Lev & Kelsey’s wedding was honestly one of the most fun wedding days I have ever been a part of. It was my first Jewish wedding, and I sincerely hope it won’t be my last. The entire day was so full of important and meaningful moments and celebrations of Lev & Kelsey, and the life they were about to begin together; I couldn’t have been more honored to capture those memories for them. Kelsey and I met in college at the University of Nebraska. We just happened to sit next to each other in the most boring (but important) class in our major…Mass Media Law. Honestly, if it weren’t for Kelsey I don’t think I would have made it through. She always enjoyed watching me edit during class (a pretty regular occurrence) and told me that someday she wanted me to shoot her wedding. Fast forward a handful of years, we’d both separately moved to KC and lost touch. I was at my first bridal show here in KC and who shows up in my booth but Kelsey and her new fiancé Lev. We were both stunned…and they booked me that day. It has been a joy to get to know Lev and strike up that old friendship as we got ready for the biggest day in their lives thus far.
Their day began at the Marriott Hotel in Overland Park where they got ready with their most important people around them. Lev’s brother was there to help make sure that he was dressed to the nines, while Kelsey’s mom, dad, and sister got her dressed with every little detail in place. Kelsey’s grandmother surprised her with a special garter, adorned with family heirlooms, and her aunts then gave her tokens to carry with her down the aisle; her grandfather and grandmother’s wedding rings. It was a really emotional time for everyone; love, excitement, and memories filling the space. We even took a moment to capture a photo of Kelsey with a photo from her parents’ wedding day. After the tears were dried, we loaded up and headed to the ceremony location at Beth Shalom. We took a few photos of the guys and ladies before the rituals of the day began. I think the Tisch was one of my favorite parts of the day; a time when Lev attempted to offer a word on the meaning of the occasion but was deliberately interrupted by joyful jokes, chants, and songs (including the husker fight song). We then danced Lev to see his new bride, where they met with the most joyful of looks and he confirmed she was indeed who he intended to marry before he lowered her veil and they signed the ketubah. A few minutes of peace for the two of them before the ceremony began. It was a beautiful and meaningful ceremony, and you could tell as they walked back down the aisle just how happy these two were to be getting married. We took a few full bridal party photos before we were off to Prairie Fire for the portraits of just Lev and Kelsey. Once we got to the reception at The Venue in Leawood the party really started. The toasts were touching and hilarious, the traditional vodka shot was a hit, and everyone was ready to hit the dance floor for the hora. This was such a special day for Lev & Kelsey and all of their guests, and I’m just happy I got to be a part of it 🙂
Also, I have to share the Lev & Kelsey’s short wedding film by Storybook Weddings (by Sound and Shadow); check it out here! You can even see a little snippet of me photographing these two at 2:15 🙂
Photography – Spencer Studios | Ceremony – Beth Shalom | Rabbi – Rabbi David Glickman | Venue & Bartending – The Venue in Leawood | Getting Ready Location – Marriott Kansas City Overland Park | Rehearsal Dinner Location – KC Wine Co. | Hair & Make-up – Salon.Z | Wedding & Bridesmaid Dress Shop – Natalie M. | Wedding Dress Designer – David Tutera | Alterations, Veil, & Custom Sleeves – C C Tailors Bridal & Tuxedos | Wedding Bands & Custom Jewelry – Inna Zevakina at Custom Gems | Florist – Fiddly Fig | Caterer – Bagel Works Cafe | Cake – Chef Shop Baking | Russion Teacakes – European Delights | DJ – JF Productions | Musicians – Flannigan’s Right Hook | Paper Goods – First Impression | Videographer – Storybook Weddings (by Sound & Shadow) | Rentals – Be Seated | Second Photographer – Sara Foote
[…] of the year! Lev & Kelsey hired me to photograph their wedding in 2017 (you can check it out HERE) so when they let me know they were pregnant and wanted me to photograph their maternity session I […]