Manhattan Kansas Wedding: Amy and Brian October 12, 2009

I love fall. And I love weddings. So you better believe I love fall weddings. :) Amy and Brian got married this past weekend in Manhattan, Kansas, and it was a great fall day — right before the weather turned so cold! They got married in the evening at Seven Dolors Catholic Church with a reception at the Manhattan Country Club.

We started off with Amy getting ready at the church — the details in her dress were amazing.

Amy and Brian chose to see each other before the wedding for the photos, and we had their first meeting outside on the church steps, which was surrounded by beautiful trees with changing leaves. These are from their first few moments together:

I loved the golden tree, so we did a few of Amy’s bridal portraits in front of it, too. The backlit sun was just lovely… and so was the bride!

The wedding party went outside for fun and relaxed portraits, too. This is on the side of the church:

We walked to downtown Manhattan (just a few blocks) for more photos with Amy and Brian. I could’ve spent all day taking portraits… but they had to get married. ;)

I love the next two that Jeff took:

Brian’s family owns Danenberg Jewelers in downtown Manhattan, and that’s where he proposed to Amy. Of course, we had to get some photos in front of the store on their big day!

These next three detail shots are by Jeff — ring shots (of course — the groom is a jeweler!) and the gorgeous church:

Jeff also grabbed this one right before Amy walked down the aisle:

The ceremony was in the evening, since the wedding was on a Friday, and it was really romantic — lit by candles, with the focus on the altar of the church. 

Jeff’s ceremony shots:

And their grand exit (the first is mine, the second is Jeff’s):

I like this shot of the car window as they were pulling away — the people in the reflection are Brian’s sisters and grandparents. :)

When we arrived at the Manhattan Country Club, which sits up on a tall hill, Amy and Brian gave me a few more minutes for portraits!

The reception was very elegant, and had a really laid back and classy feel. Here are a few of the details:

I love to watch the bride and groom during events like slideshows of their love story — the reactions are always great. Here’s one of Amy:

Instead of a bouquet and garter toss, Amy and Brian chose to dedicate it to their grandparents, who have been an example of lasting love and marriage for both of them. It was really special. Afterwards, they had a special dance for them — here are Brian’s grandparents dancing:

The flower girl was Amy’s niece and she was so adorable, especially gliding around the dance floor like a princess. :)

Amy and her dad during the father-daughter dance:

And I’ll leave you with a shot from Amy and Brian’s first dance:

Congratulations, you two! I hope you’re enjoying your honeymoon in Hawaii! :) Best wishes for a joy-filled marriage.

Friends and family, click here to sign the guestbook for the online photo gallery. You’ll receive an e-mail when the photos are all ready to be viewed online!

Manhattan Kansas Wedding: Kathy and Jeff August 12, 2009

Kathy and Jeff were two people whose paths probably would never have crossed… if it weren’t for their love of animals. Kathy and Jeff met during veterinary school at K-State — she’s from the east, he’s from the midwest — and they fell in love over walks with their dogs. At least, that’s what Jeff told me. :) In fact, he said it was the dogs that helped in their proposal. See, on one of their first dates, Jeff and Kathy decided to go for a walk in Anneberg Park with their dogs. When it came time to propose, Jeff wanted to get Kathy back to the park on a freezing cold day — she agreed (because of the dogs, of course) — and Jeff had to hurry and propose before Kathy ran back to the car. He didn’t even have time to drop to one knee. Still, Kathy said yes (of course!) and the rest is history… well, actually, the rest is just beginning! :)

Kathy and Jeff got married this past weekend in Manhattan, Kansas, where their love story began. Their family and friends from all over the country flew or drove in for the big event!

Their first moments all dressed up on their wedding day!

A few portraits outside the church (St. Isidore’s):

Jeff went along with me to this wedding, and he captured this fun shot:

And this one. I like how peaceful it looks.

While I got this one — I love how Jeff’s reaching out to help his bride, how vibrant her Kansas-themed bouquet is, and the general happy feel of this day. :)

The rings (love the greens!):

Before the ceremony, I caught Kathy peeking out from her “hiding” place. :)

Jeff’s shot of the stained glass:

Kathy’s dad walked her down the aisle. I love how joyful her expression is!

Jeff had this view from the balcony:

I just love ceremonies. I could shoot ceremony shots all day. I know that might sound funny, but they’re seriously my favorite part. I love watching intently for the little moments the bride and groom share even with everyone staring at them… :)

After the ceremony, the wedding party headed to Anneberg Park for photos in the special spot for Kathy and Jeff. Here’s the whole wedding party:

Here’s the lake that Jeff proposed next to:

The ducks lined up perfectly for this shot… :) Have I mentioned how much I love cathedral veils? They are so romantic.

More photos of the happy couple. These were all taken on one of the walking trails, next to a row of trees. The sun was at the perfect spot for some great light.

I love how the light catches in her veil… and how the happy smiles catch on their faces. :)

Their reception was at the K-State Alumni Center, which is an absolutely gorgeous venue. This next photo was taken during Kathy and Jeff’s grand entrance into the reception. I love this because it wasn’t posed, it’s not a portrait… but everything is so perfect that it could have been carefully orchestrated. I think that’s what makes wedding photography so awesome — capturing the perfect little moments in a day that couldn’t be any better if someone had carefully planned it out. I love my job.

Everything about their wedding tied in a sunflower and Kansas theme — even using native Kansas flowers and grasses in the bouquets and centerpieces. It was really elegant and paid tribute to the great state where they met. :) 

And, instead of cake, Kathy and Jeff opted for pie. They cut into a delicious-looking apple pie, and they also offered a variety of pies for their guests. I hadn’t seen that before, and we all know how much I love personal touches. :)

And, I’ll leave you with a few shots from their first dance. Such sweet moments.

Kathy and Jeff, congratulations on your marriage. If you lived in Kansas City, I’d most definitely bring my dog to you for great care. :) Wishing you (and your pets!) the happiest life.

Friends and family can click here to view all of the images from the big day (or sign up and you’ll be notified when they are all ready!).