cute engagement poses – Kansas City Photography

Crunching Leaves Through A Wilderness Trail: Tatiana & Eric’s Fall Tryst!

November 23, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Odes, Photoshoots

Tatiana and Eric made a quick trip up to visit lil’ ol’ me in St. Louis! We were really wanting to get some cute photos before all of the leaves fell off the trees. We met up at a nearby conservation area that we all love — it even has a scenic lookout!

Since it was freezing, and Tatiana’s sweater dress wasn’t as warm as she thought it was going to be, we didn’t actually make it to the scenic lookout this time around! Eric’s sister also came up to visit with our two lovebirds, so of course we had to snap a family photo.

Aren’t they all so presh?

After walking for a few minutes on the trail, I realized my property was actually still more colorful. Most of the leaves had already fallen off the trees at the conservation area, but there were still some holdin’ out a few miles down the road at my house!

There are some really huge leaves at my home. My mother-in-law told me they’re from the cottonwood trees! You learn something new everyday!

And if you give a Tatiana a huge leaf, she’s gonna want a photo to go along with it! 😉

Tatiana and Eric will have been together 5 years this July! They’re just too cute for words, and I am so happy to be their friend! One day, Eric will finally pop the question — and I can help Tatiana start wedding planning! 😉

*hint, hint, hint*

And since this is Thanksgiving, I wanted to take a moment to talk about how thankful I am that Tatiana came into my life!

We first met at an anime convention. She stopped by my photobooth I had set up in the vendor’s room. After seeing her at a couple conventions, she decided to book me for an outside shoot. She cosplayed as Fluttershy!

The first time we tried to meet, my memory card corrupted halfway through the shoot, and we had to set a new date and take the photos all over! That was her first outside impression of me. Wooooo.

From there, she invited me to an outing at Power & Light. That’s also where I met our fellow photographer friend, Dawn, whom I am also so, so thankful for!

Now, Tatiana is a part of the Kansas City Photography family and I just don’t know what I would do without her! She’s an amazing friend, my confidant, and a good noodle all around! She keeps me sane, and, a feat no one has done before her — organized.

I am also so happy she has Eric! He makes her happy, and he’s a loyal, trusting friend to me. I am working on convincing them to move to St. Louis … but then I’d have to find another Kansas City photographer!

I think my favorite thing about these two is how they can just be themselves around each other. Even if that means being weird.

#specialponies

Thank you all for visiting me!!

7 Outfits & 45-Degree Weather For This Fall Engagement Shoot!

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

I keep telling Lindsey this, but I will put it on the record — she is one of the most prepared brides I have ever worked with! She has lists for days! She should consider a career in wedding planning, actually.

I had the pleasure of meeting up with Dan & Lindsey again this Sunday. I say “again,” because we did a special ice rink engagement shoot for them this summer, too! Here are some fun shots from that:

Lindsey really wanted another shoot to capture the beauty of Missouri’s Fall weather, so we modified their wedding package to include two engagement shoots!

This time, Lindsey sent me a list of 7 outfits she and Dan were going to wear. Not only that, she also had the photos she wanted in each outfit! I was impressed, thrilled, delighted … so many emotions — all of them good!

The last time I met up with the happy couple, it was on the day of the solar eclipse! The weather was much different this time around. It was a chilly 45 degrees! But both she and Dan were total champions — you can’t even tell they’re freezing along with me!

Dan and Lindsey met on Match.com. She told me she was scrolling through and saw Dan’s picture. This is my favorite part — she said, out loud to the empty room — “I WANT THAT ONE!!!”

And she got him. 😉

We met at Faust Park in Chesterfield. It’s right next to the Butterfly House! There’s a small pond, and several really old buildings and barns, which made it perfect for the feel Lindsey was going for this photoshoot.

Since our last shoot was mostly on the ice rink, I didn’t get the chance to introduce the happy couple to Juanita. This time, I did. She’s my sassy stool I stand on to get shots like the one above.

Plus, I am short … and it’s always better to be above the person as far as photos go, so I use her quite often. If you ever see her, say “hi!” I really need to get a picture of her!

