A SURPRISE Princess Serenity Cosplay Session!

It was 25-degrees, but that didn’t stop Abby and me from surprising Jennifer with a SURPRISE photo session, despite her attempts to accidentally foil our plans! 😉

Abby (who lives in Florida) reached out to me mid-January about setting up a surprise photo session for her girlfriend over the weekend she’d be in town visiting. She was also making her a HANDMADE and GORGEOUS Princess Serenity gown to wear in said session.

We brainstormed and decided to tell Jen I was hosting a Moonie Meetup (for Sailor Moon fans) at Loose Park (there are some beautiful columns there, which would fit the Princess Serenity aesthetic).

Jen was worried about the cold. I was attempting to make it so she didn’t cancel on attending my fake “Moonie Meetup,” so I offered to move the madeup get together to my house since it was “all people I knew anyway.” She agreed. PHEW. Any time Jennifer would say something, Abby would message me in a panic.

The day finally arrived when Jen and Abby showed up at my house. I met them out in the parking lot, a camera casually strapped around my neck. AND THEN ABBY WHIPPED OUT THE SURPRISE! The moment we’d been waiting for!

THEN, we told her there wasn’t actually a Moonie Meetup … this entire thing was for a surprise photo session, all for her! Abby knocked this Valentine’s surprise out of the park!

Now, to the session itself. It was cold. 20-degrees cold. BUT WE ARE CHAMPIONS! Plus, as I told Abby in our chats … cosplayers and photographers are a touch on the crazy side. 20 degrees is child’s play. 😉

I am so happy the surprise and the session were a moontastic success! I have worked with Jen several times, and actually met Abby through photography as well (at this session below, actually)!

Here’s to many more! One of the greatest things about cosplay — the photos will always be different because the characters are! All of these cosplay sessions are the same person (Jen)! I have so much respect for cosplayers, and their infinite creativity bringing characters to life!

Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

And a very Happy Valentine’s Day to Jennifer and Abigail!

Featuring: Scattered Roses Cosplay

Our Top 7 Photo Sessions of 2019

We are at that time of year where we sit back and reflect on how far we’ve come. The year 2019 is no different, except that we probably have even more reflecting to do than usual.

Sunflowers (18)

This year marks the end of a decade! Whoa. That’s a really big deal. While we will have an entire post on our 2020 plans, this post is about reflecting back on our top 7 photo sessions of 2019. While all of them are very near and dear to my heart, these stuck out for their own special reasons! Read on to find out why!

7. Sunflower Mini Sessions! 

This was the first year Kansas City Photography decided to do sunflower mini sessions! The event took place at Brookdale Farms in Eureka, and I rented out the field on a Sunday morning. It was an absolute hit — spots sold out in 24 hours.

Sunflowers (6)

It had rained the previous two days, and the field had been closed the day before due to the mud, but everyone made the trek in the mud for these beauties!

Sunflowers (21).jpg

It is technically supposed to be a sunflower “maze,” but with the puddles and mud, I picked out a few favorite spots and we stuck to those instead of walking through all of the soggy earth.

Sunflowers (33).jpg

We’ve had popular mini sessions before, but never to this magnitude. Definitely one for the books, and absolutely something we will do again!

Sunflowers (9).jpg

6. Lisa & Jason’s Wedding

Gray (7)

Lisa & Jason’s wedding stuck out for a few reasons, that photo above included. 🙂

I wasn’t actually their first photographer. Lisa had another photographer lined up for her wedding … who dropped out just months before they said “I Do.” Her now mother-in-law, who is my neighbor, reached out to me to see if I had their date available. I did, and we were able to meet up for coffee. Lisa told me I wasn’t allowed to back out, to which I told her “I have never missed a wedding in my life, you are safe!”

GrayWeddingParty (5)

Fast forward to a week before her wedding. Guess who gets bacterial pneumonia? This kid, that’s who. But, I absolutely kept my word. There was no way I was going to miss Lisa & Jason’s wedding, fever, pneumonia, or not!

