EA Bride Fall/Winter 2018

KANSAS CITY

A BRIDE'S GUIDE TO SAYING “I DO” IN KANSAS CITY

epic love stories & inspiration EA Bride Fall/Winter 2018 $4.80 Shelve until 2/14/2019

E A B R I D E . C O M

WWW.TTTUX.COM

HAWTHORNE PLAZA 5063 W 119TH STREET OVERLAND PARK, KS TEL • 913.451.3700

ZONA ROSA 8673 NW PRAIRIE VIEW RD KANSAS CITY, MO TEL • 816.505.3800

SUMMIT FAIR 880 NW BLUE PKWY LEE’S SUMMIT, MO TEL • 816.246.1535

ST JOESPH 3705 FREDERICK AVE ST JOSEPH, MO TEL • 816.671.9447

CONTENTS

FALL/WINTER 2018

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HAPPILY ENGAGED engagement announcements

10 JOYFULLY MARRIED wedding announcements 12 REAL LIFE INSIGHTS trend alert, budget buster & more 14 CITY SCENE what's new around kansas city

19 CLIFFSIDE ELOPEMENT nothing fancy, just love

16 CALENDAR OF EVENTS upcoming bridal shows & events

24 ASK THE EXPERT your venue questions answered 26 5 WEDDING DRESS SHOPPING TIPS for your destination nuptials 29 UNLOCKING THE PAVILION an inside look at this unique venue

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33 ORGANIC ROMANCE greenery and gold inspiration 36 BATTLE OF THE BARNS find the best suited barn for you

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52 42 ADVICE FROM THE AISLE wedding wisdom from newlyweds 47 LOVE BETWEEN THE VINES autumn vineyard inspriation 52 URBAN SPACES IN THE WEST BOTTOMS venues with historical pasts 54 UNDERSTANDING PASSPORT LAWS before you depart for the honeymoon

61 YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS: The White Sale The Largest One Day Wedding Gown Sample Sale in KC Get the girls together on November 25th and join us at The Pavilion Event Space for The White Sale. For one day only, all of the best deals on wedding dresses will be in one place, where savings easily amounts in the thousands!

56 WORDS OF THE WEDDING WISE pieces of advice from local experts 61 THE SOCIETY PAGES kansas city's premier weddings

Cork Creative

Get your tickets at www.thewhitesalekc.com

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Meet the Staff Visit eabride.com to

STAY INSPIRED between issues!

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Keep up to date with the latest wedding shows happening around the city by visiting eabride.com/ kansas-city-bridal-eventcalendar.

BE FEATURED IN EA BRIDE Submit your engagement photo or wedding photo to britney@eabride.com.

Then stay tuned for the next issue to find you and your hubby in our pages.

LET'S CHAT!

Feel free to reach out to us at any time at info@eabride.com.

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Cover Shot

Britney Jones Owner & Publisher britney@eabride.com

Amanda Hodges Account Executive amanda@eabride.com

Photographer: Lininger Rood Photography Venue: Wildcliff Weddings & Events Gown: Emily Hart Bridal Hair & Makeup: Traci Morby Styling Flowers: Twisted Sisters Custom Floral Design Bride Model: Traci Morby Groom Model: Jake Morby

A SPECIAL THANK YOU

TO OUR CONTRIBUTING WRITERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS Amber Arnett-Bequeaith (Historic West Bottoms Event Space), Bianca Beck (Bianca Beck Photography), Chelsea Pfannenstiel (Eighteen Ninety), Haley Davis (Destinations HD), Kat Wooten (Kat Wooten Photography), Marie Rood (Lininger Rood Photography), Sarah Bronson (All My Heart Bridal)

Midwest Bridal Network, LLC DBA , EA Bride britney@eabride.com www.eabride.com P: 816.726.2877 Published in February and August Advertising Inquiries: amanda@eabride.com Copyright 2018 for EA Bride. All rights reserved.

The views expressed in this magazine and through the advertisements do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of EA Bride Magazine. No responsibility is assumed for unsolicited materials. EA Bride is not responsible for the return of any materials or artwork submitted. EA Bride shall have no liability for errors, omissions, or inadequacies in the information herein or the interpretations thereof. We have no liability for the infringement of copyright, and reserve the right to edit any and all submissions before publication. Any reproduction of any form without written consent is strictly prohibited. All requests can be sent to info@eabride.com.

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER: When the time came for my own walk down the aisle (to an amazing man, I might add) I knew everyone that I wanted on my dream vendor team because I had been working within the industry for so many years.

It wasn’t until my brother (finally) proposed to his girlfriend that I got a real glimpse into what a couple experiences when they try to plan a wedding without full industry knowledge. We began venue shopping, contacting family to see who could help, and pulled every personal IOU we could to keep their budget intact. Throughout their planning, there were times when they were overwhelmed, moments that they didn’t see eye-to-eye, and an annoying gap where preferred reality and budget refused to sync.

I would imagine that a lot of what they experienced is exactly what you are going through right now. And I will say it for you: it is challenging to plan a wedding. There is a world (literally) of wedding inspiration at your fingertips, and a plethora of opinions that you can choose to take or leave at the curb. And you're expected to do all of it, with elegance and grace in true ‘bridal’ fashion, all while your everyday routine of work and responsibility dredges on. I get it. I see you. And I want to help you drown out the noise.

Photo by Brianne Elizabeth Photography

Britney Jones Owner & Publisher

The best way that you can plan your wedding most efficiently is by zoning in on location-based information and inspiration. Hold on with me here, and let me explain, because this is going to make your life so much easier. Whether you are getting married in Kansas City, Denver, or even St. Lucia, there are ways that you can cut through the world-wide wedding industry noise, and instead, dive into the local market of where your wedding is actually set to take place. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how many images you have pinned if you can’t make it a day-of reality for yourself. What matters most is that you are able to fall in love with inspiration, and then the business behind it, within the city of your wedding so that you can turn around and meet with them personally.

The best part is, it will take you just minutes to get zoned in. If Pinterest is your place, then search hashtags (#kansascitywedding) relatable to your city. You will find inspiring work from professionals in that town and a wide range of available venues and photography locations. If social media is your source, then become a follower of hashtags (#kcbride or #kcweddingflorist), so that you can be updated with inspiration within your feed. And if you are a magazine (or blog) lover, then link up with local based companies that serve up only the most relevant and informative articles based on area trends. That is our goal within this magazine, at eabride.com, and on social media (@eabride), to be your trustworthy friend and source for all of your locally inspired wedding wishes.

EABride.com

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H A P P I L Y

ENGAGED

Photo: Melissa & Beth Photography

Jeff & Shelby June 7, 2019

Photo: Lininger Rood Photography

Drake & Rachael August 10, 2018

Photo: Photography by Sheena Rae

Jake & Lauren February 16, 2019

Photo: Cassandra Marie Photography

Photo: J. Morris Photography

Photo: Memory Lane Photography

Beau & Avery

Travis & Samantha

Bowe & Tricia

September 29, 2018

May 19, 2019

September 29, 2018

Congratulations to all of Kansas City's newly engaged couples!

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J O Y F U L L Y

MARRIED Photo:Captured by Lyndsey

Gabe & Brittney March 31, 2018

Photo: Lininger Rood Photography

Jordan & Lydia October 28, 2017

Photo: J. Morris Photography

Kevin & Abigail

December 22, 2017

Photo: Juliana Jumper Photography

Photo: Marissa Cribbs Photography

Photo: eGolden Moments Photography

Clayton & Autumn

Corey & Lindsey

Tim & Jean

June 24, 2018

June 24, 2017

June 16, 2018

Congratulations to all of Kansas City's glowing newlyweds!

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Real Life

I N S I G H T S

Trend Alert:

Embellished Wedding Gowns Lovers of originality are celebrating as embellished wedding gowns are becoming popular in elegant modern designs. These white, flower-embroidered gowns are the perfect embodiment of feminine elegance and are sure to make a statement at any wedding or elopement.

Embroidered dresses can be found in different designs and colors, allowing a bride to find her perfect balance of embellished intricacy and color.

Canadian based designer, Jordan de Ruiter, is the brilliance behind these designs. To view these creations and other pieces within their line, visit: jordanderuiter.com.

Instagram Launches Hashtag Following... and We Can't Get Enough!

Instagram is continuously making it easier to find local based wedding inspiration and professionals. You can now follow hashtags specific to Kansas City weddings so that you have more inspiration at your fingertips as you plan. Looking for a florist? Follow #kansascityflorist to see the work florists in the metro. Looking to fall in love with a photographer? Follow #kcweddingphotographer. And to find inspiration across the city, follow #kcbride and #kcwedding. There is nothing more satisfying than falling in love with someone's work and then being able to hire them for your wedding day; this new Instagram feature makes it easier for your inspiration dreams to become a wedding day reality.

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A Mini-You Atop Your Cake Doob, a popular name within the 3D printing industry, has become the go-to provider for miniature, and strikingly accurate cake toppers for couples throughout the world; and they just so happen to have recently opened a showroom in Overland Park. Throwing generic bride and groom cake toppers out the window has never seemed more appropriate when you can have a strikingly real-life replica of yourself made locally. Check out more images of their creations at doob3d.com.

Kristy May Photography

In Case You Missed It:

Local Love:

Budget Buster:

Rivas Photography

Find Your Dream Gown for Less at a Sample Sale There are several items that can be eliminated from the wedding budget, but a dress isn’t one of them. It doesn’t matter if you are destination bound, hosting a grandiose affair, or saying “I do” on the courthouse steps, you need something to wear.

When first trying on gowns, the emotional aspect of seeing yourself as a bride can easily distract your practical side from budgeting. But striving to keep your wits about you can help save hundreds on your dress.

