This beautiful couple had been together for years and more than ready to officially start the next chapter as husband and wife. When it came to their vision for a perfect day, they decided on something simple, intentional, and perfectly them — a private courthouse elopement just outside Kansas City.

On a gray, rainy afternoon, we met at the Johnson County Courthouse in downtown Olathe, Kansas. It was just the two of them, the justice of the peace, and three of their closest loved ones. No distractions, no over-the-top production, just a sweet exchange of vows and the joy of making it official.

After their simple ceremony, we took portraits inside the courthouse, using its long halls, elevator and beautiful windows for timeless shots. Outside, the rain gave us cinematic reflections on the sidewalks with the glass structure which made for such a romantic and fairytale feel.

The rain didn’t bother us one bit. It truly felt like it belonged to the day. We pulled out clear umbrellas, which added this dreamy, romantic touch to the photos. They didn’t hesitate to step in puddles or let the gentle rain get them damp. NOTHING could dampen the day for these two lovers.

Halfway through the day we moved to a beautiful park with a huge old tree that gave a moody romantic feel. As we continued photos I showed her the back of my camera and said that the images had total Wuthering Heights vibes. Her eyes lit up instantly, it’s her favorite book. Neither of us could contain our excitement or believe it was SO perfect for them!

For couples who are high achievers, world travelers, or simply value art and privacy, courthouse elopements can be magic. They allow you to focus on what matters most — each other — and invest in the details that matter to you, whether that’s a honeymoon in Italy, a luxury dinner in Mexico, or stunning photography in the Colorado mountains.

Your wedding doesn’t have to follow the rules. It just has to feel like you.

If you’re planning an elopement or micro wedding in Kansas City, Colorado, Denver, Mexico, Italy, or anywhere in the world, and want images that are as intentional and art-driven as your love story, I’d love to help you document it.

If you’ve ever dreamed of timeless engagement and wedding photos in a space that feels like it belongs in a movie, Hotel Phillips in downtown Kansas City is one of the Midwest’s best-kept secrets. With its 1920s charm, art deco interior, grand lobby, Crystal Ballroom and speakeasy, it’s a dream location for couples who want timeless and artistic images.

This gorgeous couple chose Hotel Phillips for their engagement portraits because of its Hollywood glam and quite luxury. You don’t need to hike a mountain or fly to a sandy beach for your dream photos. You just need real love and an artist that sees your vision. And for this session, the perfect touch of vintage Kansas City magic.

Why Hotel Phillips is a Hidden Gem for Engagement Photos and Weddings In Kansas City:

This historic downtown Kansas City hotel is elegance with character. The lighting is warm and cinematic. The old elevators still have that old money feel. And the lobby? High ceilings greet you with a huge balcony, vintage furniture, and the kind of grand staircases you only see in old films. It’s a dream space for documentary-and cinematic style photos.

We started their session in the grand lobby, enjoyed the stunning ballroom then snuck off into the cozy hidden speakeasy for a few intimate shots, that gave the whole shoot a nostalgic, editorial feel.

Did you love this session?

and ready to plan your own cinematic, story-driven photos?
Let’s create something that feels like you. Whether it’s downtown Kansas City or the Italian coast, I’ll help you remember your day exactly how it felt.

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📍 Now booking 2025 weddings and elopements in Colorado, Denver, Kansas City, Mexico, Italy, and beyond.

If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like when two people push through long distance, demanding careers, and still choose each other every step of the way; Stefanie and Eric’s relationship is just that. They decided to have an intimate Kansas City micro wedding to celebrate their journey.

These two high-achieving, kind-hearted humans met years ago and weathered seasons of growth, higher education, and time apart. And documenting their day felt like witnessing something rare and meaningful.

Getting Ready at a Vaile Mansion in Independence, Missouri

The day started quietly at a stunning historic mansion just outside Kansas City. Stefanie and Eric got ready separately, surrounded by just a few of their closest friends and family. The vibe was relaxed, full of anticipation, and it honestly felt like a big exhale after all the years they spent building their lives together.

First Look With Private Vows

Their first look took place in the courtyard of the mansion, followed by private vows they exchanged just the two of them. The joy, tears and high fives are the of moments I live for as a photographer.

The Ceremony at Thew WWI Memorial in Downtown KC

Afterward, everyone piled into a limo and headed to one of the most iconic ceremony spots in Kansas City: the steps of the World War I Memorial. With some of the perfect views, Stefanie and Eric stood side by side and said “I do” with all their loved ones surrounding them.

When they shared their first kiss, a spontaneous cheer erupted, not just from the guests, but from passersby and strangers who had stopped to watch. It was one of those moments that felt too perfect and from a Hallmark film.

Golden Hour Photos of The Newlyweds

Following the ceremony, we found perfect places around the memorial for portraits, capturing the golden light and the PURE JOY of them finally being married. Stefanie and Eric shared a quiet dance with sunset light and perfect timeless images overlooking the city skyline, peaceful moments in the middle of downtown Kansas City.

These two were never looking for anything over-the-top or staged. They wanted their photos to reflect who they are as a couple and having art to hang on their wall to show their grandchildren. And what we captured together felt like a documentary-style love story. With all in the moment emotion, intention, and some cinematic flair with timeless feelings.

Dinner & Celebration at Prime Social in the Plaza

As the sun set, the celebration continued with the reception at Prime Social, a cocktail bar with a beautiful view and rooftop in the heart of the Country Club Plaza. Here Stefanie and Eric toasted champagne, cut their cake, and celebrated and laughed with the people who had walked along side them through their journey.

Why This Wedding Stands Out

This is the kind of wedding that shows how powerful a small wedding or elopement can be—especially for couples who’ve lived a lot of life together already. Stefanie and Eric’s day was full of intention, love, and celebration, all without sacrificing style or a beautiful backdrop.

If you’re a couple planning a wedding in Kansas City, Colorado, Denver, or dreaming of destination weddings in Italy or Mexico, and you want timeless photos that reflect your real story, I’d be honored to help you capture it.

My work is built for couples who value art, storytelling, and genuine emotion—especially those who’ve taken the road less traveled to find each other.

Ready to plan your elopement or micro wedding?
Whether you’re tying the knot in Kansas City, escaping to the mountains of Colorado, heading to the beaches of Mexico, or dreaming of an intimate wedding in Italy, I’m here for it. Let’s create art out of your love story, together.

📍Serving couples in Colorado, Kansas City, Denver, Mexico, Italy, and worldwide.
📸 Specializing in artistic, authentic, documentary-style wedding with cinematic moments. This style of art is for high-achieving, intentional couples who love to do life together and creating core memories.