Liz & Spence: Wedding Photography at The Country Club Plaza and Berg Event Space + The Secret to Happiness

In my ripe old age of 24 (I say this sarcastically, I assure you) I have learned an important lesson in life. And while I may be young, naïve, inexperienced or whatever you would like to label me, I have learned a lesson that unfortunately even the smartest and oldest people on the planet have yet to wrap their wise noggins around.

TO SKIP MY RANDOM THOUGHTS ON THE SECRET OF TRUE HAPPINESS, BEGIN READING AT THE FOURTH PARAGRAPH BELOW

Our wonderful nation is built on the principle of the pursuit of happiness. People have spent generations searching for and surrounding themselves with things, events and a lifestyle that they feel will truly allow them to attain the best, -and happiest- life possible.

And while this post is not intended to be a history lesson or a lecture I can’t help but notice how it seems so many people have sadly missed the point. Our culture trains us from an early age to be consumers. To run after THINGS – be it food, a new relationship, a new tv, a bigger house, a large retirement fund, a perfect summer vacation, a new Juicy Couture bag (oh wait, that’s ME)… and implies that happiness can be achieved if only we could just taste a diet drink that REALLY doesn’t taste diet, learn to dance like Beyonce (Me again), own season tickets to our favorite sports events… or whatever the case may be. And while nothing in the list above is bad or negative in anyway at all, (My husband will definitely argue that dancing like Beyonce is in fact a bad thing) it will never make you happy.

The true secret to happiness? Happiness is a choice. Even though there are times I will argue that happiness would be eating Christopher Elblow Chocolates that are magically calorie free! Happiness is a choice. It seems so simple and I know there are people that will argue the matter with me. But what it all boils down to – at the end of the day, will you dwell on your unsatisfaction and long for something to fill the void, or can you look at your circumstances, regardless of what they are, and make the choice. To be content. To not place the “You Owe Me Happiness” expectation on the loved ones in our life. To take less, and give more. To complain less, and compliment more, to be utterly thankful for what we have and to not be jealous for what we don’t.

Liz and Spence are two people who got married. They did not get married because they expect the other to always make them happy. No. They got married because they desperately wanted to live a life of giving. To the other. They couldn’t imagine living a life that didn’t involve looking for ways to love, give, compliment, and be there for one another. Because Spence can smile and look into her eyes and say, “Elizabeth Wartman. You don’t owe me anything.” without being afraid for his own happiness. Because Liz loves him unconditionally. Because they give each other the freedom to be who they are as individuals yet still work as a team. Because happiness is effortless when you are so busy being thankful for the treasure you’re holding in your arms, that you have no time to be depressed about all (the useless junk) that you don’t have.

Meet Liz and Spence. Two people who have found the secret of true happiness.

A few details:
It was a perfect day. I can't take credit for everything though! Jessica and Amy of Hitched Weddings & Events did a fabulous job coordinating the entire day, planning each detail and designing decor and floral arrangements with taste and flair! I loved everything about this wedding! Liz and Spence chose Navy as their base color and used bright and clean decor which gave the day a timeless, modern and elegant look! The reception was held at The Burg Event Space, a loft in the Crossroads Arts District of Kansas City. The beautifully sweet ceremony was held at Country Club Congregational Church and I hope to photograph more weddings at this absolutely PRETTY church!

AND FINALLY.... What you've been waiting for! The photos! YES, I'm finally going to stop typing!

After photos, we headed back to the ceremony location for last minute preps... Liz was helping Spence's little sis. Love it.

The beautiful church... I loved this ceremony site. The space and grounds were fabulous and the ceremony was sweet and meaningful.

Amy and Jessica's work once again!

The family began to arrive and the hushed but excited anticipation started to build! Liz's mom and sis posed for a photo. I have to say, Liz's mom is amazing. I've never met someone as caring and supportive (well, besides my OWN mother, of course ;) ) But really. You could see she absolutely adored her daughter. On occasion, I see M.O.B's (Mother of the Bride) get so wrapped up worrying about the tiny details and logistics that they miss just enjoying the special moments of quiet reflection and admiration with their daughter. It was so nice to see Liz's mother just be her mother and truely taking the time to be IN THE MOMENT with her daughter on such a special day! AND I LOVE that she wore RED! Can a mom get any more fabulous? Um, no.

Just as everyone was lining up for ceremony, Spence pulled Liz aside. I have no idea what he said and I'm so glad I couldn't hear them because I KNOW I would have broken down right there and cried my eyes out. I love these "in-between" moments... when no one is really looking and it's not a scheduled or rehearsed event. So real and genuine. That's how they are. Totally beautiful.

Liz's mom and dad! She is GLOWING and so happy for her Liz!

TEARS! Me, not Liz.

Almost time to be a husband!

One last hug before wedding time :) It was a good one!

HAHA! You had to be there.

Fist Bump! THEY ARE MARRIED!!!!

Liz is in the forground... Spence loves her so so so much. I love this shot because I have 2 or 3 more from these few moments and you can tell he's deep in thought about the love of his life. I tear up everytime I see these...

The wedding rings!!!

We headed out to The Berg Event Space for the fun and fabulous reception! Jessica and Amy prepared a "Well Wishes" station for guests to leave a note! Liz and Spence took time after the wedding day to read each one of them. I heared there were some very funny ones! I thought this was a great idea and the guests loved it!

The food was DELICIOUS! Mary, the chef and part owner of Berg, kept bringing Larissa (my associate photographer) and me more plates of food and insisted we try everything! BEST FOOD EVER! I'm craving it just thinking about it. Hmm... Good thing I have a few more weddings at this place this year! ;)

Amy and Jessica (hitchedinkc.com) suspended these glass vases/planters from the ceiling! It was amazing and gave the loft space a light and airy look.

The menu was hand written on a chalk board and place cards were arranged on a moss covered table! LOVE IT!

The bouquets provided a gorgeous backdrop for the reception and dance floor area against the sheer curtains and views of the city!

A beautiful first dance...

Liz and Spence have amazing friends, a great family, and fabulous taste in music! The party kept going and they spent the whole night in each others arms! Again, I loved everything about them and their wedding day! It was truely a reflection of the effortless love and genuine happiness! I'm so thankful to have shared in such a special day with two amazing people!!! It was an experience I'll always remember forever! Thank you Liz and Spence for everything! HUGS!!!!