cleanup is involved at the end of the reception.

Even months after the wedding, the couple may want some help picking out photos for their wedding album (although you need to give the photographer ample time to edit them first)!

There’s so much that goes into a wedding day. It’s a whirlwind, but it’s worth it! Know your commitments, be there for the bride and groom, and celebrate these two who are dedicating their lives to each other!

Still in the market for a wedding photographer? Make sure to reach out to us, here, or message us on Facebook! We have home bases in KC and St. Louis, and also travel!

Nostalgic and Timeless: Beth and Josh’s Vintage Wedding!

February 19, 2018February 19, 2018 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

We’re kicking off the new year in style with our first wedding of the year — Bethany and Josh Belzer! And wait until you hear the story about her dress!

We are besides ourselves myself with glee to share with you this gorgeous wedding venue and our experience with this phenomenal couple. You may remember Beth and Josh from their fall engagement shoot. If not, it was my delightful surprise to walk in and see all of the photos from their shoot framed at the entrance!

Nothing could have prepared me for how inspiring and darling this venue was. Seriously, it’s Pinterest goals.

Acquiant Gathering is a vintage, shabby chic venue that has a photo opportunity literally at every corner!

The bridal suite had an array of cute little props and precious decor, perfect for anyone with a vintage aesthetic. But enough gushing about this photographers dream playground — let’s drool over this DRESS.

Beth found her gorgeous gown at a vintage shop. It wasn’t labeled as a wedding dress — and was priced at only $80!! Vintage for the win!

I’m still not over the lace! Seriously, it is the embodiment of elegance and class, as was our bride, Beth!

She is a Vintage VIXEN! <3

Or as Beth would put it — a professional lounger.

Her mother was moved to tears to see Beth’s transformation from daughter to bride!

Beth and Josh created a custom wedding package, which we’re always happy to do! This included “getting ready” shots and our personal favorite moment — “the first look“.

The Bridal Suite had two entrance doors and this giant wardrobe that was perfect to stage the first look moment.

We typically prefer to do outside first looks because it’s hard to beat Mother Nature’s lighting, but the natural lighting was BOMB in this room! Couldn’t. Pass. It. Up!

Beth was hoping to get some tears from Josh, but got a big twirl and smooch instead! It’s okay, I saw him getting super choked up. He couldn’t take his eyes off her — or his hands.

Let’s all just appreciate how quirky and adorable these two are!

Now, here’s where I realized I’m too obsessed with “The Greatest Showman” and will do anything for the perfect shot.

I was able to take advantage of the chandelier a couple of times during Beth’s getting ready shots. This was the less dangerous time where I put my camera lens through the sleeve of her dress to capture the lace!

The next time I used the chandelier to my advantage required balancing two chairs on top of each other, one foot in the air, and a lot of focus — both from myself and the camera.

Yup. I got the crazy idea to shoot THROUGH THE CHANDELIER.

Worth it!

Not only was the theme vintage, but the wedding was filled with personal history and nostalgia from both the bride and groom.

The shoes Beth wore for her walk down the aisle were the same shoes her grandmother wore on her big day MORE THAN 60 YEARS AGO! How freaking amazing is that?! Her earrings also belonged to Josh’s grandmother, and Beth’s stepfather officiated for them.

They were surrounded by the history of love in their families as they came together to celebrate becoming one family. Truly touching!

Kansas City Photoraphy wishes you all the best! Thank you for letting us be a part of your special day!

Make sure to keep up with us on Facebook!

Beth and Zach’s Gorgeous Fall Engagement Shoot!

November 22, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

Tatiana here!

I’m really happy Beth and Zach decided to go with Kansas City Photography for their wedding, but first — we needed to get them some engagement photos!

Beth has been following our Facebook page for awhile, so when we met for coffee she already knew we were a good choice — thanks so much, girl! We love our fans!

The first time we tried to schedule the shoot, I ended up getting sicker than a dog. Even though we tried again for the next weekend, Beth ended up catching a cold the next day! I’m so glad we were able to make it work before the leaves fell completely. Fall waits for no one!

