Wedding | An Urban, Rainy Day Wedding in the KC Westbottoms

I really enjoyed Matthew and Joey’s West-bottoms wedding day! I had only shot in the area once prior and didn’t venture too far from that venue. These two, however, were one of those rare couples that actually used a spreadsheet to compare tons of local photographers - giving them ratings based on certain aspects. (Oh to see those spreadsheets…. ) Regardless, I was lucky enough to make it to the top, and was excited that photography was such a priority!

Rain or shine, I was determined to force these two out to get those super symmetrical, architectural, wide shots for which I’m known. Unfortunately, the former occurred, so I doubt it was the most pleasant pre-ceremony photo shoot they could’ve experienced, but they grabbed some umbrellas and set out anyway. Those images are easily some of my favorite wedding day portraits to date. The rain cast low hanging fog over the area, diffusing the sunlight and creating a beautiful grey-blue ambiance. The graffiti covered walls and paint chipped buildings provided surprising pops of colors to an overall dreary day. I even forced the entire bridal party out into the street for a few quick shots between rain showers, while my second shooter and I exchanged turns watching the traffic.

The ceremony was also beautifully lit. I’ve always loved candlelight and apparently so did they. They choose to have a reverse unity candle lighting, which causes everyone present to have a lit candle; the last two to have their candles lit are the couple and each person’s is lit by the opposite person’s parents. It’s the only unity ceremony I’ve witnessed that you could really feel. I don’t mean that in the literal sense, being that it could actually burn you. (Which it totally could and if you don’t like fire I definitely don’t recommend it.) I loved how it caused the room to slowly illuminate as more and more candles were set aglow.

The rest of the wedding day went on as usual until mid-first dance when my primary camera body stopped working for seemingly no reason. Luckily, I had a kick ass second shooter to take temporary charge while I grabbed my second body. (This is why you hire professionals people! For anyone interested: I fixed the camera two days later. It was an electrical issue concerning the battery grip I was using. I’ve had no issues with it since.) Overall this effected nothing aside from my fried nerves. I quickly got back into shooting because o.m.g. these guys could party. It was probably one of the most consistently lively dance parties I’ve witnessed at a wedding! The grand exit was a massive sparkler send off, and we all watched as the newly weds drove off into the night.