Speaking of barns, here’s one of them below. There is a section of the park called “Historic Village.” According to the Faust Park website: “The Historic Village at Faust Park includes four homes and 14 additional structures … All of which have been saved from demolition … Spanning a period from 1840 to 1910, the Village provides a context in which the lifestyles of the settlers of St. Louis County and the skills they used to survive are illustrated.”

Pretty neat, huh? There’s also a large playground if your kiddos don’t feel like taking in the history! Or if you just feel like takin’ a swing.

The last time I checked in with Lindsey for the blog post, she told me Dan promised to tell her he loves her — every day. And, as she reports, he has still kept that promise!

They’re just too cute! Excited for your wedding in May!

I expect more lists! 😉

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‘You mean you knew how to light a fire this whole time?!’ – Beth And Josh’s Fall Engagement Shoot!

October 23, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

Hey, maybe your photographer needs to know that you are certified in building campfires ahead of time — but more on my dreams of arson in a moment!

It’s Tatiana again, and let me tell you — this is the busiest month I’ve had since starting with Kansas City Photography! And I couldn’t be happier because Fall is my favorite time to shoot. Nature does all the work!

I mean, how can you not adore the vibrant colors just popping out all around you? Beth and Josh are Fall freaks as well, so they chose Burr Oak Woods for their engagement shoot!

It’s a gorgeous nature trail that’s 1,071 acres of gorgeousness!

Beth and Josh found me through a mutual friend (Thanks, Meg! <3). We bonded over our basic selves with some Starbucks coffee and my Princess Mononoke shirt. Clearly, we are best friends in the making!

We booked the shoot about a month in advance, but as the day approached, the weather forecast looked pretty grim.

Of course, if you live in Missouri, you’ll know that the weather is about as predictable as a newborn baby. It can snow in the morning and by 3 p.m., you’re breaking a sweat! Seriously. This has happened before.

I’m so glad we kept with the original date, because we had a blast!

Beth came prepared with some awesome Pinterest ideas! We have pose ideas ready to go for our clients, but we always love it when people have their own special style. After all, we want to shoot what YOU want.

One of her ideas was to have matching mugs, but she nixed it because she thought it would be weird to have random mugs in the middle of the woods.

That’s when I said “It would be super cool if you guys were sipping hot cocoa over a campfire! Too bad we don’t have one of those.”

And that’s when she hit me with, “Well, Josh is an eagle scout. So, he knows how to make a campfire.”

WHAT?! ACCA-‘SCUSE-ME?!

Unfortunately, I didn’t have spare mugs lying around and Josh was really into preventing forest fires … so the campfire was a no-go — THIS TIME.

Beth and Josh have been together for almost 2 years. They met online, which is getting more and more common these days!

Another go-to proposal move seems to be the kitchen, since that’s where Josh asked the big question (I need to be hyper cautious in our kitchen from now on — Eric might get crazy). Here’s Beth recalling the event:

“Well … I was in my pjs in the kitchen, throwing something away at the trash can. I turned around and he was on one knee.

First words out of my mouth were: ‘Are you sure?’ I looked so frumpy because we were at home — But I thought ‘If he wants to marry me like this, then it must be meant to be!'”

So freakin’ cute! Josh knew that Beth hates anything flashy or over-the-top, so he picked out this beautiful pink sapphire ring with a rose gold band from Israel. It’s so elegant and charming — A+ to Josh!

This was Josh’s first time at Burr Oaks and Beth was thrilled to show him around, since this conservation area is where her and her family share many fond memories together (And if you ever want to share those memories in front of a professional photographer, hit me up. Tee hee.)

Also — they’re doing exactly what you think they’re doing below! This had me rolling!

These two were so fun to work with and I can’t wait to capture their wedding day!

Side note: Beth totally kept these leaves for keepsakes of the shoot. I would absolutely do the same thing!

A Romantic Windy City Engagement Shoot [We Snuck Onto A Dock!]

October 10, 2017October 12, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

I drove up to Chicago this weekend to celebrate Emily and Stephen’s engagement! It was a gorgeous day — so we drove over to Lake Michigan and took some celebratory engagement photos!

