Justine and Ryan almost didn’t meet. Eight Years ago, Justine and her Mom were on House Hunters while purchasing Justine’s condo back in 2011 and Ryan watched the episode. She’s incredibly fabulous and Ryan recognized this right away. He did something out of his comfort zone and found Justine on Facebook to send her a message. However, this message never made it to Justine because of her privacy settings. Flash forward 6 years, Ryan and Justine are set up on a blind date with friends at Top Golf. They hit it off and decided to go out alone next time. It was at this next dinner that Ryan realizes Justine lives in that same condo building and starts asking her about her without realizing it was her yet. As fate would have it, these two are perfect together and Ryan knew before they ever met. Timing truly is in God’s hands. This Brass on Baltimore wedding was amazing.
Justine’s Mom is who instigated this match up or blind date. We photographed Justine’s sister, Claire, and her now husband, James at their wedding as well. Mom set them up too! I’d say Mom missed her calling and should go into match making right away. She’s two for two and these couples are both amazing!
Justine’s wedding vision was very classic American Jackie O inspired. She incorporated the well thought out details in her wedding gown from Fabulous Frocks with those gorgeous bows and the subtle little gloves were absolutely perfect. My favorite vintage detail would be the Volkswagen Beetle that her parents own decorated in lush florals from Beco Flowers. Rebecca outdid her self with beautiful floral design at every view. She was gracious enough to let us borrow those VW flowers for the portraits and it was perfect. This wonderful family even had a model of their Volkswagen displayed with photos during the morning while the girls were getting hair and make-up at Justine’s childhood home by the best, White Carpet Bride.
I have to give Justine and her family big credits for choosing to work with Madison Sanders Events. She is one of the best in Kansas City. Everything was perfect from the dream wedding vendor team to the reception room details. Hiring a planner makes it so much easier to not only make your wedding vision a dream come true but also gives you, and especially Mom, a chance to relax and enjoy the day because it goes by quickly.
The invitation suite is from RSVP in the Village and the day of Stationary was designed by Little Yellow Leaf.
When we were planning Justine and Ryan’s engagement session they had a fun and creative request to incorporate their bikes, something they really enjoy doing together. We started by that very same condo and took a few portraits. Ryan had a specific image he wanted to re-create. This photo required a complete overhead view for me and some interesting neck twisting for them but I was up for the challenge and they nailed it!
Ryan could be a great photographer. He has a good eye and creative vision. It was so fun to make some of their dream images become a reality with them both during the engagement session. Ryan comes from a very sweet family and they were a pleasure to get to know on Justine and Ryan’s wedding day.
Justine’s family lives nearby and are members of one of the most beautiful Catholic Churches in Kansas City, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, otherwise known as The Redemptorist. The Redemptorist priests that settled here back in 1878 were befriended by the neighboring catholics between their missionaries, began worshipping with them at their chapel and soon the congregation grew. They built the parish as it is today in 1888 and it is still referred to as The Redemptorist to this day.
The Redemptorist also has a gorgeous bridal suite, plenty of shade on the outside grounds and courtyard, and lots of natural light areas for before and after the ceremony. Justin and Ryan had a beautiful and heartfelt full mass. Ryan got to see his lovely bride for the first time as she walked down the aisle with her Father. There were some emotional tears and lots of joy. On the way out of their ceremony guests were given a card with a complimentary Uber code to use that night to get home safely.
After the ceremony, this fun group was ready to board the party bus and head out for some fun Kansas City portraits at the Nelson Atkins Art Museum. The trees and light are almost always perfect at The Nelson. I was so impressed with their friends in the wedding party. They are fun, spontaneous and basically did whatever I told them to do!! lol
The gorgeous bridesmaid dresses were the perfect shade to compliment Justine, her classic vintage theme and the groomsmen suits. They looked great on everyone! Again, the flowers were amazing. I’m big on having gorgeous floral. They’re in almost every portrait, the details throughout the day, the ceremony and everywhere at the reception. Rebecca with Beco Flowers was able to repurpose florals from the ceremony to reception and cocktail hour without missing a beat.
I’m having a lot of fun coming up with new wedding party poses for larger groups and love how the last one turned out without having any use of chairs, etc. Thank you to the two people who had good knees 🙂 and graciously to kneeled for me! You guys made it come all together!! Everyone was so happy and excited to celebrate Justine and Ryan’s wedding day.
When you first walked into the reception in the Tudor Room at Brass on Baltimore, you were wowed with the set up, flowers, uplighting, and monogram. It was all perfect. I love when the couple takes the time to go view their reception room before anyone else. There’s so much that goes into setting up a reception ballroom and this one was absolutely beautiful. The chocolate favors were from Christopher Elbow Chocolates at each place setting. The amazing 5-tiered cake was from McClain’s Bakery. Everything they do is delicious as well as stunning. Olive Events served the most amazing plated meal for guests to fuel up before dancing the night away with Kokomo. This band was true to theme, playing the best dance music and classic hits to keep everyone on their feet.
The grooms cake showed off this couples love for travel. They’ve traveled together to the Dominican Republic, Bali, Malaysia, and Singapore and Ryan’s love for travel has taken him all the way to Africa. They added France, Italy and Greece to their list during the honeymoon.
Among the best late night snacks being served to guests on the dance floor was also a Bourbon tasting bar served from crystal decanters. Justine and Ryan thought of everything. And, you can’t photograph a wedding reception at Brass on Baltimore without using their iconic chandeliers in the stairwell. We took many but my favorite is the candid of the couple simply walking down the stairs, hand in hand.
This sweet wedding day was a dream to photograph. Not only because it was a beautiful day but also because their friends and families are amazing people. It was truly a pleasure to be there, documenting each moment and detail and hanging out with such a fun group. Thank you Justine and Ryan. You two know how to throw a party!
xo, Heather Brulez, Kansas City wedding photographer
Planner, Madison Sanders Events
Ceremony, Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Videographer, Mike Varel Weddings
Stationary, Little Yellow Leaf + RSVP in the Village
Favors, Christopher Elbow Chocolates
Hair and Make-up, White Carpet Bride
Jewelry, Meierotto
Rentals, Ultrapom + Beco Flowers