This tree was our magical spot right down the hill between Union Station and the Liberty Memorial.

This tree had the perfect Fall feel and gorgeous leaves for Beth’s favorite shot from our last engagement shoot — thanks, Christine and Pinterest!

Zach works as a truck driver so any time spent at home is precious to both of them.

Beth and Zach have known each other for about 2 years and are as happy as can be! Zach proposed to Beth at a Royals game. He was so nervous when he saw security having people empty out their pockets, because he didn’t want to ruin the big moment!

Thankfully, the ring stayed in his pocket. Finally, at the ninth inning, he asked and of course she said yes!

See you soon on the big day! <3

Dragons & Fairies: A Fantastical Fairytale Wedding!

June 14, 2017June 14, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

It’s not everyday you walk into a reception hall and see a massive cake with a dragon head adorning the top. Was I at the right place? Was this Katherine & Josh Heriford’s wedding?

(Cake by Edible Art by Sara — she’s based out of Lake of the Ozarks)

It was! There was the blushing bride —

And the grinning groom —

And a flower girl with the most fitting name — Violet!

And we can’t forget the groomsmen — the armed groomsmen. There’s a story here, I swear.

… those weapons the men in the wedding party are holding — it’s a wedding tradition between all of them. They gift each other weapons! Josh also mentioned armed weddings date back to the dark ages — and said the weapons were meant to help protect the ladies!

And with the groomsmen go the bridesmaids! This was a pose I first introduced at Matron of Honor Misty’s wedding — and Katherine wanted to make sure we got a pose like this for hers, too!

Misty also asked that I point out when I did this pose at her wedding — I was 6 months pregnant, laying on my back to get the shot! Haha.

Plus, dragons, fairies, themed drinks galore! What a fantastic wedding theme!

It was a hot weekend in Jefferson City, but Josh & Katherine’s wedding at Apple Creek Farm was still stunning.

The happy couple opted to do a reveal shoot — which is something I absolutely recommend. That means they stood back to back, and we had the groom turn around to get a first glance at his lovely bride before she walked down the aisle.

When he turned around, he couldn’t stop kissing her. He told me he was speechless. At that moment, he felt like the luckiest man on Earth. Or even Middle Earth. Maybe even in the entire Galactic Federation of Free Alliances.

After the reveal, the head-over-heels couple exchanged gifts. Katherine’s gift to Josh was rather sneaky on her part. She bought it at a convention called JordanCon. Josh had seen this pocket watch and loved it. He had planned to buy it, but didn’t have the money for it at the time.

Katherine secretly whispered to the woman selling it: “Can you hold this for me?” She went back and bought it later that day, Josh had no idea.

For Katherine’s gift, Josh bought her a charm bracelet with “Doctor Who” charms for their first Christmas together. A few months later, it broke. She had been wanting a new one, but never got one for herself.

Josh surprised her with a new bracelet, attached all of her old charms to it — and added a new addition: A Star Wars charm!

Seriously. These two. Can it get any cuter [oh, it can. Keep reading]?

Katherine had the longest, most beautiful veil I had ever seen. So long, that it started getting stuck on the brick as she walked down. Sometimes, the photographer also has to work in the damage control industry!

I saw the panic paint across her face as her veil kept snagging as she started the walk down the aisle toward her future husband, so I tapped a wedding guest on the shoulder who was sitting in the back and handed them the veil: “Could you?”

Phew, problem solved! You can see her holding the veil in this photo!

Thank you, wedding guest!

Their rings were also completely perfect for these two gamers — just look at what the inside of the band says:

“Score!” Perfect!

After the ceremony, Mr. & Mrs. Heriford made their way to the reception hall. This is where the dragons and fairies awaited us!

It was all handmade from their amazing wedding planner (and best friend and bridesmaid), Misty Stinnett!

Not to mention the groom’s surprise — a custom dragon topper for his giant pile of cookies (he doesn’t like cake), that was handmade by Misty’s husband, Steve! I seriously couldn’t get enough photos of all the decor, it was gorgeous!