Stephen proposed while he and Emily were on vacation. Their vacation spot was also off Lake Michigan, but seven hours north. Stephen told me when he got down on one knee to propose, he had this whole speech written out.

However, Emily immediately started bawling (happy tears). He said he still tried to fit in some of the speech he worked so hard on, but realized it just wasn’t going to work out because Emily was so excited and couldn’t stop crying. Maybe he can save the speech for the wedding?

The ring is gorgeous — with a deep blue sapphire in the middle. Stephen really wants to tell Emily how much it cost, but she says she wants it to be kept a secret! The world just may never know — but it is stunning!

These two couldn’t make each other stop laughing. This is probably one of my favorite poses — Stephen was supposed to be whispering sweet nothings into Emily’s ear, but the word he was actually whispering to get her to laugh is NSFW. So, just enjoy the photo instead! 🙂

And, sometimes, I’d be trying to pose them — and this is what would happen. This is definitely not how I instructed them to stand! I’m not sure if they’re going for a Rosie the Riveter vibe or what.

So, I just … let it happen. You’re welcome, world.

This is the pose we were actually going for —

Emily and Stephen are native Chicagoans. Emily loves everything about Chicago. So, when we found this backdrop around Montrose Beach — we had to hit it up. Emily can even tell you what the four stars on the Chicago flag mean!

We also hit a part on the lake with a bunch of fancy yachts. Emily told me the gate is always locked and that you need a card and code to get inside. We watched a woman leave — and it just so happens the gate didn’t lock. #wesosneaky

A few photos on the dock never hurt anyone, right? We did at least make sure it was locked on our way out, though!

I had originally envisioned the two of them on a cute canoe on the water. Emily kept trying to tell me the water was just too choppy — but I didn’t believe her until I actually saw it! Definitely better to just hang your toes over the edge!

Later that night, we all went out for drinks. At one point, Stephen was outside waiting for our Uber. Emily looked at me, and giddily declared, “I just feel like I found my person, you know? He loves me for me!” It was just too precious for me not to share!

Congratulations, Emily & Stephen! I can’t wait to be there for your wedding!

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Louie [The Dog] Wouldn’t Wear His Cardinals Gear, But We Still Got Amazing Engagement Shots!

August 29, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

I met with lovebirds Lindsey and Tyler this Sunday at Lafayette Park to take their engagement photos. They brought along their adorable pup, Louie.

I’m pretty sure Louie thought my camera was a giant alligator that was going to eat him, because he looked a little worried.

Although, there is one shot that is absolutely hilarious (below). Lindsey had her Pinterest board loaded on her phone, and the vision was to have this cute shot that was just their feet, along with Louie sitting in between them.

Louie didn’t much feel like sitting … or looking at the camera … or being there at all. At least he’s adorable!

I think this is where I can use that #pinterestfail hashtag, right? Hahaha!

A few weeks before Christmas, Lindsey and Tyler were enjoying the Anheuser Busch Brewery Lights. That’s when Tyler decided to get down on one knee and ask Lindsey to be his wife! She was totally shocked!

The happy couple met on Plenty of Fish. Lindsey and Tyler love the Cardinals, hanging out with Louie, and swimming / boating.

They were also very easy to get to laugh – which is something I appreciate!! If I made them stare into each other’s eyes for too long, they’d start giggling!

We wandered over to this section of the park that had a nice fountain spouting up. As soon as I approached, a squirrel stopped in its tracks and stared at me. I legit thought it was going to charge us, but then it went on its way.

Then, as we neared the water, three giant swans poked their heads up. Now, being a Missourian, I know those dudes have tempers. We slowly approached, and when they decided we weren’t a threat, they honked at us and then sat back down. Phew!

I had never taken shots at Lafayette Park before. It was just stunning! It’s a 30-acre park, and the oldest public park west of the Mississippi!

There were flowers in bloom, a gorgeous willow tree, and then a nice pond. Plus, it was all clustered together, so you didn’t have to walk forever to get to different parts of the park.

