When Mexico Met Cuba at The Stanley in Lee’s Summit

What happens when Mexico meets Cuba in the heart of Missouri?

You get color, rhythm, family, faith… and a dance floor that refuses to sit down.

It is raining rose petals right outside the church

Veronica and Richard first met years ago while she was in college. They dated for a while, life happened, and time passed. In between, Richard became the proud dad of Gaby, who is now three years old and already stealing hearts. But some stories aren’t meant to stay in the past — and years later, Veronica and Richard found their way back to each other.

Their wedding day began at St. Robert Bellarmine Parish in Blue Springs, a beautiful and traditional Catholic ceremony filled with meaning. And yes, I was allowed to use flashes (photographer victory moment 😄).

After the ceremony, we headed downtown for a quick portrait session. The rain tried to join the celebration all day, but it left us alone. The wet streets added a little character to the wedding photos.

The reception at The Stanley in Lee’s Summit brought everything together. Great food from Brancato’s, music that kept the energy high, and family everywhere you looked.

And then came the surprise.

Veronica’s dad arranged for a live Mexican band to play toward the end of the night. You could feel the pride, the culture, the emotion. An elderly family member started dancing with his cane... Mexico and Cuba were no longer just part of the story… they were on the dance floor.

With a little tequila everyone became a professional dancer for everyone's pleasure.

It was joyful. It was loud. It was full of life. Exactly how it should be.

Here are the wonderful vendors who were part of Veronica and Richard’s day, all of them talented, friendly, and amazing to work with.

Venue: The Stanley - web - @thestanleyevents

Hair & Makeup: LovelyBeautyKC - web - insta @LovelyBeautyKC

Caterer:  Brancatos - web - insta @brancatoscatering

Florist: WanderingRose - web - insta @thewanderingrose_florist

DJ:  KC event company - web - insta @kceventcompany Mariachi:  Mariachi Arce - insta @mariachi_arce.kc

Photographer:  ATN Photography - website: you are on it !! - insta @atnfoto_kc

Thinking about your own wedding ?

If you’re planning a Kansas City wedding and want photography that feels honest, emotional, alive, and true to your day — reach out anytime. I’d love to help you create images that let you feel your wedding again every time you look at them.