Allison Carenza
Beyond the shot, is a warmth
A beautiful country wedding for Will and Kim.
When Kim told me we would be driving up north to Will’s little family church for their wedding, I had no idea how meaningful, cute, quaint, and awesome this experience would be. Let me start at the beginning. We met at the Elms in Excelsior Springs early Saturday morning, and loaded up the cars for the 2 hour trek north. It was a dreary day, and a bit chilly, but given the weather this spring we were lucky it wasn’t snowing. As we got closer to Gentry, and further from civilization I realized we had better stop and get gas, while checking out I was worried something was wrong with my card, but the cashier quickly explained that it’s just dial up and pretty slow. Wow, that puts middle of nowhere on another level. As Jon and I pulled up to the church I could feel the excitement building in my chest. I love old buildings, and this is one old building. It reminded me of the one room school houses you can still find on occasion scattered across the midwest. It all felt very Little House on the Prairie.
Will’s ancestors the Gladstone’s migrated from Scotland to Canada to Gentry, Missouri where the settled and built this church in 1878.
Over the years the physical appearance of the building hasn’t changed much. The front door has moved, the old wooden porch is now concrete, kerosene lamps have become electricity, and the wood burning stove gave way to oil and now LP gas. Of course some things haven’t changed. The limestone rock for the foundation was quarried near Denver and hauled to the site, and the lumber was hauled from Maryville by team and wagon, both are still the same. There is also a spire with a wooden ball on top, that supposedly Walter Gladstone stood on top of when the church was being built. I checked out that ball and it was pretty small, but the family swears the story is true.
The whole thing felt vintage, meaningful, and full of family tradition.
As I sat in the original wooden pews I thought about all the people that had come and gone, all the weddings, and funerals, and baptisms. All that had changed, and all that was so much the same, like the people, the love, the relationships, isn’t that what really matters. I think Kim understood that when she decided to have her wedding in this little historic church.
Kim’s dress was probably one of my all time favorites. It fit the day perfectly! Kim you are so precious!
Love these girls!
I die! Kim you are stunning!
Kim with her dad and all her closest family and friends. I felt like the luckiest photographer in the world getting to capture this moment.
So happy! They had just shared their first kiss.
Oh you two are so adorable, just stop it!
We gathered the whole group on the steps of the church for a group shot. I imagine there’s a wedding picture somewhere in history that looks just like this, ok the clothes might look a little different.
After the wedding we headed back to The Elms for the reception. The Elms has recently renovated their room and it looks outstanding! I was so impressed with the look and the food!
Outside the ladies in white decided to have some fun with the lawn games.
Kelly Acock took care of the flowers. I just love her work! She took the vintage feel to the next level! Way to go Kelly! AMAZING!
Adorableness!
Kim’s little nieces. So cute!
Kim and Will I loved being your wedding photographer. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you two.
xoxo
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Beautiful Kayli
I would define my style as Colorado meets the beach, jeans, hoodies, flip flops, sun dresses, pretty much anything comfortable. Always comfort first. Accessories what? I’ve never made the effort to match my bag to my outfit. I buy a bag and use it until it gets worn out or I get sick of it. I just don’t have an eye for fashion. I try, but bless my heart, looking fashionable is just not in the cards for me. However, this is not the case for Kayli, a fashionista if I’ve ever met one, she is thrifty, and creative, great at throwing this and that together to make the cutest outfits, yellow belt here, chunky earrings there. I’m jealous, but she is gorgeous. And not because she’s got some great style. Kayli is one of the sweetest girls I know, and we share a bday which makes us sisters…kinda.
Kayli is one of those people that doesn’t know she’s beautiful, which makes her super humble, and kind. But really she’s gorgeous! Let me hear it..UH HUH!
From fierce to fun! LOVE!
Kayli, I have loved working at the boutique with you and getting to know you more. You have big things in your future. Remember to do what you love! Someday I’ll totally hire you to shop for me!
xoxo
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All tuckered out…
Meet little Tucker. As you can see he’s all tuckered out. I got to spend the morning with this little guy last Thursday. He was wiggly, and wide awake at first, but eventually the warm blanket, soothing radio, and gentle rocking knocked him out. Then he was all mine for a couple hours. Oh how I loved working with Tucker. Especially because I adore his mom and dad, Georgianna and Ryan.
I know you’ve seen pics of G before. She’s a muse of mine. One of the strongest most beautiful women I know. Tucker you are one lucky little guy.
I think his second two is longer. This little man is gonna be a leader some day!
Tucker has a Pooh bear themed room. I think this will look amazing above his crib.
Ryan is such a natural dad. He was super comfortable holding Tucker even in tricky poses, and we found Tucker especially loves this one.
Oh how I love my job, I just can’t say it enough. Getting to capture these first moments of a new family is a priceless experience to me. I love you Hardins, and look forward to many many more shoots!
xoxo
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Little Harper
6 months and growing. Little Harper just keeps getting bigger and bigger! It seems like just yesterday she was coming in for her newborn pics, and now she’s sitting and interacting like a big girl.
The beginning of the shoot she was slow to warm, but once I got the tickler (aka duster) out, it was over. I even had a whole conversation with Harper about the tickler, she absolutely loved it. I need to patent my annoying, high pitch method for using the tickler. Tickle Tickle Tickle! It wasn’t long before Harper was mimicking my antics. What wonderful memory! Not to mention I love her momma Laura!
xoxo
What a great Mommy Daughter moment!
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Eleanor turns one
This little one has gotten pretty good at pictures, she’s been in and out of the studio her whole life. Ok, so she’s only one, but she’s still pretty photogenic!
And she had all that hair when she was a newborn, and she has always loved to smile. I love little Eleanor. Her main purpose for being on the planet is to spread joy. And she does it well!
Eli loved to clap and laugh and make all the adults laugh too!
What a priceless daddy/daughter picture.
Eli didn’t want to sit on the couch, she wanted to jump on the couch, so we let her. I love this moment where she’s so sweet and innocent and serious, and of course the picture of her with her momma Merrick is pretty perfect too!
Aaron, Merrick, and Eleanor you brought me so much joy! Thanks for being a little bit of pure perfection!
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