Sample sales are the answer to saving big on your gown. A sample sale occurs when a dress shop discounts gowns within their inventory to make room for a new line to come in. They are still strikingly beautiful and come in a range of silhouette and sizes.

One day you could pay $1400 for a gown, and then find the same gown marked down to $800 as a sample.

Most bridal shops will host a sale at least once a year, so tune in to your favorite shop to see when their sale is taking place. In July there is a nation-wide sale that several shops participate in. There is then the largest sample sale in Kansas City, The White Sale, which is a collection of all of the sample gowns within the city, shoppable at one place. This year, it is being held on the Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend (White Sunday).

The shows website (thewhitesalekc.com) is an excellent resource to use if you plan on shopping for your gown at a sample sale.

Elegant Spaces ~ Unforgettable Events

816-842-4280 ~ events@fullmoonprod.com EABride.com 11 historicwestbottomseventspace.com

CITY SCENE New & Renewed Photo Backdrops

NEW: Situated in the heart of downtown behind coffee hotspot, Messenger Coffee Co. (17th & Grand), is Abby Yemm’s artwork, “I Love You Like a Summer Dream”. It's small in size, but perfect for a vibrant engagement or wedding photo.

RENEWED: The iconic Western Auto sign atop the Western Auto Lofts building (21st & Grand) was a popular accompaniment in many skyline photos. For years, the sign has been turned off due to costly repairs; but this past summer, the sign received the TLC it needed and has been restored to its glowing glory.

WHAT'S NEW AROUND KANSAS CITY

The Abbott Delivers a New Level of Industrial Sophistication

Jana Marie Photography

The Crossroads Arts District is home to the newest wedding venue in downtown, The Abbott. Originally an industrial building, the space has been infused with elegance while keeping its brick-and-mortar roots intact.

The stunning vaulted ceilings, white-washed brick walls, elegant chandeliers, and private rooftop patio, are just the beginning of this breathtaking venue. It can cater up to 500 guests and is the embodiment of sophistication and class for the modern couple. See more photos of the space at theabbottkc.com.

Instafun Reveals Their New Vintage Photo Booth, "Roseabella" If you are looking for the most adorable photo booth this side of the Mississippi, look no further; popular photo booth provider, Instafun KC, has announced its newest addition to the family, “Roseabella”. This vintage, rose gold beauty is truly a fun treat for guests as they are welcomed to “come on in”, grab a prop, and strike a pose. Photos are immediately incorporated into a customized photo strip and then shared on social media. To see all of Instafun KC’s booths and customization options, visit instafunkc.com.

New Barn Venue: The Farms at Woodend Springs

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Nestled on 10 acres in Bonner Springs, you will find a new venue that is perfect for the couple looking for a private and quiet place to get married. The Farms at Woodend Springs is the epitome of a barn venue with endless layout opportunities.

The 7,200 square foot barn is a picturesque two-story building with vaulted ceilings and the capability of hosting up to 325 guests. But the inside is only half of the story, as a dreamy tree-lined ceremony site and on-looking outdoor veranda are also available for all to enjoy. To learn more about this new venue, visit thefarmsatwoodendsprings.com.

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M A R K Y O U R

CALENDAR

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2018

The White Sale

Location: The Pavilion Event Space : 14831 E. US-40 KC, MO 64136 Time: VIP doors open at 12pm; main event is from 1:00-3:00pm Admission: $30 for VIP Experience or $15 for General Admission Website & Tickets: thewhitesalekc.com The White Sale is the largest wedding gown sample sale in Kansas City. For one day only, all of the best deals on wedding Rivas Photography dresses are in one place, where savings easily amounts in the thousands! All of the finest bridal shops in Kansas City participate by bringing their sample gowns for brides to try on, purchase, and take home same day. There is no better selection of gowns, at such a great price, than at the annual White Sale. Get your tickets at thewhitesalekc.com!

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2018

Bergamot & Ivy Floral Class Location: Holy-Field Winery 18807 158th Street Basehor, KS 66007

Heritage Ranch's Open House Wedding Expo

Time: 4:00pm

Location: Heritage Ranch 23735 Anderson School Road Sedalia, MO 65301

Admission: $85 per guest

Time: 4:00-7:00pm

Website: bergamotandivy.com

Admission: Free

Come have a fun hands-on experience at our seasonal floral design class at Holy-Field Winery.

The class will feature locally grown blooms and guests will create their own arrangement to take home. Wine from the vineyard will be provided to sip on throughout the event.

Can't make it to this class? We also do custom in-home classes, which is a great idea for wedding showers, and bachelorette parties.

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2018

Website: heritageranchmo.com Join us for our annual Fall Bridal Expo! Come enjoy an afternoon of fun shopping, snacking, dancing and more!

Please dress in wedding guest attire.

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Cliffside Elopement

PHOTOGRAPHY Lininger Rood Photography

VENUE Wildcliff Weddings & Events

GRAPHIC DESIGN & PAPER GOODS YellowBrick Graphics

GOWN Emily Hart Bridal

CAKE Cardinal Cake Company

FLORAL Twisted Sisters Custom Floral Design

HAIR & MAKEUP Traci Morby Styling

MODELS Jake & Traci Morby EABride.com

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venue

ASK THE EXPERT:

Q: We can't decide between individual place cards or a place card board. Which way seems to be most efficient for guests?

A: The anxiety of finding a table to sit at with no seating direction is SO REAL. A large seating arrangement board is always my first recommendation, as the smallest amount of wind can blow away individual place cards and ruin a cute table display in seconds. Plus, once the individual place cards are picked up, the table is empty and should be broken down, which can be somewhat unsighly for guests. Find a display board that speaks to the style you are going for, whether it be an etched acrylic, chalkboards, or a printed and framed poster. Remember to list your guest's names alphabetically by last name, not table number. Listing by table number will cause each guest to look through every table until they find their name, which will cause lines and confusion.

Q: Rain is forecasted for my wedding day and I'm not wanting to change my ceremony location. What are some waysthat I can still have the wedding I'm dreaming of but not cause guests to be drenched?

A: Though rain in the forecast can seem like a major setback, a great vendor team knows how to make the best of it. Make sure when you are booking your venue that they have a plan b (or even c) in place so that you know there are options if it does occur. A prepared venue will have umbrellas to hand out to guests when they arrive, or have staff waiting nearby with them in hand in case of a mid-ceremony drench session.

When booking a venue, look for those that operate yearround. If the weather should become completely unbearable, you can utilize the space where the winter weddings are commonly held. That way if you do have to move it inside you're still guaranteed to get a dreamy backdrop without having to delay the wedding.

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By: Chelsea Pfannenstiel, Eighteen Ninety

Q: What table configuration do you feel is best for guest interaction? Rectangular farm tables or round tables?

A: Round and rectangle tables can both look amazing, but when considering which is best for your wedding, you should ask yourself if the majority of the people at the table will know each other. If the answer is yes, then round tables will allow the guests sitting at the table to converse and see everyone at once. If the guests at the table do not know one another, rectangle tables would be a better option, as the guests won’t necessarily need to see everyone at the table, just the ones next to and across from them.

Q: We're planning our wedding on a budget and have to choose two decor elements that are effective but cost efficient. What are a few decor elements you'd recommend?

A: Floating candles mixed with small compote vases and a couple hydrangeas are your best friend when on a budget (and not trying to look like it).

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WEDDING DRESS SHOPPING TIPS FOR YOUR DESTINATION NUPTIALS

Is a sun-kissed beach, gorgeous national park, or exotic destination in your wedding’s future? If so, have you thought about what you see yourself wearing as you walk down the aisle? There are no official rules when it comes to choosing your dress and accessories for a destination wedding; we have seen brides choose gowns ranging from a simple A-line to full-on ball gown. Whatever your style preference may be, first consider these five tips before beginning your dress shopping journey.

1. Lighter Fabrics Equal Breezy Feelings

4. Veils vs. Wind

The sun-kissed beach and 90-degree weather you’re heading to is certainly day-dream worthy, but can also be unflatteringly steamy. Lightweight fabrics, such as chiffon and organza help give you a little air and weigh less than silk or polyester. Not only will they keep you cooler, but they will float beautifully on top of the sand and give you a gorgeous, breezy look on the wedding day.

Some destinations could have windy climates, so locations such as a beach or mountaintop could become your veil's worst enemy. If you are wanting to incorporate a veil into your wedding day look, then search for a long veil with detailing, such as lace or beading, along the trim. The extra weight will help hold it down and protect your veil from being picked up by a gust of wind. As a general rule: the shorter the veil, the harder to control.

2. Travel Woes Whether you fly, drive, or boat your way to your destination, your gown will have to be transported as well. The bigger the gown the more difficulty you may have, not only throughout travel but also once you arrive. Think about how your gown will be handled while you travel, and if it may need a final steaming once you arrive at your destination. Doing your research, and having a clear plan of action will help alleviate any headaches along the way!

3. Protect Your Investment Your wedding dress is a precious investment, and you want to make sure it is as protected as possible. Invest in a good quality garment bag that will not only keep your dress a secret from curious eyes, but will also safeguard it from accidents.

Breathable linen garment bags are a much better alternative than a plastic bag, which could easily tear during transport. Ask the bridal boutique you purchase your gown from what options they have available.

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5. High Heels, Say What?!

Sand, rocks, and hills, oh my! Walking down the aisle is already intimidating, but add in some rough terrain and things could escalate quickly. Make sure you’re choosing shoes that are comfortable and easy to walk in. High heels may not be the best option for your destination, so look into some bridal flats or a shoe with a small wedge heel. More stability means less of a chance for a trip down the aisle.

By Sarah Bronson, the owner of of All My Heart Bridal, Kansas City’s bridal boutique with curves specifically, servicing brides sizes 14+.

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unlocking

THE PAVILION EVENT SPACE

Even though it certainly seems like there is a wedding venue at the corner of every block in town, it seems to be increasingly impossible to find one that has the perfect balance of architectural beauty and planning convenience.