GrayWeddingParty (79)

The next reason their wedding was rememberable (aside from their cuteness!) was the location. It was a location I had never been to before, in St. Louis, on the riverfront. It was someone’s home they had remodeled so that it could also work as a wedding venue. This place had the most unique artwork, including a statue that was so tall, even if several groomsmen stood on each other’s shoulders, they still wouldn’t reach the top!

GrayWeddingParty (24)

This piece was also inside …

GrayReception (16)

5. Lindsey’s “Breaking Free” Session 

As a photographer, sometimes we are approached and given a responsibility to tell a story. Lindsey’s story was not only important, but worth sharing to the world. At only 23, she has experienced a lot of loss in her life, especially in 2019 with the loss of both and uncle to cancer and a best friend … to murder.

Lindsey (2)

Lindsey came to me and said she wanted a “breaking free” theme for her 23rd birthday. She wanted to make 23 her best year yet, cherishing those she lost, but also becoming stronger because of the trials she has faced already at such a young age.

Lindsey (13)

Lindsey is studying to earn her EMT license, so she can help save lives — even after having lost so many in her own life. I look forward to seeing her flourish in 2020.

Lindsey (19)

4. Naka Kon 2019

Kansas City Photography has been a vendor at Naka Kon since 2012, setting up a photobooth in their vendor’s room every year. This year was different because it was the first year we had a double booth space, and it was all by a fluke, too!

NakaSaturday (157)

When Alyssa and I arrived at Naka Kon, we noticed the vendor to our left wasn’t there … and they still weren’t there even as time ticked closer and closer to opening.  One of the coordinator’s came by and told us the vendor was coming in from Colorado, and they had gotten hit by a big ice storm and were unable to make it in. She offered for us to purchase the space — so we went for it!

Ashe (1)

This, combined with our on-site sessions, made it our most successful Naka Kon to date! We’ve already signed up for 2020, with a double booth space again! This year, we will have our Magic Mirror photobooth, too!

NakaSaturday (45)

3. Triplets Sessions

You’d think having one session with triplets would be amazing, but I actually had two sessions with triplets this year! One of my favorite families, the Sharp family, had triplets —

Sharp (5)Sharp (9)

And I also met Andrew, Gabby, and Cameron this year — triplets in very different walks of life! These three are seniors!

AndrewGabbyCameron (1)AndrewGabbyCameron (9)

It’s going to break my heart when the Sharp toddler triplets are old enough to do a senior session with me! Slow down, time!

2. A New York City Photo Session!

My husband, Bryan, has a cousin that lives in New York City. Although, since I frequent NYC several times a year, and always make sure to grab a bite with said cousin … Christie and I have decided we are actually cousins. Move over, Bryan!

ChristieNYC

So, of course, when Christie mentioned a photo session, I couldn’t wait to fly out and explore the city with her, camera in hand! We definitely got yelled at over an intercom for the shot below.

ChristieNYC (16)

Worth it, though, right?! Thank you so much for this treat of a photo session, Christie!

ChristieNYC (2)

Plus, it’s true, she’s totally an icon. With an amazing voice. You’re gonna rock the $h!+ outta 2020!! I can’t wait to see it, and then be like … “Hey! That’s my cousin!”

ChristieNYC (1)

1. Gina & Rob’s Pouring Rain Engagement Session

Have you ever seen one of those romance movies where they run outside to meet, and kiss in the rain?! Like, every romance movie ever, right?

notebook

I had the opportunity, for the first time in my photography career, to do a pouring rain engagement session!!

Gina&Rob (2)

Usually, when there is rain in the forecast, I will have clients reach out to me and ask about re-scheduling. I usually give the option to have a fun rain session, but I understand when they go ahead with re-booking for a different day. Then, my dreams came true.

Gina&Rob (20)

Gina opted not to re-schedule. So, away to St. Charles we went — umbrella in hand. I stood in the rain and got drenched while taking these amazing rain photos, and it was completely worth it. Thank goodness Canon is water-resistant!

