2019
Blooms of Love Romantic bouquets & vintage details fit for your Kansas celebration kansasweddingsmagazine.com
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By the time you open this magazine, I’ll have just said “I do” to my best friend, soul mate and partner in life. It was unintentional that we picked our wedding date to fall just when the 2019 issue of Kansas Weddings Magazine was scheduled to be released, but there is something magical about the winter and we couldn’t help ourselves. Love is in the air. Besides the glow of the holidays, this time of year is considered “engagement season” by professionals across the country—in fact, I got engaged just after Thanksgiving 2017, in the throes of so-called engagement season, so I think the professionals are onto something. After a 13-month engagement, I can’t tell you how happy I am to finally see my wedding day. The long engagement gave me plenty of time to pick my favorite wedding vendors and finalize every detail with minimal stress. It was worth it to savor this special time with my fiancé. You’re only engaged for a short amount of time, after all. We got to embrace that feeling. As you embark on your own wedding-planning journey, take time to enjoy your future spouse. Involve each other in the details. Make the most of these planning moments. If you bring joy to the process, you will treasure lovely memories from your engagement and set yourself up for joy on your wedding day. My hope for you is that this issue brings inspiration and enthusiasm for your pending nuptials. Circle and earmark pages that speak to your upcoming wedding. This is your magazine—a real-life Pinterest board to help you find the perfect Kansas vendors and the perfect style to represent you and your partner’s love.
From this bride, congratulations and happy reading!
Kelly Gibson
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w h o’s w h o . We are a traveling event company with over 30 years of experience. At Wilkens Events our passion and enthusiasm keeps us constantly thinking of and creating new and innovative designs. It is our privilege to play a role in some of the most important moments in our clients’ lives. Call us today for all your event needs! •Event Rentals •Florals •Cakes •Catering •Ceiling Installations •Draping •Full Coordination Services
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What memory sticks with you from your wedding day?
201 N. Kansas Ave. Liberal, KS 67901 www.wilkensevents.biz | Facebook: @wilkensevents (620) 417-0040 | info@wilkensevents.biz
Editor
Nelson’s Family Farm & Venue Whether your perfect day is rustic, classic, elegant, vintage, modern, or anything in-between, we have everything you need!
17705 Shannon Creek Rd. Olsburg, KS 66520 785-458-9134 nelsonsfamilyfarm.com
Kelly Gibson
“My dad wrote a song for my husband and me, and played it during the ceremony. It was the most touching gift I could have ever received, and I will always remember how I felt as he sang it for us that day.”
Art Director Shelly Bryant “After the ceremony, I had an Account Nicolette Sessin overwhelming feeling of Esecutives Ariele Erwin peace. All the planning, the Ad Designer Alex Tatro rearranging, the stress was over. It was all worth it to look over at my new husband and Director see the same Sunflower Bob Cucciniello “Thinking it was peace in his so hot on our Publishing face. Corny, wedding day, and but true.” I was stuck in a tux. Then seeing my beautiful bride Production Manager Jenni Leiste and first thinking, Sunflower Publishing ‘That dress must be unbearable in this heat.’ Then realizing by the end Publisher of the ceremony Ogden Bill Uhler that I had forgotten about Publications the heat as soon as I lifted her veil and saw her smile.”
Kansas Weddings Magazine is a publication of Sunflower Publishing, a division of Ogden Publications, Inc. kansasweddingsmagazine.com | (785) 832-7264
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contributors.
Sydney Cochran
Linda Ditch
Addison Doxey
April Harmon
Cecilia Harris
“Even if something doesn’t quite go as planned (and there will be something), it takes some of the pressure off to know that you’ll be married at the end of the day, and that’s the important part!”
“Relax! Everything will work out. Just be yourselves and create a wedding you’ll enjoy as much as your guests. It doesn’t have to be fancy. It just has to fit who you are as a couple!”
“My favorite memory from my wedding day has to be our special ceremony. It was just with my closest friends and family, and it was so intimate and full of love. The ceremony is truly the most important part of the day, and everything else that follows is just icing on the cake.”
“My favorite memory of my wedding day would be seeing my husband get a little teary eyed when I came down the aisle.”
“Before my Dad and I walked down the aisle, I paused and took a moment to ‘take in’ the little, smalltown church in which I grew up, all our family and friends in the pews, and the love of my life standing at the altar, smiling at me with so much love and pure joy on his face.”
Ashley Ice
Romae Isom “Remember to think of each other and yourselves! Don’t get so caught up with accommodating your guests that you forget it is your day!”
BriJoRae’ Pusch-Zuniga
Megan Saunders
“Every now and then take a moment to step back and look at what is going on around you. You will really enjoy taking those silent moments for yourself.”
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“When I think of my wedding day, my favorite moment was the moment I entered the ceremony. Not many people know, but my husband and I were married before our public ceremony. We surprised our parents with an intimate elopement. But at the public ceremony, I saw everyone’s happy tears. I’ll never forget it.”
“I love looking back at my wedding photos and remembering how much fun we had on the dance floor. Everyone really let loose, and I got to celebrate with my favorite people in the world from all corners of my life.“
785.539.6227 | 302 Poyntz Ave, Downtown Manhattan, KS 66502 stevesfloral.net
SEEKING A BEAUTIFUL FLINT HILLS LOCATION FOR YOUR WEDDING? Lazy T Ranch has several vistas, native prairie meadows and event venues for your day!
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Textures and tradition: Floral trends in bloom
Wedding stationery made to wow
A unique reception food trends we love
Caring for your dress after the wedding
Old, new, borrowed and tapas: putting guests first
Flowers
Invites
08 kansas weddings
On the Cover 2019
Blooms of Love Romantic bouquets & vintage details fit for your Kansas celebration kansasweddingsmagazine.com
A bouquet of extra large spider mums, salmon garden roses and assorted greenery for luscious texture, tied with ribbon and decorated with an antique brooch, arranged by Wilkens Events in Liberal. Photo by April Harmon
Food
Attire
Details
PHOTOGRAPHS April Harmon, Ashley Ice, Shutterstock (3), Whitney Cathleen Photography, Ashley Ice, Shutterstock, J.Morris, BriJoRae’ Productions, April Harmon, Sara Rieth
f e a t u r e s
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Real Weddings Looking for a little inspiration? In this photo gallery, we share real Kansas weddings and real Kansas love
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Industrial + Pastel: A modern Kansas City look A clean, industrial wedding style without sacrificing the romance of a softer color palette and lots of floral
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Wedding Self-Care Why you don’t need to lose weight to feel great at your wedding (and what to do instead)
Rules from the Mother of the Groom How one Kansas groom’s mother navigated wedding planning tradition (without overstepping) and deepened her bond with her son’s partner
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Destination Kansas Destination weddings and elopements are a popular option for couples. But don’t overlook Kansas for your intimate ceremony
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Rustic Glamour Luxe looks (perfectly paired with studded stilettos or cowboy boots) for an amazing country wedding
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2019 Kansas Weddings Love Stories A collection of wedding day announcements, both beautiful and unique—just like the two people who fell in love.
Lamborn Farms Weddings and receptions in our renovated barn
(913) 727-5666 lambornfarm.com 25761 151st St. Leavenworth, KS 66048 Like us on Facebook - Lamborn Farm LLC
Leibfarth Photography Capturing Love & Laughter www.leibfarthphotography.com
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Food
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Everyone is an expert on weddings, right? Your family, your friends, your social media pals—they all know ‌ right? Of course not. Your wedding day is your day, based on your tastes and values. We hope these pages inspire your imagination and fuel your individual style with ideas both classic and contemporary.
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PHOTOGRAPH Ashley Ice
kansas weddings
PHOTOGRAPHS April Harmon
f l o w e r s
Big blooms mixed with romantic smaller flowers and lovely textured greenery make romantic arrangements that will wow.
f l o w e r s
T E X T U R E S
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Floral trends in bloom Story by Megan Saunders
FROM APRIL THROUGH OCTOBER, FLORISTS HAVE VERY LITTLE TIME TO STOP AND SMELL THE FLOWERS. This is wedding season in Kansas, and floral professionals across the state are in high gear to serve blushing brides and their intendeds. Things tend to move a little slower in the Midwest, and Bronwyn Douglas, coowner of Kistner’s Flowers in Manhattan, says the same is true for floral trends. “We’re usually a couple years behind coastal trends, but Instagram and Pinterest are beginning to change that,” Douglas says. “Still, we’re seeing a lot of color from the coasts, which is exciting. Think rainbow colors in bouquets and less matchy-match— there’s a lot of fun to be had.” While vibrant color makes its way to Kansas, Douglas says other trends are plentiful. The biggest requested color combination has been merlot and blush—a burgundy tone paired with a peach or light pink hue. While bridal bouquet shapes have traditionally been tight and round, Douglas says she’s
seeing more loose organic cascades with asymmetry. “As an artist, that’s a lot more fun,” she says. “We’re seeing abundant greenery with more interesting textures, including pods, immature raspberries, and other nonfloral elements. Winter brides have even been interested in pinecones, tinting and flipping them so they look like rosettes.” Other florists are seeing similar trends. Kirsten Bosnak, farmer and florist at Blue Morning Glory in Lawrence, says her clients frequently ask to include herbs in their florals, including lavender blooms and foliage, sage, thyme, and mint. “I think the fragrance of herbs is calming on a big day,” she says. “The majority of my clients want to express something about who they are and where they come from. Some want local materials—driftwood, stones and tall grasses—along with floral elements. For many, this expression is definitely spiritual.” Bosnak has been particularly happy to see an increased interest in sustainability and local flowers,
sometimes referred to as the field-to-vase movement. As with the local-food movement, freshness, vitality and natural beauty are high priorities. “This region is uniquely beautiful and not simply defined by sunflowers,” she says. “It’s rolling hills, big sky, hundreds of wildflower varieties and converging cultures. We’re seeing more weddings taking place outdoors, whether … at an event venue or a family farm.” Douglas agrees she’s seeing a return to tradition and formality. From formal glassware to candlelight, she says the “country chic” trend of the last decade is fading, along with its mason jars and wooden décor. “There’s still a bit of flavor, it’s just more timeless,” Douglas says. “Being too trendy puts you in a box. Couples want an exceptional event without crossing the line into ‘weird.’ When clients trust that I really hear what they’re saying but still allow me to play with color, texture and design, I can take a flavor and make it their own. Be open to the possibilities.”
