‘Tis the Season… for getting hitched! Meet Emily and Hayley…

December 5, 2022December 5, 2022 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots, Surprise Proposals

Recently, we had the pleasure of witnessing this ‘YES!’ moment at Prairie Fire Museum in Overland Park (note to self… add this to the list of fantastic places for photos! The colors! I’m obsessed!) Emily and Hayley met WAYYYYYY back in middle school but didn’t start dating until a little over a year ago!

When Emily decided to propose, she went to great lengths to pick the perfect ring, the perfect spot and hatch the perfect plan! She enlisted Clara, her bestie, as a distraction and Clara’s sister, Elsa, came too – all under the premise of taking pictures of Clara and promised Hayley there would be lunch!

Emily even went as far as sending me a map, a plan of attack, a route we would take afterwards, all leading to a surprise lunch with Emily’s mom and Hayley’s great-grandma! Hayley is very intuitive and Emily was sure she would know something was up – and she was right! Hayley was suspicious but didn’t know the plan and loved how it all played out!

So many spots to stop and take some great shots of these two!

As we walked through the shopping area, we stopped to take all kinds of pictures! There is no shortage of beauty anywhere around here. We also had plenty of time to chat about their cats and dog, about how they get to spend their time doing all the things the love and how they both work in education (LOVE OUR TEACHERS!!!)

Don’t worry – we went back and edited out the damage the wind tried to do to their hair! I’ll update with that picture soon!

As we were strolling down the street, headed toward lunch (the surprise lunch with mom and great-grandma) – here comes mom, driving right down the road next to us! Emily and Hayley just laughed – mom definitely didn’t follow the plans or the map! HA! But even though the cat was out of the bag, and the wind was blowing at what seemed like 100mph, we had so much fun finishing out the shoot!

When we finally met at the lunch destination, Emily’s mom, Hayley’s great-grandma, Clara, Elsa (and of course Emily and Hayley), all stopped to pose for one last picture together and off to lunch they went!

Congratulations to this beautiful couple! Can’t wait for the updates on all the camping, visiting Colorado (one of my favorite spots), and, of course, the WEDDING PLANS!!!!

Surprise Engagements: Making Plans!

June 16, 2022June 16, 2022 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

Details, Details, Details!

So you’ve chosen your partner, picked out your ring, picked the day, your photographer and even your location (see last blog post!) What else do we need to talk about, right? EVERYTHING!

Because this is a surprise, we need to think through our ruse. Is it a picnic in the park? A stroll before dinner? Perhaps an early happy hour just because… Whatever the ruse, the more we plan, the better!

This picnic was set up by a local company – all arranged as part of the plan!

Your photographer can help with a number of these details:

Picking up flowers, cookies, etc
Contacting the location
Working with vendors
Advise you on best times for the best lighting
Help with positioning at the location

Sometimes (if you share accounts with your partner), its better to work with someone else who is close to you so no suspicion is raised! We want to help make this day as easy as possible for all involved! And never underestimate the power of your future in-laws! They can always help with outfits, nails, transportation, etc! And in my experience, they love to be included, if possible!

I picked up and set up these beautiful flowers and cookies before Cole and Nicole arrived!

Moral of the story… Think through the whole experience – and don’t be surprised if your photographer asks about a million questions just to make sure you’ve covered all your bases!

Here are some great places we have collaborated with in the past that are always in for being a part of the surprise!

For the picture perfect picnic: https://popuppicnicskc.com/
For delicious engagement cookies: https://www.sweetpetiteskc.com/
For a beautiful flower arrangement: https://www.kcwildflower28.com/
(vendors, if you’d like us to add your link here – just send us an email, we love finding new places to recommend!)

Next up… what to expect on the big day!

Surprise Engagements!

June 12, 2022 by Kansas City Photography, posted in "How To" / Tips & Tricks!, On-Location Series, Photoshoots, Surprise Proposals

Timing, Locations, and Outfits, oh my!

Nick & Sydney celebrate their special moment in Loose Park

After my most recent clients (Nick and Sydney) celebrated their ‘Yes!’ in Loose Park yesterday, I was stopped by another couple and asked for some details on engagement photography and how did we pull off *another* surprise engagement, especially in such a busy location? And I thought… why not tell the world? So if you’re ready to propose to your partner – you’re in the right spot! I’m going to spill the beans on surprise engagements! We’ll review the top spots in Kansas City, how to prepare, what your photographer can help you with — and more! But first… Let’s do a quick recap of our other recent proposals and some of their special moments!

SURPRISE ENGAGEMENTS: LOCATIONS

Most of my clients have picked out the ring, the day, and sometimes even their outfit but when I ask, ‘where are we going for this special moment?’ the answer is almost always, ‘I’m not sure, do you have any recommendations?’ Yes, my friends, yes I do. Here are the list of questions to ask yourself (or that I will ask you) before we decide on a spot!

Is there a local spot that’s special to you? Maybe your first date? Maybe a spot you go to regularly?
Is there a specific background you’re looking for? Water? Flowers? Trees? Cityscape?
When you think back on this special day, is this a location you’re going to want to be able to access (if possible, think wedding, anniversaries, etc).
Formal/Casual dress attire?
Are you planning any activities pre/post engagement session?

Once we get through those – we can narrow down that right location for you!

If my clients have no preference on location, I refer to this blog post: https://kansas-city-photography.com/2017/02/03/top-10-photo-locations-in-kc/

But also I like to add in these options:

Powell Gardens
Nelson Atkins
Plaza
KC Rooftop Bars (think Crossroads area!)
Longview, Smithville and WyCo Lakes!

