photography – Kansas City Photography

Poop Jokes In The Woods! A Funny Fall Family Session

October 22, 2018October 22, 2018 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

I met up with Stacy, Trevor, Logan, and Cloe Saturday at what is quickly becoming one of my favorite photo locations, Shaw Nature Reserve!

Stacy saw her friend Angie’s photos and just had to book a session with us! We are so glad she did!

Usually during a session, I will have the kiddos say things like “cheese!” or a character from their favorite show, like “Chase!”

Logan, however, was cracking himself up by shouting all things related to poop instead!

I heard things like “cheese ball poop!” and “poop crackers!” But, hey, it got him to smile, so there are no complaints here!

Cloe is our little forest nymph. She saw a tree that Trevor mentioned he bet she could climb … so she did!

Speaking of trees — at the very end of the photo session, Trevor spotted a hawk up in one! It was just sitting there watching us intently.

As we walked back to our vehicles, we saw it dive bomb into the pond to attempt to catch some fish! It was a really cool experience!

Shaw Nature Reserve is 2,400 acres of amazingness. It has trails, bridges, ponds — you name it! I am going to have to update our top St. Louis locations list!

When I first met Stacy, she told me something that I never hear. She said Trevor was just as excited about family photos as she was!

This is unique, because usually it takes a bit of convincing to get Mr. Man on board, but then they always see why it was worth it afterward. This time, there was no battle! We were a “GO!” from our very first meeting!! Thanks, Trevor, for seeing the importance in family photos! You’re the man!

It was so wonderful to meet this family! Here’s to many more family sessions! I love watching as the kiddos grow up!

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They Tied The Knot With PB&J. Seriously! Tara and Luke’s Lakeside Wedding!

August 22, 2018August 22, 2018 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

This Saturday, we had the pleasure of celebrating with Tara and Luke as they tied the knot at Lake Tapawingo!

Tara and Luke booked our Chiffon package, which is 3 hours of awesome wedding magic!

Starting with … the First Look!

I hid Luke behind a tree so he wouldn’t see Tara until the perfect moment.

When he did see his gorgeous bride, he couldn’t stop smiling!

Tara decided to go with blush pink and white for the colors of her special day. Such a gorgeous choice!

Her bridesmaids were beautiful, too!

Luke’s groomsmen really got into the loving spirit of the wedding, complete with prom poses —

… and reenacting scenes from the Titanic (spoiler: they let go).

Luke and Tara met through a mutual friend back in 2012, and Tara refers to Luke as her “real-life Prince Charming.”

The lovebirds met when Zane was 2 months old, and Luke fell in love with Tara’s babies right then, too!

Allison and Zane were both thrilled to see their mother so happy with such an amazing man! With Drew, their youngest, they make such a wonderful family!

Although, Drew was pretty camera shy. It’s okay, though. He didn’t want to take away the spotlight!

The ceremony was incredibly sweet, with Tara’s brother, Michael, as the officiant.

Now, this next part was a first for us. Tara & Luke came up with the most unique wasy to symbolize their love during the ceremony! Since they go so perfectly together like peanut butter and jelly, they made a PB&J sandwich to celebrate the big day!

Tara and Luke are the perfect match and their love inspires everyone around them.

Help us congratulate Tara and Luke on their eternally happy future together!

Bentley’s 8-Month Family Shoot!

August 8, 2018 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

Today, we’re featuring Tatiana’s old friend Stephanie, her fiance, Ryan, and their adorable little man, Bentley!

Before Bentley could make his photogenic debut, he had a hidden role in another photoshoot we did last fall for Stephanie’s maternity photos.

Fast forward to this past Sunday, and Bentley was exactly 8 months old to the day! His parents celebrated with getting some family photos at Unity Village.

Look at this precious face! He definitely knows how to work the camera. 😉

And those baby blues are gonna be dangerous when he gets older!

Bentley was particularly fond of the fountains at Unity. When we told him he couldn’t get in the water, he began to create his own fountain — of drool. HAPPY EIGHT MONTHS!

We were able to distract the drool machine for just enough time to get some shots of mom and dad.