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Made to Wow Story by Addison Doxey
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WITH SO MANY HOURS SPENT PLANNING, STORYBOARDING, AND VISUALIZING YOUR WEDDING DAY, the last thing you want to worry about is what you might have overlooked or missed. Wedding stationery and signage are two often overlooked items that can help set the tone for your big day. They help communicate vital information to your guests, from where to go and what to wear. We have compiled a list of the best tips and tricks for wedding stationery and signage to help streamline your wedding day and make an impression on your guests. First impressions matter. Your invitations set the tone of your wedding and are a beautiful way to make a first impression. Remember:
wedding announcements later become treasured family keepsakes, so make sure your invitations reflect your style and are something you will cherish for years to come.
wedding unique and make your guests feel special.”
Book ahead of time. Detail work takes time, especially if you want unique and personal stationery. Make sure to contact your calligrapher months in advance so there’s plenty of time to work together on the perfect stationery details.
Sentimentality goes a long way to help your guests feel special. “Remember that stationery provides an opportunity to make people feel loved and known,” says Annie Merrill of Crossroad Calligraphy in Kansas City. “There is nothing that makes someone feel more special than opening a beautiful, hand-lettered invitation or picking up a thoughtful keepsake place card.”
Think outside of the box. “Rather than just using paper for your wedding day signage, I’ve seen anything from agate slices, fabric, metal and glass,” says Morgan Riley from Morgan Riley Designs, located in Overland Park. “Surfaces like these can definitely make your
Keep up with the current trends. Consider some trending calligraphy and signage design styles sure to be all over Pinterest in 2019: blind letterpress, minimalism, moody botanicals, unconventional materials, signature backdrops, and vintage details.
PHOTOGRAPHS Ashley Ice
i n v i t e s
An invitation should be inviting. Set the tone of your wedding for your guests by selecting stationary that showcases the tone of your day.
PHOTOGRAPH Shutterstock
f o o d
Donuts are having a moment. Think beyond classic wedding cake and give your guests desserts you and your partner love.
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Food Trends We Love Story by Linda Ditch
ONE WAY TO MAKE YOUR WEDDING RECEPTION MEMORABLE IS RETHINKING AN IMPORTANT DETAIL: THE FOOD. Gone are the days of plated Cornish game hens or prime rib carving stations. Couples today are serving the food they love to guests, even if it seems a little out of the ordinary. Here are unique foods to consider for a reception: Chicken and Waffles This soul-food staple has made its way to wedding menus. The dish consists of a waffle served with fried chicken, with butter and syrup on the side. “We’ve done three or four weddings serving this in the past year, where in the previous 40 years it’s been none,” says Clinton Malcolm of Aboud’sEngroff Catering in Topeka. Donuts Yep, this breakfast favorite is big
at wedding receptions. And why not? Who doesn’t love a donut? Talk with your favorite donut shop (such as The Donut Whole in Wichita, Baker’s Dozen in Topeka, or Varsity Donuts in Manhattan) well ahead of time to place your order. On the big day, send your caterer or a friend out to pick up the donuts (the shop may even deliver the order if you ask). Food Trucks What could be easier than having your favorite food truck provide the food for your reception or rehearsal dinner? Most are happy to put a private event on their schedule. Some catering companies even have their own food truck, such as the highly rated Ambrosia Catering of KC in Overland Park. They will even create a menu especially for your event. Pizza Ask people to name their favorite food and pizza is
usually near the top of the list. That may explain why pizza buffets are becoming so popular at weddings. Coordinate with your favorite pizza shop (Spin! Neapolitan Pizza in the Kansas CityLawrence area has done a few of these) to select the styles and flavors you want. It’s nice to have little signs printed to tell guests the different varieties, noting which ones are the bride and groom’s favorites. Popcorn Bowls full of popcorn are perfect for your reception’s cocktail hour. Topsy’s and Cashmere Popcorn both offer a large variety of flavors you can order at their shops or online. Pour each type into a beautiful bowl and place them all on a table for an impressive display. Then provide paper cones for guests to fill with their favorites.
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a t t i r e C A R I NG
FOR
YOU R
DR E S S
After the Wedding
Story by Addison Doxey
ONCE ENGAGED, MANY BRIDES-TO-BE BEGIN THEIR WEDDING PLANNING BY SHOPPING FOR THE PERFECT GOWN. With many beautiful choices available, finding the dress that expresses your unique style and personality can be time-consuming. Once you’ve found the ideal gown, had it altered, and worn it with pride on your wedding day … what then? It’s important to think about what to do with the dress after the wedding is over. Whether you hope to keep your dress for posterity, preserve it as an heirloom, or donate it to a worthy cause, here are some suggestions for after-event dress care.
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PRESERVATION Wedding dresses can become discolored over time without proper care. If you want to avoid aging the dress, be sure to do the following: Get it cleaned. With 48 hours of your wedding, take your dress to the dry cleaners or have it professionally cleaned. Every type of fabric needs different handling and care. Your dry cleaner will know exactly what type of care the fabric on your dress needs, but here is a brief overview.
• Satin Dry clean or hand-wash with mild detergent in cold water, then air dry. • Charmeuse Dry clean or hand-wash in cold water using a silk wash product, then air dry. • Chiffon Dry clean. • Organza Dry clean. • Tulle Hand-wash in warm water using only a gentle soap. Air dry out of direct sunlight. Do not wring dry. • Lace Hand-wash in cold water using a high-quality gentle soap. Massage evenly in soapy water, then leave to soak for thirty minutes. Rinse and lay flat to dry.
Store it. After you have properly cleaned your dress, it is time to put it away for safekeeping. If you do not want to purchase a care kit, here are four factors that you should consider when storing your dress: • Temperature storing your dress in a cool and mildew-free space is essential for proper care. The best way to maintain a pristine look and feel is to keep your dress in a climate-controlled area. • Longevity In order to preserve your dress for a long time, refrain from using colored tissue paper or tissue paper that contains acid. Do not store your dress in a place where there could be leaks, insects, mildew, or other clothing that could brush against it.
• Lighting Light is one of the leading factors of yellowing. Keep your dress in an area that is dimly light or completely dark. • Humidity Beware mold! If your home is not properly airconditioned, consider using a dehumidifier when storing your dress in a dark area.
DONATION What better way to give back after your special day than to donate your dress to an organization helping brides who may not be able to afford one? There are many different agencies that accept wedding dress donations in Kansas and around the United States, including Wish Upon a Wedding, Brides Across America, and Blessed Dress KC. In 2013, NICU Helping Hands started the Angel Gown program, which accepts donated wedding dresses that are then converted into precious gowns for babies who were lost to their families. With the help of a loving and generous bride and a seamstress, families who have lost an infant receive a beautiful custom gown to wrap their baby in during their final moments, whether for final photos or burial. NICU Helping Hands is privileged to offer these gowns free of charge to grieving families around the United States.
PHOTOGRAPHS Shutterstock
a t t i r e
Caring for your wedding dress after the big day is an important decision. Here are a few ways to take care of your gown once the wedding is over.
PHOTOGRAPHS Whitney Cathleen Photography
d e t a i l s
Every guest is hand selected by the couple, so include them in a group shot. It’s a great way to document who was there, beyond the traditional guest book.
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Putting Guests First Story by Megan Saunders
FROM FIRST LOOKS TO LATE-NIGHT SNACKS, WEDDING PLANNERS ARE WELL-VERSED IN WHAT TRENDS ARE WALKING DOWN THE AISLE. Local professionals say they’re seeing a shift from rustic charm to an elegant experience—and offer advice along the way. Nellie Sparkman, owner of Nellie Sparkman Events in Overland Park, is the primary planner for her full-service wedding-planning and event company. She gravitates toward a timeless, traditional aesthetic and has a penchant for monograms. “If I could do a country club wedding in Augusta, Georgia, every weekend, that would be a dream,” she says. “That Southern feel is starting to make its way through the Midwest.” Sparkman says she wants her brides to look back on their weddings in 30 years and not want to change a thing. Where she saw a plethora of trendy burlap runners and sequin tablecloths, today is more about clean colors and an organic atmosphere. Sparkman says today’s wedding is a little more “glam,” nixing the burlap and lace for old
hutches and cheesecloth. She loves that brides are opting for sleek gowns and hair in elegant, sophisticated updos. However, one wedding trend has caused her to raise an eyebrow. “I see so much dark, moody photography in today’s wedding photos, which baffles me—it’s the happiest day of your life, not a funeral!” she says. “Bright, airy photos are always beautiful and timeless. If you’re a cheerful person but your photos are solemn, it won’t match your personality. Do your research when choosing a photographer.” In lieu of photo booths and guest favors, Sparkman says her clients are getting back to what’s important—food, drink, dancing and cultivating the ultimate guest experience. “Weddings are more interactive and guest-focused— like late-night snacks featuring spin-your-own cotton candy— while still finding ways to incorporate elegance,” she says. Abby Wempe, co-owner of Along Came Abby in Manhattan, says she’s also been seeing a mixture of customization and refinement in her clients’ requests, particularly in the wedding
meal and color themes. “Brides are no longer afraid to pull seven colors for their wedding instead of the traditional two—especially jewel tones—and even the food matches the couple’s personalities,” she says. “There’s a lot more tapas stations that represent their favorite dishes or places they’ve traveled. It gets guests up and part of the entertainment.” The national trend has shifted toward couples being a bit older when they decide to tie the knot, and Wempe says it’s less common to see huge wedding parties or a bouquet or garter toss—after all, many guests may already be married. Wempe encourages this recent shift toward guest experience, reminding clients that, at the end of the day, they are hosting a party for all their friends and family. She recommends thinking about the guest list when choosing music and entertainment. “Ask yourself, will my 21-year-old niece and grandmother enjoy these things equally?” Wempe suggests. “Try and play to everyone—you won’t regret doing that in 20 or 50 years.”
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LAWRENCE, KS 66047 JMAGNUSON@FARMERSAGENT.COM JMAGNUSON@FARMERSAGENT.COM https://agents.farmers.com/jmagnuson https://agents.farmers.com/jmagnuson
Restrictions apply. Discounts may vary. Not available in all states. See your agent for details. Insurance is underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchan farmers.com for a complete listing of companies. Not all insurers are authorized to provide insurance in all states. Coverage is not available in all sta Life Insurance issued by Farmers New World Life Insurance Company, 3003 77th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040.