There was also this building with ornate wooden windows and brick walls. I have no idea what it was for, but it sure was pretty! I think the plaque on the wall probably would have told me what it was used for … but I was distracted by photos!

Since Lindsey and Tyler are big Cardinals fans, we also swung by Busch Stadium in downtown St. Louis.

The team had a late game the night before, so we didn’t think anything was going on … but there was actually an autograph session happening, so people were everywhere! We did manage to still snag some amazing shots!

Even though I feel like I am betraying my home team of the Royals, I have to admit these photos are just too cute.

Decked out in red, and with matching red Converse – Lindsey and Tyler represented!

For those of you who haven’t wandered around downtown St. Louis, there’s a huge section of it dedicated to the Cardinals. Other than the stadium, there’s an entire area surrounding it that has Cardinals themes. It’s called Ballpark Village!

I am so glad I was able to connect with these two! I actually met them at a mutual friend’s house party months ago.

They weren’t engaged yet, but Tyler had let on that it was going to happen at some point. And I am so glad it did!

Excited for your wedding, Lindsey & Tyler!!

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From The East Coast To St. Louis — An Engagement Shoot At Forest Park!

August 1, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

I met with the loveliest couple on Sunday — Sayo and Oye. It was a relatively last-minute shoot (their original photographer canceled the day before — after they had already done their hair and makeup), but I am so glad I was able to work with them on their engagement photos (and was actually in town this weekend)!

Sayo told me she had a thing for columns — so we made sure to hit up the Muni in Forest Park in St. Louis.

Months ago, Oye asked Sayo hypothetically, “If I happened to ask you to marry me, what would be your answer?”

Sayo gets so many bonus point for her answer: “You have to ask to find out!”

Oye told me he’s not a gambler, but he told me he decided to hedge his bets. He decided to propose anyway on December 31 at Sayo’s family home in Philadelphia.

Good news — he found out that her answer was “yes!”

The happy couple is getting married back on the East coast in South New Jersey at Lucien’s Manor this October. There are columns on the outside, so Sayo is going to be in Heaven!

Right now, Oye and Sayo are in a long distance relationship. She is finishing her medical residency at Saint Louis University Hospital — and he lives in the DC area. He just happened to fly in this weekend, so it was really important to get their engagement photos done!

This fun couple was introduced by mutual friends. Oye was given Sayo’s phone number, but didn’t call her for 2 weeks. Heart thumping, he finally did, but she didn’t answer. He bravely left a voicemail, something he told me he doesn’t usually do, and she happened to call back.

The rest is history. <3

Above you’ll see their ‘magazine model’ poses. Although, Sayo didn’t take it seriously for too long —

I’m so happy I was able to cross paths with these two! They color coordinated perfectly — even down to the socks!

We at Kansas City Photography wish you the happiest wedding day! Although, who knows! We travel, too! 😉

One last columns shot for Sayo —

And, of course, a practice spin for their first dance —

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Sydney and Zane’s West Bottoms Engagement Shoot!

May 31, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

Sydney and Zane won a half price engagement shoot we gave away back in March when I, Tatiana, got hired onto the team!

They chose West Bottoms as the location for the vibrant colors of the graffiti and urban inner city vibes.

I asked Sydney to share how Zane popped the big question, and here’s what she said:

“He proposed with our best friends. They took pictures at the plaza by the water where the gondola rides are, then they had us get up there to take our picture and I turned and saw him on one knee!”

Sounds like everyone was in on the magic — how romantic!

The Country Club Plaza is a shopping district in downtown KCMO that offers amazing architecture and soft lighting — especially during Christmas time! Keep us in mind for a seasonal shoot! 😉

I also got the privilege to meet Miss Whinny, their gorgeous fur baby! She was so sweet, but still less than a year old, so getting her to look at me was quite the challenge. I’m used to photographing puppers since I have my own fur babies, so we got some great shots!

Sydney had a great idea inspired by the beloved Pinterest for the ring to be on Whinny’s nose, but again — we were working with an energetic puppy who was thinking, “Oooh, that’s shiny! LET’S EAT IT!” So, for the safety of the ring, we nixed that idea.

