Favorites of 2014

Looking back through each of the wonderful sessions and events I had the joy of capturing over this past year was F-U-N! Choosing a few favorites or so from each was a little bit of work! I have many favorites from all of my sessions and events in 2014, and it isn't because they are all an epic shot.....

Looking back through each of the wonderful sessions and events I had the joy of capturing over this past year was F-U-N! Choosing a few favorites or so from each was a little bit of work! I have many favorites from all of my sessions and events in 2014, and it isn't because they are all an epic shot. They aren't all perfectly exposed. Or tack sharp. Some probably even have terrible composition! I chose them regardless, because despite how much learning I still have ahead of me, I know that I'm growing. I know I've already learned so much so far. And while I'm still not quite that amazing photographer I aspire to be, I'm happy with where I am right now. Goals can be big. Dreams can be huge. But it is important to not lose sight of the journey to them! 

I was also absolutely blessed this past year with the clients who fell into my path. Looking back through my favorites is a great reminder of that fact! Their smiling faces take me back to their session and I vividly remember all the fun we had! These guys have been so incredibly supportive! They've made me feel like a rock star! And I feel like I have gained a multitude of new friends! Many of these guys below will be saying their "I Do's" next year, and I absolutely cannot wait to capture it all! I am a lucky, lucky girl!

2014 - You exceeded my expectations, and I am over-the-moon happy about that! 2015 - here I come!! 
 

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- weddings Elizabeth - weddings Elizabeth

The Elm's Hotel Wedding | Lauren & Seth

After what was a very serendipitous meeting, these two lovebirds planned a November wedding at The Elm's Hotel and Spa. Not only did these guys have a perfect venue, they also really got lucky with perfect weather! The end of November, after weeks of chilly temps, out popped a sun-filled 60-degree day just for these two! 

Lauren and Seth were the very first couple I met with after the grand opening of ELP. Though I had shot several weddings in my past, both alone and as a second shooter - it mattered little. Admittedly, I was still nervous. It didn't take long before Lauren and Seth's laid back personalities put me at ease! We chatted about their big day, and I learned about them as a couple. I listened in awe as they told me how they met, and I must say, it is one of my favorite meeting stories to date, such a serendipitous moment! and I've so been looking forward to sharing their story!

Lauren and Seth share a mutual friend, also named Lauren! :) And this smart gal had been trying to set Lauren and Seth up for a while. However, neither of them were too thrilled about the idea of being set up on a blind date. So it never happened, not how friend Lauren planned at least.... On a fateful night at Kelley's Westport Inn, Seth was out grabbing drinks with friends, the mutual friend included. The evening was no different from any other night. Until of course, this beautiful girl walked in the door. Seth saw her immediately. Spotted her from across the crowd. Maybe that crowd disappeared for a moment, maybe every thing went silent. The bottom line is Seth could not take his eyes off of this mysterious and beautiful girl. He thought to himself "I have to talk to that girl." He lost sight of her just moments later. Twenty minutes after that, the oh-so-wise friend Lauren came up to Seth, with that mysterious beautiful girl on her arm. And that's when it all made sense. When time truly stood still, and everything came together. She said to Seth, "This is my friend, Lauren. She's the one I wanted to introduce you to!"

What happened after that is what always happens when things are just meant to be, and months later, on the rooftop of their favorite restaurant, with Lauren's family waiting downstairs unknowingly to her, Seth on one knee asked her to marry him. 
These two share such a special bond, and it's evident in everything they do. The way Seth was a ball of nerves waiting for his bride to come find him for their first glance.. or the way they embraced immediately with no words. The way Lauren squeezed his arm during their vows, when his shaky hands got the best for him. Every little detail about the love these guys share is absolutely endearing!

The gorgeous Elm's Hotel & Spa was the place chosen by them, to speak their vows among their friends and family, and it was sweet perfection! The Elm's is incredible! Not only did these guys have a perfect venue, they also really got lucky with perfect weather! The end of November, after weeks of chilly temps, out popped a sun-filled 60-degree day just for these two! 

