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... 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 o f 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 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.

The Kansas City Wedding Guild luncheons are always a highlight of my month, and the May gathering at Melrose Abbey  was no exception. I had the pleasure of photographing this fun networking event in a truly unique and beautiful venue. The setup was amazing, and the vendors who participated treated all five of our senses! Event Overview & Style Shoot The KC Wedding Guild luncheons are held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month (when there is one!). A styled shoot took place beforehand, photographed by Riley Cole Photography. By the time doors opened, everything was perfectly set: a clean, elegant design in shades of white and olive green that beautifully complemented Melrose Abbey’s bold black-and-white and gold interiors. Classy, fresh, and timeless. Live Music in the Chapel, Networking & Venue visit! As guests arrived, they were welcomed with live music by Strawberry Jam , playing in the chapel during the initial networking hour. Some of us caught up with familiar faces or made new connections, while others explored the recently renovated venue—including the stunning bridal suite and groomsmen suite. A Mission with a Meal: Tacos 4 Life Lunch was served downstairs in the Abbey’s bright, naturally lit reception space. The team from Tacos 4 Life  not only served a delicious catered meal but also shared the heart behind their mission. Founder Brad Vaden  spoke about their partnership with Feed My Starving Children  and the incredible milestone of over 40 million meals donated  to children in need around the world. It was moving to hear how purpose drives their work. A huge thank you to the KC Engaged team for continuing to create these meaningful industry events. They’re always a great opportunity to connect, recharge creatively, and celebrate the amazing talent in Kansas City’s wedding community. Featured Vendors: Venue:   Melrose Abbey Planner & Rentals:   Crystal Moments Event Planning Bar Rental: Poured to Perfection Mobile Bar Catering & Guest Speaker:   Tacos 4 Life Desserts:   Decadent Delights KC Linens:   Shinneman & Co. Organization: Kansas City Wedding Guild ; KC Engaged Styled Shoot Photographer:   Riley Cole Photography Content Creator: Content By Kenna Event Photography:   ATN Photography ( that’s me!) Florals:   The Flower House KC Signage & Stationery:   Loveink Design Co. Lighting & Drapery :   DJ Eric James Live Music:   Strawberry Jam Cigar Bar:   Shot 4 Shot Bartending Makeup:  Shanna Brown (@shannab_artistry) Hair:   Hive Hair Co . Cake (Styled Shoot):   The Sugar Shop Men’s Apparel:   Todd’s Clothiers Bridal Gown:   Something White Bridal Boutique Models: Jovie Xiong & Lance Johnson Lucky you, my photographer friend Smiles by Whitney stole my camera and you get to see the couple behind ATN photography ! Now that you’ve seen the faces behind the lens—let’s stay in touch! Whether you're a fellow vendor or planning your big day, I’d love to hear from you. Contact ATN Photography

