Merritt and John’s wedding day was simply beautiful. They traveled from Boston to Kansas City (Merritt’s hometown) along with tons of friends and family members from the east coast and beyond to celebrate their love with style and class. Kicking off the day with first looks with Merritt and John, as well as Merritt and her father, the day was filled with laughter, happy tears, great music, LOTS of dancing, and a gorgeous 1954 Bentley. Needless to say, it rocked.

The ceremony at Curé of Ars in Leawood , KS was thoughtfully and beautifully conducted, complete with two of the most amazing singers I have ever heard at a wedding. Seriously, they sounded like they were recording a Disney princess movie soundtrack. I want them to sing at every wedding I photograph and attend for the rest of my life. How do I make that happen?

After the ceremony, the wedding party hopped aboard a trolley and headed to the reception site – Mission Hills Country Club. I must admit that I had never been to Mission Hills before, but I hope I’ll have a chance to work there again soon. There were so many fantastic locations for wedding party formals: the golf course grounds, the street leading to the country club, the staircase, and the floor-to-ceiling windows were just perfect! Locations like this make photographers drool. I know, because I did.

After shooting weddings for the past six years, there is one thing I know for sure: reception entertainment will make or break the reception photos. Without solid entertainment, guests typically won’t dance. And when guests don’t dance, the photos aren’t quite as lively. Thankfully, Merritt and John hired an AMAZING band to keep the reception rocking and the guests dancing all night long. Adding to the awesome band, one of Merritt’s young students from Boston played piano and sang beautifully for cocktail hour and their first dance. I loved all of the personal touches like this that they included in their wedding day. And I loved being able to witness and document every moment and detail.

Congratulations to Merritt and John as they start their lives together as husband and wife!

Many, MANY thanks to Anne Canon (annecanonphotography.com) for being an incredible second shooter for this awesome day.

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