Whether it be the size of the venue in relation to your guest list or the fine print restrictions such as site access time or vendor approvals, there always seems to be something that stands in the way of feeling like your visual dreams for the day are colliding with the practical truths of preparation. So, when we heard about the details (and saw the beautiful photos) of The Pavilion Event Space, it was as if a breath of fresh air had filled the venue scene. Come along with us as we give you a behind the scenes tour and unlock the doors to The Pavilion.

The first thing about The Pavilion Event Space you will notice is the striking outdoor ceremony venue, and that is simply because there is literally nothing else like it in town (or in the Midwest for that matter).

The construction of the white-beamed, open air chapel immediately leaves you in awe. With bench seating for over 300 guests, and a hand-made, two-toned aisle that attracts the eye towards the altar, there isn’t a bride in town that can’t say she could envision these being the last steps of her single life.

While the chapel’s clean lines are mesmerizing to look at, there are always ways for the bride and groom to make the space their own.

The first customization decision to be made is the time of day for the ceremony, because unlike most outdoor ceremony venues, the open air chapel is also stunning at night. For late ceremonies and fun night time photos, accent lighting along the aisle and altar are used to create a golden glow for the bride as she walks down the aisle, while accenting LED lights are used to highlight the lines of the entire structure. From the unique concept to the glowing framework, the chapel is easily the most versatile outdoor venue in Kansas City.

For the logistics of planning, the front of the chapel has a small platform in front of the benches for the couple that wants to be on the same level as their guests. But there is also a stairway accessible bridge that rises above the guests, elevating the couple higher and making it easier for everyone to see the ceremony. And as always, where there is merriment, there is music. The chapel is wired with a full surround sound system that creates a professional amphitheater experience.

Still Standing Photography

Still Standing Photography

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Still Standing Photography

Once the ceremony has concluded, guests are just a moment’s walk away from entering the 10,000 square foot reception space at The Pavilion. Meant to further the awe of this one-stop ceremony and reception venue, the indoor space features tall antique bronze ceilings adorned by 15 Swarovski crystal chandeliers that illuminate the room in a golden, romantic hue. The main entrance of the space immediately welcomes guests to the couple’s reception and directs them towards the Grand Ballroom. Once up a few stairs (or the handicap accessible ramp), guests see the flattering forty-foot stone trimmed archways that line the venue and the flawless hickory hardwood floors that are perfect for dancing. A state-of-the-art surround sound system fills the room with a toe-tapping beat, while the built-in projector displays photos of the couple and takes guests on a trip down memory lane. And when the moment is just right for the mood to change, customized lighting (with the help of full blackout shades) creates the ultimate shift from day to night, so that guests can dance the night away. Whether seated for 100 or 300 people, The Pavilion has a comfortable, warm atmosphere that welcomes guests for a fun evening of celebration and evolves throughout the evening for the finest guest experience.

While the Grand Ballroom is certainly the main indoor attraction of The Pavilion, there are also a few smaller spaces that can be utilized on the wedding day. The first (and one of our personal favorites) is the bridal suite.

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Rivas Photography

This room is perfect for a group of girls to relax in while they get dolled up! It comes complete with a large custom-built vanity and ideal lighting for makeup, a comfortable vintage couch to lounge on, and a stunning chandelier that hangs above the wedding gown. The second, more sharable space is the Jr. Ballroom, which is a similar in style to the beautiful large ballroom, but that assists in day-of functionality. This 1,500 square foot space is perfect for a ceremony with up to 100 guests or an ideal spot for a post ceremony cocktail hour.

What the guests don’t see is the flexibility and service that a couple experiences while planning for their big day. The Pavilion Event Space is distinctive in that it has an in-house design team and extensive rental list in which couples can tap into to define their style and preferences for the wedding day. Just short of a rental company, they offer specialty linens (including sequin), runners, chair sashes, candelabras, centerpieces, LED lighting, and are even up for the challenge of building a custom backdrop for the head table or photo booth.

Since all of these items are handled and stored in-house, their quality is consistently monitored, and items are always kept with the utmost care.

The Pavilion has even taken customization a step further by offering custom gobo lighting (that displays a couple’s names and wedding date on two walls) and a dancefloor smoke feature that can make you feel like you are dancing on a cloud.

One area of planning convenience that is extremely rare in venues is the ability to bring outside vendors into the space on the wedding day.

As far as The Pavilion is concerned, all are welcome! They allow for the couple to choose all of their vendors based on personal choice instead of limiting them to an in-house vendor or a list of exclusively preferred vendors. This also pertains to alcohol; while planning, a couple can decide to hire a bar service or can stock their own bar with the use of a professional bartender. This flexibility is undeniably as attractive as the venue itself and is a relief for couples that are wanting a wedding day that is as unique as their personal tastes.

To learn even more about The Pavilion Event Space and to view their wedding gallery of happy couples, view their website at pavilioneventspace.com.

Still Standing Photography

HELLO LOVELY O N L O C A T I O N H A I R & M A K E U P

816-200-2406 HelloLovelyKC.com EABride.com EABride.com 29 55 25 31 EABride.com events@hellolovelykc.com

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Organic Romance

PHOTOGRAPHY Bianca Beck Photography FLORAL J Smith Events

PLANNING & COORDINATION Eleven Events & Planning

RENTALS Ultrapom Event Rental

HAIR & MAKEUP The Glam Factory

CAKE Cardinal Cake Company

VENUE Berry Acres

GOWN Madeleine Fig

INVITATIONS Affordable Wedding Invites

MODEL, BRIDE Cilicia Clarkson

MENSWEAR Tip Top Tux ACCESSORIES Lietofiore

MODEL, GROOM Grady Arachtingi

EABride.com

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BATTLE

of the

BARNS

Township: Gower, MO Capacity: 300 Barn Style: Rustic Heating & Cooling: Yes Restrooms: Indoor Table Style: Round Dressing Rooms: Yes Catering: Open Vendor Bar: Open Vendor Website: backwoodsvenue222.com

Felicia The Photographer

N O R T H

Backwoods 222

Crooked River Farm Weddings

Eighteen Ninety Township: Platte City, MO Capacity: 300 Barn Style: Modern Heating & Cooling: Yes Restrooms: Indoor

Township: Lawson, MO Capacity: 120 Barn Style: Rustic Heating & Cooling: No Restrooms: Indoor Table Style: Round Dressing Rooms: Yes Catering: Open Vendor Bar: Open Vendor Website: countryweddingsatcrookedriverfarm.com

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Table Style: Round Dressing Rooms: Yes Catering: Open Vendor Bar: In House Website: 1890kc.com

What we love about Eighteen Ninety: Eighteen Ninety has the ability to cater to both modern and rustic tastes because they have two barns on the estate that overlooks their beautiful Victorian house. Their trademark barn, 1890, comes complete with access to the stunning home, an outdoor ceremony location with an arbor, and a striking indoor reception space with breathtaking chandeliers and seating for up to 300 guests. The newly added rustic-styled barn, The Fields, has an outdoor amphitheater ceremony location of its own, with an indoor space that features wooden beams, farm tables, and seating for up to 130 guests.

Fresh Air Farm

Township: Lawson, MO Capacity: 300 Barn Style: Rustic Heating & Cooling: Limited Restrooms: Indoor Table Style: Round & Farm Dressing Rooms: Yes Catering: Open Vendor Bar: Open Vendor Website: melonacres.com

Beau Vaughn Photography

Nick Allen Photo

Melon Acres Barn

The Barn at Schwinn Produce Farm Township: Leavenworth, KS Capacity: 300 Barn Style: Rustic Heating & Cooling: No-Fans Restrooms: Indoor

Simple Joy Photos

Township: Kansas City, MO Capacity: 250 Barn Style: Rustic Heating & Cooling: No-Fans Restrooms: Indoor Table Style: Round Dressing Rooms: Yes Catering: In House Bar: In House Website: freshairfarm.com

The Journey Home

Township: Dearborn, MO Capacity: 250 Barn Style: Rustic Heating & Cooling: No Restrooms: Indoor

Brighton Road Photography

Table Style: Round Dressing Rooms: Yes Catering: Open Vendor Bar: Open Vendor Website: schwinnproducefarm.com

Table Style: Round & Farm Dressing Rooms: Yes Catering: Open Vendor Bar: Open Vendor Website: journeyhomeweddings.com

Township: Holt, MO Capacity: 200 Barn Style: Rustic Heating & Cooling: No - Fans Restrooms: Indoor

Table Style: Round Dressing Rooms: Yes Catering: Open Vendor Bar: Open Vendor Website: tobaccobarnfarm.com

What we love about Tobacco Barn Farm: Tobacco Barn Farm is a recently renovated, century old tobacco farm that marvels its guests with a clean white exterior and a floor to ceiling wood-beam interior. Its barn doors open to acres of rolling pastures, a small pond, and a covered patio adorned with bistro lights.

We Are The Parsons

Tobacco Barn Farm

Weston Red Barn Farm

Township: Weston, MO Capacity: 300 Barn Style: Rustic Heating & Cooling: No-Fans Restrooms: Indoor

Table Style: Farm Dressing Rooms: Yes Catering: Open Vendor Bar: Open Vendor Website: westonredbarnfarm.com

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E A S T Berry Acres

Allison Nicole Photography

Table Style: Round Dressing Rooms: Yes Catering: In House Bar: In House Website: berry-acres.com

Mon Photography

Township: Odessa, MO Capacity: 450 Barn Style: Rustic Heating & Cooling: Yes Restrooms: Indoor

Heritage Ranch Home Place at Valley View Township: Camden, MO Capacity: 250 Barn Style: Modern Heating & Cooling: Yes Restrooms: Indoor Table Style: Round & Farm Dressing Rooms: Yes Catering: Open Vendor Bar: Open Vendor Website: thehomeplaceatvalleyview.com

Township: Sedalia, MO Capacity: 400 Barn Style: Rustic Heating & Cooling: No-Fans Restrooms: Indoor

What we love about Heritage Ranch: Heritage Ranch offers rustic charm for the couple looking for a barn with the essence of true, rural character. While its reclaimed wood exterior has a dirt-road feel, the venue has been outfitted with modern conveniences. Nestled amidst trees with a pond out front, the two-story barn has multiple ceremony locations, long harvest style tables, and Edison bulb lighting to illuminate the perfect countryside celebration.

