This Portland wedding was everything I had ever wanted in a client (Thank you Marlee for letting me 2nd shoot with you). Short, intimate, sweet, beautiful, and meaningful. Reflecting on what I loved so much about Kevin and Camden's day made me realize I wanted to give a short PSA about the wedding industry in KC. So stay with me, I promise it's worth it.
Dear Kansas City,
You are beautiful and you are home. You have things that dreamy nature spots like Portland can't touch like your midwestern charm, humidity, and an array of wonderful humans. However, you have a wedding mentality that could use some massaging. I dare you to dream of a wedding day that didn't include a party bus. A wedding party that wasn't 20 people deep. A wedding day that didn't completely break the bank for the couple or their parents. A wedding day that wasn't a stressful 12 hour+ long production. A wedding that stood apart from the mold you've dictated, less tradition and more intention. Scared? Don't be! Brides and Grooms will thank me someday, and you will too Kansas City.
Sincerely,
A Wedding Photog Who Wants to Break The Tradition
A wedding day in the Midwest that is the opposite of the things I've mentioned above IS POSSIBLE! Brides I'm talking to you...
I've recently started pinning some educational resources on how to make this happen, in real life. However what it really comes down to is, changing the perception of what a wedding day has to look like.
(head to the bottom for more thoughts)
Do all the frills and expenses make your marriage that much more real? No, sweetie, they don't. Your marriage is more important than your wedding day despite what the industry might be telling you. As a wedding photographer, a married woman, and an advocate for financial freedom I beg of you to think differently. Invest in the things that you value and make those a top priority. Make sure your groom-to-be is involved as much as he wants to be. As much as it pains you to hear this, the day isn't all about you. It's about the union you're creating with your future husband, so it's about BOTH of you. That's 2, as in 2 people lol not 20 or 30 or however many opinions you're hearing. Take the time to set good wedding planning boundaries and prioritize what you want your day to entail.
Also shocking, but you don't HAVE to have a large wedding party or a wedding party at all. You don't HAVE to get your hair and makeup done, girl you're beautiful no matter what. You don't HAVE to get married in some church that you don't even practice your faith in but it's where you grew up. There's no rule that says you need a plated dinner, live band, alcohol, table runners, or drapery. In fact, there are no rules at all and that's what makes weddings so incredible!
They are ever-changing and can be full of so much personality and culture but at the same time, they are constant in their purpose.
You can choose to have a wedding day as long or as short as you'd like. A day full of all sorts of people or a day a little closer to the heart of your relationship. A day full of ruffles and frills, a day full of minimalist taste, a day full of really great food, music, booze. Whatever your thing is, you have the opportunity to celebrate it. All that really matters at the end of the day, is you both understand the gravity of your choice and you're ready to tackle the world as one.
So today I give you permission to want a marriage more beautiful than a wedding.
Think differently my friends and you won't regret it.
All with Love, This Goofy Girl ^
Venue: Leach Botanical Gardens, Portland OR
Lead Photographer: Ivory + Oak