Restrictions apply. Discounts may vary. Not available in all states. See your agent for details. Insurance is underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange and other affiliated insurance companies. Visit farmers.com for a complete listing of companies. Not all insurers are authorized to provide insurance in all states. Coverage is not available in all states. Life Insurance issued by Farmers New World Life Insurance Company, 3003 77th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040.
Call 785.434.3300 today!
For Home, Auto, Life and Business.
Call 785.434.3300 today! Call 785.434.3300 today! For Home, Auto, Life and Business.
Restrictions apply. Discounts may vary. Not available in all states. See your agent for details. Insurance is underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange and other affiliated insurance companies. Visit farmers.com for a complete listing of companies. Not all insurers are authorized to provide insurance in all states. Coverage is not available in all states. Life Insurance issued by Farmers New World Life Insurance Company, 3003 77th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040.
For Home, Auto, Life and Business.
let us capture your
Love Story.
Restrictions apply. Discounts may vary. Not available in all states. See your agent for details. Insurance is underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange and other affiliated insurance companies. Visit farmers.com for a complete listing of companies. Not all insurers are authorized to provide insurance in all states. Coverage is not available in all states. Life Insurance issued by Farmers New Not World Life Insurance Company, 3003 77thforAve SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040. by Farmers Insurance Exchange and other affiliated insurance companies. Visit Restrictions apply. Discounts may vary. available in all states. See your agent details. Insurance is underwritten farmers.com for a complete listing of companies. Not all insurers are authorized to provide insurance in all states. Coverage is not available in all states. Life Insurance issued by Farmers New World Life Insurance Company, 3003 77th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040.
Nicolette Sessin Photography nicolettesessin.com | hello@nicolettesessin.com 785.375.4640
KA N S A S
W E D D I N G S
Features
Consider this section your wedding day look book. Take a break from the checklist for just a moment and take some advice from couples who have been there. Flip through the pages and find real weddings that went off without a hitch (like yours will!). Read how parents can help support their children during the wedding planning process; check out a stunning Kansas elopement; and finally, get inspired by some romantic looks, perfect for a rustic wedding.
PHOTOGRAPH April Harmon
25 Real Weddings 40 Industrial + Pastel 50 Wedding Self-Care from 55 Rules the Mother of the Groom
60 Destination Kansas 66 Rustic Glamour Kansas 74 2019 Weddings Love Stories
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Vinewood is perfect for your wedding, in a country setting
l w e dd Persona
ing assistance, ceremony packag
es, a brid al
lounge and h is
toric design that is one
d of-a-kin
2848 SE 29TH ST. TOPEKA, KS 66605 | 785.260.6772 | www.vinewoodvenue.com
PHOTOGRAPH Whitney Cathleen Photography
W E D D I N G S In this gallery, we share real Kansas weddings and real Kansas love. Weddings showcase the love and personality of each couple. Here are some examples of a few amazing weddings from the Sunflower State and how to capture those looks for your own special day. Find a caterer you like? Flag the page. See a beautiful arrangement of flowers? Flag the page. Let these ideas be your something borrowed.
Nicole & Ryan Timmerman
WEDDING DATE September 15, 2018 WEDDING LOCATION Colby CEREMONY VENUE Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Colby RECEPTION VENUE Cooper Barn DRESS SHOP Bridal Isle, Loomis, NE SUIT/TUX SHOP Garrison’s Tux Rentals PHOTOGRAPHER Whitney Cathleen Photography CATERER John Ross CAKE/DESSERT Daylight Donut WEDDING COORDINATION Planned by Kate PROGRAMS Etsy, Heaven & Fifth Studio
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FLORAL Everything’s a Bloomin’ DECORATOR Kristy Moser MUSICIAN/DJ Chad Jones, MC Entertainment
Kala & Luke Knight
WEDDING DATE December 16, 2017 WEDDING LOCATION Little River CEREMONY VENUE Little River Congregational Church RECEPTION VENUE Celebration Centre and Bar K Bar Arena DRESS SHOP The White Dress Bridal, Wichita SUIT/TUX SHOP Long’s of Hutchinson CATERER Kathie Girst with The Bakery House and Catering Co., Hutchinson PHOTOGRAPHER Emily Brensing Photography CATERER Patti Kreis of Lyons, Kansas CAKE/DESSERT Sugar Creations
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MUSICIAN/DJ Darren Goertz, Hutchinson FLORAL Absolutely Flowers – Hutchinson INVITATIONS/ PROGRAMS Jacy Lubbers, Graphic Designer
Sally & Ben Winterman
WEDDING DATE April 14, 2018 WEDDING LOCATION Wichita CEREMONY AND RECEPTION VENUE The Botanica Gardens MUSICIANS FOR THE SERVICE Scott Hayes, All World Entertainment DRESS SHOP Dress Gallery, Wichita SUIT/TUX SHOP Joseph A Bank PHOTOGRAPHER Meghan Wiesman Photography, Los Angeles CATERER Blue Moon Catering CAKE/DESSERT WOW Cakes INVITATIONS AND PROGRAMS Maxine’s, Wichita FLORAL Flower Factory
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WEDDING COORDINATION Ink & Rose Events, Los Angeles VIDEOGRAPHER Rainy Day Productions, Kansas City RENTALS Event Elements
Anna Engelman & Timothy Schlosser
WEDDING DATE March 3, 2018 WEDDING LOCATION Pittsburg CEREMONY AND RECEPTION VENUE The Barn at Timber Cove DRESS SHOP David’s Bridal SUIT/TUX SHOP Men’s Wearhouse COORDINATOR Jordan Muter, The Barn at Timber Cove FLORAL Little Shop of Flowers, Pittsburg PHOTOGRAPHER Expressions Exposed Photography, Pittsburg CATERER Dalton’s Back 9, Pittsburg CAKE/DESSERT Wendi Piccini, Pittsburg
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WHAT WAS YOUR SOMETHING OLD? My rings, custom made from four generations of engagement/wedding rings in the groom’s family. Rings from his mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother were all made into one.
Danielle & Travis Helberg
WEDDING DATE August 8, 2018 CEREMONY VENUE St. Augustine Catholic Church, Fidelity RECEPTION VENUE The Main Event, Sabetha Kansas DRESS SHOP Dress Gallery, Wichita SUIT/TUX SHOP Generation Tux PHOTOGRAPHER Capture Photography by Kayla Hulsing CATERING Ricky’s Café, Hanover CAKE/DESSERT Pip’s Bake Shoppe, Manhattan VIDEOGRAPHERS Tim Sanders and Catherine Strehlow
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MUSICIAN/DJ Complete Weddings + Events, Manhattan TRANSPORTATION Good Times Limousine Services, Hiawatha RENTALS The Iron Gate, Sabetha; True Value, Seneca
Megan & Tyler Williams
WEDDING DATE August 11, 2018 WEDDING LOCATION Augusta CEREMONY VENUE The Point Event Center DRESS SHOP Dress Gallery, Wichita SUIT/TUX SHOP Dress Gallery, Wichita JEWELRY Samuels Jewelers SHOES Badgley Mischka MUSICIAN/DJ Complete Weddings + Events PHOTOGRAPHER Sara Rieth Photography CATERER Pig In Pig Out BBQ CAKE/DESSERT Dairy Queen and Sam’s Club FLORAL Dillons (Kroger)
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INVITATIONS/ PROGRAMS/ CALLIGRAPHY Maxine’s, Wichita TRANSPORTATION Triple B’s Transportation
Gisselle & Ryan Feldkamp
WEDDING DATE July 21, 2018 WEDDING LOCATION Manhattan CEREMONY VENUE St. Isidore’s RECEPTION VENUE Liquid Art Winery MUSICIANS FOR THE SERVICE Arcata Strings Cello Trio, Topeka SUIT/TUX SHOP Borck’s Brothers PHOTOGRAPHER Josh Junghans - Junghans Images CATERER The Friendship House CAKE/DESSERT The Rose Petal INVITATIONS/ PROGRAMS Along Came Abby MUSICIAN/DJ Twice on Sunday (Jukeboxx Media)
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FLORAL Kistner’s Flowers, Manhattan WEDDING PLANNING/ COORDINATION Abby Wempe - Along Came Abby
I N D U S T
R I A L A
m o d e r n
Pastel
K a n s a s
C i t y
l o o k
A clean, industrial wedding style without sacrificing the romance of a softer color palette and lots of floral
Photography by Ashley Ice
Ideas to get those perfect shots, according to Ashley Ice with Ashley Ice Photography. • Don’t be afraid of bold colors • Get creative! Backdrops allow for fun, out-of-thebox ideas. • Mix and match styles: modern and vintage touches can mix really well together!
get the style HOW TO
Selecting décor, location and details to mix and match different styles, according to Alisha Richardson with ThirtyOne: Thirty Events.
the
• Think outside the box! If it fits one style or the other, go for it! And be sure it speaks to who you are as a couple. After all, a wedding is supposed to be a reflection of who you are. • Find inspiration everywhere you go. Pay attention to the lines of buildings in the cities, the concrete sidewalks and the iron railings. Inspiration comes in many forms. • Think minimal. When planning an industrial/modern-style event, less is more! Lofts are open, not cluttered. Give room for light and shadow.
v e nue
th e
g o w n
THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX. IF IT FITS ONE STYLE OR ANOTHER, GO FOR IT! 43 kansas weddings
Picking a modern gown, according to Andy Schank of Belle Vogue Bridal in Lenexa. • When selecting your gown, think about the space and the “vision” you have for your wedding. Pull in elements that reflect your style or work well with the space. • Be open to trying on different styles or shapes at your appointment—you may surprise yourself ! • Select something that you feel comfortable in.
the scenes BEHIND
In their own words, vendors describe what inspired them to create a stunning wedding featuring minimalist modern elements paired with soft, romantic details to create a vibrant garden feeling. the
“I really wanted to show the versatility the Havana Room has for all kinds of styles,” says Ashley Ice, photographer. “We blend classic, industrial and whimsical elements throughout the space, and that makes it a unique venue for all kinds of weddings!”
s p a c e
–Ashley Ice photographer
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“I love the city! But I’m a sucker for flowers too. Being able to marry those two things together to show people it can be done anywhere was truly exciting and inspiring. So many want loft-style or industrial details in their event, but don’t want to sacrifice a softness to their day as well. We really wanted to show you absolutely could have the best of both worlds!”
