Thinking of planning your Kansas City wedding? Daniel and Garrett’s day was truly something special and not just because it looked incredible (though, trust me, it did). What made this wedding unforgettable was how much it reflected them. From the moment guests arrived to the final drag performance of the night, every piece of their day was infused with personality, fun, and meaning.
A STAND OUT CELEBRATION AT COCKTAIL HOUR
One of my favorite parts was how they went against the grain and invited guests to a cocktail hour before the ceremony. It created such a relaxed, joyful atmosphere right from the start. Guests sipped on drinks, mingled, and showed up in the most amazing colorful outfits — perfect for capturing some amazing candids of this Kansas City wedding day. It was social, vibrant, and totally true to Daniel and Garrett’s vibe.
FROM A CHANCE SNAPSHOT TO THE WEDDING DAY
I have known Daniel and Garrett going on 4 years and it’s a bit crazy how we ended up here — I photographed one family member’s wedding followed by another. Then I photographed Daniel and Garrett for the first time on the rooftop of their apartment when Garret’s twin brother wanted to take engagement photos with his fiance. I turned to them and thought, ok wait…they’re pretty dang cute. I didn’t know at the time but their relationship was still really fresh. All I saw was two people who really liked each other, so of course I couldn’t help myself but snap a few photos of them. When I saw they were engaged a couple of years later, there was no doubt in my mind that I was going to get an email from them shortly after, and thankfully I was right. It really felt like I was approaching this wedding as a friend of theirs getting to document their love.
A KANSAS CITY WEDDING FULL OF HEART
When it came to the actual ceremony, one of the first things to take place was the passing of the rings around the room as a ring warming ceremony. I absolutely love when couples include traditions like this that truly involve everyone present. Daniel and Garrett also wrote their own vows, and let’s just say… there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. Afterwards, they changed it up with fun new suit jackets for their grand entrance into dinner. And then they invited everyone to surround them for the first dance, which I LOVED. To close out the night, they had a surprise drag queen performance by Miss Daisy Bucket! It was such a good night and an incredible Kansas City wedding celebration that I’ll never forget.
THE SPECIAL VENDORS THAT MADE THIS DAY A REALITY
This day wouldn’t have been what it was without an amazing group of vendors:
DJ: AGE Entertainment, @weddingdjstl
Venue & On-site Coordinator: The UNION, @union.828
Suits: Jos. A. Bank, Local Store: Hawthorne Plaza, Overland Park, KS
Late Night Snack: Buffalo State Pizza Co., @buffalostatepizzaxr
Catering: Cupini’s, @cupinis
Videographer: Jonathan Hanes Films, @jonathanhanesfilms
Photo Booth: Photobooth by HK, @photoboothbyhk
Florals: Williamson Event Florals, @williamsoneventflorals
Makeup: @makeupbymatthewmbm
Hair: @the_colunga
Drag Queen: Miss Daisy Bucket, @missdaisybucket
KIND WORDS FROM GARRETT ON WORKING TOGETHER
“4 years ago you snapped pictures of @danieljamt and I while we watched you take @ewoodyvan and Alyssa’s engagement pictures…. just for fun… I was so out of my element. Then I got the pictures and was like … okay we look good, maybe I will marry this man. And then I did ❤️ you were there all along. LOVE YOU KELSEY! These pictures turned out stunning – you. are. amazing #photographer4life”
LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO CAPTURE YOUR KANSAS CITY WEDDING?
If you’re planning to have your wedding in Kansas City, I’d love to capture all the special moments for you to cherish forever! If we haven’t met yet, hey I’m Kelsey! I believe every relationship is unique and that’s why I take the time to get to know all of my couples in order to truly document their beautiful love story! You can learn more about me here, and contact me here to chat all about your upcoming wedding. I can’t wait to hear all the details! Until then, view more Kansas City wedding inspiration and tips on the blog!
KELSEY DIANE PHOTOGRAPHY | KANSAS CITY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
View more of Daniel and Garett’s beautiful and Downtown Kansas City wedding at The Union below!
