Wedding | From Paris to the Plains

My first clue that I was really really going to enjoy this wedding was meeting Shana and Dimitri for the first time. It was the day prior to their wedding, we were walking casually around the venue and I was talking about different locations that would make for interesting images. I mentioned that within my work I valued minimalism and symmetry. Shana pipes up, "Oh minimalism and symmetry are two of Dimitri's favorite words." She told me my mentioning of those two things on my website were what really sealed the deal selection wise.

I won't lie, I was a bit surprised when these two first reached out to me. For one thing, they had somehow found me from half way across the world. (Thanks, Thumbtack.) They were living in Paris at the time, and had held their civil ceremony in France; however, with Shana's relatives dispersed across the US they chose to have their wedding in the states. Shana's 96 year old Grandmother lived in Lawrence, and so they selected the beautiful, historic Circle S Ranch and Inn for their wedding. I thought it was a little funny that two people from Paris with such simple, elegant style would choose a venue known for it's more rustic charm. We joked about them going "full Kansas," but in reality the space suited their style and needs very well. All of their guests were able to stay at the inn the entire weekend and partake in all the activities the ranch had to offer. It was a wonderful way to bring everyone together. After seeing they had selected the ever, elegant Twig Cake Company and Shana Vaughn Designs for their additional vendors it started to make a whole lot of sense. The day of everything was beautiful, quaint and cozy. 

The whole wedding day seemed to go off without a hitch. The affair was very laid back, and flowed together with ease; getting ready to first look to bridal portraits to a garden social to the ceremony to the reception. It was one of the few weddings that I probably would've stayed past my booked time to chat and dance. (Although my poor dog had been in his kennel for 8+ hours so I booked it back to KC.) There are so many other little details I could point out; Shana's locally made minimalist jewelry, our eerily similar taste in music, but you came here for the photos so I'll get on with it. 

Above all else, I think what made this day the most special was Shana and Dimitri's story itself. Having met in Paris a few months prior they decided to marry rather quickly. While I don't know their entire backstory, I do know that Shana's job was what led her to Paris and is what will relocate them to Hawaii in a mere few weeks. Dimitri and Shana met, married, and will move around the world all in the few months time. To me, that seems such a brave and genuine testament of love. 

VENDORS: Venue - Circle S Ranch | Bakery - TWIG Cake Company | Floral Design - Shana Vaughn Designs | Jewelry - Adorned