Gina&Rob (8)1

A few weeks after the session, I met with Gina for a coffee to finalize the wedding photography plans, and she told me she thought it was the most romantic thing that Rob waited until the final, in the middle of the street shot, to take off his outer shirt. He was excited for that shot, and that made her heart swoon!

Gina&Rob (6)

Plus, we were in the heart of St. Charles, so we had plenty of amazing natural backdrops to work with while the rain was pouring down.

Gina&Rob (4)

By the end of this session, I was drenched. Gina and Rob were drenched. It was cold … but it was 1,000 percent worth every second in that monsoon!

Gina&Rob (1)

We definitely had lost the umbrella by the end … but a little rain never hurt anybody. Plus, these two are happily ever after married now — ready to weather any storm together!

WrightWeddingParty (49)

Make sure to follow Kansas City Photography on Facebook — and don’t forget we are in both Kansas City and St. Louis!

Top 4 Wedding Trends of 2019

As wedding photographers, we see a lot of things at wedding. Cool things. Strange things. Awesome things. However, the topic of this post today is … trends. The things we saw or heard of during our 2018 weddings that we think are going to pop in 2019!

Josh & Sam (13)

4. Gold Wedding Gowns

We’ve been seeing pops of color in wedding gowns for several years now. Whether it’s the belt that goes around the waist, or the dress itself having a pop of color near the train …

IMG_9325

This year we think the entire gown color will change itself! Bring on those gold dresses, baby!

goldgownuse

3. Dangling Bouquets

The bouquet and rings are some of my personal favorite photos to capture. We’ve seen big bouquets, small bouquets, faux flower bouquets … and dangling bouquets! We think this trend will continue, and those bouquets will continue to cascade over!

Aftin Anthony 6

2. Autumn Colored Weddings Year-Round

We’ve seen quite the trend on dark, elegant colors. Maroons. Oranges. Magenta. We think this trend will continue, because who doesn’t love Fall? These darker colors bring a certain elegance to the day!

Beth Zach 14

1. Sequins

We think sequins are going to be everywhere. Sequin photo booth backdrops (which was at a wedding I attended last weekend, even!), sequin bridesmaids dresses …

sequin

And maybe even some sequins on the wedding gown itself!

Josh & Sam (7)

Let’s see how we did in 2020! Make sure to keep up with us on Facebook!

Poop Jokes In The Woods! A Funny Fall Family Session

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!

Kramer (1)

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!

Kramer (4)

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

Kramer (2)

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

Kramer (7)

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.

Kramer (10)Kramer (11)

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!

Kramer (8)

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!

Kramer (6)

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!

Kramer (5)

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!

Kramer (3)

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

Kramer (9)

Make sure to follow Kansas City Photography on Facebook!

Apple & Lemonade Stand Sessions! Pumpkins Are Next!

Last Sunday, the St. Louis branch of Kansas City Photography set up its lemonade / apple stand for some adorable mini sessions!

aislyn2.jpg

Christine has two signs. One says “Love & Lemonade,” and the other says “Appes & Ale.” She’s getting a third sign that says “Pumpkins & Potions” to use in October! The talented Crafted by Danyelle helps her make the different signs for her stand.

First up, Miss Elena! Her mom, Alyssa, fell in love with the stand when Christine got it this summer, and had to have the lemonade sign!

elena1elena2elena3

Then, we moved onto the Apples & Ale minis because ’tis the season! Our own little Harry Potter fan, Jaxton, was all about those apples, let me tell ya!

Jax1jax2jax4

Next up, some of my very favorite people — the Nelson clan! Lochlan and Aislyn were rocking the apple stand! And Aislyn was all about eating those apples, too! Maybe the reason the stand was such a hit is because kids love apples?!

aislyn3aislyn2

We also snuck in some family photos!

nelson.jpgnelson2.jpg

We will be using the stand for “Pumpkins & Potions” mini sessions next! Stay tuned to our Facebook page for the latest!

luna

“Get The Suture Kit!” Bret & Hannah’s Cliffside Wedding

Yes, there was a suture kit. And an IV bag. And 7 medical professionals in the wedding party alone! But we’ll get to that in a moment.