–Alisha Richardson ThirtyOne: Thirty Events “We loved combining the traditional details and making them modern and fresh. A simple color palette that focuses on the details makes a big statement.”
–Andy Schank Belle Vogue Bridal
th e
d e tails
Make it special at Manhattan Country Club Manhattan Country Club is a premiere location for wedding receptions and rehearsal dinners. Featuring in-house event coordinator, decor, professional service staff, dining options, bar and plenty of space for you and your guests. The Perfect Location for your Perfect Day.
Manhattan Country Club | 785.539.7501 | christina@themanhattancountryclub.com
Breathe during the planning. Soak in the experiences of planning a wedding and all it has to offer. Breathe the day of. Take a few moments alone ... with your new spouse, and just look around at all the people gathered to celebrate you guys, your love, and your new beginning. After all, being together forever is what the day is truly about! –Alisha Richardson, ThirtyOne: Thirty Events
we love
MODERN TRENDS
THE MIXTURE OF WOOD AND METAL., I ADORE IT. IT’S EVEN IN MY OFFICE, KIND OF EVERYWHERE. –Alisha Richardson, ThirtyOne: Thirty Events
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Venue The Havana Room Hair Brooke Nowicki Makeup Shanelise Cake Petals and Pastries Event Planner ThirtyOne: Thirty Events Videography Haile Productions Photography Ashley Ice Photography Rentals & Décor Lily Dawson Designs, Glam + Co. Attire Belle Vogue Bridal, Bridal Extraordinaire Stationery Crossroads Calligraphy Florist Inspiration In Bloom Scooter Scooter World LLC Models Cilicia Clarkson, Zach Kellogg, Alyria Ontiveros, Jessica Oyer, Kate Risa, Tori Taylor
WE ARE LOVING CLEAN ARCHITECTURAL LINES AND UNIQUE LACE ELEMENTS. –Andy Schank, Belle Vogue Bridal
Wedding Self-Care Why you don’t need to lose weight to feel good at your wedding (and what to do instead) Story by Sydney Cochran
P
lanning a wedding is one of the most exciting times in life. Stressful, yes, but exciting. On top of setting budgets, assembling a guest list, booking vendors, and the myriad of other details that go along with hosting numerous friends and family members, many people also feel pressure to go on a diet or hit the gym to look a certain way on their wedding day. Do a quick search online and you won’t have any trouble finding pre-wedding fitness and nutrition plans. But have you ever noticed how stressful diets are? Every time you leave the house, you’re bombarded with “off-limits” foods and, when you finally break down and eat your favorite pizza or ice cream, it ends in guilt. Luckily, there’s another way. Rather than torturing yourself for a few months and adding to your stress, you and your partner can build habits that are enjoyable and, therefore, maintainable. Finding balance in things like sleep, stress management, fitness, and nutrition will leave you feeling your best on your wedding day and beyond, without the need for misery and restriction in the process. That’s right, you have permission to not go on a diet or try to change your body for your wedding. You are enough and loved just as you are right now. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to take the best care of yourself, but restrictive diets and intensive exercise aren’t the way to go for long-term, sustainable success. So, if you’re not suffering through hours on the treadmill and eliminating everything that tastes good from your diet, what can you do? First, determine what’s important to you. This goes for the wedding itself, as well as life in general. Because budgets are a thing, a common piece of advice in wedding planning is to choose the three things that are most important to you and your partner and invest the most in those. The same idea applies when it comes to health and well-being. You can’t train for
a triathlon, get 10 hours of sleep per night, prepare every item you eat from scratch using local ingredients, and get a one hour massage every Tuesday, all while working and planning a wedding. No one is perfect, and an all-or-nothing approach will set you up for feelings of guilt and failure. Knowing what’s important to you will help you decide what you want to focus on. Take some time to sit down with your partner and discuss what is most important to each of you. Is it being more active, managing stress, getting better sleep, cooking more? Choose one thing to start with, then discuss how you can best support each other. Here are some ideas to help you get started. STRESS Chronic stress can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms, hormonal imbalances, disrupted sleep and fatigue. Some stress is obviously unavoidable but there are many types of stress that we have more control over. Does social media stress you out? Take a break or revamp your feed to be more positive. Maybe work is stressful, and building in time for exercise, journaling, or just listening to music after work would help you unwind. Whether it’s time to read, go to your favorite coffee shop, or take a walk, protecting time in your schedule just for you is the key to managing stress. SLEEP Inadequate or irregular sleep is a form of stress and, as such, has similar effects on your body. Perhaps it doesn’t seem glamorous or exciting, but sticking to a regular sleep schedule can do wonders for your energy levels and overall ability to function as a human. If you can, try shutting off screens an hour before bed. Go to bed around the same time each night and, even if you have trouble falling asleep right away at first, get up at roughly the same time each morning to help regulate your circadian rhythm.
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HAPPILY EVER AFTER STARTS HERE.
Brooklyn Hall
AT ENRIGHT GARDENS
Serene, Beautiful, Unforgettable
BROOKLYNHALL.COM • 913-927-2217 • 913-927-2218 • EDGERTON, KS
Smokin G’s Catering Great Food & Good Times at the Best Price Around www.smokin-gscatering.com (785) 313-6474 | garycbbq@gmail.com
FITNESS Being active helps you sleep better, increases energy levels, and can improve numerous health conditions. However, the focus is usually on how it changes your body. This often leads people to choosing exercise they don’t particularly enjoy, and, if they don’t see the results they were hoping for, they give up entirely. Excess volume and intensity of exercise, as well as engaging in exercise you hate all contribute to stress and can do more harm than good. It’s okay if you don’t like running or CrossFit or spin classes. All types of movement are beneficial for health and well-being, so think about what you do enjoy and try that. If you’re not sure, experiment. Try kayaking, disc golf, hiking, a boxing class, yoga, tennis, biking, walking, or in-home strength training videos. Once you know what you like, change up your routine so you don’t get bored. Exercise can be a great way to de-stress and spend time with your partner. And, if you find an activity you both enjoy, you could add any equipment you might need to your registry! NUTRITION Going to extremes with nutrition is also more harmful than helpful. Cutting out food groups creates more stress and often results in a diet that is lacking in nutrients or overall calories. It also increases your desire for those “off-limits” foods, which leads to a cycle of bingeing, restricting and guilt. Instead, focus on getting balanced meals and snacks that incorporate carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, and fruits or vegetables. Regularly include foods that make you feel good both mentally and physically. Choosing a few recipes at the beginning of the week can ensure that you’ll have what you need to make meal times less stressful. Plus, sharing a meal is a great way to spend time with your significant other. With all the pressure to look a certain way, it can be challenging to tune out all the noise. But taking a healthy approach to your mental and physical wellbeing can set you up for a lifetime of success and happiness. This is a great opportunity for you and your soon-to-be spouse to support each other in creating a healthy lifestyle you can maintain for years to come.
Sydney Cochran, MS, RD, LD is a dietitian at Rethink Nutrition, LLC in Manhattan, KS. She specializes in helping people get out of the cycle of dieting and improve their relationship with food.
Abe & Jake’s Landing
Ailecia Ruscin/OH SNAP! Photography
Unique Event Space in Downtown Lawrence 8 E. 6th Street Lawrence, KS 66044
•Large Patio Overlooking the Kansas River •Bride and Groom’s Suites •Spacious Non-Commercial Kitchen •Outside Catering Welcome •2 Full Bars and Service •In-House Custom Bar Packages
•In-House Surround Sound System •Screen & Projector •Inventory of Tables and Chairs •Linen Rental •Handicap Accessibility •Convenient Parking
To Book a Tour, Reserve Your Date, or Receive More Information Please Contact
Kiley Nottingham Kiley@AbeJakes.com 785.841.5855 www.AbeJakes.com
Chelsea Jo Photography
Lexie Penichet Photography
Andrew Miller Photography
Andrew Miller Photography
Beautifully Renovated Historical Building Perfect for Your Ceremony & Reception
Serving you in times of celebration, sorrow & day to day life. 785.776.7989 or 800.532.3409 www.kistnersflower.com Hwy. 177 South, Manhattan, KS 66502 8:30am - 5:30pm Mon.-Fri. • 9am - 2pm Sat • Closed Sunday
walk down the aisle
e v e ry t h i n g f o r yo u r
w i t h a wa l k d ow n m a s s ac h u s e t t s s t r e e t
Credit: Ailecia Ruscin of Oh Snap! Photog raphy
Block by block, Massachusetts St reet is the hear t of Lawrence, Kansas. From dresses, rings, food and decor, you will f ind ever ything you need for your big day.
More info on unique wedding vendors and venues at downtownlawrence.com
Rules from the
Mother Groom of the
Story by
Cecilia Harris
Photography by
Jennifer Morris, J.Morris Photography
How one Kansas groom’s mother navigated wedding planning tradition (without overstepping) and deepened her bond with her son’s partner
“W
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ear beige and keep your mouth shut,” was the advice my wellmeaning friend gave me after I announced I would soon be a mother of the groom for the first time. Since I rarely see mothers of the groom dressed in beige, I assumed that part of this old adage didn’t apply anymore. But the “keeping your mouth shut” might be another matter. After all, while wedding planning traditionally falls on the bride and her parents, I still hoped to be involved in some of the preparations after each of my three sons popped the question. Realistically, I knew my sons would likely offer some input, but would leave the majority of the wedding planning to their fiancées. So what would my role be in the weddings I had been dreaming about since each child’s birth? When the time came, I didn’t want to be that future mother-in-law—the overbearing and judgmental one that every bride-to-be dreads. My hope was to remain close to my sons and build on the bond I already had established with my future daughters-in-law. Now that all three weddings are over, I am grateful the relationships with my sons and daughters-in-law endured, if not deepened, throughout all the blessings and woes of wedding preparations. However, that doesn’t mean I didn’t make mistakes with how I handled certain situations; I made several apologies. All in all, what helped me navigate my role as mother of the groom were 10 simple rules:
Rule 1: Accept your son’s fiancée with love. I trusted each of my sons to pick the right person and focused on the many positive aspects each son saw in his chosen mate. Sure, we all have some personality idiosyncrasies to overlook; after all, nobody is perfect. Especially not this mother of the groom! Rule 2: Show respect. I live by the Golden Rule, to “do to others as you would have them do to you.” After expressing elation about the news of their engagement, I quickly offered to help with the wedding plans as much or as little as the bride desired. No advice. No demands. Not even a suggestion. Just an offer of assistance. I told each bride that she and my son should have the wedding they wanted, including who they invited. I recalled how touched I was when a young man I had mentored announced during his small wedding reception that the couple chose to “only invite those people who had a significant positive influence” on their lives. That’s exactly who should be on a wedding guest list. I wanted that for my sons. But when I was told our family could invite only 75 people to our first wedding, I immediately was heartbroken; after all, a quick count of our extended family totaled over 60 people and my son had his own list of friends and co-workers to add. Yep, I did a total about-face. I expressed my dismay. How could I not invite our closest friends who watched him grow up, or the women who
Ten Tips
for keeping the peace with your parents
For couples planning their big day, here are some words of wisdom for politely involving parents in wedding planning. 1. You have been dreaming of this wedding your entire life, and so have your parents. Strive to balance their emotions and requests with your desire to have a wedding that is uniquely yours. 2. Ask your parents about their wedding. What made it special? What made it uniquely theirs? What would they do the same or differently now? 3. Be intentional about including your parents in some of the activities and planning. They will likely enjoy being a part of the process. 4. Discuss your wedding budget and graciously accept whatever financial support they offer. 5. Be upfront about the specific number they can invite and compare guest lists for overlap.
