When Lauren from Pretty & Planned asked me to be a part of the styled photoshoot & February Shining Stars Catering Tasting Event at Mission Theater, I was both flattered & a little hesitant.  I had been weary of doing another styled shoot, not because I don’t enjoy them (they are SO great for vendor relationships and we always get beautiful photos), we hardly ever get to work with a REAL couple.  Realness is what I’m about.  Yes, professional models are stunning and know how to pose, but it isn’t my core business, which almost always leaves me longing after a shoot like this.  I gave Lauren, I guess we’ll say, a nicely worded ultimatum.  I wanted a REAL couple.  Two people who may or may not be models, but who would be real with me.  They’d be up for snuggling, laughing together, smooching on each other, and generally be themselves, whether or not they knew beforehand how to “model.”

Little did I know she’d actually come through with an absolutely WONDERFUL couple, Kelsey & Larry.   These two have been married for a few years, but sadly expressed they didn’t receive many memorable photos from their own wedding day.   It was the perfect time for a reshoot, and I really hope we lived up to their expectations!  Kelsey looked absolutely stunning in the wedding gown provided by Altar Bridal (a favorite here in KC!), and I’m fairly certain it was made for her.  It was the perfect subtle, yet extremely classy and high end gown, especially for the venue and for a winter wedding.

 

The theme for the evening was Emerald Elegance.  In her first email to me, Lauren expressed a change she’s seeing in the industry to beautiful, bold tones in decor, so she, along with Jane from Mille Flores created a beautiful gold and emerald design with simple and elegant white flowers.  The design was perfect for the classic venue, especially after dark when the room was illuminated with their beautiful chandeliers and candle light.

 

After our (very cold!) afternoon photoshoot, Shining Stars Catering hosted their monthly tasting event at Mission Theater.  This was the first event I had attended, and so I stayed to enjoy their DELICIOUS food and signature drink (a mojito….it was incredible).  It was hard to pry myself away from my plate to take photos of their yummy buffet, but I managed.

Thank you to Lauren and Shining Stars for inviting me to be a part of this photoshoot and event!  And a huge shoutout to the vendors who made it happen!

Venue – Mission Theater

Coordination – Pretty + Planned Events

Florist – Mille Flores

Baker – Petals & Pastries

Entertainment – Platinum KC

Catering – Shining Stars

Hair & Makeup – Mink Artistry

Menswear – Selection Garment Co

Wedding Gown & Jewelry – Altar Bridal

Stationary – Writefully Yours 

Rentals – Ultrapom

Lighting, Drapery & Decor  – Innovative Lighting & Design