I’d been counting down the days to Tara & Johnny’s wedding day at the Nelson-Atkins Museum for awhile now. I just adore these two and I knew that their wedding day was going to be joyful, elegant, and full of so much fun. And they sure didn’t disappoint 🙂

Tara & Johnny have such a gift for making you feel instantly welcome and appreciated when you spend time with them, and their wedding day was no exception. Right when I walked into Tara’s getting ready room she burst into the biggest smile, greeted me, and said, “I can’t wait for you to meet my family!” I knew that this wedding day would feel extra welcoming, but this warm welcome alone exceeded my expectations and basically put me on cloud 9 for the rest of the day.

Tara included so many personal touches in her wedding day look. She borrowed her bracelet and stunning earrings from her aunts, and she sewed a piece of her mother’s wedding gown into her own gown for extra luck and love. Tara’s gown gave me timeless Grace Kelly vibes and her bold red lip hinted at her bubbly side. Altogether, Tara’s look was a total vibe and I just can’t get over it!

Tara & Johnny’s first look was the most important moment of the day for both of them, so we made sure to carve out extra time and privacy for them. And the two soaked up every second of this special moment together before we packed up the entire crew and headed to the Nelson-Atkins Museum for pre-ceremony portraits.

We were blessed with beautiful weather and a merciful cloud cover to help keep the entire crew cool during portraits. (Tara said that the weather was her past relatives’ way of smiling down on her wedding day.) Capturing Tara & Johnny’s portraits was so much fun! They are so naturally affectionate, and I love how their relationship translates on camera.

During the ceremony, an aunt (who’s a professional violinist, mind you) performed a number of beautiful pieces for Tara & Johnny’s guests. And it was at about this time that we got a bit of surprise rain outside! But it didn’t dampen the mood too much. Tara & Johnny actually still got to enjoy their cocktail hour outside with their guests and the rain helped the clouds break up just enough to give the couple a few moments of beautiful golden hour portrait time!

Tara & Johnny’s celebration finished with a packed dance floor and sparkler exit. And through it all, Tara & Johnny’s smiles were beaming from ear to ear. I’m so glad that the wedding day of their dreams became a reality (thanks in large part to Kindra’s talented guidance!) and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for these two!

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A HUGE thank you to the team that made this day spectacular!

venue & catering: The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
coordination: Kindra | Simple Elegance
videography: Glenwood Weddings
hair & makeup: Bronzed and Blushed
floral design: Final Touch Studios
stationery: Yellow Brick Graphics
dessert: Chef Shop
transportation: Prestige Transportation
bridal attire: The One Bridal Shop | Mikaella Bridal
bridesmaids: Bella Bridesmaids
menswear: Men’s Wearhouse
rentals & decor: Marquee Event Rentals | BBJ Linen
entertainment: Elite Events
2nd photographer: Espy’s Photography

CHEERS TO TARA & JOHNNY!

Can’t get enough of these lovebirds? Check out their engagement session!