Stillhouse Farms

Leah Gunn Emerick Photography

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Table Style: Farm Dressing Rooms: Yes Catering: Open Vendor Bar: Open Vendor Website: heritageranchmo.com

The Yellow Rock Barn Township: Oak Grove, MO Capacity: 500 Barn Style: Rustic Heating & Cooling: No Restrooms: Yes Table Style: Farm Dressing Rooms: Yes Catering: Open Vendor Bar: Open Vendor Website: stillhousefarms.com

Township: Kansas City, MO Capacity: 200 Barn Style: Rustic Heating & Cooling: Yes Restrooms: Indoor Table Style: Rounds Dressing Rooms: Yes Catering: Open Vendor Bar: Open Vendor Website:theyellowrockbarn.com

S O U T H Pine Dell Horse Farm

Alexander Majors Barn Township: Kansas City, MO Capacity: 175 Barn Style: Rustic Heating & Cooling: Yes Restrooms: Indoor Table Style: Farm Dressing Rooms: Yes Catering: Open Vendor Bar: Open Vendor Website: wornallmajors.org

Township: Peculiar, MO Capacity: 200 Barn Style: Modern Heating & Cooling: Yes Restrooms: Indoor Table Style: Farm Dressing Rooms: Yes Catering: Open Vendor Bar: Open Vendor Website: thebarnatriverbend.com

The Barn at Riverbend

Sara Marie Photography

Township: Olathe, KS Capacity: 300 Barn Style: Rustic Heating & Cooling: Yes Restrooms: Indoor Table Style: Round & Farm Dressing Rooms: Yes Catering: Open Vendor Bar: In House Website: kcwineco.com

The Cidery at KC Wine Co. What we love about The Cidery: The Cidery at KC Wine Co. is the perfect location for a couple that loves traditional barns and local wine. The beauty of the barn is just second to its surroundings of acres of rolling hills and grape vines. The Cidery comes complete with an on-site bridal suite, outdoor games, farm table seating, and a patio where you can dance the night away underneath the stars.

Sarah Dean Photo

Allison Wonderland Photographie

Township: Pleasant Hill, MO Capacity: 150 Barn Style: Rustic Heating & Cooling: Yes Restrooms: Indoor Table Style: Farm Dressing Rooms: Yes Catering: Open Vendor Bar: Open Vendor Website: pinedellhorsefarm.com

Thompson Barn Township: Lenexa, KS Capacity: 200 Barn Style: Modern Heating & Cooling: Yes Restrooms: Indoor Table Style: Round Dressing Rooms: No Catering: Open Vendor Bar: Open Vendor Website: lenexa.com

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W E S T Circle S Ranch

Brownstone Township: Topeka, KS Capacity: 200 Barn Style: Modern Heating & Cooling: Yes Restrooms: Indoor

Table Style: Round & Farm Dressing Rooms: Yes Catering: Open Vendor Bar: In House Website: brownstonetopeka.com

Township: Lawrence, KS Capacity: 200 Barn Style: Rustic Heating & Cooling: Yes Restrooms: Indoor Table Style: Round Dressing Rooms: Yes Catering: In House Bar: Open: In House Website: circlesranch.com

Deer Ridge Estate Township: Tonganoxie, KS Capacity: 300 Barn Style: Modern Heating & Cooling: Yes Restrooms: Indoor Table Style: Round Dressing Rooms: Yes Catering: Open Vendor Bar: In House Website: deerridgeestate.com

Countryside Chalet Township: Linwood, KS Capacity: 250 Barn Style: Modern Heating & Cooling: Yes Restrooms: Indoor Table Style: Round Dressing Rooms: Yes Catering: Open Vendor Bar: Open Vendor Website: countrysidechalet.com

Juliana Jumper Photography

Township: Lawrence, KS Capacity: 150 Barn Style: Rustic Heating & Cooling: No-Fans Restrooms: Portable Table Style: Farm Dressing Rooms: No Catering: Open Vendor Bar: Open Vendor Website: historictaylorbarn.com

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Atley & Liz Photo

Historic Taylor Barn Mildale Farm Township: Edgerton, KS Capacity: 300 Barn Style: Modern Heating & Cooling: Yes Restrooms: Indoor

Table Style: Round Dressing Rooms: Yes Catering: Open Vendor Bar: Open Vendor Website: mildalefarm.com

Red Barn Events at Wildwind Township: Ozawkie, KS Capacity: 150 Barn Style: Rustic Heating & Cooling: No-Fans Restrooms: Indoor Table Style: Round Dressing Rooms: Yes Catering: Open Vendor Bar: Open Vendor Website: redbarnevents.net

Township: Bonner Springs, KS Capacity: 300 Barn Style: Modern Heating & Cooling: Yes Restrooms: Indoor Table Style: Round Dressing Rooms: Yes Catering: Open Vendor Bar: Open Vendor Website: thefarmsatwoodendsprings.com

Shannon Hey Photography

Demiurge Photography

The Farms at Woodend Springs

The Yellow Barn Township: Olathe, KS Capacity: 100 Barn Style: Rustic Heating & Cooling: Yes Restrooms: Indoor Table Style: Round Dressing Rooms: No Catering: Open Vendor Bar: Open Vendor Website: theyellowbarn.net

ADVICE FROM THE AISLE WEDDING WISDOM FROM NEWLYWEDS

FROM THE BRIDE

FROM THE COUPLE

The engagement is an absolute blast! Enjoy the peaks of the planning process when things are coming together and laugh off the petty disagreements. Of course, it’s a day we’ll always remember, but it’s also a day that your family and friends will bring up often. Reach out to your parents and closest friends to share your ideas with them before they become a reality. A little brainstorming with your parents or siblings can lead to a new plan for a portion of the day that will always be a special memory for everyone. -Nicole

Our advice to those planning a wedding would be to try not to rush things and take in as much as possible. The whole weekend flew by for us, and if we were to do it again, we would pay the extra money for the additional hour at the venue. Also, take the time to eat dinner and have a few drinks, it’s very easy to forget that the night is for you guys, so do what makes you happy! Don’t just try to please the guests or talk to every single person. We loved the overall simplicity and ease of our wedding. It really aided in the laid back vibe we were going for. -Casey & Ashley

Focus on what is important to you as a couple! Be patient if things seem to not be going as planned. They always work out, and in the end you'll find that you enjoy every single moment if you don’t let those unexpected twists stress you out. -Kay Don’t get caught up in what everyone else (friends, family, social media) think you should do for your wedding. The day is to celebrate your love and union and let it represent you.

-Hannah The best advice I can give is to stick with your gut when planning your wedding! Plan the big pieces first and then intuitively, your vision will come together with the help from some wonderful vendors. I also have to say that hiring a wedding planner was one of the best decisions we made.

Being that I truly had no idea what to expect when it came to wedding planning, it was very reassuring to have our “tour guide”, if you will, to steer us in the right direction Not only that, but when it came to the wedding day itself, she kept our minds at ease. We didn’t have to worry about a thing. Any question someone had was directed to her and she knew the answer. It just made our day completely seamless so we could enjoy ourselves and take it all in. -Natalie 42

The most important advice we can give is for the bride and groom to drop all expectations when you wake up on your wedding day. It doesn’t matter if you’re going full-on traditional or creating "movie quality" centerpieces, it’s all background noise for what truly matters, becoming man and wife. So, enjoy every second with your friends and family, and most of all, your spouse. And don’t forget to profusely thank everyone who helped make your day special! -Christine & TJ We actually loved having a shorter engagement period. It’s not that hard to get everything you need done in 9 months.

So, try not to stress, it's a fun experience if don’t sweat the small stuff. -Jerrod & Rupal

weddings From traditionally elegant to simply modern, our Hy-Vee wedding experts will help you every step of the way. Fresh flowers, luscious cake and delicious food create an ambiance that invites friends and family to enjoy your special day. To get started, call the catering coordinator for an appointment.

We cannot wait to help make your day magical.

Our award-winning floral design team has the experience and expertise to create stunning flower arrangements for all of life’s special moments.

With Hy-Vee, you can serve a stellar reception meal and have money left for your honeymoon! Schedule an appointment with your local catering department to discuss your event and customize a menu to suit your individual tastes.

Belton

Blue Springs

Gladstone

Independence

Independence

1307 East North Avenue (816) 318-0400

625 West U.S. Highway 40 (816) 224-4288

7117 North Prospect Avenue (816) 452-6500

1525 East 23rd Street South (816) 836-1177

4545 South Noland Road (816) 478-6557

Kansas City, MO

Kansas City, MO

Kansas City, MO

Lee’s Summit

Lee’s Summit

8301 North St. Clair Avenue (816) 505-1000

207 Northeast Englewood Road (816) 454-4776

5330 Northwest 64th Street (816) 505-1311

301 Northeast Rice Road (816) 524-5760

310 Southwest Ward Road (816) 554-2200

Lenexa

Liberty

Mission

Olathe

Olathe

13400 West 87th Street (913) 438-8308

109 North Blue Jay Drive (816) 792-3210

6655 Martway Street (913) 831-4447

14955 West 151st Street (913) 780-9339

18101 West 119th Street (913) 393-4150

Overland Park

Overland Park

Prairie Village

Raytown

Shawnee

8501 West 95th Street (913) 894-1983

8900 West 135th Street (913) 685-3500

7620 State Line Road (913) 383-8303

9400 East 350 Highway (816) 358-9940

13550 West 63rd Street (913) 962-2252

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WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

for those embracing the artistic, the heirloom, the odd.