We had the great pleasure of capturing Bret & Hannah’s beautiful cliffside wedding this Saturday! I could sit here and try to explain its beauty, but a picture is worth a thousand words, right?

IMG_4285.jpgHannah Bret 3

Tatiana and I both made the trip out to Sunset Bluffs in Washington, Missouri, and was it ever worth it! We couldn’t have paid to capture shots in such a beautiful venue.

The cliff itself is reserved for the bride, groom, and photographers. It was like our own little slice of Heaven away from the hubbub of the cocktail hour after the ceremony.

IMG_4361.jpg

It was a beautiful 66-degrees … ALL day! It was perfectly overcast, like God was smiling down on these two lovebirds and telling them: “This is your day! And it is a beautiful one!”

IMG_3458.jpg

Compare this weekend to last weekend — where it reached 105 degrees! What a stark difference, and just in time for their vows! I’ll take 66 over 105 any ol’ day!

The wind was also cooperating, blowing just right and fluffing Hannah’s veil for shots like this:

Crawford (13).jpg

And we can’t forget our main man, Elijah! Not only was he “ring security,” but he played an integral part in the wedding! He was a big helper, and super excited to help out his dad and new mom!

Crawford.jpgHannah Bret 4.jpg

His cheeser is so adorable! He was such a sport through all of the photos!

Now, let’s get to that medical staff we mentioned earlier. Of Hannah’s “Bride Tribe,” as she called it, there were two EMTs, one paramedic, one radiology tech, and an RN. When a bridesmaid was having trouble with her dress zipper, all of these medical field people started whipping out all the bells and whistles to fix it. A suture kit, and IV needle, you name it!

Crawford (3).jpg

They were going to fix that darn dress before show time!

Crawford (17).jpg

And all of these medical professionals I’ve mentioned so far were just on Hannah’s side! This doesn’t include Bret’s groomsmen, or all of their friends not in the wedding party. Like, all of these firefighters Bret works with, for example —

Crawford (18).jpg

Even the bride and groom! Hannah is a paramedic, and Bret is a paramedic firefighter. If anyone had any health issues that night … they were in good hands!

Although, if it was at the end of the night, maybe in very good tipsy hands … but, hey!

Crawford (19).jpg

We are so honored to have been there to capture special moments for Bret & Hannah. Things like the joy written across her mom’s face when she saw her daughter:

Crawford (6).jpg

Or the look on Bret’s face when he finally saw Hannah for the first time:

Crawford (8).jpg

Or the finishing touches on Hannah’s dress:

Crawford (5).jpg

Plus, their unique ideas! Hannah had a “Man of Honor,” in her wedding party. It was her very (not gay) best friend, Max! I only included his sexual orientation because during his speech at the reception, he pointed out that Hannah used to introduce him to people as her “gay best friend.” Seeing as his beautiful girlfriend, Amanda, was in the wedding party, he pointed out only the “best friend” part was true.

Crawford (14).jpg

There are so many more photos I’d love to put into this blog, but I would be up all night editing. I can’t get enough of the beautiful location, the gorgeous bride and groom, and their adorable little Elijah!

Thank you for letting us be there for your special day!

Crawford (12).jpg

Want us to capture your wedding? Shoot us a message!

 

She Owns THREE Businesses?!

Many of you already know Christine, but did you know she also owns not one, not two, but three businesses?

Kaleidoscope (21).jpg

Kansas City Photography

The first, as you all know, is Kansas City Photography. She started this business when she moved to Kansas City in 2011, when she was 23.

After years of hard work, the business has grown so much that she has hired on another full-time photographer, Tatiana!

IMG_8001.jpg

Christine moved to St. Louis in 2016, so now Kansas City Photography also has a St. Louis branch!

Both Christine and Tatiana keep busy year-round taking breathtaking photos for their clients in both cities.

IMG_1169

They excel in weddings, engagement, family, newborn, and cosplay photoshoots!

Mercy 3Elena (12)Giles & Kyli (3)

Plus, they get bookings all over the country. Especially in Denver and Chicago!