Karina Anderson
&
Alex Harris June 2, 2018 Abilene, Kansas
6. When your parents make a suggestion, thank them and tell them you’ll consider it. To keep good relationships healthy, respond together later with a cordial, “We appreciate your idea, we have discussed it, and this is our decision.” 7. If they have a logical concern, listen and keep an open mind. Ask them for practical solutions and together consider ways to make your dream wedding happen. 8. Family traditions may be important to your parents; if so, brainstorm together new ways those traditions might be incorporated into your special day. 9. Accommodate one special, reasonable request. Your parents will be thrilled at your thoughtfulness. 10. Ask for help with last-minute issues the day of the wedding. Look for ways your parents can be truly helpful and ask! They might be especially adept at handling last-minute issues or navigating a difficult situation.
Vendors
Photographer Jennifer Morris with J. Morris Photography Videographer Casey Wertz Cinematography Venue Great Life Golf Course Caterer Snapper Pub and Grill, Hanover Musician/DJ Zach Langford with Initial Events Floral The Flower Box, Abilene Invitations LuvSent Invitation by Teresa Gjerstad Programs Sarah Wilson and Amelia Noll Photo Booth Mirror of Memories Wedding Coordination Shauni Larson, Hannah Hemberger, Sarah Wilson Makeup Jamie Greening and Laura Mitchelson with Twisted Scissors salon
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Dress Shop Celebrations of the Heart, Manhattan Dress Designer Stella York Suit/Tux Shop Jos. A. Bank
prayed for the groom with me his entire life? In retrospect, I should have accepted the venue’s limits and not dumped extra stress on the couple. Which leads me to… Rule 3: Apologize when you blow it. After the initial shock of the limited guest list, I asked for forgiveness. Thankfully, my son had included a couple of our friends on his own list, and I was able to invite my two closest prayer partners. Whenever I made any comment to the brideto-be or my son that I regretted later, I made it a point to apologize. Maybe too much. But I’d rather say “I’m sorry” too often than have hurt feelings. Rule 4: Always be willing to listen. I found sometimes a bride just needs to talk out her frustrations to a sympathetic ear. Sometimes she needs to say something out loud to clear her thoughts and she really doesn’t want feedback. And sometimes she really wants a response. I tried to pick up cues as to what each woman needed at the time. Rule 5: Share concerns by asking questions rather than making negative statements, then drop it. One of my daughters-in-law dreamed of an outdoor wedding, reception and dance. In June. In Kansas. I asked questions regarding my concerns about the weather, the lighting, the bugs. The bride related how she had it all covered. And yes, it was an absolutely perfect evening. Rule 6: Be honest. When asked directly for an opinion, I tactfully told the truth but always
reiterated it was only my opinion and all that mattered was what the bride and groom wanted. Rule 7: Delicately offer suggestions. Brides often get unsolicited advice, so I focused on not telling the bride what to do. When I did suggest an idea, I tried to first say: “Here’s a thought, and remember I won’t be offended if you don’t use it, I’m only saying this because I’m hoping it might spark your own idea of what you really want.” The last thing I wanted was the bride to feel pressured I might be offended if she didn’t use my idea. Rule 8: Request, don’t demand. I did ask each bride one special favor—to be escorted down the aisle to my seat by my son rather than an usher if that worked with what she was planning. I am grateful each complied. At one wedding, the groom walked the bride’s mother and me together down the aisle, after which we lit a candle on the altar. That was just fine with me. Rule 9: Say yes. I made every effort to do whatever I was asked for the wedding. And I accepted every invitation possible to tag along to wedding planning activities. We strengthened bonds and shared great memories. Rule 10: Have the bride approve your attire. I wore bride-endorsed dresses to each wedding; one was black, one was purple, and the last was grey. No beige for this mother of the groom!
T
ucked into the Ozark Mountains of Missouri, overlooking Table Rock Lake, the natural beauty of Big Cedar Lodge makes it the ideal wedding destination. With four distinctively unique chapels and multiple outdoor venues, this world-class resort offers something for every bride and groom. Big Cedar’s team of wedding experts can assist you in planning everything from the engagement party to the honeymoon. Call or visit the website to start planning your special day.
417.339.5159 bigcedarweddings.com
Destination weddings and elopements are a popular option for couples, but don’t overlook Kansas for your intimate ceremony
Story by Romae Isom Photography by BriJoRae’ Pusch-Zuniga
M
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arriage is life changing. It requires two people to combine two different lives into one shared journey. Marriage has been described as one of the most important decisions a person can make; it’s the ultimate partnership. After the initial excitement of the engagement, planning begins. For some couples, the planning process is the beginning of their mutual decision-making, and that transition alone can be stressful for the newly engaged couple. When do we want to get married? Will the ceremony be large or small, formal or low-key? How many people should we invite? How will we juggle the roles of our families? Of course, selecting a location sets the tone for the entire event, so couples must decide early on where they want to share their vows. Destination wedding have become very popular, and a 2017 report by Destination Travel showed a steady uptick in destination wedding travel in recent years. By having a destination wedding, the couple can enjoy extended time together with their family and friends before, during and after the ceremony and reception. “Going to a new place you’ve never been with the person you love is magical,” says Brittany Pusch-Zuniga, a Topeka elopement and event coordinator. “The newness of it all is symbolic of a new life together.” Brittany and her husband, Entyse, who live in Kansas, took their entire wedding party to Seattle, Washington, for a few days before and after their wedding. “The atmosphere, mountains and waterfalls were all beautiful,” Pusch-Zuniga says. They planned activities, lodged together, and explored together during their wedding travel. But PuschZuniga believes there is huge opportunity to create the perfect destination wedding here in Kansas. “As a Kansas resident you don’t have to go far to experience the beauty God’s creation offers,” Pusch-Zuniga says.
One location Pusch-Zuniga cites is Kanopolis State Park. Located just 30 miles southwest of Salina, the state park is a beautiful and inexpensive place to enjoy nature and capitalize on the natural beauty of Kansas. The peaceful lake and the open sky are perfect backdrops for an outdoor Kansas wedding. Plus, there is plenty of room for lodging in
the charming cabins. Campground and RV parking are available for more intrepid guests. Kanopolis State Park even has horse lodging available. Guests can explore activities such as kayaking, fishing, and hiking during a wedding weekend stay. Whether they want to get married in one of Kansas’ beautiful natural venues or in a far-flung locale, one option for couples who want both a unique destination wedding and an intimate ceremony is elopement. “Eloping is a financially sensible choice that allows for an intimate party to enjoy what matters most,” says Cori Lane Brown, a future Kansas bride. Eloping has a lot of benefits and may take the stress of fine-tuning details off the couple, allowing them time and space to intimately focus on one another in the presence of close family and friends. No matter what direction your wedding takes you, it remains your event and represents your love and relationship to your partner.
PHOTOGRAPHER, PLANNER & STYLIST BriJoRae’ PuschZuniga, BriJoRae’ Productions
VENUE Kanopolis State Park
ASSISTANT PHOTOGRAPHER Tomi FrancisRamirez, BriJoRae’ Productions
JEWELRY Beverly Hall, Official Traci Lynn Fashion
SET ASSISTANT & SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR MariChuy Rodriguez, BriJoRae’ Productions SET DESIGNERS Entyse Pusch-Zuniga & Oscar Rodriguez, BriJoRae’ Productions
ATTIRE J.Lynn Bridal
HAIR Cynthia Naughton & Debonaire’s Barber Shop MAKEUP Brittni Fontleroy; Angela Green RENTALS Supply Event Rentals & Design RUGS Dragonfly Yoga and Persian Rugs FLORALS The Petal Place CAKES Petals and Pastries HORSES Tracy McIntire DESIGN Hailey Mann
BRIDE & GROOM Former Miss Kansas USA 2017 Catherine Carmichael & Jordan Deves MAID OF HONOR & BEST MAN Kristen Brunkow O’Shea & Gabriel O’Shea BRIDESMAIDS & GROOMSMEN Chelsea Shannon Bianca Bates, Jesse Green, Faith Caudill, Jermaine Fisher-Adams, TaNiqua Ward & Justin Houpe
Before & After Wedding
A growing trend across the nation, bridal boudoir is having a moment in Kansas. Boudoir photography is a styled shoot meant to flatter your body and make you feel beautiful. There are varying styles of boudoir—from sweet and demure to a little cheeky and teasing—meant to offer an intimate souvenir for your partner and make the bride or groom feel beautiful. (That’s right: Boudoir shoots aren’t limited to the ladies!) Here are a few reasons you might consider booking a boudoir session before your wedding: Document who you are and how you feel. You might have been toning up for the wedding, or maybe you want to document who you are before your wedding. Sessions allow you to take stock of what you love about yourself physically, mentally and emotionally. Empowerment. Boudoir photographers specialize in posing you just right to make you feel like a supermodel. Work with them on things you love about yourself, and don’t limit those qualities to just your physical body. Photographers can help you identify and accentuate your strengths and accept beauty you might not have recognized in yourself. Make a special gift for your special person. A finished boudoir album is a unique gift for your partner. Who doesn’t want beautiful images of someone they love?
