When I first met Nina and Alex it was via Skype. You see I was in Maui for work and they were on East Coast time (a marginal six hour time difference). So our conference (8AM for me, 2PM for them) was a full of laughs from the start. I knew right away though that I liked them. They both were intrepid young doctors trying to manage life, love, and career all at once and I completely understood that vibe. They were also planning a destination wedding while fulfilling rigorous shifts. They needed someone who knew Kansas City, knew what they were doing, and could integrate without ever meeting them in person before the big day.
I am fairly selective with my couples, but I could tell even just from this skype conversation that we would be a great team.
Fast forward fifteen months, and Nina and Alex were the first wedding I officially shot as the voted Best Photographer in Kansas City by The Pitch.
It was a gloomy day to start. The forecast was all rain and mist and fog until at least midday but midwest weather you can never be sure. Luckily their venue, Terrace on Grand, is equipped to deal with both inside and outside scenarios. The ceremony was scheduled for the rooftop and we all had our fingers crossed the entire hair and makeup process (provided by Bombshell Beauty Crew) and just as luck would have it the rain (kind of) stopped just before the first look on the roof (hence the one umbrella you will see the groom holding where the bride opted out once I got her up there).
Alex and Nina are so well suited. They are both so detailed and intelligent while also being warm and kind. Honestly I wish they would be my doctors! They are just that great!
After we loaded on the party bus provided by Overland Chauffeur Services with the entire bridal party - the real fun started! The crew really knew how to celebrate with seltzer, beer, and a top secret vodka cocktail made by the parents for the occasion known only as “Yucca”. We hit up a few different KC favorites to really honor the day including the World War One Memorial (Sluggerrr included for no fee!), to checking out the KC Loves mural, to jumping down to the Nelson Atkins - we hit up all the best KC spots while also just driving around and having a tremendous time. We could have made more stops, but the priority was enjoying time together and really having a chance to laugh and build memories that didn’t involve stopping every ten minutes so I made quick work at each location so the party could be the priority!
When we arrived back at Terrace on Grand it was times to complete the finishing touches (including the groom pinning on his own boutonniere [a first]), practicing the top secret first dance one more time before it was revealed to the public, and touching up hair and makeup.
Then it was time for the main event!
The sun was halfway without a cloud in sight by the time the bride came down the aisle. All of the friends and family that came in town for the day (ranging from Washington, to Maryland, to Virginia, to Michigan…) were so full of love and sweet expectation for this beautiful moment. On top of that, the officiant (uncle of the groom) had barely survived a horrific car accident earlier in the year that left it uncertain if he would be able to walk or stand again EVER, and yet he walked and stood the entire night. All of this made the ceremony so poignant and sweet as you could just feel the support and love flowing from each corner!
After the “I-do’s” were said and the toasts given and the cake cut the dancing started! It was quite the party! I don’t think I ever saw the dance floor empty. The ringbearer made sure of that with his sweet moves!
Everyone through the entire day was so full of excitement, love, and joy. It was an honor to be able to photograph this beautiful day!
But enough Jibber-Jabbing! On with the pictures!
Vendors:
Venue: Terrace on Grand
Florist: Flower Moxie
Dress: Stella York
Tuxes: The Groomsmen Suit
Cake & Desserts : Made With Love Cakes and Bakes
Bridal Jewelry: Yadav Jewelry
