karen + john :: sweet stolen glances

oooh the THRILL of documenting THIS kind of a glance between a couple in love right before saying their "i do's":



karen + john were full of stolen glances and BIG biG BIg smiles all the livelong day. and by the way . . . i was extra excited to photograph both ceremony AND reception at the historic Muelbach Hotel lobby, located in the Kansas City Marriott Downtown. amy and i have been adding a bit of indiscreet-but-dramatic lighting at receptions, and I was able to do the same during the ceremony:



karen + john made some delightful choices, including a sand ceremony (this shot was made by abbie brown, who assisted me marvelously that day):



and here is why the Marriott's Muehlbach Hotel can be a GREAT choice. not only is it lovely and historic, but you can do everything in ONE location:

~spacious, light-filled rooms where folks can get ready (and speaking of sweet glances, how about this one between john and his mom?!):



~classic old stairway, floor tiles, light fixtures that make a beautiful ceremony space:



~which can be converted into an equally lovely reception space:



~and here's what we were doing while the Muehlbach staff converted the space. guests enjoyed a cocktail hour in another part of the hotel, while karen + john and their bridal party explored parts of kansas city:







WOW! doesn't karen look luscious here?!



another great shot by abbie:



and while we sometimes hesitate to make posed, looking-straight-at-the-camera shots, I could not resist this one . . . I love how windswept and beautiful karen looks:



~and then, back to the converted reception space for food, friends, dancing and . . . CUPCAKES!





and one of my favorite ring shots . . . by abbie!



Lots more from the day to see . . . check out karen + john's wedding slideshow here!

~kim