Model ......... Photography ..
Catherine Carmichael
BriJoRae’ Pusch-Zuniga, Bridal Glamour by BriJoRae’
Assistant photographer .... Venue ............ Make-up ...... Hair ............. Bustier .......... Long Skirt ... Jewelry ..........
Tomi Francis-Ramirez
The Woodward Inn, Topeka Angela Green, Brittni Fontelroy Cynthia Naughton, StudioRollers Slay Attire Kyrie Eleison Couture
Traci Lynn by Beverly Hall, Slay Attire
rustic glamour Luxe looks (perfectly paired with studded stilettos or cowboy boots) for an amazing country wedding
PHOTOGRAPHY BY April Harmon
rustic glamour
rustic glamour
rustic glamour
rustic glamour
rustic glamour
Get the Look Venue Bellwether Barn, Scott City Floral and Rentals Wilkens Events, Liberal Hair Heather Shirk, Garden City Makeup Pretty Little Miracle by Josie, Garden City Attire Bridal N More, Garden City Models Cassandra Beasley, Brittany Howell and Alondra Jurado Photography April Harmon Photography
You PHOTOGRAPHY VIDEOGRAPHY DISC JOCKEY COORDINATION
Contact us for your Kansas wedding: 800.755.3535
PHOTO BOOTH
COMPLETEWEDDINGKANSAS.COM
LIGHTING
#partywithcomplete
Love Stories. A collection of wedding day memories, both beautiful and unique—just like the two people who fell in love.
Langley Blanton Tate Patrick Blanton and Hannah Michele Louise Langley were married at half past five in the evening on June 2, 2018. Noah’s Event Venue in Wichita was the perfect backdrop for their elegant wedding. The bride was escorted down the aisle by her father, wearing a custom-designed Justin Alexander dress, accompanied by “Canon in D” performed by a string quartet. The bride’s mother further customized her gown with beading of the plunge back, handmade her cathedral-length beaded veil and garters, and even embroidered her new name on the inside of her dress. Hannah carried a stunning bouquet of blush peonies, ivory roses and baby’s breath, complementing beautiful floral arrangements and crystal chandeliers at the altar. The couple exchanged their vows in a traditional Episcopalian ceremony that included a unity box filled with a bottle of wine and a letter, both of which they will open on their first anniversary. After the ceremony, guests attended a cocktail hour, which included a display of hors d’oeuvres, napkins with fun facts about the couple, and a piñata to be filled with well-wishes and advice for Tate and Hannah to pop open on their first anniversary. The plated dinner was followed by champagne toasts and the cutting of a five-tier cake, Hurt’s donuts, and a Swedish wedding cake homemade by the bride’s godmother. The couple danced to “Sweetheart” by Thomas Rhett, and then family and friends enjoyed drinks and dancing atop a lighted floor monogram. As the night came to a close, the couple was showered with confetti as they made their way to the 1962 Rolls Royce awaiting them. Tate and Hannah are enjoying the memories of their special day (through the incredible work of Sara Rieth: Romantic Storytelling Photographer and Jenkins Cinema) and loving life as Mr. & Mrs. Blanton.
kansas weddings love stories
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Heafey Kaiser
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Carolyn June Heafey and Christopher Clayton Kaiser were married on May 20, 2017, at The Houston Street Ballroom in Manhattan, Kansas. Officiating pastor was Shannon Ritter. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Cryderman of Mesick, Michigan. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs Robert Kaiser of Long Island, New York. The wedding and reception were held at the Houston Street Ballroom. It was decorated beautifully by the staff and by family and friends of the couple. The colors for this event were mint green and grey. Escorted to the altar by her father, Carolyn wore a beautiful ivory strapless gown from David’s Bridal. Her dress was accentuated by a strand of pearls given to her by her late grandmother, Helen Erxleben. Carolyn’s paternal grandmother traveled from Michigan for the wedding. She was 95 years old, which made the wedding even more special to the couple. Carolyn’s father and the groom wore tuxedos from the ETC Boutique from the Town Center Mall located in Manhattan, Kansas. The ballroom was beautifully light as Carolyn and her father entered and made their way to the altar. After the ceremony, guests made their way to their assigned tables. Carolyn and Christopher made their way to the foyer to capture a few photographs before the festivities began. Reentering the ballroom, the couple greeted guests, who offered hugs and congratulations. Hope and Kevin Rice were the photographers. The guests enjoyed a country barbeque dinner, served by Smokin’ G’s barbeque. After dinner, everyone gathered around the cake, which was decorated by Sandra Ritter. Carolyn and Christopher thanked their guests for traveling and attending their big day. Afterwards, they cut the cake, and fed each other a bite. The new couple had their first dance to Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud.” The mother-son dance came next Christopher danced with his mother, and Carolyn took turns dancing with her sons. Carolyn danced with her father to Tim Mcgraw’s “My Little Girl” during the father-daughter dance. The dollar dance was quite fun as well. Everyone had their turn. Guests enjoyed the Forever Photo booth offered by Patrick Kennedy. Our DJ came to us from Complete Weddings/Events. He was awesome. He kept the party going until it was time to wrap it up around 10 p.m. What a lovely day for a wedding.
kansas weddings love stories
Morgan Brown On September 7, 2018, Brooke Alexandra Morgan of Baldwin City, Kan., and Joshua Daniel Brown of Porterville, Calif., made their commitment before God and close family and friends in Big Sur, Calif., near Monterey, Calif., where they now reside. Their relationship was founded on a sense of adventure. They began their story in Yosemite National Park. After three days of being bewildered by nature in a group camping trip, they found a mutual bond. Something about being in the woods, without showers, brings people together. For the couple, this was where a friendship was founded. From there, they had months of perusal, long distances, and ultimately found that a friendship was not all they had. They both realized that a life filled with exploration and adventure would only be meaningful with a partner to share it with. As their friendship deepened and romance began, Brooke and Joshua earned their degrees and continued to explore new places together. Both of them had guarded their hearts for some time, and when they established a relationship status, it meant they were in it for the long haul. Nature was a space where the two founded their relationship, so in nature is where the two made their commitment in matrimony. In Monterey, Calif., the relationship had a space to grow, so just outside of Monterey, in Big Sur, is where the couple finally said “yes� to starting a new adventure together. For Brooke and Joshua, the ocean has been a centerpiece of who they are as individuals. The couple has spent many hours on and within the ocean as their space of bonding and wonder. With this in mind, their marriage on a beach, next to the crashing waves, only made sense. As the water rushed up the beach, it made unsettled sand new again. Standing on the beach, hand in hand, the couple felt the same renewal of the cold waters. They had a new relationship. No longer were they standing there as individuals but as one.
kansas weddings love stories
77 kansas weddings
Mohler
78 kansas weddings
Beavers
Kale was emotional when he was asked to describe his bride, McCashen. He said, “of course if I was to tell someone off the street how much she means to me I probably wouldn’t be about to cry…that’s just what she does to me…I’m so lucky.” Kale and McCashen might not have written their own vows, but they instead wrote letters to each other expressing their feelings. The letters were read after they were finished getting ready for their ceremony, right before they were to see each other for the first time. Luckily, their videographer Wild Oak Films caught every flawless second of those feelings. Kansas wind and 100-degree weather could not stop their special day, but rather gave them a memory they hope to look back on years down the road. Their day was filled with all of McCashen’s personal touches and featured a stunning barn backdrop. From their first look in front of a little white church surrounded by beautiful nature, to sunset pictures taken in a stunning oasis of natural deep wooded canyons, the couple had an amazing day. They ended their gorgeous Kansas evening surrounded by friends and loved ones. This wedding wowed with its location, décor
and overall rustic/chic look. It was hot and windy, but the bridal party and guests were nothing but pleasant. Who else can say they had their grade school teacher be the one to officiate their wedding? Kale’s 5th grade teacher was honored to stand up with Kale and McCashen and their bridal party. McCashen said, “What made my day was knowing our family and friends were there to be a part of a memory that I will cherish forever and having our own children be a part as the ring bear and flower girl made our bridal party complete. What more could we have asked for?” Guests enjoyed an open cocktail hour leading to build-your-own pasta bar, topping it off with a variety of cakes in many different flavors and decorated in multiple stunning designs. The party was just getting started when the bridal party arrived and the first dances began. McCashen and her father, Kevin, might’ve shed a tear or two, but it was such a beautiful sight to see. As for Kale and his mother, Kelly, and their dance, seeing them laugh and have a great time made everyone in the room smile. Their sparkling exit was a perfect way to end a July wedding with lively fireworks. July 7, 2018 was an amazing day and will forever make our hearts happy.
kansas weddings love stories
Steimel Handy April 14, 2018, was the greatest day of my life. I married the love of my life, my soul mate, my best friend, the man I will spend the rest of my life with. Something surreal happened on that day, something amazing. We decided to turn our wedding day into a wedding weekend at our venue, spending the whole weekend with our bridal party and closest family members. We highly recommend that you do the same, embrace the moment for as long as possible, as it truly does go by before the blink of an eye. It also allows for you to get in the most time you can with those loved ones who have traveled great distances to celebrate with you. There are really no words to describe the feeling as you walk into the venue you have created and the feeling as you walk down the aisle. We wanted our day to be romantic and authentic to us. A mix of vintage items, such as my grandmother’s pink depression glass that has been passed down, as well as peonies, a favorite flower of my mother and grandmother, made the space feel more personal to our own style and stories. As we stood under the cascade of blush and maroon floral that adorned our altar, the snow fell behind us. We looked into each other’s eyes and I realized just how incredible and breathtaking it all was. We stood in front of each other, as one being, and committed ourselves to one another for the rest of our lives, in front of beloved friends and family. We told each other how much we loved each other and how much we meant to each other, just as we had a million times before. But this time, it was different. We (I) cried. We laughed. We hugged. We kissed. We embraced each other completely, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. One of my favorite moments was holding the hands of my husband. These are the hands of my best friend, the hands that will hold our children, the hands that will still reach for mine when we are old and gray. In the end, after all the agonizing and the analyzing of every tiny detail, I can promise you that whether your wedding is small or large, in a church, in a castle, or in a backyard, in a foreign country or just down the street, the only thing that matters, right then and right there, wherever you may be, is the person standing in front of you. If I was to describe how I felt on this day, April 14, 2018, in just a few words, they would be comfort, happiness, warmth, and peace. All that matters is that you feel love and are loved in return.
kansas weddings love stories
81 kansas weddings
Snyder Stueve
Planning my wedding for Month, day, year, was bittersweet. I had lost my youngest brother, Matt, in January, so there were a lot of moments where it felt impossible or wrong to enjoy. But when the day got here, I felt in my heart that Matt wanted me to be happy and that he knew (which he told me frequently) that that was Colton. So we did just that. We enjoyed every second of the day. That is my biggest piece of advice to any bride: just let loose and have fun—the day will be perfect regardless of how much you fret. As our wedding day neared, the weather forecast for our outdoor ceremony and reception was for rain and snow. If we had to move the events indoors, we realized our 375 guests would not all be able to sit inside. Luckily, when the day arrived, it was sunny and not too cold. Everyone found a place to sit and enjoy the cocktails, meal, and festivities!