And what a ring it is!! Wooo-weee!

Let’s try again when Whinny is older — we’re going to need a newlyweds shoot! 🙂

For this next shot —

Zane wanted to do something fun and silly, so he could not control himself from trying to pick the nose of this poor, defenseless graffiti woman. I feel like he gets the “you’re a dork, but I love you” look from Sydney often.

And now that they’re getting married, they have all the time in the world for funny looks, smiles, and kisses on the forehead. We at Kansas City Photography wish you all the happiness and success on your big day (they are planning a destination wedding)!

Also, special shout out to Sydney’s BFF, Gabriella, for helping us with Whinny during the shoot!

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Jeremy & Amanda’s Warm and Beautiful Country Club Wedding

April 11, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

Mid-70s, a cool breeze, and a wedding! There was nothing better this past Saturday. The weather was absolutely divine, it was like God said: “Today, Jeremy and Amanda are getting married, so let this day be perfect!”

Speaking of perfect – Amanda’s bouquet was stunning. Just stunning. Lilies, tulips, roses, and a tear-drop style. It was definitely one of the most breathtaking bouquets I’ve ever seen!

Plus, those rings! *whistles*

I always love it when the bride’s ring fits inside the groom’s. I have only ever had it happen a handful of times — and this was one of them! I always personally find it to be a good omen, they’re so meant to be together … the rings fit together — just like them!

Now, let’s talk about Amanda. The new Mrs. Maxwell. She was so grateful to everyone there. She thanked her bridesmaids repeatedly, the Executive Hills Polo Club owner, and me. She thanked everyone for being there to support her and make her day special. She was also a total knockout!!

She had six bridesmaids in beautiful royal blue dresses – ready to cheer her on!

I know I’ve already mentioned the flowers, but seriously … look at them! It reminded me of something out of a royal wedding!

The ring bearer was decked out in a shirt that said: “Ring Security.” So clever!! His glasses totally matched his shirt and gave the perfect overall “anybody who wants that ring has to get through me first” vibe. And their little flower girl — decked in a white gown befitting a princess, complete with a blue ribbon to match the bridesmaids!

Now it’s time to talk about Jeremy, and his groomsmen. This picture literally sums up what a fun crew they were! I suggested they pick him up, but definitely didn’t realize this is what they’d do!

Ah, and then the moment everyone is waiting for! The vows, the”I do,” the forever! There was a set of white doors to hide Amanda from Jeremy, and when she walked through them he teared up. He may tell you didn’t, but he totally did. He was knocked out by this stunning woman he would soon get to call his forever! There were tears and laughter. A good mutual friend, Tim Kile, officiated. My favorite line of his: “I’ve only done this one other time, but it’s bound to be better than the first time.” Chuckles everywhere. Amanda couldn’t stop talking about what an amazing job he did, tying their love together into the sermon and reciting scripture to help them in their new lives together.

And after that first kiss as husband and wife — many more followed!

And their location was picture perfect. Bright grass, tall trees, a white picket fence surrounding the roadway, and a deck to stand on. The ceremony was outside, with a reception inside. One bar outside, one inside. The Executive Hills Polo Club was just stunning!

The inside reception area had multiple chandeliers, a perfect backdrop for a first dance as husband and wife!

Then came time for the speeches. While the Matron of Honor, Maid of Honor, and Best Man did a really great job, it was Amanda’s dad who knocked it out of the park. I heard one of the wedding guests say he should be on “Comedy Half Hour.” He had everyone in stitches, and Jeremy covering his face!

Their wedding hashtag was so cute. #Maxout. I can’t wait to see what their many years of marriage bring!! Congratulations, Amanda & Jeremy!

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Brian & Kellie’s Autumn-Colored Country Wedding

March 28, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

I started this blog in 2017, so some of my favorite weddings of 2016 never got highlighted — until now! Today I wanted to take a look back at the last wedding I did in 2016 before winter fully set in.