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JULIANANOELLEJUMPER.COM

Love within the Vines

PHOTOGRAPHER Kat Wooten Studios FLOWERS Inspirations in Bloom CAKE Petals & Pastries

VENUE The Cidery at KC Wine Co. HAIR & MAKEUP Dani Jo Bell Makeup Artistry

RENTALS Ultrapom Event Rental

DESIGN & COORDINATION Whatever Is Lovely Events

GRAPHIC DESIGN & PAPER GOODS Good Morning & Goodnight

MODEL, BRIDE Mindy Peterson, Hoffman Intl.

GOWN Savvy Bridal MENSWEAR Houndstooth

MODEL, GROOM Stephen Bodenhausen, Hoffman Intl.

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URBAN SPACES IN THE WEST BOTTOMS The Historic West Bottoms has become home to several event venues whose storied pasts and location makes them perfect for couples wanting to celebrate their big day within a space that reflects the vibrancy of Kansas City.

The West Bottoms area in downtown has a history that reaches back into the 19th century. The city's union stockyards were established there in 1871 because the area had become such an important epicenter of trade among French and Indian fur trappers during the early half of the century. The area's economic importance further expanded after the turn of the 20th century when the West Bottoms became a center for freight transportation, meatpacking, and an important industrial outpost for tank manufacturing during WWII. The "Great Flood" that took place during 1951 drove many businesses away from the area, and for the subsequent 40 years, the West Bottoms struggled to make a comeback.

Today, the West Bottoms is experiencing growth all over again.

At the beginning of each month, "First Festival" weekends bring crowds of antique lovers and shoppers of all ages to enjoy the myriad of vintage shops that are perfectly suited to the historic architecture in which they are housed. Food trucks and live music contribute to the festival atmosphere, making it fun for all. In the past decade, several entrepreneurial minds noticed how perfectly the historic and spacious buildings of the West Bottoms would lend themselves to the celebration of special events, and many couples have been saying "I Do" in the Bottoms ever since.

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Leading the way was Full Moon Productions, a long-time developer in the West Bottoms. Full Moon opened the doors to their signature event space, The Rumely building in 2013.

Previously a warehouse for the Advance-Rumely company, which produced the Rumely Oil Pull line of farm tractors, this building later became one of those requisitioned as a manufacturing site for tanks used in WWII. When embarking on the restoration process, Full Moon Productions recognized the value of the building's original architectural and design elements and endeavored to create a space that celebrated these remnants of history. Wedding goers at The Historic

By: Amber Arnett-Bequeaith

Rumely Event Space dance the night away under the original pressed-tin ceiling and on top of the original hardwood flooring.

Drinks are served at a bar thats foundation is comprised of cobblestones that once paved the street outside the building.

Recently, several additional venues have opened in the West Bottoms. One of these is the catering service and wedding venue operated by Feasts of Fancy in The Hobbs building. The Hobbs Building was originally built as a furniture store in 1904 as part of a wave of new development in the Bottoms following the flood of 1903. Today, the Feasts of Fancy Loft Space and Urban Courtyard in the Hobbs Building offers an elegant and rustic environment, complete with the convenience of excellent in-house catering.

Another West Bottoms beauty is the Amigoni Winery, which occupies the former Historic Telegram Building where the livestock industry news publication, The Daily Drovers Telegram was housed. The Amigoni Winery event space, which includes a tasting room as well as an intimate event space, is perfect for engagement parties or other smaller events. Many of the wines they serve are made from grapes grown at the Amigoni Estate Vineyard located in Centerfield, Missouri, so celebrants are able to get a true taste of Kansas City along with their festivities.

These are just three examples of manifestations of the wedding industry that have embraced the historic roots (and now lively presense) of the West Bottoms. The area's history and spirit of resiliency truely touches all who come to enjoy it's new life. Â

Because your big day should be

Y

. e l b a tt e g or f un

our first look at the gorgeous ballroom will leave you breathless. This is the beginning of a memorable evening for you and your guests. Our beautiful hotel is the perfect setting for your special day. Our experienced team is dedicated to working with you on every planning detail so you can simply relax and enjoy an unforgettable celebration.

Contact Marissa.Pope@hilton.com or call 816-303-1628.

presidentkansascity.hilton.com 1329 Baltimore, Kansas City, MO 64105 Allie and Tucker’s Hilton President wedding reception April 30, 2016. Photo credit melissaandbeth.com Hilton Wedding_EABride_7.16.18.indd 1

Cassandra-Marie-Photography.com CassandraMarie.Photography@yahoo.com (660) 287 5736 /CassandraMariePhotography93 CassandraMarie.Photography

7/17/18 8:05 PM

UNDERSTANDING PASSPORT LAWS (before you depart for the honeymoon)

By: Haley Davis, Destinations HD

Now that you’ve chosen your destination, there’s no stopping you from day-dreaming your way through the work week about the imminent honeymoon bliss that is to be yours in just a few short months. But take note, before you go packing three bathing suits because you can’t pick just one, now is the time to talk about the not-so-fun stuff that could ruin your entire vacation – or stop it from happening altogether.

Odds are, you already know that you need a passport to travel internationally and to reenter the United States. What you may not know, is that many countries have strict regulations on entering and exiting their country when your passport is close to its expiration date. As an example, if your passport expires within six months of travel, you won’t be able to enter St. Lucia, Italy, Canada, Mexico and many others. Additionally, if your passport expires within three months of your departure for the United States from France, you won’t be able to leave the country at all. While getting stuck in France indefinitely and taking up a new life as a French fashion icon might sound fun, it might not work out so perfectly in reality. Passport restrictions are different depending on the destination you’re visiting, which is why you definitely need to be educated before you go.

So, what could really go wrong? You’re not a criminal and you have a certified passport, so whatever hiccup occurs could certainly be easily fixed. Not quite. Not adhering to a countries passport laws could cost you quite a bit of money and in the worst-case scenario could result in you being detained in a foreign place, unable to return home until you can get a passport renewal expedited. It is your own responsibility to know the regulations of the country you are traveling to.

Otherwise, when you arrive you may learn some devastating news.

It is important to be aware of the layovers you may have in countries other than your destination because you are also going to be held accountable for that countries passport laws as well, even if you don’t leave the airport. If one place requires three months to consider your passport valid, but your connecting flight requires six you could get stuck in limbo.

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When you are renewing a passport or applying for a new one, a routine application can take up to six weeks to process – and that’s if there are no discrepancies or errors with your documentation. You can pay for “rush” processing, but the expedited fee isn’t cheap and you will still wait around three weeks, unless you pay even more and go through a third-party agency.

As if the ins and outs of passport laws and customs weren’t overwhelming enough, you also need to have an understanding about the actual laws of the country you are visiting. For example, several countries place restrictions on entry towards people who have a criminal conviction. Passengers without proper documentation, or that fail to meet destination requirements, can be denied boarding or entry at the international destination and won’t be entitled to a refund or future credit. On top of how stressful that would be, you’d also have to coordinate your flight home – and bear in mind, most of us tend to buy tickets that can only be used on the dates we purchased them for, so that new ticket home would have to be at your own expense.

You can find out everything you need to know about the destination you’re visiting and its passport laws via The Department of State’s Passport Services website and by talking to your travel professional.

W O R D S

O F

T H E

WEDDING WISE Be (a little) flexible when it comes to your flowers. There are so many factors that affect availability and quality, because flowers come from all over the world, and a specific variety of rose or shade of dahlia might become suddenly unavailable.

Choose a florist with years of wedding experience and whose vision fits with your own. They will be able to anticipate and react to challenges that arise, and provide you with beautiful flowers that meet your dreams, even if it's not exactly what you'd planned.

Working with a designer for your invitation suite and day-of details should be fun and relaxing. The process of a customized approach to the 'first look' should embody your style as a couple and allow your guests to envision what is to come. With all of the special printing techniques and embellishments available, find one that speaks to you and that may also highlight elements of your venue.

It is exciting to see your invitation suite and day-of details come together in one cohesive style. The hardest part will be preparing your guest list. Just make sure you plan to have your invitations addressed by a professional with that same look and take a date night for yourselvesof sealing your invitations. Trust us, you will love this white glove service.

-Mary-Catherine Reinert, BP Creative Group

-Rhea Adams, Found In Nature

It’s important to rememember that your invitation is the first thing your guests will see regarding your big day. This is your chance to be creative, and reveal the feel of your wedding, whether that includes a photo, art, or florals, make sure it represents you!

-Morée & Brittney, Paper-Heart Events

It’s easy to get overwhelmed with planning your special day, and of course you want everything to be perfect. Starting with a reasonable budget is key to a stress free wedding, and the first place to trim a floral budget is at the church or other wedding ceremony site. With beautiful attendants and handsome groomsmen, let them be the focus of the ceremony and use your allotted budget to make your reception (where guests will be spending the majority of their time) memorable and with the most impact for your special day.

-Brian Morley, Bergamot & Ivy

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Send a family shot list to your photographer. Making a list is beneficial to everyone because it increases communication among everyone in your family. It will also help your vendors know how much time to allow and how to direct everyone during that block of time.

Knowing who, what, and where for family photos is a must for quick and efficient portraits.

-Brianne Jackson, Brianne Elizabeth Photography

Make sure to spend time with each other during the reception. Oftentimes, couples get too wrapped up in hanging with friends or feeling the need to stop at every table to hug each guest. The night will be gone before you know it and you don't want to look back at it thinking you only danced together during the first dance. Take this time to celebrate you.

