Welcome
the brides playbooks
I can't even decide what i'm eating for lunch or what i'm going to watch on Netflix, so how the heck are you supposed to find your dream wedding vendors? When do you book them? What do I wear to an engagement session?
We are tired of google searches, Facebook swap and shops, hundreds of are you ghosting me emails? And not clicking with vendors through Zoom calls.
With hundreds of new vendors popping up every week, it is getting extremely difficult to find the right vendors.
We have been part of hundreds of weddings and have worked with some of the best vendors in Kansas City, so let us help you navigate your wedding so that you have all the information to make an educated decision on your vendors.
- matthew
eclicktik films
We want to congratulate you on your engagement! During the engagement process don't forget to make time for each other. Go on dates and really enjoy each other. It will make the whole process more enjoyable.
the little black book of wedding vendor recommendations in kansas city
Vendors
WHO WILL MAKE YOUR DAY INCREDIBLE
We have personally worked with a majority of the vendors below and have nothing but great things to say about them. They are not only incredible at what they do, but they are great people that love to be part of your wedding.
wedding venues
FLORISTS
Eclicktik Films (shamless plug)
Moontage Films
Rushing Productions
Bayslinger Films
Her Third eye Productions
RGKC Films
ViDEOGRAPHY
CATERING
DJ & BANDS
HAIR & MAKEUP
CAKES
WEDDING DRESS
RENTALS
Composure Events
Wild Rose Planning & Events
Madison Sanders
A Wedding Come True
Events By Elle
My Events Planning
WEDDING PLANNERS
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS
investment starts at $4200
the pavillion
investment starts at $7800
the english barn
white iron ridge
WEdding venues
investment starts at $10000
This might be the most important vendor that you book for your wedding. The venue can set the tone for the style, the feel and the overall asthetic that your wedding will become. These are my absolute 3 favorite venues in and around the kansas city area.
Should you do a first look?
if you are on the fence about doing a first look, take a look below to help you out!
Getting jitters on the wedding day doesn’t mean you have cold feet. In fact, it’s perfectly normal to feel nervous, whether you’re anxious about being the center of attention and speaking in front of a crowd or just afraid something will go wrong. For many couples, having a moment with their partner before the ceremony can actually help to calm both their nerves and ease the stress of the day.
Getting nerves on your wedding day is completed fine. Most brides actually feel it. There are many reasons to be anixous and having some alone time with your partner can really help ease the tension and allow for a calmness to come over you both. There are very few moments you will get to spend alone and this is one of them. The emotions will be there regardless.
1. calm your nerves
Deciding not to do a first look means that you have to wait until after the ceremony to take bridal portraits, family portraits and any other photos you want to get together. If you decide to do a first look, it will allow you time to enjoy your cocktail reception, take more bridal portraits, and having time to spend with your family and friends.
Portraits will often take longer than you anticipate, so it is always nice to have some extra time dedicated to pictures, so you aren't rushing after the ceremony to get all your portraits, while trying to mangle family members together.
2. more time for portraits or to spend with loved ones
If you choose to do a first look, you will have fresh makeup and perfectly styled hair, and every accessory will be in place. There’s no guarantee the mascara won’t run during your vows or you won’t get a little rumpled from hugging and greeting all those guests. A first look can be a great opportunity to capture you and your partner at your best before the rush of the wedding day really begins.
Most first looks happen right after getting your hair and make up done. You are going to look flawless and is the perfect opportunity to show off to your partner, or just allow him to see you when you look and feel as beautiful as you have ever felt. We love to allow our couples to stay present during their first look, which allows them some alone time which is going to be difficult to come by on the wedding day.
3. look your best
Wedding Day Timeline
building the perfect
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to doing a first look or waiting until the ceremony. But this decision will greatly affect how your wedding timeline will play out.
If you decide to wait until the altar, you will have to take all of your bridal party photos after the ceremony. You will only be able to do your groomsmen together and your bridesmaids together.
Plan for about 45-60 minutes of pre ceremony bridal photos and about the same time for the groomsmen.
Family photos can take anywhere from 20-30 minutes, and you will still have to plan for about 60-90 minutes of time for the whole bridal party to get photos.
Whether you're planning a first look or sticking with tradition and not seeing your groom until you walk down the aisle, we have tips to help make planning your timeline as easy as possible!
If you're doing a first look, photos can be done all at one time, taking an average total of 2 hours pre-ceremony (although we also LOVE grabbing just the two of you for a few additional bride and groom photos at sunset!)
If you decide to do a first look, you can do the complete bridal party from the moment everyone is dressed and ready to go. You also have the added benefit of having some alone time with your significant other, which will be seldom the rest of the wedding day.
Getting a majority of your pictures done also allows you extra time for sunset pictures, or to simply enjoy your cocktail hour with your friends and family. A first look truly is a schedule friendly option, but check out below and see how both wedding days can play out.
12 p.m.
We arrive at the venue to say hey :) and Start shooting details while you finish up your hair and make up.
12pm - Getting Ready
Note: In a perfect world, when we arrive you will be getting close to getting your hair and make up complete, so we can start all the festivities.
1:15 p.m.
Groom + groomsmen head to the ceremony.
1:15pm - Guys Depart
1:30 p.m.
Bride and Bridesmaids head to the ceremony
1:30pm - Ladies Depart
1:30 p.m.
First Look
1:45 First Look
Note: The first look can take place at the hotel, the venue or the ceremony site. No matter where you want to have the first look, we can find a beautiful spot that is private for the two of you to enjoy the moment together.
2:00 p.m.
Bridal Portraits
2:00pm - Portraits
3:00 p.m.
