{Hitched} Allegra & Aaron’s urban Kansas City wedding

Sometimes, I’m so thankful for how things just tend to work out. Allegra and Aaron won my free engagement session that I gave away at January 2015’s bridal fair… and that in and of itself was amazing…(snowy, cold, and romantic!!).. I originally wasn’t able to shoot their August wedding, but gears shifted, tides turned, and voila! I was so happy that the stars aligned and I was able to document their beautiful event! I can’t believe I am just now blogging it. This fall was one for the record books in many ways, and I put blogging on the back burner. And before long, it just got so stale…that I gave up. But it’s a new year…so I’m going to skip ahead to this wedding solely because I’m working on their album right now and thought it’d be good to just immerse myself in all things Allegra & Aaron. So here’s my love note to this gorgeous couple….

I knew this wedding was going to be one that would consist of elements to truly bring the day together in a gorgeous way. Allegra had this to say about what her favorite part about wedding planning was, and it would make any photographer swoon:

My favorite part was definitely working on the details. I am awkwardly obsessed with pretty paper things and crafting things. I’ve enjoyed making small projects from the very beginning and now packing them up in preparation for the big day. I’m really really not one to handle having the attention all on me, but it really is so nice and touching to realize the love around you by all these different people. My maid of honor, Stacey, has been by my side through it all and willing to help with anything, as well as my wonderful mother. I love the support I have had from all my friends and my new sister-in-law and sister/cousin, Tessa. Even though it has gotten stressful at times, Aaron and I have been a really good team and I’ve enjoyed planning with him and incorporating the cool things he wants to do. It’s been another reassurance in us as a couple/team because we are very similar in our styles and our music..plus things I think are pretty cool, he does, too (or at least he tells me that…probably just to shut me up, but hey! I don’t blame him at times 😉

And with that… my love note…

Dear Allegra & Aaron,

Your wedding surpassed my expectations. I knew it would be lovely. And romantic. With lots of personable touches. But the effort and vision you two had in concert with your vendors enabled it to be beautifully executed. Mad props. I still get all fluttery in the heart when I think about my excitement to shoot it… and it’s what five months later??

I loved the color palette of mint, peach and gold. Fresh, fun, flirty and romantic. And combined with the talents of Angela from Poppy & Clover Floral Design, it set a mood that everyone adored. While I was taking photos of the table details, I heard so many guests ooh-ing and ahh-ing over the arrangements of lush florals in the soft hues, books and bunches of antique glassware. And my camera agreed.

Allegra, you thought of everything. And not just from the eyes of a bride, but you also considered photography when making decisions and setting things up. That’s always appreciated and leads to getting images that do us both proud.

I would sometimes see you, Aaron, looking at your modelicious bride with equal parts amusement and disbelief. As if you couldn’t quite let it sink in that you were getting to marry her. And Allegra was giddy around you, and I can tell that she looks to you as a source of calming as well as someone to team up with to tackle anything. And I’m sure you can see in the pics how perfect you two are together in the looks category too. May you always remember how you felt on that hot, humid day in August. Not the sweaty feelings…but the ones that propelled you both down that aisle after there ceremony with goofy grins on your faces.

One thing that stood out to me from your wedding was how many friends and family had so many good things to say about you both. Whether it was about you being so dependable or thoughtful as friends, or how your lovey-dovey antics were not so much nauseating as they were endearing… I really felt like everyone there put you both on playing level above everything else–that they looked up to you both (and not just because you’re so tall, Allegra!! 😉

From the minute Grace and I showed up to the Westin Crown Center, it was like this invisible force led us from one photo-worthy moment to another. We could feel the energy in the air and it never let up. We ran on the adrenaline that only being around a group of people who love one another creates. When a wedding is so full of emotions, beautiful elements and fun, sweet and ridiculously good-looking people, the camera and those of us who hold it seem to work in overdrive. And when it was all over, we’re out of breath and winded, in a daze from feeling as if we had experienced something epic… and epic it was.

I know that marriage will bring with it many parts that you can’t plan for, many parts that will be far from photo-friendly, and may parts that don’t match…. but in addition to coming away with amazing photos of the day as it unfolded, I also came away with a sense that you two are an inspiring duo–and together, you’ll put your own spin on this whole marriage thing. And I have a feeling it will be just as unique and exciting as your wedding was. Thank you for trusting me to document your day.