When couples reach out to me for engagement photos, the ones who stand out are the ones who know that they want something different, artistic, and true to them. They may not know exactly WHAT it is but they know the different feeling and essence they want. This is exactly the case with Payton and Adam.

Their story goes back to college, when Adam moved into a friend’s place. Payton’s best friend met him first and immediately said, “I just met your soulmate.” Turns out, she was right.

I loved connecting with Payton and Adam, we clicked instantly. They knew they wanted their engagement session to reflect their style and personalities; not just the stiff standard park or field session. They wanted something with a cinematic, authentic feel. Something that felt more like art than an awkward photoshoot.

You can see the connection and joy between these two. if you value high end wedding photography with authentic moments and quiet luxury vibes reach out and book now! Currently serving Denver Colorado, Estes Park, Kansas City and World wide.

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.

Click HERE to connect!

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