The easiest way to have a French Wedding while living in Kansas City!

This particular wedding was special to me. In many ways, it reminded me of my home country: France.

So just for fun, I’m going to make the silly argument that you can have a wedding just like flying all your guests 4,500 miles to France, aka a French Wedding, but instead, just drive one hour from Kansas City. Of course, it comes with a few compromises—and a bit of imagination.

Lucky for you, I have a lot of imagination. Want to see?

A symbolic representation of the modern French culture or just 2 beautiful souls in love

As a disclaimer, I am sure Isabel and Shel-twon didn't intend to have a "wedding in France" 1h away from Kansas City. But if that is your dream, you could absolutely take the concept much further than what I’m showing today.

Let’s just say this wedding was a happy coincidence. Consider it a “proof of concept” for something that could feel very French!

French Photographer

First, “For those who don’t know me, I’m Etienne—the wedding photographer.”

(Yes, that’s a private joke. You have to listen to a lot of maid-of-honor and best-man speeches to get it.) I was born, raised, and lived in France until I was 35, so I know a thing or two about the subject. And having me there, with my funny accent, already immerses the guests and our lovely couple into the French experience. If you wanted to push the concept a tiny bit further, the bartender, the DJ, the servers could all be from France and based in Kansas City... Full French accent immersion! But wait! There is more to it!

The venue: Could it be a French Mansion?

The Wyeth-Tootle Mansion, don't you think it could be mistaken for a French one?

To figure this out, let's read the description from the Wyeth-Tootle Mansion itself:

"St. Joseph is known for an extensive collection of beautiful mansions built in the late 1800s. Built in 1879 by William and Eliza Wyeth, this 43 room mansion was designed to emulate the castles along the Rhine River in Germany."

Ok, my bad, they were inspired by Germany. But the Rhine River is the border between France and Germany, so I was only off by a few hundred yards! Historically, France and Germany have taken turns invading that region anyway… so it’s basically a cultural mix.

"With three floors, a tower and more than 40 rooms, it stands today as one of the best examples of St. Joseph’s late 19th century wealth and opulence, featuring stunning woodwork, hand-painted ceilings and imported stained glass.​

The first floor of the Wyeth Tootle Mansion has been partially restored to its Victorian grandeur. Old photographs of each room help visitors visualize the interior as it was around 1900. Each room’s ceiling is impressively different, from the cherubs that float above the Louis XVI parlor to the dark rich colors that cover the Moorish room. Ornate parquet floors and walnut woodwork change from room to room."

I knew there was French inspiration in that building ! Louis XVI style is a style of architecture, furniture, decoration and art which developed in France during the 19-year reign of Louis XVI (1774–1792), just before the French Revolution.

The Wyeth-Tootle Mansion is now a Museum, and every room is unique and have a different feel to it. But from personal experience, some of them can very well be mistaken for a castle in France.

The Garden

The view from the south side of the mansion was the most shocking to me. From here, you can see two towers of an old church, nearby old houses that were also probably inspired by European houses, the old trees, the garden. You could be very well in the middle of a French village. I would not say Saint Joseph looks like a French town but from that specific view, the illusion works pretty well !

From this photo, Isabel and Shel-twon could be very well be in a cute village in France

With this photo, now you can't deny we are in France

The Pastries, the ultimate French touch

Shel-twon doing the final preparation of the room before the ceremony

Now let's dive into the one thing that completely sent me back to France, the pastries! As soon as I tasted the first lemon pastry, I felt like I was back in my parents' house in the kitchen during a birthday celebration when I was 12 years old. Those little pieces of goodness are made by "The French Market" a wonderful store/restaurant with French Owners in Prairie Village and they taste as authentic as it can be.

French Pastries, made by French people from Kansas City (French Market), Well I did try them all, and each of them sent me right back to my homeland. 100% approved!

The new King of France. Vive Le Roi!

Let me see that French Wedding in Kansas City please !!

Ok, before you can see the ceremony, let's go back in time a little and see a little behind the scenes of the preparation for the day.

The Ceremony in a French Castle ballroom

I love documenting weddings because I get to witness—again and again—how love is such a powerful emotion that transcends us. This one is no exception and it warmed my heart to see them so well complementing each other as well as how connected and in phase they are. They have lots of differences, like very different sleeping patterns for example and they respectfully adapt to each other. It is so inspiring to me !

Ok enough about France, now it is time to celebrate !!

Party time ! Enjoy the photos !

Final thoughts

This wedding was about Isabel and Shel-twon, but I made it about France... I hope they forgive me for hijacking their day and making it about my homesick self! On the other hand, if you ever have the crazy idea to have a wedding in Kansas City that resembles a destination wedding in France, Contact me and I would love to work with you on take that concept to the next level! A très bientôt

Princess Isabel and King Smurf, enjoying a nice walk at their retreat castle on the French Riviera coastline, near Fréjus.