One of the best games at the reception was a cake smash contest. Wedding guests voted on whose face the cake should be smashed into. It was pretty clear who the winner was:

And so …

I mean, he did lose fair and square!

There was also the first dance. It was so sweet, and they never took their eyes off each other once. It was a dance full of laughter, kisses, and twirls!

We at Kansas City Photography wish Josh & Katherine many, many happy years — thank you for letting us be a part of your most special day!

Wedding Series: Tips For Brides — The Family Shots

May 11, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Wedding Series: For Brides

You’re getting married! There’s so much to do, and so many things to get done. Find a caterer, a florist, get the perfect dress, and then make sure you’ve hired the right photographer to capture all of your hard work!

Well, you’ve definitely taken the right step as far as a photographer goes [oh hey, we travel]! 😉

Every Thursday over the next six weeks, I will be doing a piece for our “Wedding Series: Tips For Brides.” It’s going to highlight tips and tricks for the bride when working with a photographer.

WEEK FOUR: THE FAMILY SHOTS

There are really two types of family photos I’ve found people want — traditional or non-traditional.

Traditional is typically done at the altar. After the wedding, everyone stays at the church. You line everyone up and get shots like this:

Sometimes, brides who are fairly traditional (or come from families that are) want these types of shots. The only issue I ever run into with these is lighting. I always ask what it’s like inside their venue, because sometimes churches can be very dark, which make it hard for good pictures — even with lights!

If it’s a well-lit location, and this is really the style you like, then let’s go for it!

The second type of family portraits after the “I Dos,” are the non-traditional. These are ones we take outside. This is also where we can get those candid shots!

But we can get non-candid, regular smiles, too!

Or strike a silly pose!

Make sure to talk with your photographer about the style of photos you are wanting. Do you want them at the altar? Do you want them outside? What’s the lighting situation inside? These are all things to think about!

Tune in next week!

Want to see the series so far? See the entire “Wedding Series: Tips For Brides” series!

Wedding Series: Tips For Brides — It’s All In The Details

May 4, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Wedding Series: For Brides

Well, you’ve definitely taken the right step as far as a photographer goes [oh hey, we travel]! 😉

Week Three: It’s All In The Details

You’ve been planning this wedding for months — maybe even years. You’ve put a lot of thought into the details, so make sure your photographer captures them!

Each bride puts different details into her wedding. For this country farmhouse wedding, the groom surprised the bride by writing on the soles of her boots she was going to wear walking down the aisle. That was clearly an important detail to capture.

And while it’s important to capture those unique details, there are some that tend to be the same at every wedding. Make sure your photographer gets these:

The Cake

The Rings

The Table Decor

The Bouquet

The Boutonnières & Corsages

The Dress (Before it’s on the bride)

These are some good basics to make sure to capture. If you’re the bride, make sure you communicate with your photographer which details are really important to you. If you’re the photographer, make sure you schedule a meeting with the bride to go over these types of details.

Everyone is unique and different, and these details are often incorporated into the wedding. I am always on the hunt for special things to the bride and groom that they felt important enough to work into their wedding decor.

See the entire “Wedding Series: Tips For Brides” series!

Wedding Series: Tips For Brides — The “First Look,” / Bridal Reveal

April 27, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Wedding Series: For Brides

Well, you’ve definitely taken the right step as far as a photographer goes [oh hey, we travel]! 😉

Week Two: The “First Look” / Bridal Reveal

One of the first questions I ask at my meetings with brides: “Did you want to do a “first look,” or will walking down the aisle be the first time he sees you?”

Here is a first look we did before the ceremony, below. I was able to get this close and intimate specifically because it wasn’t done during the ceremony. It was a special moment set aside for just the two of them (and me … the third wheel photographer). 🙂

If the bride asks what I prefer — it’s always that we do a special “first look.” It’s where I set the groom up, his back facing away. I bring in the bride. She puts her back against his, or reaches her hand around the corner. There is always so much tension in these shots — the can’t wait to see each other.

From there, I snap the shots and either take the bride back to her room, or … we let the groom turn around.

