From beautiful blue skies and unseasonably warm (100+ degrees) sunshine with unexpected humidity (unexpected by Bill & me that is – we had no idea that Kansas in the summer meant – oh – about 150% humidity! 
) to black skies, wind, thunder & lighting and rain pouring like these two Washingtonians have never seen, and back to sunny blue skies again – all in one Kansas wedding day…..and to think, it all started with a snowstorm 
We met Katie & Brandon for the first time when they flew in from Kansas to attend her aunt’s wedding in Olympia. It was a beautiful December wedding which happened to coincide with, by our PNW standards, a major snow and ice storm. But to tell the truth, I think the weather added a lovely touch to the day – as wedding party members and guests braved the elements together in getting to the ceremony and reception, it just added an extra cozy feel and an extra helping of ‘heart’ to the atmosphere
Bill & I had a great time capturing the story of the day – a fun crowd that made us feel like we were part of the family. Among the family members was a young couple named Katie & Brandon who, although obviously very much in love, had chosen to get some initial career steps behind them before taking on the excitement of planning a wedding… Fast forward several months – you can imagine how excited we were to receive this email (and why Kansas will always be a favorite wedding destination for us )…:
“Bill and Erin:
I’m not sure if you remember me, but I am one of Kandie and Rick’s nieces. You shot their wedding during that huge snowstorm last Christmas in Olympia. I was visiting from Kansas with my family, and my family joked with you about flying to Kansas to shoot my wedding when I finally got married. (Yep – we remember! )Well, I got engaged only a few weeks ago, and you guys were the first photographers I thought of… Our wedding is on Saturday, June 19th…. Like I said, I didn’t want to check other photographers until I knew that you guys were busy; you’re my first choice! If I find out that you’re available, we could then move on to discuss flying you out here….I’ve been to quite a few weddings over the past year, and you guys are just miles ahead of the other photographers. You seem devoted to making the bride and groom’s day a special, stress-free one, and photographers like that are hard to find.
Thanks again! You should know that you’ve made my aunt very happy. ”
We weren’t about to miss out on another opportunity to visit and work with this fun family, so of course we headed to Kansas! We caught up with both families during the wedding rehearsal – and so enjoyed be treated like part of the family during an evening of story telling and toasts that followed!
Hey, that’s us! Photo credit to Katie’s sister Emily
Katie and Brandon chose the TimberRidge Adventure Center in Olathe as the location for their beautiful outdoor wedding. Bride & groom, wedding party and family members got an early start on the day, making sure all of the special details were in place according to Katie’s vision.
This was one creative and clever bride – her vision included these adorable “tea for two” packets as guest favors, as well as the monogram signs, bride’s mom grew the centerpieces and made the table runners!
As everyone prepared to head into town for pre-wedding pampering, some ominous clouds appeared on the horizon – and within a few minutes they had completely filled the sky, turning daylight into a dusk that felt more than a little eerie. Here is where I have to confess that I was more content staying in the car and watching for funnel shapes to appear in any direction, while Bill couldn’t resist jumping out to capture images of the threatening sky!
The fast moving wall of clouds brought lightning, thunder, rain, and reports that the wind had blown many of the wedding decorations down 
I hafta admit – the guys didn’t seem quite as worried by the weather as the girls did
But even the clouds must’ve known it was Katie & Brandon’s day – because, with absolute perfect timing, they disappeared right as Katie and her bridesmaids finished hair & makeup, and the sun came shining back. By the time we all got back to TimberRidge, friends and family had lovingly made sure all of the details looked just as they had when we’d left earlier in the day, and the fun continued.
Taking a quick peek of her groom before stepping outside for their first look…..
Isn’t Katie beautiful!!
The ceremony took place next to a lake, in the shade of a giant tree.
A thoughtful detail for the summer heat.
A fun last minute idea added an extra touch of drama to the ceremony – bridesmaids used their parasols to keep the bride hidden as she made her way to the garden, lifting them away on queue, to reveal the bride just before the procession down the aisle.
The pastor’s words – eloquently delivered, and extra meaningful, as they were spoken by Brandon’s grandfather…
I am so glad I get to work with Bill – I think having two of us there increases the opportunity for us to see and capture meaningful candid moments like this one….this is one of my favorite shots…ever…a quiet, almost unseen, exchange between father & son…way to go, Bill – every time I see that one it makes me want to give you a knuckle bump!
Katie & Brandon’s reception was great fun – guests were treated to Kansas bbq, sno-cones (how fun is that!!), and even the cake celebrated their feline ‘children’
Last year’s bride & groom – this year’s wedding guests – hi Rick & Kandie
Does the maid of honor look familiar? Nope, your eyes aren’t playing tricks – this is Katie’s identical twin sister, Emily
One of my favorite details was this sentimental display of family photos – featuring photos of those who attended the wedding in spirit only, as well as – check these out – the wedding photos of the parents of the bride & groom! What a fun tribute to the loving examples they had set for Katie and Brandon.
Katie & Brandon – thank you again for choosing us to be a part of your wedding day celebration, and for once again making us feel like family We are so happy to know you, and proud of all that you’ve both accomplished since we met (Brandon is now Dr. Brandon, and Katie is now a CPA)! Cheers to this first anniversary – we look forward to staying in touch through many more!
Erin & Bill
Professionals that helped turn Katie’s visions into reality include:
Beautiful flowers created by Karen Pendleton of Pendleton’s Country Market
Delicious food and bartending courtesy of Tom & Stephanie Simpson, Dotte Brothers
On the Double DJ provided the music and kept the party going.
Tooooo cute cake topper was crafted by Etsy artist bunnywithatoolbelt
The bride commissioned Salutations by Mairead Designs to provide printed paper products and her tea bag favors.
by Erin
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