Stephanie and Ryan have been together for almost three years and met through work. It’s so wonderful to see the love in their eyes!

So other than drooling and smiling, Bentley’s other favorite activity is eating his fingers. He fits in pretty well with the other 8-monthers in town.

But he has a heart of gold and doesn’t mind sharing!

We can’t wait to see Bentley and his parents again! Their smiles are contagious!

Thank you so much for booking with us and sharing all the smiles!

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A Surprise Pregnancy Reveal!

January 22, 2018 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

I was raised at the Lake of the Ozarks, so going back is always a treat for me. Last weekend, I went down for a very special reason — for a surprise pregnancy reveal photoshoot with the Shackelford family!

They are beyond excited to welcome baby number 4 into their family! No word on the name or gender yet, though! 😉

Poor Ayden and Jordon are outnumbered, so I am personally #teamgirl over here!

I loved Jordon’s chalkboard! “This is the last one we swear.” And I could tell Jordon and Ethan were beyond excited for their newest edition!

We also snuck in some family photos after the reveal!

I saw the Shackelfords this summer at their family reunion — and Ayden already looks more mature!! Stop growing, kiddo! The first photo is from this summer. The second is one from this shoot last weekend!

And it has only been a few months!! She’s rockin’ some fun blue hair right now, too! She is also entering a pageant this summer!

Now, Cameron … I can usually only get a few smiles out of him before he decides he’s just done. So, we took the reveal photos first when we could get a good cheeser. Then, we moved onto our usual —

We can add it to the gallery, though!

Holden, however, was all about those grins!

He’s gotten a lot bigger since this summer, too! I have a feeling he’s gonna be a good smiler for me during our photoshoots!

Congratulations, Shackelford family!

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Christine’s 7 Most Romantic Photoshoots of 2017!

January 17, 2018January 17, 2018 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

2017 was full of amazing photoshoots! From anime conventions to a haunted winery — we had a lot of fun!

But I really wanted to “focus in” (get it? Hahaha) on some of my most romantic photoshoots from 2017. Because why not start off the new year with a little bit of love?

This isn’t a favorites list, just some fond and romantic memories from 2017!

1. Bret & Hannah

I’ve known Bret since college, and was tickled when he filled me in on his secret proposal plan for his then-girlfriend, Hannah!

As far as romance goes — it’s hard to beat a surprise proposal!

Bret’s grand plan was to drive Hannah out to the wineries for their anniversary, so she thought he was being sweet and celebrating that. She didn’t realize he was going to pull out a ring! Now, a tornado watch was also in effect on the day of the proposal, because Mother Nature does what she wants.

Bret & I had a “secret spy mission” going so we could talk about the proposal in secret. You can read more about this fun shoot, here.

2. Lindsey & Dan

Lindsey and Dan made the list because they are so in love, they booked two engagement shoots! Dan loves hockey, so the first shoot was done at an ice rink. Look closely at the scoreboard – that’s actually their wedding date!

The second shoot was a more country setting, which was Lindsey’s dream! Plus, she had 7 outfits all planned out, with what shots she wanted in each outfit. She is the most prepared bride ever!

3. Genevieve, Theodore, Elena, & Jaxton!

And love leads to babies!!!

Let’s start with Jenn and James. They were so tickled to welcome their baby girl, Genevieve, into the world in 2017. She is their first, and very loved by all their friends and family!

But 2017 also welcomed other baby cuties that Christine was tickled pink about! Three of Christine’s very best friends all had them within months of each other!!

Mr. TJ (Amanda & Jordan) and Miss Elena (Steve & Alyssa) need to be highlighted, too! Elena actually POOPED on me during her shoot.

Plus, Christine’s little nephew was born this year. His name is Jaxton! SO MANY CUTE SNUGGLES WERE HAD!!!

TJ also gave everyone quite a scare. Amanda went into labor early.

He was in the NICU after birth, but he’s a tough lil’ guy!! Plus, his guard dog, Truman, is always at the ready! 😉

4. Emily & Stephen

Romance in the windy city! Emily is another one of my dear college friends. We worked together at the state Capitol and graduated from Mizzou together! I try to make it to Chicago at least once a year to visit — and after Stephen’s proposal … it was a must to make it out there ASAP!