Brian & Kellie Hudson

It was an unusually gorgeous day Saturday, November 12. Renyers Pumpkin Farm in Wetmore, Kansas, was usually already closed for the season, but it stayed open for Brian & Kellie’s big day. And it was in the 60s. The 60s! In mid-November!

When I did the couple’s engagement photos in February, Kellie told me she wanted to encompass the colors of fall in her wedding colors — oranges, purples, yellows. We even incorporated that into her Save the Date!

And when I walked into the Coach House to see her wedding decor in person, I gasped. She nailed it! It looked like a lovely autumn day — but inside! The chairs were lined with colorful orange and red leaves. There was a fire going, and logs were set to place their delicious wedding cheesecake upon (yes, cheesecake!! It was so good!).

Since the weather hadn’t yet turned bitterly cold, the leaves were still clinging to the trees. We could really get some great shots that reflected everything we love about fall — there were some leaves that already said goodbye to the season on the ground, but there were still some clinging on hoping we’d just skip winter and prance right into spring.

The dresses and vests were a dark, autumn purple. Kellie’s bouquet had twine and fall flowers interlacing.

It was truly a fall wedding — gorgeous colors of nature represented throughout! There was a shot from the couple’s engagement shoot that they absolutely fell in love with — and asked me to recreate it for their wedding day. Done!

Brian & Kellie were adorable. The cute little forehead kisses Brian kept sneaking. The way Kellie would reach for his hand instinctively — the same hand with a new promise displayed on his ring finger.

The two didn’t want to see each other before walking down the aisle. Kellie was so nervous he would catch a peek, but Brian said it was so important to him to get this shot. They held hands around the corner, not seeing each other for the first time on their wedding day until Kellie walked down the aisle.

After the vows and the tears, it was time for some fun! Renyers has a life-size foosball! I have never seen one of these, but before I could even make the suggestion they go play, the groomsmen’s jackets were flying off, and the bridesmaids were sprinting into the game!

We ended the evening with gorgeous country sunset shots. It was an unforgettable day of love, laughter, vows, cheesecake, and foosball.

The best touch — Kellie gave me a card at the end of the evening. A handwritten letter thanking me for being her wedding photographer. It was so humbling — especially when the honor was all mine!

Thank you, Kellie & Brian!

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“How Much Do You Love Me?” Amanda and Dustin’s Engagement Shoot!

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

Hey, everyone! Tatiana here to talk to you about a celebration of LOVE. First off, congratulations to Amanda and Dustin for winning our free engagement shoot!

They chose the Love Locks Bridge for the shoot location. They picked it from our awesome list of the Top 10 Photoshoot Locations in KC. This was such a fun area to explore and I’m grateful they were willing to go on little adventures to get the perfect shots.

It was such a treat meeting them and seeing their love for each other shine through on camera. When I asked how they met, here’s what Amanda had to say:

“We both met each other on Tinder (what people nowadays consider a hook up site lol). Definitely not our case!”

They were both in search of their special someone and became head over heels!

This is one of Dustin’s signature signs of affection for Amanda: the forehead kiss!

When the proposal happened, Amanda was so surprised, she thought the conversation was heading for the worst. AKA a breakup … not an engagement!

They were at the Plaza for their anniversary and it was bitter cold. Dustin casually asked Amanda “so, how much do you love me?”

She put her arms out wide and said “THIS MUCH!”

“Alright, and how much do you think I love you?” Dustin countered, with Amanda giving the same response as before.

Dustin disagreed and held his hand up, measuring a tiny amount, almost an inch. At this point, Amanda was really confused and thought he was trying to break up with her.

He then said (and I’m paraphrasing) “Sometimes you need to appreciate the small things, because they can turn into something much more.” That’s when he got down on one knee and pulled out the ring!

And what a ring!!! Whoo-whee!

When I heard the touchingly romantic story, Dustin said jokingly: “Yeah, I had to bring her down a little bit to build up the moment.”

There you have it, folks! TRUE LOVE! This tree stump is a new favorite hot spot — we got so many cute shots by it.

I wish them the best in their happy future together!

May the playground teasing never die, and Amanda stay safe from the slide bandit.

P.S. Book us for your wedding! 😉