A big wedding does not equal an amazing wedding. When choosing your guests try to remember that you don't have to invite the whole world and have an overwhelming guest list.

Remember what is important! Besides what color schemes and what vendors you choose, think first of what the purpose is for your day. Is it to throw a great party? Then you need an awesome DJ to keep the beat going. Is it to have priceless photos? Then you need a gorgeous venue as well as a talented photographer. Is it to have vibrant colors or smooth coordination? Then hire a fantastic florist and a trustworthy planner. Think about the end result of the day. What memories do you see yourself cherishing? Talk to past couples on what they loved and what they would've done differently. For my wedding, after the fact, I was humbled and honored mostly by those who traveled a great distance to be at my nuptials. But all I had time for among the hustle and bustle of the day was to give them a hug and thank them for coming. Plan a wedding weekend with events starting on Friday and going through Sunday so that friends, family, and bridal party can join in the celebration to make it more "worth" their time and travel. They will feel appreciated that you took the time to have meaningful fellowship and deeper conversations. Cherish the time with your best and favorite people because you won't be able to re-do the day.

-- Sara Howell, Heritage Ranch

-Sara Rieth, Sara Rieth Photography

Don’t forget to keep dating each other throughout your engagement! We often remind our couples to take time off from the checklist and meetings and have a “no-wedding-planning” date night. With all of the big decisions and exciting/stressful moments you have ahead, it’s important to continue nurturing the relationship that matters most!

Don't forget to keep all of your stationary including invitations, menus, and programs on hand for your photographer during getting ready detail shots. This is one special piece that gets forgotten more often than not.

-Kat Wooten, Kat Wooten Studios

-Beth Chappelow, Chappelow Events

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When selecting your venue and other wedding vendors, trust your gut. How do you feel when you’re in the space or communicating back and forth? Relaxed and happy or anxious and stressed? The vendor team you assemble is going to be with you on one of the most important days of your life. Selecting people you enjoy being around as well as a vendor team who works well together is the key to being able to relax and enjoy your day!

-Jewlee Cox, Tobacco Barn Farm

Weddings are so personal and a great way to show off your own style as a couple. Sometimes people are hesitant to invest in their decor, because the costs seem high. Our suggestion is to focus on areas of interest. If using chargers and gold flatware for every table is too costly, use them on just the head table. You'll get images of the look you love, and it will help the bridal party feel special. If you don't want to completely bling out your reception, but you love sequin linens, use them on just a few important tables - like the cake table or cocktail tables. Setting up a showroom visit with one of our Sales Managers is a great way to talk through how to best achieve the look you want for the big day, on whatever budget you may have.

-Carolyn, Ultrapom Event Rental

Consider having your wedding during non-traditional hours like 10:00AM or 7:00PM. You can offer your guests a unique experience like a brunch-style reception or a fresh take on late-night drinks and desserts. Your photographer will also love these times since you will be avoiding "full-sun" and capturing a more perfect, natural light. Lastly, this will allow you to use more of your wedding weekend on what YOU want and need - whether that is more time before the ceremony to take pictures, or more hours after the reception with your new spouse before the honeymoon. Make your wedding unique and less stressful by hosting a morning or evening event.

-Hannah Painter, Wildcliff Weddings & Events

Always thank your vendors! They put everything into making your wedding day as perfect as possible. A simple thank you on the wedding day goes a long way!

-Cheyanne Klink & Alex Rausch, Twisted Sisters Custom Floral Design

Prime wedding dates: September is the new June!

Beautiful weddings require beautiful weather, and so peak season in Kansas City has evolved over time to take advantage of the most temperate weather in spring and fall. So now May, September, and October are prime months!

You are competing with the masses if your wedding falls within one of these months, so for heaven's sake, don't procrastinate.

Mary Connolly, Cardinal Cake Company

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design your

WEDDING TO REMEMBER

If you’re lucky in love, come to Harrah’s North Kansas City where we specialize in fun, excitement and elegance all wrapped up into one. Our wedding services professionals will tailor your nuptials to you, making this the wedding of your dreams.

Contact us at 816-889-4227 or MEET@caesars.com to start planning your romantic walk down the aisle.

THE

SOCIETY PAGES K A N S A S

OF

C I T Y

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Kris & Catherine Fitts

CEREMONY & RECEPTION VENUE Barns at Timber Creek Bed & Breakfast BRIDESMAID DRESSES David's Bridal

PHOTOGRAPHER Sara Rieth Photography

FLORIST Flower Factory Flowers

GOWN The White Dress

DJ Accent Mobile Music- Scott Ward

MENSWEAR Men's Warehouse RENTALS The Table Guys

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WEDDING DATE

May 5, 2018

Kris & Catherine's LOVE

STORY

LOCATION

Winfield, KS

Kris and I met in 2013 at a Dillard's store where I worked in men’s fragrances. He came up to the counter and for what seemed like an eternity, we both stared at each other not saying anything. My first thought was that he was incredibly attractive and I had this weird feeling that I knew him somehow or that we were connected in some way.

After he left Dillard's that day, I didn't know if I would ever see him again.

But the next week he came back to the store in search of a pair of shoes.

We noticed each other from afar and then before I knew it, he was approaching me at the counter. There was another painfully awkward moment of silence before he asked to purchase a bottle of cologne (which I later found out that he didn't need or want). He then left in search of the shoe department and once again, it was like he was gone as quickly as he had arrived. I was too nervous to act in person, so I sent a friend to find him in the shoe department to deliver my number.

A week or so later, I was out with some friends and as if fate was bringing us together, there was Kris. He was entertaining some of his college friends with a night on the town, and as it turned out, we had a few mutual acquaintances. With a little liquid courage on our side this time around, there was no way we were going to miss our third opportunity to talk to one another. And as they put it, "the rest is history."

I immediately knew I was falling in love with Kris after just a few dates.

We had so much natural chemistry and he kept doing all the right things (as seen in every Nicholas Sparks movie) like opening my door, giving me a sweater when I was cold, and playing my favorite songs in his truck as we drove around together. All of the big things were important too, but I think it was all of the little things that made me fall for him.

Kris and I decided to take a break from normal life and enjoy a trip to Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic. We had just finished eating at all inclusive, enjoy as much as you can buffet when Kris asked if I wanted to take a photo on the beach with the ocean in the background. Despite having just eaten as you only do at an all-inclusive resort, I obliged and figured that no one would end up seeing the photo anyway. We made our way towards the blue waters as Kris asked a fellow vacationer to take our photo. But knowing what he had planned, he put the camera on video instead of photo. Just as we were perfectly posed, he turned and got down on one knee in front of me. I was immediately shocked and crying all at once. It became one of the most memorable moments (and photo) of my life.

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A FEW

SPECIAL PIECES A coworker of mine owns a dance studio and helped Kris and I choreograph our first dance. We had so much fun during the dance lessons as we worked on perfecting the steps.

All of the hard work (and fun) translated into perfection on the wedding day as we danced our choreographed dance as man and wife in front of all of our friends and family.Â

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Alex & Nicole Beck

CEREMONY VENUE RECEPTION VENUE St. Peter's Parish The Guild CATERING Olive Events

GOWN Bridal Extraordinaire

MENSWEAR Men's Wearhouse

VIDEOGRAPHY INVITATIONS HAIR & MAKEUP BRIDESMAID DRESSES Goodheart Designs Hello Lovely Bridal Extraordinaire Cory Thomason Productions

CAKE Chef Shop Stark

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PHOTOGRAPHER Steven Michael Photo

FLORIST The Cottage Rose

DJ Mic King Music

RENTALS Ultrapom Event Rental

PHOTO BOOTH The Photo Bus KC

A FEW

SPECIAL PIECES The number 11 has consistently played an uncanny role in our relationship over the years. Both of our parents got married on the 11th and we live at house number 11. So, it only made sense to select 11/11 as our wedding date.

To make the numbers game even crazier, we both grew up at house number 1621 (in completely different states) and our venue ended up having the exact same address.

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WEDDING DATE

November 11 ,2017

Alex & Nicole's

LOVE

STORY

LOCATION

Kansas City, MO

Nicole and I met on Coffee Meets Bagel, which believe it or not, is not a hipster cafe but a dating app. We had an incredible first date at Grunauer, followed by drinks at Anton’s and UpDown. I immediately noticed that she has a beautiful love and kindness within her soul that she shares with everyone she encounters. We found mutual value in family, the desire for new experiences, love of history, travel, and music, all of which continued to bring us closer as we dated.

Nicole definitely knew that I was going to propose ‘sometime’ in the next few months, so I knew I had to be a little sneaky in order to surprise her.

I decided to set-up a “dummy” reservation at Pierpont’s in Union Station for Saturday night, knowing that she’d possibly assume that I’d propose that evening. After getting her to commit to that, I worked on setting up an evening on a weekday so that I would truly surprise her. I called Nicole early in the morning on Monday and asked if she’d be willing to get sushi with me for dinner that evening. Nicole doesn’t like sushi, so I knew she would not expect anything. I made all sorts of reservations for the evening, but before we could set-off for Nara, we ran a few errands. A trip that I thought would take fifteen minutes, took well over an hour, all the while I’m sweating and noticeably not myself. I told Nicole that we had to get going for our 7:30 pm reservation and on our way down I asked if she wanted to stop at Union Station, the Plaza, or Kauffman Center to look at the holiday lights. She picked the Kauffman Center. When we got there I spotted a random person a ways off and ran ahead. They asked, “What’d you just get engaged or something?”, so I whispered to them, “No, but I am about to, so just keep taking pictures.” I walked back to Nicole, told her I loved her and knelt down to propose. Thank goodness she said yes or I would have had to cancel our real reservations at Tannin Wine Bar and The President Hotel!