With the romantic backdrop of Chicago against the water, it was a breathtaking photoshoot to celebrate their love!

5. Katherine & Josh

These two lovebirds just couldn’t stop kissing each other! I mean, of course it was their wedding day, but even during their engagement session, they kept sneaking little kisses! It was so adorable. A peck on the end of her nose, a kiss ever so gently on his cheek. It just made me squeak from the romance of it all!

Plus, Josh loves kissing Kathy’s hand!

6. Oye Engagement

I really wanted to highlight this adorable engagement shoot because these two lovebirds are in a long distance relationship, but they still made it work!

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!”

The happy couple is getting married back on the East coast in South New Jersey at Lucien’s Manor this October.

7. Jeremy & Amanda

This was definitely one of the most romantic settings this year – a gorgeous wedding at a country club.

Amanda & Jeremy had the entire property to themselves. It was spacious, and beautiful, both the land on the outside and the property on the inside! Bright grass, tall trees, a white picket fence surrounding the roadway, plus a deck to stand on.

We hope you had some romantic moments in 2017, and many more in 2018! After all, love makes the world go ’round!

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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!!

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

A Chilly [But Fun] Family Photoshoot at Longview Lake, With Monkey Bars!

November 13, 2017November 14, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

It’s Tatiana here, back from the cold and having one! I’m glad to be back to work — and boy, is there a lot of it. I can’t complain, though, since I’m doing what I love with lovely people. Like the Barnes family!

I was so excited to be able to meet the Barnes family for a mini family shoot at Longview Lake last week!

Christine got to work with them last year at Unity Village. It’s always fun to see the comparisons with clients over the years, especially when kids are involved! They can grow and change so much every year!

Kiarra has some new glasses — she went from pink to blue! And then Kinzie looks so much taller! Karson is definitely the biggest change since he’s the youngest. He’s gotten so big in just one year! *sniffles*

This was my first time taking photos at Longview Lake. It was stunning!! Speaking of stunning, Kiarra’s cute shoulder-cut out sweater was just perfect!

Kiarra is in the double digits now, and oh-so sweet! She even gave me a hug and thanked me for taking her photos. Isn’t that adorable?!

Kinzie is six and cute as a button! She’s definitely got that smile down! She was a total champion during the shoot, despite it being pretty frigid!

These sisters aren’t camera shy at all, which is great for me as I didn’t have to give them hardly any direction. They were also obsessed my hair … probably because it’s the best color ever (purple)!

Little brother, Karson, on the other hand, had to transform into a dinosaur and try to chase me in order for me to get some smiles outta him. That’s to be expected from any 2-year-old!

He actually did the same thing last year, too! He’s all about runnin’!

Plus, his candid pictures are priceless! These remind me of that Leonardo DiCaprio meme. So jolly!

Christina and Brad are the proud parents of three amazing children! I’m glad they were willing to venture out into the chilly winds so I could capture their love on camera.

I was also able to snag some shots of the kids on the playground before our time was up!

The girls were expert monkey bar flippers. I’m sure Karson will follow suit in a few years!

Of course if I tried this, I would fall flat on my face. Christine would probably encourage me to try, just so she could take the pictures of it if I fail.

Wishing the Barnes family happy times to come! We hope to see you next year, too!

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Third Times A Charm: An Engagement Shoot On The Go!

October 30, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

No — Jam didn’t have to ask Jaclyn three times for her hand. Once was plenty for her to say “YES!!!”

Finding a location for their engagement photos, on the other hand, wasn’t as easy.

Hi, it’s Tatiana again ready to share my latest weekend adventure!

Jaclyn and Jam contacted us to help celebrate their engagement with photos during the best time of year. We decided on Burr Oaks Conservation Area, like the previous blog showcased, for its variety of different locations within nature’s awesome autumn scenery.

When I arrived, the gates were closed and there were two park rangers with neon orange vests waiting to inform anyone who wanted to enter that the conservation was CLOSED!

