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.

The day was surprisingly cool for the end of June.   Among rolling field of farmland, nestled in the heart of the Midwest, Heritage Ranch  experienced the celebration of love between a laid-back couple who found each other on Bumble.   Right when Jake and Rachael met, sparks flew.  They instantly connected and knew they wanted to be together.    So join me as we walk through the rustic charm of their wedding day, filled with laughter, love, and the beauty of a rustic ranch.

The day kicked with the bride and bridesmaids getting ready in the charming barn. Amidst the warm Edison lights, laughter echoed through the air as the bride and her bridesmaids shared precious moments, everyone pitching in to help and celebrate.

Canoe Ride on the Lake:

Something I was so EXCITED ABOUT, after the beautiful ceremony under the open sky.   We decided to take advantage of the lake, the newlyweds decided to brave getting in a canoe across the little lake in front of barn. This unique aspect of the venue we were all obsessed with, it added a touch of whimsy to the celebration, creating unforgettable moments.

As the sun set over the trees, the celebration continued into the night. Everyone hit  a dance floor, where the bride and groom, along with their guests, danced the night away. Drinks flowed freely, laughter filled the air, and the couple ended off their special day with a magical sparkler exit, leaving a trail of light as they ventured into their happily ever after.

The pitter-patter of raindrops, a magical bride, and a radiant rainbow—things that merged magically to create an unforgettable wedding.

As a wedding photographer, there are days that etch themselves into your memory, Josh and Jade’s was one of those days. The day when nature decided to create a scene for a couple deeply in love, will always stay with me.

Embracing the Rain

Rather than letting the rain dampen this couples spirit, they embraced it. Every raindrop became a storyteller, adding depth and emotion to each captured moment. The bride and groom, wrapped in each other's arms, laughed under umbrellas.  Which made these photos even more magical.

A Burst of Color in the Sky

As the bride and groom laughed and stole kissed, a rainbow emerged. The sudden burst of colors in the sky mirrored the vibrancy of the couple's love.  We all stood in awe for a moment, then captured these stunning moments.

The Bookstore Journey

Then ask the sun set, we decided seeking shelter from the rain was the best option.  I had a vision earlier in the day as the rain started, a charming bookstore, its shelves filled with literary treasures that would fit this whimsical bride. The vintage charm of the bookstore provided an perfect backdrop. The bride, with her timeless beauty, surrounded by classic novels, went beyond my vision I had painted in my head earlier. Each click of the camera captured not just an image but art—a forever capturing this couples truly fairytale day.

In the realm of wedding photography, it's moments like these that reaffirm the magic of love. Nature in the midwest, with its unpredictable moments, added layers to the couple's story, etching it with unforgettable moments for this stunning couple.

As a witness to this epic love story, I am reminded that amidst the storms and rainbows, love persists.

Also, this is a sign to hire a photographer that has a vision that is flexible and ideas to work with your day.  We didn’t plan on the rain, but it turned out more magical than we could’ve had planned.  I didn't just capture moments; I captured a true beauty of emotions, and a timeless tale of a redheaded bride, a dapper groom with vintage charm, a rainbow and a bookstore—a tale that will forever remain in their hearts that they will be able to show their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Photography is not merely about freezing moments in time; it's about painting stories that linger, stories that follow across generations.