There are a number of locations to choose from and when recommending a place I like to consider the season – what’s blooming, what colors will show in the background? Is it rainy season? Are we going to get muddy (this might be something planned!) What’s planned for after the photoshoot – do you have time to get where you’re going if we pick a certain location over another. Also, are there several backgrounds for the photos or will we just have one or two to work with? Your photographer will work with you to brainstorm ideas and they’ll also take into consideration lighting, weather, permits (if necessary) and review all of that with you. Overall, a lot to think through but in the end, this is the backdrop for your special moment so we want it to be right!

Up next… How to prepare: The details for your special day!

Click here to book your engagement photos with Kansas City Photography (which is in both St. Louis & Kansas City)!

(Note: All photos in this blog post were taken by Kansas City Photography. You may not re-use without permission.)

Briana and Brian’s Rustic Engagement Shoot!

September 20, 2017September 20, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

When I first arrived for Briana and Brian’s engagement shoot, I was met at the door with a grandma holding a shotgun. But more on that later!

Briana and Brian were winners from our free engagement shoot when I, Tatiana, first got hired on to work for Kansas City Photography!

Briana had a vision for her photos, so she and her fiancé Brian chose some gorgeous farmland out in Buckner for their location! It was beautiful for a rustic, country setting.

The farm is actually owned by her friends family, and that friend is also named Brianna.

When I arrived, the other Brianna’s grandma came out with a shotgun. It wasn’t pointed at me or anything, but I still wasn’t sure if I should laugh at the sight, or turn around and make a run for it. I explained I was there for Briana’s engagement shoot, and the grandma was in shock.

She told me she didn’t realize her granddaughter was engaged.

I TOTALLY THOUGHT I SPILLED THE WEDDING BEANS ON ACCIDENT!

Thankfully, it was just a miscommunication (that I meant Briana and not her granddaughter Brianna) that resulted in a funny thing I could write about.

Briana wanted a sunset photoshoot. We recommend doing 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. range for sunset backgrounds because once it starts setting, it’s not gonna wait on us to get to the next location! They are also using this antler for their “Save the Date” notice. So clever!

I couldn’t get over how beautiful Briana’s makeup was and then she told me she got it done from the same woman who does some of the Kansas City Chief’s ladies makeup — Dani Jo Bell Makeup Artistry. Work that contour, girl!

Brian and Briana met as Bass Pro Shop about four years ago to the dot. Literally, their anniversary was a week ago!

He proposed in the kitchen while dancing and cooking because all his previous attempts were interrupted.

First, he tried to take Briana to the place they first kissed, then later wanted to ask on a hunting trip; but then Briana was too sick to go. Finally, he just couldn’t wait any longer and asked her — right there in the kitchen!

I couldn’t stop myself from asking Brain to get up on the silo for this shot. This farm was a photographer gold mine! It was worth the constant bug attacks, right?

I love it when I get questions like “Can I get a picture of me touching his butt?” The answer is always a resounding “YES! Touch that booty!”

Seriously, it really brings personality to the photos! Also, it’s just really funny.

Remember what I said earlier about how the sun waits for no one? Well, that was true for the last half of the shoot. Still, I worked my photographer magic, played with the recipe of the photo, and pretended something was taken in daylight — can you even tell it’s nighttime? 😉

And it wouldn’t be a photoshoot I did without a furry friend somewhere. This doggo was following me all over the farm! I think his name was Buddy.

I really wanted to take him home, but Eric would probably not be too happy.

He just wanted to wish Brian and Briana a happily ever after — as do we at Kansas City Photography!

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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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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Our New Website!

April 25, 2017April 25, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

I tried to log onto the Kansas City Photography webpage last week. I was met with an error message. I may have panicked a little, but I figured it’d be an easy fix. I reached out to my web person — but it was crickets. My face was probably equivalent to Miss Luna’s:

My bells and whistles started going off — and here’s why. This happened one other time, with the same web person. I reached out to him (the same one, I never switched) and he responded saying I needed to pay him to get it back online. I was confused as to why, and he said it was a maintenance fee, and he had to re-build it. I actually lost a potential wedding client over this — they had seen my site, loved my work, and then got concerned when my site suddenly went down.

You’d think I would have learned my lesson then … but, long story short, I stuck with him and he put the site back up (after I paid him again *grumble*), and it has been sunshine and roses since then.

Then, the error (again). And no response.

Instead of waiting around, this time I decided to go ahead and just build it myself. This way I can make changes and add photos any time I want, without having to pay every time I want an update. It was really a long time coming, I should have done it a lot sooner.

Go check it out and tell me what you think! –> http://kansas-city-photography.com

On a side note, I recently tried to get Kansas City Photography published on Wikipedia, but I need some press coverage for that to happen. They have really strict guidelines, and I meet all of them but that one. Stay tuned!

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: kansas city engagement shoot

‘Tis the Season… for getting hitched! Meet Emily and Hayley…

Surprise Engagements: Making Plans!

Surprise Engagements!

SURPRISE ENGAGEMENTS: LOCATIONS

Briana and Brian’s Rustic Engagement Shoot!

I TOTALLY THOUGHT I SPILLED THE WEDDING BEANS ON ACCIDENT!

Sydney and Zane’s West Bottoms Engagement Shoot!

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

Our New Website!

Go check it out and tell me what you think! –> http://kansas-city-photography.com

Wedding Series: Tips For Brides – Portraits