Courthouse Wedding in Kansas City, Kansas

We found Rachel and Chace when they were seeking a photographer who shared their values. We were elated to find this sweet couple who valued equity, justice, and social progress just like we do!

We met for coffee at our favorite spot (Rochester Brewing and Roasting in the KC Crossroads), and immediately fell in love. The two have had a rough couple of years and wanted to bring their friends and family together to celebrate something joyful. They have been one another's rocks through challenging times, and wanted their photos to reflect their calm connection in the midst of life's storms. We bonded over a shared appreciation for Zohran Momdani: have you seen the beautiful portraits from his and Rama's wedding?

In the days leading up to the wedding, I visited the Wyandotte County Courthouse to location scout. Rachel and I chatted back and forth about the historic columns, the gorgeous stone staircase, and even the cheeky back hallways. This building holds history, and it is a reminder that civil unions can be truly beautiful. There's a quiet authenticity to saying I do without the extra fanfare of a dance floor and cake: it's bringing weddings back to the heart of commitment in front of witnesses.

The day of the wedding, we were wowed by the loving community that showed up to support these sweethearts. Parents, aunts, cousins, best friends filled the quiet foyer with joy and laughter.

The couple chose to get ready separately and share a first look, but they took it even a step further by revealing rings they had chosen for one another. We also saw each of their mothers waiting and suggested a sweet reveal with their moms before the couple's first look.

As it so often does on wedding days, time swept onward as the judge called for all attendees to the five o'clock wedding to join her in the courtroom.

After their loved ones filed in, the couple and their witnesses signed the marriage certificate. A short, sweet ceremony followed and the couple shared that beautiful first kiss!

The courthouse closed at 6:30, so we found a lovely spot upstairs for a few quick family formal photos. Thankfully I had scouted this spot out in the week before!

Then we wrapped up our evening with some lovely outdoor photos to capture the energy of their day.

Rachel and Chace, we can't thank you enough for trusting us with your beautiful day!

If you're in the greater Kansas City area and thinking about a courthouse wedding, let's chat!