Being a Kansas City native, I always knew I wanted to have my wedding in the heart of the city. However, I also wanted an “outdoors” feel and couldn’t commit to an outdoor celebration given the unpredictability of the time of year. When it was time to select our ceremony and reception spaces, it was a no-brainer to go with St. Peter’s, near our home in Waldo, and The Guild in the Crossroads. The Guild really set the tone and theme for the wedding.

It served as a helpful guide for pushing toward a “modern rustic” theme.

Our vendors, especially The Cottage Rose, worked hard to help create an outdoor, rustic feel inside the venue by adding a ton of greenery for wall-scapes and table garlands. I couldn’t have been happier with the result. The combination of a modern setting with rustic touches of greenery, candle light, farmhouse tables/chairs, and gold tones brought our vision to life!

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THE GROOM’S

FAVORITE PART OF THE DAY

Right after our ceremony, Nicole and I had a few minutes to ourselves in a small waiting area at the church. It was an unplanned aspect of the day and gave us a chance to catch our breath from the rush of the ceremony so that we could enjoy the moment.

After a few minutes to ourselves, we were joined by both of our parents for a few hugs and laughs before heading out from the church for photos. I’ll always remember that little unplanned stop. I know that’s a moment that will always stick with me from our wedding day.

THE BRIDE’S

FAVORITE PART OF THE DAY

My favorite memory from the day was opening a gift from Alex before the ceremony. He had an old plaid shirt that had seen it’s better day, but he loved it and insisted on wearing it ALL THE TIME. After years of begging him to let it go, he cut the shirt up and used it to wrap my wedding gift. It was the laugh I needed to calm my jitters. He used a strip of the fabric to tie together a bundle of letters for me to open at specific times in the future: ‘open in the St. Peter’s basement’, ‘open when we have our first child’, and ‘open when the Chiefs win the Super Bowl.’ It was such a special touch, and sacrificing the shirt was the ultimate gift!

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Sam & Lucy Salem

CEREMONY & RECEPTION VENUE PHOTOGRAPHER WEDDING PLANNER GOWN Vera Wang - Micaela Events by Elle The Gallery Event Space Melissa & Beth Photography BRIDESMAID DRESSES White Watters - Deni CAKE Adorn Cakes

MENSWEAR Vera Wang

LIVE JAZZ Holmes Music World

DANCE FLOOR Landers Vision Event Production

INVITATIONS Little Yellow Leaf DJ Platinum Productions

LINENS BBJ Linen

HAIR & MAKEUP 7th Row Productions

FLORAL Good Earth Floral Design

VIDEOGRAPHY Anecdotally Yours

CHAIRS & CHARGERS All Seasons Event Rental

WELCOME COCKTAIL EVENT Brass on Baltimore

FAREWELL BRUNCH Intercontinental Hotel Rooftop

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WEDDING DATE

August 5, 2017

Sam & Lucy's

LOVE

STORY

LOCATION

Kansas City, MO

I was sitting in the cafeteria sophomore year at Trinity with one of my buddies. I looked across the room and I believe my exact words were "Woah! Who is that?"Â To which my friend responded "Dude..." (in a tone that hinted I was dumb for not knowing) "that's Lucy." It did not take long for me to realize the way I looked at Lucy was the way most guys on campus looked at her.

One night at a campus event, I worked up the courage to walk up and start a conversation with her. We had one class together that happened to have an upcoming test. I asked her to study with me, even though it was more of an excuse to hang out and get her phone number. The class was Old Testament, so that turned into, "Hey, wanna come over and read the Bible together?" We ended up studying together (which consisted of us just talking/flirting and then me failing that test miserably), and after that, we never really stopped hanging out.

What surprised me most about my time with Lucy was how natural it felt to pursue her. The more time I spent with her, the more I knew that I would never grow tired of chasing her - no matter where life could take us. Throughout college, we continued to grow in our relationship. We discovered our love of traveling with one another, even if it was just back home to Kansas or Minnesota for a weekend. We supported one another in our activities; I could always count on looking up into the stands during basketball games and seeing Lucy's smiling face. I loved being able to listen to Lucy speak in chapel and see the impact she had on people's lives on campus as the president of the Women's Ministry Council. More importantly than supporting each other's extracurriculars, we helped one another grow in our relationships with Jesus.

After graduating from TIU, Lucy headed to Los Angeles for work while I went to Boston for grad school. Living an entire country apart made some things difficult, but it taught us a lot of valuable lessons. The distance also added a level of difficulty in planning a surprise proposal. After consulting with some of Lucy's friends, we cooked up a plan to get Lucy to Kansas City without her knowing I was there. We convinced her that she was coming back home to help plan (and be there for) her best friend's engagement. Little did she know that all the planning and consulting she was doing with her friends back home was really for her own engagement (AKA Lucy planned her own engagement). You can imagine her surprise when she showed up and I was the one that got down on one knee on the stairs of the Nelson-Atkins Art Museum and proposed. I'd never heard a sweeter "Yes!" in my life.

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A FEW

SPECIAL PIECES We have a piece of lace that has been passed down for generations to be used at family weddings. It was usually worked into the bride's veil, but through the years, it hasgotten so old that I had decided to incorporate it into my bridal bouquet arrangement.

We wanted our marriage to be a larger celebration than one day, so we hosted a welcome cocktail reception before the wedding day and a farewell brunch after the wedding. We are so grateful that we had the opportunity to plan a whole weekend of events so our guests could enjoy time together.

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THE GROOM’S

FAVORITE PART OF THE DAY

The best part of the wedding day was the moment Lucy started walking down the aisle. I was instantly overwhelmed with joy knowing that each step she took meant one step closer to spending the rest of our lives together. Seeing her beauty, elegance, and grace (through many happy tears) is an image that I will hold on to forever. To top it all off, I realized as she stepped onto the altar that this was only the beginning of our happily ever after.

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THE BRIDE’S

FAVORITE PART OF THE DAY

It is hard to narrow down to one moment being the best part of our wedding day; but if I had to pick, it would be walking down the aisle and seeing Sam for the first time that day. It was a special moment to have my dad by my side as we walked down the aisle to my future husband.

Charlie & Natalie Herr

CEREMONY & RECEPTION VENUE Magnolia Venue & Urban Garden

PHOTOGRAPHER Marissa Cribbs Photography

MENSWEAR Generation Tux

BRIDESMAID DRESSES Bella Bridesmaids

HAIR Paige Alexander

CATERER Brancato's

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FLORIST Good Earth Floral Design Studio

MAKEUP White Carpet Bride

CAKE DECORATOR Dolce Bakery

GOWN Altar Bridal

BAND The Patrick Lentz Band

BARTENDING Top Shelf Bartending

WEDDING PLANNER Celebrations of Love INVITATIONS YellowBrick Graphics RENTALS Ultrapom Event Rental

VIDEOGRAPHY Moontage Films

A FEW

SPECIAL PIECES Our favorite personal piece from the wedding was having our puppy, Theo, as the ring bearer. We got him at 8 weeks old and did our engagement shoot with him five days later. We didn’t decide until four months before the wedding that we would have Theo be a part of the wedding. We trained him on a special word, “Bingo”, to use when we need him to stop what he’s doing and immediately come to us. Still, going into the wedding day, we knew there was a 50/50 chance that he would actually do his job; but it turns out he did amazing! He came straight down the aisle when Charlie said “Bingo”.

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WEDDING DATE

June 30, 2018

Charlie & Natalie's LOVE

STORY

LOCATION

Kansas City, MO

Charlie and I met through our mutual friend, David, who was Charlie’s pledge brother at the University of Indiana, and also my good friend from high school.

At the time, Charlie was living and working in Chicago selling insurance for Arthur Gallagher. In 2014, he started traveling to Kansas frequently for work and on occasion would extend his trips to hang out with David for the weekend. During one of those weekends, in August 2014, Charlie and I were introduced, and can both admit we felt an instant attraction. But that was as far as it went that night. Fast forward eight months later, and David reaches out to me to say that his pledge brothers from Indiana are coming to Kansas City and that I had to go out with them to show them a good time. Of course, I agreed and was secretly hoping the “cute guy I met that one time” would be there. Sure enough, Charlie was there and sparks flew once again. This time they didn’t die with the night, we spent the entire weekend together, exchanged numbers and so began our relationship. Conveniently, we were both able to leverage our work travels in order to visit each other, which made for some fun trips. I really liked Charlie and was prepared to do whatever it took to make this work. Little did I know, fate had better circumstances in store for us! Not more than three months into our long-distance relationship did Charlie get a call with the opportunity to transfer to the Kansas City office.

He took the job, moved to Kansas City, and began so our happily ever after.

As soon as Charlie moved to Kansas City we were completely inseparable and knew that an engagement would inevitably be in our future. However, the timing of it was up in the air. Charlie is a “planner” and I have more of a laissez-faire attitude. That said, without my knowledge, Charlie had begun planning our engagement about eight months out and had kept me completely in the dark the whole time. He told me his parents were coming in town in June and so we had a weekend of plans built around their visit. No suspicion on my part. But about 10 days out from his big planned proposal day, I got a text from a girlfriend that I wasn’t supposed to get, which tipped me off that something was up! Regardless, I carried on not wanting to expect anything or throw off his planning. On Friday, June 2nd, we were walking from our apartment to meet his family at Gram & Dunn. As soon as we crossed over the bridge (with all the flags), Charlie stopped, got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. Regardless of "having a hunch" that moment was truly special, intimate and perfect. The rest of the night was a complete surprise as we went from one event to the other without him telling me a thing! The night included blowouts with my girlfriends, dinner, and a surprise party with some of our closest friends and family. It was all amazing and a day I’ll never forget.

