Update: I have stopped photographing weddings as of December 2021 and became a real estate agent in Kansas and Missouri. If you’re also searching for a new home together, let’s call it serendipity! I can also give you some great recommendations for a wedding photographer. Feel free to schedule a call or reach out at 913-948-3918. Thanks and happy wedding planning!
Between living in both Tanzania and New York City, Laura and Maliva planned their wedding in Kansas City at St. Peter’s Church in Brookside and threw an incredible party at Mildale Farm for guests to enjoy the beautiful Summer night. Planning from out of town is one thing but from out of the country is another! All things wouldn’t have been possible without the very talented, Christine Darden, owner of Celebrations of Love – Weddings and Events by Christine. Every detail was perfect. I love how they incorporated the Tanzania flair into their flowers, cocktail hour and reception room.
We began the day at the Intercontinental Hotel in Kansas City where both Laura and Maliva were getting ready. I loved walking into their room and seeing the floral design from Studio Dan Meiners that embodied the vibrant colors and flavors of Tanzania into their Kansas City wedding day.
It is obvious how much love is shared between Laura, her Mother and her sister. I’m impressed that Laura kept her circle close and intimate on her wedding day. Especially after seeing how many friends she had attend their wedding from far away places, including her Harvard Law school friends, New York City friends and Tanzania friends. But, it worked out beautifully and they got to share some special moments together on the morning of her wedding day. These moments are some of my favorites.
I got to know Maliva on the phone during the wedding planning process and he’s definitely from his Mother! Both Maliva and his sister Veronica were impressive with their inner joy and kindness. No matter what was happening, they had an aura of peace, dignity, and a calm presence.
St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Kansas City is always beautiful but when the drapes and florals were added, it was breathtaking. The ceremony was traditional and classic. After the, “I do’s,” Laura and Maliva both relaxed. They exited from the church with excitement and an eagerness to celebrate with family and friends.
Look at those kid models up there!!
After the mass, we went straight to Mildale Farm for wedding party portraits. This easy-going couple kept the wedding party to siblings only. The blue suits, amazing flowers, and incredibly photogenic people make my job so easy!
Another fun detail was the cocktail tables during the cocktail hour on the patio. There was an acoustic guitar, open bar and amazing hors d’oeuvres passed around generously. It appeared to be the most fun cocktail hour I’ve seen with guests mingling from England, Tanzania, New York, Boston, Chicago and beyond.
Christine outdid herself with the reception room design and details. It was fresh and lively for a plated dinner from Blue Pot Catering indoors before heading outside for a live band, dancing, cake, and Tanzanian cacao chocolates from Kansas City’s Christopher Elbow Chocolates. The Patrick Lentz Band kept the dance floor packed. The night was perfect for an outdoor reception with a gorgeous blue night sky and so many stars shining overhead at Mildale Farm.
We’re kinda known for not leaving a wedding day until that night photo is captured. This one was different because we wanted to capture the different blues that were in the sky still after sunset. I also wanted to incorporate the venue, which is beautifully lit at night. So we simply used one off-camera flash at a 45 degree angle to light the couple and exposed for the sky in camera. We let the blue sky be the back light this time. There were so many stars out that night. If you look close, you can see more than you think.
xo, Heather Brulez
Kansas City wedding photographer
Mildale Farm wedding photographer
Wedding Planner, Christine Darden, Celebrations of Love
Ceremony, St. Peter’s Catholic Church
Gown, Anomalie (custom online wedding gowns)