Emily & Stephen (25).jpg

Kaleidoscope Consignment

The next business Christine owns is Kaleidoscope Consignment, in Pacific. The business closed, and Christine took it over and re-opened it on December 11, 2017.

Kaleidoscope (25)

Here is her wonderful store staff:

Kaleidoscope (2)b

Kaleidoscope is a retail shop — it has new & like new clothing, children’s items, home decor, Coach & other designer purses … the list goes on! And since Christine owns it, there’s quite a bit of wine paraphernalia, too!

Kaleidoscope (5)Kaleidoscope (6)

Oh, and Wine Wednesday — where you get a free glass of wine while you shop, every Wednesday!

And since it’s a consignment store, people bring in their goodies for the store to sell. So many unique pieces — like this re-finished dresser with the NYC backdrop! This piece was sold to a gal who lives in San Diego, California! How cool is that?!

Kaleidoscope (18)

And, of course, the store boasts other obligatory knick knacks:

Kaleidoscope (15)Kaleidoscope (16)

Scentsy

The third thing Christine does is sling that wax — AKA sell Scentsy!

That’s why Kaleidoscope always smells so good when you walk in! Christine’s house usually smells pretty epic as well. ALL THE WAX! ALL THE SMELL GOODS!

seas

On top of all of this — Christine is also a wife and mom of two.

Christine Fam 18

It’s definitely a balancing act to keep up her businesses, social life, and family time — but she’s able to do so many things because of the wonderful people she surrounds herself with: A supportive husband, family, and many best friends to help her along the way!

Christine Fam 21

#GirlBoss power!

A Maternity Shoot In The Woods!

Four acres, a belly bump, and a growing family! It’s baby number two for the Adams family! Genevieve is going to be a big sister!

Oliver Maternity (1)

You may remember Jenn & James from the surprise gender reveal shoot. Her face was completely priceless when she pulled the confetti cannon and BLUE popped out! Everyone, including myself, was thinking it was a girl before this moment!

Adams Reveal (1)Adams Reveal (2)

Of course, we documented her first pregnancy, too! And the baby shower that involved plungers … but today we are here to talk about Genevieve’s soon-to-be little brother, Oliver!

Oliver Maternity (3)

Jenn is all belly! I’m sure it also helps that she has been exercising throughout her entire pregnancy, just like with Genevieve! I can see her being a Body Pump instructor one day.

Of course, these parents are over the moon to welcome their little boy into the world this August!

IMG_1892Oliver Maternity

Genevieve was hamming it up! My husband was standing behind me and making silly faces and jumping around. She thought that was absolutely hilarious. Hey, whatever gets that cheeky grin!

IMG_1805-1

We also need to take a moment to talk about how ADORABLE Genevieve is. We were worried she wouldn’t want to touch Jenn’s stomach, but as we sat down for the shot, she wouldn’t move her hand! So precious!

IMG_1847

She’s going to be a great big sister!

Since these photos were done on my property, my two children were there. And being raised with a mom who is a photographer … they kept trying to jump into the pictures. Apparently it’s rubbed off on my husband, too.

IMG_1860

We are so excited to meet you, Oliver!

Make sure to follow Kansas City Photography on Facebook to keep up with our latest!

On Location at Naka Kon!

First off, thank you SO MUCH for those who supported our booth at Naka Kon! This was our busiest year yet and we were so thrilled to see all the hard work and details you all put into your cosplays!

We were so busy, in fact, that we didn’t even have time to post a Sunday blog – but don’t worry, your pictures ARE coming! <3

Ariel 1

We decided to add a new package this year – on location shoots! For more info on that, check out our NDK blog in Denver!

Our first shoot at Naka Saturday: Scarlet Heart Cosplay!

Mercy 1

She created this Valkyrie Mercy cosplay from the popular Blizzard game “Overwatch” using various textiles: suede, faux fur, leathers, foam, etc.

Mercy 2

Now, the Overland Park Convention Center leaves something to be desired when it comes to scenic areas, but I found this one little corner of the building that was a treasure! I love the crystal clear reflection of Tiffany’s cosplay, showing multiple angles in one shot.