82 kansas weddings
kansas weddings love stories
Budd Larsen
84 kansas weddings
Marrying the love of your life is every person’s dream come true, and ours finally has! We shared a ton of wonderful memories, the best being right as the doors opened and we caught the first glimpse of each other. We were both taken aback, so nervous yet so excited. Our photographer took us away from the reception to do evening pictures; we were hesitant to leave the reception hall, but that was really the only time we got to spend quality time together. This moment was so special to us because it was the first chance we got to actually be together and enjoy being husband and wife. Wedding planning is often stressful, so we chose to enjoy the time spent planning and decorating by having a simple, elegant ceremony. We wed in the gorgeous sanctuary of our hometown church, First United Methodist Church. As it grew closer to the time of the ceremony, family and friends filled the pews, surrounded by breathtaking stained glass windows. As my brother walked me down the aisle, it made me so happy knowing that we had such a big group of people supporting Devin and me as we joined together as one. Pastor Joel Plisek gave us a beautiful ceremony filled with laughter and joy. He was so gracious when Brynlee joined us at the front of the sanctuary, and made sure she felt a part of our ceremony. The unity cross was a unique way for us to become one. As Pastor Joel read the ceremony for the unity cross, “I Choose You,” by Ryann Darling, played softly in the background. We had some fun setting up the reception hall the night before the big day, with our entire wedding party and our parents there to help. We ordered pizza, enjoyed each others’ company, then set up the reception hall. Everything came together pretty fast with ivory tablecloths, lavender and plum table runners, scattered silver rose petals, then the bells and bubbles at every other place setting for our grand entrance. We had a backdrop behind the wedding party’s table, which we made out of PVC pipe, decorated with plum and silver fabric that we sewed and put together ourselves. The grand entrance was everything I wanted it to be and more! We saved our first dance until after we all finished eating. It was the most romantic part of our evening; we got to dance, sway, and hold each other to a song that meant so much to the both of us. We played games, danced, and celebrated the night away with our family and friends.
kansas weddings love stories
Sixkiller Reiswig
86 kansas weddings
July 4th weekend has always been an important date for Sarah and Benjamin. Their relationship began four years prior when Sarah was introduced to Ben by a mutual friend at his family BBQ. Four years later, on July 4th weekend, they celebrated their wedding. Sarah’s day began early spending the morning with her mother, mother-in-law, sisters, and bridesmaids. Laughter, love, tears, and spirits filled the room, as they discussed pastimes and the love that they shared for one another. Just before ceremony, Pastor Ben Marquez brought Benjamin into a room to say a prayer. He told Benjamin that Sarah was on the other side of the door. He explained that they were not to see each other, but that they would hold hands as he said a prayer before the ceremony. That was one of the couple’s most cherished moments of the day. The ceremony was inspired by Disney fairy tales. Musicians Shannon and Andrew Wingert played classical renditions of “You Will Be in My Heart,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” and “Some Day My Prince Will Come” on violin and piano. Sarah walked down the aisle alongside her mother and father to the “Sleeping Beauty Waltz,” holding in her hands a bouquet of peonies laced by her great grandmother’s string of pearls. The ceremony was very elegant and uplifting. The two became one, and the celebrations and a life to remember began soon after. The sunset reception took place at Rolling Hills Country Club. There was music from the Big Band era, champagne, and a delicious dinner of beef medallions with a red wine reduction. Champagne and wine poured, the kegs of beer were tapped, and the beef medallions with a red wine reduction sauce kept spirits and comradery high. The cake was cut and served in front of a beautiful white flower wall that complemented the blush, ivory, beige, and gold colors that filled the reception hall. The matron of honor, best man, father of the groom, and mother of the bride each gave an emotional and heartfelt speech. Soon after, there was dancing beneath starry lights and a glowing LOVE marquee sign. The remaining hours of this night to remember were spent in conversation and laughter. Sarah and Benjamin are grateful to everyone who attended their special day. They could not have asked for a more memorable and exciting experience.
kansas weddings love stories
Mazza Danskin When planning our wedding, we knew we wanted to create a balance where everybody felt relaxed, but we also wanted to hold on to some of the more traditional wedding components. We had our ceremony at a local church in a gorgeous chapel that had more than enough space for our guests. Pastor Steve officiated. Guests particularly enjoyed hearing Pastor Steve read the letters he invited us to write to one another about why we wanted to marry. Hearing the letters read aloud was a beautiful replacement of traditional vows, which can be difficult for anyone who doesn’t enjoy speaking publicly. We chose Bourgmont Winery for the reception, which was a little out of town, but the venue is absolutely breathtaking. They have a large event space with great acoustics, a mansion that can be rented out and sleeps 25, and a lake on the property that sets the scene for a beautiful event. The space became open to us at 8am, and we had everybody who could make it come out to help set up the decorations. We finished at 11am with just enough time to rush to the chapel for the ceremony. After the ceremony we came back and did some finishing touches as well as took some pictures inside the venue before guests started arriving. Our DJ (DJ Nick of Fernando Productions) did an excellent job of taking over the night from there and really removing the stress from us. It was so great to have a bridal suite where we could escape from time to time, as well as the mansion where we could go and take a breath! When dinner was served, we were able to escape to take our “couple pictures” with Tonya right at sunset, and the pictures were all stunning. The night ended up being very relaxed and a great time for everybody, and when it ended, we were fortunate to invite close friends and family stay with us in the mansion. I think one of the unique things we did to set the tone of the wedding was handing out tri-fold brochures at the start of the ceremony. The brochures introduced the guests to each member of the wedding party and told a little about the couple and how they met. The brochures specifically explained that we wanted to maintain a relaxed environment and not to worry about taking coats off, changing out of heels, changing into pajamas, whatever made them comfortable! This brochure ended up being a huge hit, and I would recommend it to any couple planning a wedding.
kansas weddings love stories
87 kansas weddings
Kile Wilkinson
88 kansas weddings
Kasey Ann Kile and Drew Joseph Dolan Wilkinson were married at five o’clock in the afternoon of July 7, 2018, at Kansas State University Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan, Kansas. Officiating the ceremony was Daniel Dinkel, friend of the couple. The bride is daughter of John and Gina Mundhenke of Lewis. The groom is the son of Ivan and Kirsten Wilkinson of Manhattan. The altar set up in the Westside Stadium had a beautiful sheer backdrop with floating candles and gorgeous floral arrangements. Escorted to the altar by her father, and given in marriage by her parents, the bride wore a Mia Bella Couture gown with beautiful beading and elegant ruffles. The bride’s bouquet of purple and ivory flowers was an elegant display, arranged locally at Steve’s Floral. The bride was attended by her maid of honor, Ashley Clark, sister of the bride, and bridesmaids Alissa Huibsch, Megan Willich, Megan Engle, and Sadie Dinkel, all friends of the bride. The bridesmaids wore high-low black dresses and held bouquets similar to the bride’s. Ryan Wilkinson, brother of the groom, served as best man. Matt Giller, Cole Bachamp, Brad Briggs, and KC Wright, friends of the groom, served as groomsmen. Following the ceremony, guests moved to the fourth floor of the stadium for cocktail hour, which included the signature drinks, Moscow Mules and Rum Punch, and some light hors d’oeuvres. The couple served a gourmet meal of beef tenderloin, raised on the family farm. While the guests enjoyed their dinner, the bridal party had some fun taking photos with Jantz Photography and playing football on the field. Afterwards, the bride and groom cut a white cake, but the guests enjoyed a variety of flavors including chocolate, red velvet, and lemon. Toasts were given by the maid of honor, best man, and the father of the groom. The couple was serenaded during the dance by KC Wright, groomsmen and friend, to “Save the Last Dance” by Michael Buble. On the eve of the wedding, the bridegroom’s parents honored the couple with a rehearsal dinner at the stadium where they served a Mexican fiesta. Following the dinner, the couple gave their parents a watercolor painting of the stadium. The painting was done by family friend, Don Schroeder, and was included on the invitations as a gift to the guests. Following their honeymoon to Jamaica, the couple returned home to Manhattan where the groom continues his work as an inside sales representative for Steel and Pipe and the bride continues her work as the director of professional development with Kodo Kids.
kansas weddings love stories
Hemmert Carlgren Our wedding day was a day that we have both been very excited for throughout our lives. God has been preparing our hearts through many prayers for our future spouse, and we are blessed that He has called us to the vocation of marriage. Our wedding day was the beginning of our life together as one, fully united in the presence of God. Exchanging our vows for one another during the ceremony was definitely our favorite part of the day because these vows express how we are called to love one another each and every day. Receiving the sacrament of marriage in the presence of many of our loved ones, people who have helped shape who we are today was such an immense blessing. We are so glad we waited to see each other until Kenzie walked down the aisle because the emotion on Josh’s face was absolutely priceless! There was an abundance of joy and love within the day, and we especially experienced that in this moment. Throughout our wedding Mass, the reverence and time for reflection in Christ’s presence brought us peace, gratitude, and understanding of the lifelong commitment that we have undertaken. The celebration after the ceremony was so much fun! We started the dance with the wedding march with over three hundred people. We both loved seeing the joy and laughter among our guests within this time! Our DJ even remarked that “there wasn’t a song that people wouldn’t dance to!” The dance floor was full the whole night with our friends and family. Now that we have experienced our wedding day, we would like to share some words of wisdom. In your preparation leading up to the big day, enjoy being with each other and keep in mind what matters most even when things don’t seem to go as planned. On your wedding day, be as present possible! Take it all in because the day will fly by! Don’t forget to look your husband or wife in the eyes and recognize the blessing that is in front of you. Your wedding day will be full of many emotions and feelings, but keep in mind that love is a choice and this day is just the beginning of your continued life together. Pray, serve, and sacrifice for one another. We truly believe that twenty years down the road you will love each other more than you do on your wedding day. Finally, we like to look at marriage through the words of Saint JoseMaria Escriva, who wrote “Marriage is to help married people sanctify themselves and others. For this reason they receive a special grace in the sacrament which Jesus Christ instituted. Those who are called to the married state will, with the grace of God, fund within their state everything they need to be holy.”