WHAT!?

You can’t close NATURE!

Well — when you have an overpopulated deer problem in the area, Missouri Conservationists can for an organized hunt.

And we were fresh outta camo. So, onto a new place we went!

Once I discovered the location was closed, I contacted the eager couple immediately and we met at Pink Hill Park right next to the entrance of Burr Oaks.

We were able to get some heartwarming shots with the leaves changing in the background! And I’m glad we did — those leaves will be falling off very soon!

I was also able to use my angle magic to get some woodsie vibes. But after walking around, I knew we were running out of options fast — because half the park was under construction!

The sun was about to set and I had to make a decision on my feet. So, we got back in our cars and hit the road!

I’m so glad they agreed to reboot the shoot because we were able to get some amazing shots at our third location: Waterfall Park at Bass Pro!

It still lack a waterfall, but that’s not the only perk of this location if you remember the “duck-ducks”.

Jam proposed to Jaclyn on a vacation in Austin, Texas. He needed a new shirt and they ended up finding a shirt that matched hers! When they got back to the hotel to get ready, she thought her shirt looked wrinkly.

Jam agreed, teasing her, and she turned around to give him a good “shut up!” and he switched gears to being super romantic and sweet.

He then essentially asked her to let him tease her for the rest of her life!

I’m so glad they both humored me scavenging for the perfect leaf for this shot. I probably looked like a crazy person, but you do what you gotta do! <3

And then I went next level crazy and scrounged around two more perfect leaves for this one. Her ring is a classic diamond with a gold band — also, it’s huge! It’s so gorgeous!

These two were so great to work with, and they are fellow dog lovers like me, which makes them good people in my book! Plus, Jaclyn has the best fashion sense. Where do you shop?!

We at Kansas City Photography wish you both a wonderful journey ahead, and hope you keep us in mind for your wedding photographer! We travel. 😉

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Following ‘Duck-Ducks’ at Bass Pro! A Special Engagement Shoot!

October 19, 2017 by Kansas City Photography, posted in Photoshoots

Oh, hi! Tatiana on the blog scene to show you this special engagement shoot for Samantha and Zachary!

Now, I say special because this engagement shoot had a plus one — or rather, 2-year-old Louella! Look at how precious she is!!!

When I met with Sam and Zach for coffee to go over our wedding packages, they wanted to make sure little Louella could be a part of their engagement photos since she is such a huge part of their lives. Of couuuurse! No one could say no to that cute, little face!

Sam and Zach chose Bass Pro Waterfall Park for their location because they really wanted to incorporate a waterfall in their photos, along with the changing leaves of the season.

Unfortunately, Bass Pro was not on the same wave length and although the weather hasn’t quite turned, the waterfall was “turned off” for the winter.

Our walk to the waterfall, however, sparked Louella’s main interest: the “duck-ducks” — which were actually geese … but she was in the right ballpark.

As soon as she saw those little aquatic birdies down in the lake, she had forsaken the rock she was so desperately clinging to the whole shoot and tried to bolt!

Luckily, her parents were on it and swooped her up, just like I was on it to capture the only smile we could get out of her!

Toddlers are hard to please, but she was overjoyed to go down to see the geese.

One day she’ll grow up and realize they’re actually kind of mean, but until then … enjoy those “duck-ducks!”

Of course when she kept trying to dive in, her Aunt, who was on standby, took Louella to the play area.

Now, back to the happy couple!

Zach chose a beautiful ring with an amethyst-like stone as the gorgeous centerpiece.

Since purple is my favorite color, it’s automatically amazing in my book!

Zach proposed to Sam on Valentine’s Day. He was going to propose when he took her out to dinner that evening, but Sam said he got too nervous and instead proposed right there in the kitchen before they left! Isn’t that adorable?!

Sam and Zach met online via “Meet Me.” We have noticed more of our clients are finding true love on the web, like our Free Engagement Shoot winners!

And we just love love! <3

Since then, they’ve created a beautiful family together and have a wonderful wedding ahead of them — which they booked through us! We’re so excited!

See you again on the big day! <3

And we send you the biggest congratulations!

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