Lauren & Seth - Thank you guys both so very much for choosing me to capture your big day. I couldn't have been more thrilled to be a part of this! You two share an amazing love that is a privilege to witness! I hope you love your wedding images, and congratulations!!

 

The Elm's Wedding Photography
The Elm's Wedding Photography
The Elm's Wedding Photography
The Elm's Wedding Photography
sETH WAS READY TO SEE HIS BRIDE FOR THE FIRST TIME! 

sETH WAS READY TO SEE HIS BRIDE FOR THE FIRST TIME!
 

The Elm's Wedding Photography
The Elm's Wedding Photography
The Elm's Wedding Photography
The Elm's Wedding Photography
The Elm's Wedding Photography
The Elm's Wedding Photography
The Elm's Wedding Photography
The Elm's Wedding Photography
Really quick before the reception started - Lauren, Seth & I ran back upstairs to do this! I was so elated that these guys were up for this shot!!!

Really quick before the reception started - Lauren, Seth & I ran back upstairs to do this! I was so elated that these guys were up for this shot!!!

The Elm's Wedding - Kansas City Photographer - Elizabeth Ladean Photography_0480.jpg


A special thanks to the amazing team behind this perfect day!
 Ceremony & Reception Venue | The Elm's Resort & Spa
Flowers | Andrea K. Grist Floral Design
DJ | DJ's For Hire KC
Cake | Baby Cakes KC
//
Photography | Elizabeth Ladean Photography | Instagram | Facebook

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Check out more ELP weddings!

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- couples Elizabeth - couples Elizabeth

Woodsy Anniversary Photos | Emily & Logan

I would always watch Emily as she talked about this husband of hers, and how she would blush, and grin, and just light up. Once I met Logan, and saw how they are together, there was no doubt - these two have that type of love that sappy romantic movies are made about. 

I once had the good fortune of working a day job alongside Emily, and Emily is one of those types of people you can't help but simply adore. She's the friendliest, most thoughtful, and sweetest girl who always has a smile! Before I had met Logan, I would watch Emily as she talked about this husband of hers, and how she would blush, and grin, and just light up. Once I met Logan, and saw how they are together, there was no doubt - these two have that type of love that sappy romantic movies are made about. 

Emily and Logan grew up playing soccer together, best friends from a young age. It was in those early days that their bond began, and by the time they were teens they knew. Together now for 9 years, married for almost 5. So, to celebrate their anniversary this year, they invited me (and Wes!) to Emily's family farm for an anniversary session :) This farm was a complete photographer's dream. 290 acres of beauty, in the middle of nowhere. I was in heaven! I had hoped for a camping theme set-up, and Emily's parents really rocked that out for us! On top of the gorgeous land, woods, trees, and that perfect makeshift campsite - Emily and Logan also have a camper there on the farm that we utilized! Everything tied in so perfectly for these two camping, hiking, road-tripping, nature-loving lovebirds!! 

Emily & Logan - Truly, I love you guys. Thank you SO much for having me take these photos for you, at that immaculate farm no less! You two illustrate L-O-V-E so beautifully, and I love being a witness of it! 
 

Oh Emily! That serious face that says it all!

Oh Emily! That serious face that says it all!

Kansas City Anniversary photography
Kansas City Anniversary photography
Kansas City Anniversary photography
Kansas City Anniversary photography
Kansas City Anniversary photography
Kansas City Anniversary photography
Kansas City Anniversary photography
Kansas City Anniversary photography
Kansas City Anniversary photography
Kansas City Anniversary photography
Kansas City Anniversary photography
Kansas City Anniversary photography
Kansas City Anniversary photography
Kansas City Anniversary photography
Kansas City Anniversary photography
Kansas City Anniversary photography
Kansas City Anniversary photography
Kansas City Anniversary photography
Kansas City Anniversary photography
Kansas City Anniversary photography
Kansas City Anniversary photography
Kansas City Anniversary photography
Kansas City Anniversary photography
Kansas City Anniversary photography
Kansas City Anniversary photography
Kansas City Anniversary photography
Kansas City Anniversary photography
Kansas City Anniversary photography
Kansas City Anniversary photography
Kansas City Anniversary photography
Kansas City Anniversary photography
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- lifestyle Elizabeth - lifestyle Elizabeth