I prefer this because I can catch the intimate one-on-one response of the groom the first time he sees his bride. It’s special. It isn’t a moment that has to be shared in a crowd. It’s just the two of them.

Now, sometimes I can’t convince the bride and groom otherwise, and that’s ok. It’s your day! I can only speak from a photographer’s standpoint, because after that reveal, we can take the bridal party / bride & groom shots, etc. — all before the ceremony! After the ceremony, we can snap the family photos, and then send the bride and groom off to the reception and not have to keep their friends and family waiting.

That’s not to say we can’t get great photos if the first time the groom sees his bride is when she walks down the aisle.

We definitely can, but if I am ever asked my preference — it’s to have a special first look. So I can get shots like this:

Check back next Thursday for the next post in our “Tips For Brides” series. To read them all, click here.

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Wedding Series: Tips For Brides – Portraits

April 20, 2017January 11, 2018 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Wedding Series: For Brides

Well, you’ve definitely taken the right step as far as a photographer goes [oh hey, we travel]! 😉

Week One: The Bridal Portrait Session

This week, I’m giving tips for the bride during her portrait session! I always set aside time from the chaos to make sure I get shots of just the bride. You’ve gotten your hair done, your makeup perfected, and spent weeks (maybe even months!) picking out your perfect dress. It’s so important to get shots of you as you are in that moment — ready to marry the love of your life, about to walk down the aisle surrounded by your closest friends and family members. There’s so much excitement shining through your eyes — and a world of possibilities in your future.

There are a few shots I always love to get:

The Eyelash Shot:

It’s a classic shot, your head tilted slightly, gazing down, capturing your perfect lashes.

The Silhouette:

Definitely one of my favorites. I love playing with the light. I had one bride call me a “lighting wizard.” I’ll take it! These are so pretty and fun to do.

Just The Dress:

You spent so much time (annnd probably money, if we’re being real) to find the perfect gown for your big day. I like to get details like this!

Lacing It Up:

Some of the most important people in your life help lace up the dress. It’s usually a mom or Maid of Honor. Although, I’ve had to step in to help countless times when they couldn’t figure it out! I’ll never leave ya hangin’!

Full-Length:

You’re in the dress, it’s almost show time!

My last little tidbit to mention is the bouquet.

Where To Hold Those Dang Flowers!

As every bride will tell you whose wedding I’ve shot — the one thing I repeat over and over and over is: “Hold the bouquet at your belly button!”

I say it to to the bride and bridesmaids at the beginning of the day. I repeat it before every shot. Sometimes I turn it into a question and ask them, “Now, where do you hold the bouquet?”

I get that chime of a teacher lecturing her class, “At the belllly buttttton,” they repeat back.

I remind them right before they walk down the aisle when I stop them to take a shot before they continue the rest of the way down. This way you don’t get shots with the bouquets all over the place!

Let’s review! Here are some important shots to make sure your photographer gets!

The eyelash shot
The silhouette
Just the dress
Getting “into” the dress / lacing up
The bouquet / holding the bouquet at the belly button

Check back next Thursday for the next post in our “Tips For Brides” series. To read them all, click here.

Tag: best wedding photographer

4 Things All Bridesmaids Wish They Would Have Known

1. Finances. You are gonna need to budget, stat!

2. You’re going to wear a LOT of different hats

3. Something is going to go wrong

4. After the wedding, your job isn’t quiiite over!

Nostalgic and Timeless: Beth and Josh’s Vintage Wedding!

Beth and Zach’s Gorgeous Fall Engagement Shoot!

Dragons & Fairies: A Fantastical Fairytale Wedding!

(Cake by Edible Art by Sara — she’s based out of Lake of the Ozarks)

Wedding Series: Tips For Brides — The Family Shots

WEEK FOUR: THE FAMILY SHOTS

Wedding Series: Tips For Brides — It’s All In The Details

Week Three: It’s All In The Details

The Cake

The Rings

The Bouquet

The Boutonnières & Corsages

The Dress (Before it’s on the bride)

Wedding Series: Tips For Brides — The “First Look,” / Bridal Reveal

Wedding Series: Tips For Brides – Portraits