kansas weddings love stories
91 kansas weddings
Shannon Tai Amri Spann-Ryan 92 kansas weddings
Shannon and Tai Amri Spann-Ryan publicly declared their love on Sunday, May 20, 2018, with close friends and family. We started by thinking about how we wanted our wedding to feel—we wanted it to feel intimate, participatory, with everyone feeling connected to nature and to one another. There were some concrete aspects we knew we wanted also: we wanted it to be outdoors in Kansas at our friend’s 40-acre estate near Clinton Lake, we wanted to have Sufi Dances of Universal Peace, we wanted to choose our date according to Chinese numerology, we wanted moments of Quaker silence where participants had the opportunity to share from their hearts, and we wanted to handfast and jump a broom. All of these aspects combined represented our love of nature and the diverse spiritual and cultural traditions that are meaningful to us. We chose to lead the ceremony ourselves with no officiant because it felt more personal and more powerful to mutually declare our vows, as opposed to having a third party act as an intermediary. We enjoyed a wedding brunch of salmon frittata, sweet potato hash, bacon, sausage, mint fruit salad and gluten-free granola bar. The donut tower and the beautiful arch that our friends constructed for us were an added bonus. Shannon planned beautiful decorations, and Tai Amri made sure that we had the best soul DJ in Lawrence and that there was a smoker going for some ribs and pulled pork for those who wanted to stay after the reception. We had a custom crossword puzzle and coffee bar and scones for guests right before and after the ceremony, which was a fun way to entertain guests and also spark conversation and mingling. Our favorite memory was dancing to the last song together in a circle, with all our friends and family, while still being handfasted to one another. The lyrics to the song were powerful, based on a Rumi poem: “How long shall I beg and bargain for things of this world? ...while love, love is waiting. I crash the door and enter the chamber of Love.” The joy of dancing to that song and then the flower toss afterwards (dried lavender and rose petals confetti) was beyond words. We will also always remember the moment when, right after jumping over the broom, our 2.5-year-old toddler ran up and jumped over the broom also. It was just adorable. It was her special day, too, and it was so perfect that she jumped right into the fun.
kansas weddings love stories
Love Story VENDORS
Langley & Blanton • Musicians for the service Musical Elegance • Dress Shop Bridal Boutique, Lewisville • Dress Designer Justin Alexander (custom design/dress) • Suit/Tux Shop Jos. A. Bank Clothiers, Inc. • Bridesmaids’ Dresses Betsy & Adam • Jewelry Kendra Scott • Shoes Badgley Mischka • Makeup Brandi Smith • Photographer Sara Rieth • Videographer Jenkins Cinema • Caterer Corporate Caterers • Cake/Dessert Cake – Cake Creations Donuts – Hurt’s Donuts Swedish Wedding Cake – homemade by bride’s godmother, Christy Roitz • Musician/DJ DJ Larry of At Your Request DJ • Floral Kerry Sallabedra • Invitations RSVP in the Village Heafey & Kaiser • Dress Shop David’s Bridal • Suit/Tux Shop ETC Boutique • Jewelry pearls from my grandmother • Shoes Famous Footwear • Photographer Kevin and Hope Rice • Caterer Smokin’ G’s • Cake/Dessert Sandra Ritter • Invitations Walgreens Photo
PHOTOGRAPH Nicolette Sessin
Morgan & Brown • Ceremony Venue Pfeiffer Beach • Reception Venue Big Sur Bakery • Dress Shop J Lynn Bridal, Lawrence • Bow Ties Dessy Co. • Suit/Tux Shop Macy’s • Bridesmaids’ Dresses J Lynn Bridal, Lawrence • Photographer John Chambers • Caterer Big Sur Bakery • Invitations Minuteman Press, Lawrence Mohler & Beavers • Ceremony Venue Bellwether Barn • Reception Venue Bellwether Barn • Musician/DJ MC entertainment • Transportation Diamond Limo • Dress Shop She Said Yes!, Rogers, AR • Suit/Tux Shop Target/Keps Formal Attire • Make Up Amy Keokhampho • Photographer April Harmon Photography • Videographer Wild Oak Films • Caterer Wilkens Events • Cake/Dessert Wilkens Events • Wedding Planner & Rentals Wilkens Events
Steimel & Handy • Musicians for the service Steve with COMPLETE Weddings + Events Kansas • Dress Shop Kari’s Bridal, Emporia • Suit/Tux Shop Kari’s Bridal, Emporia • Bridesmaids’ Dresses J.Lynn’s Bridal, Lawrence • Jewelry Riddle’s Jewelry, Topeka • Makeup Liz Marsh at Hair Extraordinaire, Manhattan • Photographer Nicolette Sessin Photography • Caterer BobbyD’s Merchant Street Barbeque, Emporia • Cake/Dessert Carrie Goss, Emporia • Musician/DJ COMPLETE Weddings + Events Kansas • Floral Once Upon a Time Wedding Design • Invitations/Programs Good Morning & Good Night Graphic Design • Rentals Once Upon a Time Wedding Design Snyder & Stueve • Ceremony Venue The Meadow, Prairiewood Retreat & Preserve • Reception Venue Blue Sage Barn, Prairiewood Retreat & Preserve • Dress Shop Celebrations of the Heart • Suit/Tux Shop Celebrations of the Heart • Jewelry Pfiefley Jewelers • Shoes Corral Boots • Makeup April with Platinum & Company Beauty Bar • Photographer Nicolette Sessin Photography • Caterer Snappers • Cake/Dessert Maddy Kuntz • Musician/DJ Complete We Do • Floral Kistner’s Flowers • Invitations Minted • Programs Tara Grubb, Complete Weddings + Events • Wedding Planning/Coordination Tara Grubb, All About You Event Planning & Rentals • Rentals Tara Grubb, All About You Event Planning & Rentals Budd & Larsen • Musicians for the service John Meinert: SilverFox DJ’s- DJ J5 • Dress Shop Dress Gallery, Wichita • Suit/Tux Shop Kep’s Men’s Wear, Garden City • Make Up Vanessa Staats at Another Look, Garden City • Hair Amanda Ramsey at Another Look, Garden City • Photographer April Harmon Photography • Caterer Barton Truelove and his son Wayne Truelove • Cake/Dessert Cheryl Howarter Singhisen • Floral Evin Tedford, Maid of Honor • Wedding Coordinator Michelle Mayo with First United Methodist Church
kansas weddings love stories
Sixkiller & Reiswig • Ceremony Venue First Mennonite Brethren Church • Reception Venue Rolling Hills Country Club • Musicians Shannon and Andrew Wingert (violin and piano) • Dress Shop Belle Vogue • Suit/Tux Shop Tip Top Tux • Makeup Terran Carling Rodriguez • Photographer Sara Rieth: Storytelling Photography • Videographer Gabe Andrews, Never Settle Studios • Caterer Rolling Hills Country Club • Cake/Dessert Lauren Danielle Cox; Costco • DJ Jeff Robertson, Go iLuminous • Floral Sarah Crownover Creations • Invitations/Programs Cards and Pockets • Wedding Planning/Coordination Debra Stanwix • Décor Jan’s Designs
Shannon & Tai Amri Spann-Ryan • Photographer Ailecia Ruscin of Oh Snap! Photography • Videographer Tim Hjersted • Caterer Maceli’s • Cake/Dessert Donuts by Ladybird Diner and Emma Komp’s Scones • Musician/DJ Cyrus Dayani • Floral Courtney Crouch with Honey Butter Blossoms • Invitations E-vites by Greenvelopes • Rentals Anderson Rentals • Dress Shop Etsy • Suit/Tux Shop KouveredKouture • Jewelry Custom Made Earrings from Wild Mint Jewelry • Shoes Handmade leather shoes from BaliElf • Makeup done by bride with guidance from Liz Black of Pur Aesthetics • Musicians for the service Lawrence Dances of Universal Peace
Mazza & Danskin • Dress Shop Emily Heart • Suit/Tux Shop Men’s Wearhouse • Jewelry Amore Bridal • Shoes Sheppler’s • Makeup Victoria Lowman (Victoria Rose Hair Design) at Frankie’s • Photographer Tonya Tomory Expressions Exposed Photography • Caterer Michael Forbs Catering • Cake/Dessert Constantinos Price Chopper and 3 Women and an Oven • Musician/DJ Fernando Productions –DJ Nick • Floral Hen House Floral Kile & Wilkinson • Photographer Jantz Photography • Videographer Complete Weddings + Events • Caterer Sodexo • Musician/DJ Complete Weddings + Events • Floral Steve’s Floral • Invitations Frances Varn Design • Wedding Planning/Coordination Tara Grubb, All About You Event Planning and Rentals • Rentals Tara Grubb, All About You Event Planning and Rentals • Dress Shop Celebrations of the Heart • Suit/Tux Shop Borck Brothers • Jewelry Celebrations of the Heart • Makeup Platinum and Company Hemmert & Carlgren • Transportation to the reception Karl Kunz – State Farm Purple Bus • Dress Shop Schoen’s Bridal World, Downs • Suit/Tux Shop Borck Brothers • Makeup Platinum & Company, Manhattan • Photographer Nicolette Sessin • Videographer Complete Wedding & Events • Caterer Hilton Garden Inn • Cake/Dessert Brenda Turner • Musician/DJ Nick Sisson • Floral Kistner’s, Manhattan • Programs Leroy’s Printing, Colby • Rentals Along Came Abby
95 kansas weddings
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