Kansas City Skyline Wedding

You know the great thing about weddings? Okay, okay, besides getting married. Getting to watch everyone celebrate in their own unique way, in their own unique place, with their own unique people. Because even if two sisters get married in the same place with some of the same vendors? It’s still going to turn out different. Which is pretty cool in our book.

Take Chris and Valeria, for instance. All of Chris’ siblings are married, so he had an idea of what he wanted to see from his and Valeria’s wedding day. But one of the things that these two kept emphasizing during our time together is that despite what everyone else has done, they wanted to put their own spin on their big day.

And that’s pretty cool.

Kansas City Skyline Wedding

Getting Ready | The Crossroads Hotel

To start things off? Valeria’s family came in from Venezuela. And to be honest, they weren’t sure if they were even going to make it to Kansas City in time for the wedding because of everything happening in their country. And friends, when Valeria told us it had been several years since she’d gotten to see her mom and brother, nephew and family coming in? We knew exactly who our eyes would be peeled for all day long.

So when we arrived at The Crossroads Hotel on the morning of Valeria and Chris’ wedding to start getting ready festivities? We were so excited to meet Valeria’s sweet family. And we were so excited to get to capture some of our very, very favorite getting ready moments of Valeria and her sister and mom.

And Chris? Well, he spent his morning hanging out in his suite, doing the guys getting ready thing. Kyle and I always joke that it’s so funny that when we go back to look through getting ready photos, the bride’s prep can stretch out for hours. And somewhere in the middle of all the hairspray and makeup, there’s a 20 minute stretch where it’s nothing but groom getting ready photos (you know, because all it takes is 20 minutes to get ready).

Ceremony | Our Lady Guadalupe Parish

Chris and Valeria? They chose not to do a first look before their wedding ceremony. And their wedding ceremony? Well by now we’re sure you’re going to guess they incorporated themselves into it somehow. And if that was your guess, you were right.

Since Valeria’s family is from Venezuela and most of them only speak Spanish, Chris and Valeria chose to do their ceremony in both English and Spanish. You guys – it was so beautiful. And it was so special that they made this decision so Valeria’s family would feel included and know what was going on as well.

The other really unique thing about Chris and Valeria’s wedding ceremony is that instead of a unity candle or sand, their officiate did a hand-binding ceremony with them. Have you seen one of these ceremonies before? Essentially, your hands are gently bound together with a knot tied, which symbolizes the unity of the couple and the binding together of their lives.  

Wedding Party Pictures | The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art

After things were made officially official (complete with all the hugs and family photos), we headed to one of our very favorite, super secret locations in Kansas City for photos of Valeria and Chris. (Wanna know where it is?! Click this link to find out. 🙂)

And after spending a few minutes with them in all of their newlywedded bliss, off to The Nelson we went. Okay, okay. Actually of to their home to pick up Murphy, their poodle we went, and then on to The Nelson.

You better 110% believe The Nelson WAS PACKED on a gorgeous August Saturday afternoon. (And we’re secretly glad Chris and Valeria had a kind of small wedding party.) BUT, we staked out a spot on the back stairs of the Nelson and had some fun with Chris, Valeria, and Murphy too, of course before we started wedding party pictures. 

Reception | On Broadway Rooftop Event Space

And then, then, my friends, it was time for a quick refresh (this is such a good thing to make time for on wedding day!) before heading off to their reception. And as Chris told us, the only thing that he and Valeria were on the same page about from the very beginning of their planning process (you know, besides getting married), was where to have their reception and who to take their photos. We may have blushed a WHOLE LOT.

But their reception? They discovered their venue one First Friday weekend at a random party in the Crossroads. Have you ever been to On Broadway? It’s by far one of the coolest places in the city. It’s literally on Broadway street, and the venue is an open air, rooftop space that looks back at the KC skyline. Which is why Valeria and Chris wanted to have their reception there; because they LOVE their city.

Boy oh boy. Did these two have one hell of a party.

I mean, when there’s Jack Stack for dinner, a congo line, limbo, live band, all the props, and when a wedding mullet wig gets busted out? You know it’s going to be a gooooood time. 🙂

Congratulations again, Valeria and Chris! And thank you both so much for letting us capture your wedding day!!

Feel like you’re missing something? Check out Chris and Valeria’s Sneak Peek here!

Or their gorgeous engagement session with Murphy here.

Wedding Vendor Dream Team

Wedding Planner | Savannah, Volo Events

Ceremony Location | Sacred Heart Guadalupe Parish

Reception Venue | On Broadway Rooftop Event Space

Florist | Heart + Soul Floral

Hair & Make-up | Ashley & Kathryn from Aspen Salon & Spa

Catering | Jack Stack

Band | Diamond Empire Band

Transportation | Vegas Limousine

Wedding Gown | Natalie M.

Jeweler | Tiffany’s

Wedding Cake | Taysty Cake Co.

Tuxes | Men’s Wearhouse

Wedding Photography | Rivas Weddings