Just outside of downtown Kansas City, Zach and Genna said "I Do" before of over 250 of their closest friend and family, in front of an all-white gazebo set against the rolling green lawn of The Hawthorne House. This wedding day was steeped in elegance with romantic florals, soft pastel colors, and timeless touches. From the groomsmen's classic black tuxes and bowties to the bridesmaid's array of satin mix-and-match pastel green and pink dresses, this wedding day was straight out of a southern bridal magazine!
Aside from the overall beauty of this Kansas City wedding day, one of my favorite highlights from Zach and Genna's day was their choice to forego a first look. First Looks seem to be a somewhat controversial topic when wedding planning and even choosing your wedding photographer. Believe it or not, there are lots of opinions on whether or not you should choose to do a first look! My personal preference as your wedding photographer: IT'S UP TO YOU! - I believe in allowing my couples to choose whatever they most value and we will create the perfect timeline to honor that decision. I can absolutely help you navigate this area and give my recommendation based on your wedding day but ultimately I leave the decision to you.
In Zach and Genna's case, it was a value to them to not see each other before the aisle. Having a venue like The Hawthorne House, where there is lots of room to spread out, made Zach and Genna's request to not see each other easy to maneuver. We were easily able to capture the majority of wedding party portraits and individual portraits before the ceremony, leaving only family portraits, full wedding party portraits, and couples portraits to capture during cocktail hour. To calm some of those pre-ceremony nerves, Zach and Genna did opt for a sweet "No Look First Look" or a "First Touch" before their ceremony. Alternative first looks are always a great solution if you want to respect your decision of not having a first look but still want a special and private moment leading into your ceremony. Alternate first looks such as the "First Touch" are gaining in popularity and I have lots of ideas on additional alternate first looks to chat with you about. CONNECT HERE to discuss the potential of your wedding day with Jill Caren Photo!
Vendors Who Made Zach and Genna's Wedding Day Possible:
Photography - Jill Caren Photo as Lead Photographer, Elizabeth West Photo as Second Shooter
Videography - Foundation Film Co.
Venue - The Hawthorne House
Coordination - Trinity Events
Florals - Final Touch Studio
Bridal Gown - True Society
Suits - Generation Tux
Hair and Makeup - Alex Guthrie, Jessica Alcorn, Dani Jo Bellamy Blush and Glow KC
Rings - Shane Company
Catering - Scrape the Plate
Cake - HyVee Bakery
Entertainment - Lost Wax Band
Jill Caren Photo specializes in wedding, elopement, engagement, and couples photography, is based out of Kansas City, Missouri, and is available for travel worldwide. Jill Caren Photo offers a full complimentary engagement session and full-day wedding coverage so couples are not forced to choose what they want to be documented on a wedding day. Jill Caren Photo also offers engagement and couples sessions for anyone booking outside a wedding package.
Jill Caren Photo's wedding photography services were grown out of her heart to connect and speak life into young couples as they embark on their marriage journey while offering them a photography experience that documents all the moments of their wedding day. Jill Caren Photo is wedding and portrait photography for intentional couples wanting authentic memories of their best days.
If you would like to see if Jill Caren Stuefer with Jill Caren Photo is available to photograph your wedding, elopement, couples, or engagement session, or if you would like to receive detailed information about her services you can contact Jill here.