Martha Lafite Nature Sanctuary Family Photos | The Wehmeyer Family

It isn't often that I get to work with families, especially families with teenagers! I was really excited for this chance when Jamie contacted me about doing her family photos. We did their photos in a spot I hadn't shot at before, so you know I was pumped to go somewhere new! Martha Lafite Nature Sanctuary is definitely a place I will revisit!!

It isn't often that I get to work with families, especially families with teenagers! I was really excited for this chance when Jamie contacted me about doing her family photos. These guys were great and had me laughing all throughout their session. We did their photos in a spot I hadn't shot at before, so you know I was pumped to go somewhere new! Martha Lafite Nature Sanctuary is definitely a place I will revisit!!

Jamie, Jeff, Jake & Zane - Thank you guys for being awesome! And for being okay with walking all into thick brush and weeds! I think it was worth it :) I hope you guys enjoy your new family photos!
 

Martha Lafite family photos
Martha Lafite family photos
Martha Lafite family photos
Martha Lafite family photos
Martha Lafite family photos
Martha Lafite family photos
Martha Lafite family photos
Martha Lafite family photos
Martha Lafite family photos
Martha Lafite family photos
Martha Lafite family photos
Martha Lafite family photos
Martha Lafite family photos
Martha Lafite family photos
Martha Lafite family photos
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- couples Elizabeth - couples Elizabeth

Weston Bend Engagement Session | Sammie & Austin

Weston Bend State Park offered amazing fall colors, the weather gave us perfect temps, and this gorgeous couple gave me a wonderful engagement session - talk about just knowing exactly how to nail it, every shot! Sammie and Austin are fantastic!!
 

During the initial emails between Sammie and I, she at one point referred to herself as a "pinning fool" in regards to Pinterest. It was in that moment, I knew I was going to love this girl! When I first met with her and Austin they seemed so FUN, bubbly, friendly and just plain wonderful! We planned their engagement session for several months after our meeting and crossed our fingers for Fall colors, and WOW did we ever get lucky! I'm pretty sure had we chosen any other day, the colors wouldn't have been this amazing! Their session, at Weston Bend was pretty much exactly what you hope for as a photographer ;) amazing weather, fall colors, and this too-cute couple who just know exactly how to nail it, every shot! Not to mention their precious dog, Ellie, who also nailed it! Sammie & Austin simply ooze that young love that you can't help but smile at. They are a perfect match!

Sammie & Austin - Thank you guys so much for being so awesome!! I'm so excited for your wedding next year! 

engagement photos with dog
engagement photos with dog
Engagement photos with dog
Engagement Photos with dog
Engagement photos with dog
Engagement photos with dog
Fall engagement photos
Fall engagement photos
Weston Bend engagement photos
Oh Sammie! Your "serious" face is perfection! 

Oh Sammie! Your "serious" face is perfection!
 

Fall engagement photos
Weston Bend - Fall engagement photos
Fall engagement photos
Weston Bend engagement photos
Weston Bend engagement photos
Weston Bend engagement photos
Weston Bend engagement photos
Weston Bend State Park Engagement Photos - Elizabeth Ladean Photography_0222.jpg
Weston Bend State Park Engagement Photos - Elizabeth Ladean Photography_0219.jpg
Weston Bend State Park Engagement Photos - Elizabeth Ladean Photography_0218.jpg
Weston Bend engagement photos
Weston Bend engagement photos
Fall engagement photos
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