Ceremony
3:00PM Ceremony
3:30 p.m.
Family Portraits
3:30pm Family Portraits
Taking your family portraits immediately after the ceremony is always the way to go. You will never have another opportunity where every single person is nearby. Most great photographers will have a list of family and photos they need to capture and will make this process seamless.
4:00 P.M.
Bridal & Groom Portraits
4:00pm Portraits
Note: It's never a bad idea for more bridal portraits.
4:30 p.M.
Cocktail Hour
4:30pm Cocktail Hour
Note: When you decide to do a first look, you will actually have the opportunity to enjoy your cocktail hour and spend time with friends and family.
5:00 P.M.
Grand Entrance + Cake Cutting + First Dance
5pm Introductions
Note: We recommend doing your cake cutting and first dances right after your grand entrance. This will allow you time to relax during dinner and have more time to enjoy your reception.
5:30 P.M.
Toasts & Dinner
5:30pm Dinner
6:00 P.M.
Sunset Portraits
6pm Sunset Portraits
We’ll make sure to grab you two about 45 minutes before the sunsets. This is usually the best light of the day!
6:30 P.M.
Open Dance Floor
6:30pm Dancing
7:15 P.M.
Bouquet & Garter Toss
7:15pm Traditions
8:00 P.M.
Couples Exit
8:00pm videographer Departs
Note: This is based on 8 hours of coverage for your photographer and videographer. Depending on your wedding you might opt to have them stay later if the reception is extremely important to you.
1 p.m.
We arrive at the venue to say hey :) and Start shooting details while you finish up your hair and make up.
1pm - Getting Ready
Note: In a perfect world, when we arrive you will be getting close to getting your hair and make up complete, so we can start all the festivities.
2:00 p.m.
Groom + groomsmen head to the ceremony + Groomsmen Photos
2:00pm - Guys Depart
2:15 p.m.
Bride and Bridesmaids head to the ceremony + Bridesmaids Photos
2:15pm - Ladies Depart
3:00 p.m.
Ceremony
3:00PM Ceremony
3:30 p.m.
Family portraits.
3:30pm Family Portraits
Taking your family portraits immediately after the ceremony is always the way to go. You will never have another opportunity where every single person is nearby. Most great photographers will have a list of family and photos they need to capture and will make this process seamless.
4:00 P.M.
Bridal Party and Bride & Groom Portraits
4:00pm Portraits
Note: Depending on what was taken before the ceremony, this normally takes about an hour total.
5:30 P.M.
Grand Entrance + Cake Cutting + First Dances
5:30pm Introductions
Note: We recommend doing your cake cutting and first dances right after your grand entrance. This will allow you time to relax during dinner and have more time to enjoy your reception.
6:00 P.M.
Toasts + Dinner
6:00pm Dinner
7:30 P.M.
Sunset Portraits
7:30pm Sunset Portraits
We recommend saving about 30-45 minutes to capture sunset photos.
8:00 P.M.
Dancing begins
8:00pm Dancing
8:30 P.M.
Bouqet & Garter Toss
8:30pm Traditions
9:00 P.M.
Sparkler Exit or Grand Exit
9:00pm videographer Departs
Note: This is based on 8 hours of coverage for your photographer and videographer. Depending on your wedding you might opt to have them stay later if the reception is extremely important to you.
living in the midwest, Mother Nature is always something consider. If the weather calls for rain, it is not a bad thing. Rain at weddings is traditionally considered good luck, and we are going to offer some advice on how to handle rain in the forecast.
We recommend ordering Clear Umbrellas on Amazon for the Bride and the Groom. If you want to take portaits with the entire bridal party, plan on having some extras handy and ready to go.
Rain Tips
If you are set on a certain portrait location, we will want to have umbrellas ready to go, or consider having an alternate location. Also, think about getting a cute pair of shoes to slip on during bridal portraits, and something that you can wear walking to and from different locations.
Make sure your vendors are on top of the weather and have a plan for how to handle the weather. Most photographers have rain covers for their cameras, or umbrellas that they can offer so you can still take those epic portraits. Some of our favorite weddings have had rain in the forecast. So embrace it, and enjoy your day no matter how Mother Nature decides to act.
While we can't guarantee that rain on your wedding day is good luck, we can put a plan in place to ensure a beautiful day and beautiful images.
Rainy day weddings may require a little more flexibility and creativity, but there isn't any reason why they can't be as beautiful and as joyful as sunny weddings!
Wedding Day Details
When we arrive to the wedding, we will come say our hellos, and start capturing all the small details while you finish your hair and makeup. We recommend getting ready in a location with lots of natural light, preferabbly large windows. Our favorite setup is turning off the artificial light and allowing the beautiful daylight to flood through the bridal suite. If you have a lot of trash and clutter, try to keep it tucked away in a corner so the suite can be easily photographed.
All our couples receive a wedding questionnaire to help them prepare for the day, but here's a list of the must haves to really show off those little details you spent so much time on.
Dress
Dress Hanger
Wedding Rings
Shoes
Veil
Bouquet
Pins or Buttons
Letters
Jewelry
Invitations
Programs
Bridal DETAILS Checklist
Shoes
Crazy socks
Cuff Links
Tie
Pocket Square
Watch
Vows Book
Rings
Groomsmen gifts
Vow Book
Sentimintal tiesm
We had a bride who had a button from her moms dress sewed on her dress. Any detail that is meaningful, make sure you share it with your photographers
Bonus Points: The dress looks beautiful hanging from a wedding. If you can have it ready to go so we can get those beautiful shots, we will be in your debt forewver.
GROOM DETAILS Checklist