Mercy 3

We never pass up a challenge or photo opportunity! Give us a plain brick wall – and we’ll give you a badass action pose with your weapon ready for that critical hit! *pew pew*

~*~

Our next Cosplayers booked us for a full 30 mins!

ROV 1

Arthur J. Kirkland and Faylinn Blair were Marie Antoinette and Lady Oscar from the series “Rose of Versailles.” I am so ready to binge this anime because I’m all about that French aristocratic aesthetic.

ROV 6

After the planning process, this gorgeous dress only took Arthur 3 months to complete! HOW CRAZY IS THAT?! I couldn’t pass up getting detail shots.

ROV 8

With the 30 minutes, we were able to take shots both indoors and outdoors, as well as individual and group shots! ALL THE PHOTOS!

ROV 2.jpg

We were so thrilled when we heard that they ended up winning Master’s Runner Up in the cosplay contest. Seriously, much deserved! Congratulations again! <3

~*~

Next up is Morgan, who booked us for her very first cosplay shoot:

Tharja 3

Although she was pretty much a pro at posing. WORK THOSE FIERCE LOOKS, GURL!

Tharja 2.jpg

Morgan cosplayed Tharja from “Fire Emblem.” I felt so sorry that her shoot was at the chilliest time of the day, but it was so worth it! She installed LEDs in her magical book prop to give it a purple glow. So cool!

Tharja 1

I’m so glad I had my trusty prop and bag holder, Ashbear Cosplay, to add another trick to her resume: cape swooshing! The details of Morgan’s cosplay were really put into action with this technique.

~*~

Speaking of Ashbear:

Mercury 1

She was our last shoot of the weekend!

Mercury 1.jpg

Ashley cosplayed Punk Sailor Mercury, paying homage to one of her special attacks “Galactica Gales” on her vest. Very clever!

Mercury 2

She gave us a hand here and there with promoting at the booth as well! She is truly a magical girl. Thank you, Ashley! <3

ROV 3We had an amazing con and hope you all did as well! Next up: Anime St. Louis in May.

Reserve your on-location shoot ASAP!

OH, BOY! A Surprise Gender Reveal!

Yesterday, I went over to Jenn and James’ house for a very important photoshoot — a gender reveal of their second baby! Big sister Genevieve is pretty stoked about it, let me tell ya:

 

Adams Reveal (3)

Jenn got the secret envelope that said the gender early last week. Somehow, she refrained from looking, and made sure to hide it so her husband wouldn’t peek (he told her he would if he found it).

We called in our friend Alyssa, who is the Queen of Props. She delivered! She brought chalkboards, letter boards, and the item that made the shoot: the confetti cannon!

Adams Reveal (1)

Jenn had been prepping her husband the entire week that he wasn’t allowed to make a weird face when it was a girl. Everyone was expecting them to have another girl, which is why we got these priceless faces when blue shot out of the cannon!

IMG_7029Adams Reveal (2)

I seriously don’t think I have ever seen Jenn make that face. She is notoriously bad with surprises, but the look of pure shock on her face is priceless! James thought we for sure accidentally fired the wrong cannon. He kept asking: “Are you serious? Are you serious?”

No mistakes here! It was all boy! We also tried to do another fun reveal photo that involved Genevieve dipping her hands in blue ink. You can see how well that went:

IMG_7056

It must have been really hard for Jenn to wait, too, because they had the envelope for nearly a week before I was able to make it over there for the shoot. I am proud of their patience! And, capturing this moment was definitely well worth the wait!

We all know Genevieve is going to be the best big sister!

IMG_7079

Jenn is due at the end of August! I am not allowed to reveal the name just yet, but it’s adorable. I can’t wait to take photos of Genevieve and her new baby brother!

IMG_7081

We’d love to capture your special moment, too! Message us to set up your gender reveal (and don’t forget we are in KC and St. Louis)!

UPDATE: Want to meet Genevieve’s baby brother, Oliver?! Click here!