Megan and Joe’s June Wedding at The Elms
Intro
Late spring in Excelsior Springs hums with life; the air warm enough for open doors, sunlight spilling across the wraparound porches of The Elms Hotel and Spa. For Megan and Joe’s June wedding, the entire property seemed to work in sync with their day. Every hallway, courtyard, and corner of that historic building offered its own backdrop without losing the venue’s grounded elegance.
From our first conversation, I knew they wanted a day that felt relaxed but intentional. Both are music teachers, and they brought that same blend of focus and joy into each moment. As a wedding photographer in Kansas City, it’s rare to find a day that flows this naturally from start to finish.
Getting Ready
Three Generations in One Room
The suite at The Elms had tall windows and textured walls that felt built for mornings like this. Megan’s grandma fastened a gold bracelet around her wrist while her mom tied the straps on her shoes. I nudged them toward the soft window light, then stepped back to let them move at their own pace. The air was calm but heavy with anticipation.
First Look with Dad – Surrounded by Family
When Megan’s dad walked in, he froze—his expression shifting from surprise to pride. Her mom and grandma stood in the doorway, quietly wiping away tears. I stayed still, letting the moment breathe while my second shooter framed the wider view.
Balancing Documentary and Direction
I mostly let the morning unfold on its own, stepping in only when light or composition needed attention. For the pajama photos, I positioned everyone by the window so the light fell evenly, then gave them space to relax and joke together. The Elms has a way of making even the simplest scenes feel layered, whether it’s a Kansas City microwedding or a full-day celebration.
Ceremony
A Unique Musical Moment
Midway through the vows, Megan and Joe set down their papers, picked up their woodwinds, and began to play. The notes filled the space—warm, layered, and deeply personal. Guests leaned in, some smiling, others blinking through tears. It set a tone for the rest of the day: intimate, intentional, and entirely their own.
Streamer Poppers During the Recessional
As they walked back up the aisle, their wedding party launched streamer poppers. Colors arced through the air, catching in the light and brushing against the wood beams overhead. That burst of movement and sound is what makes recessional moments so electric. Interactive touches like this not only energize guests but translate beautifully in photos.
Shooting Style for the Ceremony
The ceremony room’s tall windows offered soft, angled light that stayed consistent from start to finish. I hung back with my 135mm, pulling in tight expressions without interrupting. My second shooter covered the wide frames, catching both Megan and Joe and the reactions from their guests.
Portraits
Prompting Instead of Posing
For portraits, I asked Megan and Joe to run through their first dance—steps, spins, missed beats and all. The movement kept them focused on each other instead of my camera. It’s the easiest way to get portraits that feel lived-in instead of staged.
Maximizing Second Shooter Coverage
While I worked through family portraits inside, my second shooter was outside on the terrace covering cocktail hour. Guests chatted in the garden light, and Megan and Joe didn’t have to choose between portraits and time with their people. Having two photographers lets the day breathe without sacrificing coverage.
Lighting and Lens Choices
The Elms required quick shifts between soft indoor light and bright garden sun. I kept one Canon R6 with my 35mm for environmental shots and another with my 85mm for tighter frames, swapping instantly as scenes changed. That setup works for most Kansas City weddings where events flow between spaces.
Reception
Personal Touches
Megan’s veil carried lace from her mom’s wedding dress, sewn into the edge with care. Each time it caught the light, it layered the present with family history. During their first dance, the lace lifted just enough to draw the eye without distracting from the moment.
Flowergirl with a Camera
The reception moved easily between the dining room and the photobooth corner. Their flowergirl made the rounds, posing with guests and snapping away with a disposable camera. At one point, she followed me like a tiny assistant, convinced her photos belonged in the final gallery. These guest perspectives, sharp or not, always make the final collection richer.
Why I Love Full-Day Traditional Weddings
More Space for Real Moments
Full-day coverage allows room for the day to unfold naturally. There’s time for grandma to adjust a bracelet without being rushed, or for a couple to linger in the garden before heading to the reception. Those transitions become part of the visual story.
The Flexibility of All-Inclusive Venues
Venues like The Elms keep everything close—getting ready, ceremony, portraits, and reception all within a short walk. It keeps energy high, reduces stress, and maintains consistent lighting. Whether it’s a Kansas City microwedding or a 200-guest celebration, that flow benefits everyone.
Planning Tips for Kansas City Weddings
Choosing Venues Like The Elms
An all-in-one venue simplifies logistics. The Elms offers tall-window suites for prep, elegant indoor spaces for ceremonies, and gardens for portraits—all easily walkable for guests. On-site parking and close access make it a strong choice for a hotel Kansas City wedding.
Adding Personality to Your Day
Personal details make a wedding truly yours. For Megan and Joe, it was their duet and the heirloom lace in Megan’s veil. Others might add streamer poppers, a custom cocktail, or a photobooth stocked with disposable cameras. The right Kansas City vendors can help translate your personality into details that fit your space and style.
Final Thoughts
Megan and Joe’s Day in Review
Megan and Joe’s wedding at The Elms balanced personal detail with an easy pace. From three generations getting ready in the suite to the streamer-filled recessional, every part felt intentional. The duet remains a favorite—not just for the music, but for the way it quieted the entire room.
The venue’s architecture and light tied everything together, from morning prep to garden portraits. Keeping the day in one location kept Megan and Joe present with each other and with their guests.
Call to Action
Let’s Talk About Your Wedding at The Elms or Anywhere in KC
If you’re planning a Kansas City wedding—intimate or large—venues like The Elms offer a setting that works for you. Suites for prep, gardens for portraits, and reception spaces just steps away make for a smooth, uninterrupted day.
I work with couples who want photographs that feel true to their experience—guided when needed, but never overproduced. You can see more in my portfolio, explore Kansas City weddings, or get in touch.
FAQs
Do you photograph smaller weddings or elopements in Kansas City?
Yes. I photograph both full-day weddings and smaller gatherings or Kansas City elopements. The process stays the same—honest moments, thoughtful light, and a focus on the people who matter most.
What’s included when we add a second shooter?
Two photographers allow us to be in two places at once. While I worked through portraits at Megan and Joe’s wedding, my second shooter covered cocktail hour outside. The gallery tells a fuller story because of it.
How do you handle both posed and candid moments?
I use gentle prompts for portraits and step back for the in-between moments. I’ll step in when light or framing calls for it, but otherwise, I want the day to feel natural.
How far in advance should we book for a June wedding?
Prime summer weekends in Kansas City often book over a year ahead. Reach out and browse my portfolio to see if we’re the right fit.
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