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THE BRIDE & GROOM’S

FAVORITE PART OF THE DAY

Our favorite part of the wedding, while it’s very hard to choose, had to be the half hour that we spent together in the bridal suite between our ceremony and cocktail hour. After listening to the advice of other recently married couples, we decided to make it a point to take special moments throughout the day where we solely enjoyed each other’s company. Therefore, directly following the ceremony, we sat in the bridal suite of the venue with a bottle of champagne and just relaxed before going into cocktail hour to greet all of our guests. It was very calming and certainly set us up for a fabulous night to come.

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Casey & Ashley Habluetzel

CEREMONY & RECEPTION VENUE Boulevard Brewery MENSWEAR US Air Force

PHOTOGRAPHER Lininger Rood Photography CATERING Spin! Pizza

GOWN Fabulous Frocks

DJ BFame KC

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A FEW

SPECIAL PIECES We both love Boulevard Brewery and knew that we wanted to have the wedding in their event space. After we exchanged vows and the ceremony concluded, we both grabbed a glass of beer and saluted a cheers with our guests to many years of marriage.

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WEDDING DATE

March 17, 2018

Casey & Ashley's LOVE

STORY

LOCATION

Kansas City, MO

Casey and I originally crossed paths in Texas, but it wasn’t until a couple years later that we met up again in Kansas City. I was living and working there at the time and Casey was in town from Air Force Pilot Training in Phoenix to visit his family. Mutual interest was sparked that night, and I decided to reach out on Facebook a few weeks later to “ask about airport design” for a project at work. Eventually, Casey asked me if I had ever visited Phoenix and encouraged me to come visit him. My first visit was a blast, which turned into a second trip, and eventually, we found ourselves going back and forth to spend time together. Our long distance relationship had been going well when Casey found out that he was being sent to Japan to fly an F-16 for the Air Force. After four months of extra-long distance dating, and a 14 hour time difference, I decided to take a month off of work to visit him in Japan.

We traveled a lot during my time there and made our last stop Sapporo, Japan. During the eight-hour ferry ride to get there, talks of engagement and ultimately marriage ensued. The next day, after a few beers at the Sapporo Beer Factory, Casey and I went to every jewelry store in the city to look for rings. We found the perfect one at our last stop. A couple days later, on a trip to the viewing platform at the top of Mt. Moiwa, Casey proposed underneath an illuminated bell tower with the city lights in the distance. We didn’t know at the time, but the Japanese believe that if you ring the bell in the tower with your loved one, you will be happily married forever.

Due to the military and distance between us, it was decided that signing marriage papers sooner than later would be the best idea. Casey was scheduled to make a short trip home to Kansas City for his cousin's wedding, so we decided to have a small ceremony on the Jackson County Courthouse steps with our immediate friends and family. I was then able to move to Japan so that we could be together, and started planning a larger wedding ceremony and reception for the coming year. While it was a hometown wedding for most of our guests, it turned out to be a destination wedding for us, so we had to rely heavily on our friends and family (and Amazon if I'm being totally honest) to help us pull the details of the wedding together.

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THE GROOM’S

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THE BRIDE’S

FAVORITE PART OF THE DAY

FAVORITE PART OF THE DAY

My favorite moment was right after the ceremony when we got a quiet moment together on the balcony of the brewery. We took photos with the Kansas City skyline in the background, and then Ashley surprised me with a KC flask filled of Irish Whiskey (it was St. Patrick’s day after all).

My favorite moment of the day was the first dance.

It was the first time during the busy day that I got to be completely alone with Casey to catch up.

Knowing that neither of us is especially good at dancing, it was more of a treat because we got to visit intimately for a couple minutes.

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Photo Courtesy of Jessica Roark at epagaFOTO

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@thegrandhallkc

Akwasi & Erin

CEREMONY & RECEPTION VENUE Executive Hills Polo Club HAIR Posh KC

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PHOTOGRAPHER Brianne Elizabeth Photography

MAKEUP Tessa Dunlap

FLORIST Sue Dunlap

GOWN BHLDN CAKE DECORATOR Blue Thistle Cakes

MENSWEAR Express

A FEW

SPECIAL PIECES Two special pieces of jewelry were shared with me on my wedding day as my "Something Old" and "Something Borrowed" My Maid-of-Honor lent me a pair of gorgeous pearl earrings that she had worn on her wedding day and my cousin surprised me by adorning my bouquet with our great-grandmother's broach.

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WEDDING DATE

April 22, 2018

Akwasi & Erin's LOVE

STORY

LOCATION

Kansas City, MO

Akwasi and I first met through a mutual friend, and although we were instantly attracted to each other, it was nearly six months before we really began to develop a relationship. But from that moment on, we were inseparable. I knew that he was the one when I saw how he perfectly interacted with all of my friends and family; it all came so naturally and our relationship felt like it was meant to be.

While dating, we would commonly go on hiking trips in Colorado's beautiful mountainside. One morning, we set out to hike to the top of Mount Falcon, which was a completely routine hike for us up until we reached the top mountain and Akwasi proposed. Maybe it was the altitude and lack of oxygen, but the moment was completely surreal; the proposal, the ring, and the breathtaking view that became witness to it all. We both had more pep in our step on the way back down the mountain, knowing that we were going to spend the rest of our lives (and many more hikes) together.

Akwasi and I really wanted our wedding day to bring our families and friends together in a comfortable and relaxed environment. In lieu of prioritizing some of the traditional wedding activities that didn't particularly resonate with us, we chose to have relaxed “family dinner” type of atmosphere. Throughout our engagement, I spent several “mom and daughter date days” with my mom so that we could plan the wedding together. I am lucky to be surrounded by so many creative people within my close family and friend circle; for every element of the wedding, there was someone I could turn to. Planning our wedding became such a community effort, and to me, that made the whole process even more special!

Our wedding took place on a beautiful spring day. Everything came together so beautifully and the love that we felt and shared on that day will forever be cherished. After the wedding, and a year to the day, we returned to Mount Falcon; this time as newlyweds.

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TJ & Christine Dailey

CEREMONY VENUE Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Redemptorist) BRIDESMAID DRESSES Renz Bridal

MENSWEAR Tip Top Tux

HAIR Salon Gratto - Anna

PHOTOGRAPHER Felicia the Photographer INVITATIONS Etsy- Merrymint CATERER Trezo Mare

RECEPTION VENUE The Royal Room

WEDDING GOWN Belle Vogue

MAKEUP Paradise Makeup, Hair, & Airbrush Tanning

DJ Platinum KC

DONUTS Donut King

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A FEW

SPECIAL PIECES We made a “Love Story” video explaining to our guests how we met and the quirks of our relationship and it was played during the reception. Guests really enjoyed learning more of our "behind-the-scenes" story.

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WEDDING DATE

September 23, 2017

TJ & Christine's LOVE

STORY

LOCATION

Kansas City, MO

I had transferred to Rockhurst University in the fall of 2009 on a baseball scholarship, and shortly after, I took notice of a certain freshman tennis player. After finding out her name (Christine, obviously), I approached her in the weight-room as both of our teams were lifting, and within a few days we were on our first date. Our story, which is as fantastic as any worthwhile fiction, began, thereabout, on the most appropriate day of the year for a boy and girl with two black cats, Halloween.

Later, when friends asked about Christine, I summed her up as, "different".

This term is commonly used to politely call someone weird or strange I suppose it still applies, then - but I meant it in the most literal, refreshing way possible. Christine was the first girl who didn’t shriek when meeting my pet rat, Splinter, she liked campy 80s horror flicks instead of rom-coms, she liked oldies music and she approved of Halloween-centric first dates.

After seven years of dating, I knew I had to do something special for the proposal. I thought of some things that made us into the couple we are, and I incorporated them into a citywide scavenger hunt. After I had it all planned out, Christine decided it would be nice to visit her parents in Texas on the exact same weekend it was all set to go down…and, well, my reaction to this news gave my intentions away. So, rather excitedly, she chose to stay in town, knowing full-well what was going to happen.

It all started at the location of our first date, Worlds-of-Fun. As we were walking inside, I pretended to have forgotten my wallet in the car and started back to the parking lot. During that time, I had a friend approach her in a trench coat and hat and hand her an old Western Union telegram.

It was a message from me, sent from the past, telling her that I had gone back in time and accidently ran into my old self with Doc’s DeLorean (yes, this was Back to the Future themed) preventing us from ever meeting. So now she must go to the Rockhurst bell tower, where we first met, and wait for me there. Also, because our relationship technically never existed now, her memories of us were going to disappear, so I placed items at three stops along the way to remind her of why we fell in love: a park between a baseball field and tennis court, an old movie theater, and a bookstore.

For the big conclusion, I rented a DeLorean to pull up in, but an unexpected rain shower hit, and the owner cancelled on me. Having no other choice, I called an audible and left one more clue at the bell tower, directing her to another final location where the DeLorean was stationed (out of the rain).

When she finally arrived, my friends blindfolded her and walked her up to the time-travelling car, where I opened the door and popped the question as the Back to the Future theme song played in the background.

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THE GROOM’S

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THE BRIDE’S

FAVORITE PART OF THE DAY

FAVORITE PART OF THE DAY

My favorite part of the day was the ceremony.

Redemptorist is such a beautiful church that the Catholic Mass took on a greater sense of reverence.

Standing with my gorgeous bride on that altar, in front of friends and family, was the greatest feeling.

Also, the ceremony is the reason we even have the party afterwards, so I feel like it takes precedence.

My favorite part of the wedding day was the “first look”. After getting ready all morning, thinking about the ceremony, taking pictures and all the work we put into the reception, I was a nervous wreck. But after seeing TJ’s reaction to seeing me, and being with him, I was finally able to calm down.

beYOUtiful!

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Megan Julian Founder & Lead Planner

There’s only one you - let your personality shine on your wedding day! Partner with Julian Events, a full-service event planning organization, to create a wedding as unique as your love.

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