The Huixqui Sisters live at the "under the spiral" concert. Imagine this energy at your wedding? Imagine walking down the aisle, emotions running high, as a live music duo performs just for you... Later, during your cocktail hour, the room is filled with the warmth of real, human-made music. The Huixqui Sisters bring this kind of magic to life with their soulful vocals and acoustic style. The Huixqui Sisters are here to turn this vision into reality. This captivating duo enchants audiences across Kansas City with their incredible talent, performing with piano or guitar accompaniment. The Huixqui Sisters also participate in a choir called "Voices of Kansas City." I met Libby and Rachel at a few wedding networking events where they were performing. They even had French songs in their setlist so the connection was immediate! In this post, I’ll share a bit of their inspiring journey and highlight two concerts I’ve had the pleasure of photographing. And of course—because I’m not a writer, I’m a photographer—I’ll let some of my favorite images do the talking. Who Are the Huixqui Sisters? Rachel illuminated in a perfect moment of light. Inspiring or inspired? The Huixqui Sisters are a talented musical duo from Kansas City. They decided on their "impossible to spell" name because they are originally from the small town of Huixquilucan (whiskey-loo-kahn) in Mexico. Those roots inspire much of their identity and artistic passions. And also because "Huixqui" is pronounced like “ whiskey” and that is actually cool and easy to remember ! Libby and Rachel grew up a musical family, and singing was and is still part of their family ritual and tradition. Also, their mom actually sang in the choir "Voice of Kansas City". (I would love to witness one of their family Christmas celebrations, that must be so beautiful! We used to sing a bit in my family during the holidays when I was a kid, but that tradition faded away. I miss it. Even if we are not good singers at all, I always thought it was such a nice way to be together and share a joyful and vibrant experience). Here Is how they define themselves: " We are a vocal duet accompanied by guitar and keys. We create custom arrangements of our favorite songs, with a vocal blend only achieved by sisters and vocal precision setting us apart from others. Our professional training allows us to adapt easily to a variety of musical genres including pop, folk, latino, jazz, and oldies. " Highlights from Their Concerts Concert 1: Under the Spiral concert One of my favorite images from the night—this moment captures the essence of the “Under the Spiral” concert. The Temple Sanctuary is a world class performance space in Independence, MO. The architecture is just stunning and you cannot walk into that building without feeling a sense of AWE at what humans can create! As you sit beneath a 195 foot nautilus inspired spiral ceiling, you will feel the music soar in this unique acoustic environment. They host unique artists and gifted musicians who write and perform songs that evoke inspiration and peace. The "under the spiral" series is sponsored by Community of Christ and the Independence Square Association. The music was beautiful, both relaxing and peaceful. The crowd certainly appreciated the harmony between the building and the music and got a nice moment with the duo. Concert 2: Voices of Kansas City Voices of Kansas City  is a professional choir founded by Libby of the Huixqui Sisters. If I’m not mistaken, they perform two different repertoires—one centered on Christmas music, and one more patriotic. I had the chance to attend the patriotic concert and can’t wait to document their Christmas performance later this year. The Voices of Kansas City choir during a moving patriotic performance. Live Music + Real Moments for Your Wedding Day If you're looking for live music that feels personal, emotional, and deeply human, I highly encourage you to check out the Huixqui Sisters. Their voices blend with a warmth and precision that can truly elevate a wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, or intimate event. You can learn more about their work, listen to samples, and get in touch with them here: 👉 Follow the Huixqui Sisters on Instagram 👉 Visit the Huixqui Sisters website As for me—if you’re drawn to authentic, story-driven photography that captures the emotion and energy of your day, I’d love to connect. My work focuses on real moments and meaningful details, whether it’s at a wedding, a concert, or a gathering of friends and family. 👉 See more of my documentary-style photography at ATNfoto.com

When I think back to Drake and Tamieka’s winter wedding at The Stanley in Lee’s Summit, what stands out the most is the emotion — the deep connections, the importance of friendship and family, and the pure joy of being surrounded by loved ones. To honor that, I’m sharing a special black and white version of their wedding story — a way to focus even more on what truly mattered: love, connection, and moments you can feel. Tamieka’s mom, a talented hairdresser, helped style her daughter’s hair that morning. In the middle of a room filled with bridesmaids laughing and getting ready, this moment could have gone unnoticed — but for Tamieka and her mom, it was something deeply special. It felt like a small, suspended moment in time before all the excitement of the day truly began. Drake and Tamieka built their day around what mattered most to them: celebrating with their closest people. Tamieka, an artist herself, has a deep appreciation for emotional, candid moments, and Drake, who grew up dancing, brought so much energy and heart to the day — especially during the first dance. Their wedding wasn’t about putting on a show; it was about feeling fully present with the people they love. Downtown Lee’s Summit was glowing with Christmas lights, adding a little extra magic to the portraits. I honestly don’t remember if the air was cold, but looking back at the photos, it just feels warm — full of joy and life. Inside The Stanley, everything felt just as inviting. The warm lighting, the earth-toned ceilings, and the dance floor right in the center of the room made it clear: this day was all about celebration. Drake’s love for dancing has been with him since he was young, and it lit up their wedding day. His first dance with Tamieka was especially memorable — thoughtful, well-prepared, and full of energy. You could feel how much fun they had, and the crowd loved it! Drake and Tamieka’s wedding was centered around friendship, family, and the joy of simply being together. Black and white photography felt like the perfect fit for their day — timeless, honest, and focused on what truly matters. B&W has a way of simplifying an image and pulling your attention straight to the emotion, the story, the connection. It matches everything their wedding stood for. It was an honor and a joy to be part of their celebration, and to be welcomed so warmly into their circle for such a meaningful day. If you’re drawn to photographs that are simple, artistic, and full of feeling, I invite you to explore more of my work he re or reach out if you’d like to connect ! Curious about their venue? You can learn more about The Stanley .

Every couple of months, the Kansas City Wedding Guild hosts a networking luncheon that brings together great people from the local wedding world. I’m lucky to photograph these events regularly for Ellen Hein, who runs both KC Wedding Guild and KC Engaged. She trusts me to capture the feel of the event with candid, documentary-style photos, which happens to be my favorite way to take pictures! The April 8 luncheon was held at Piropos , an Argentine restaurant in Briarcliff Village that also hosts weddings and private events. It’s a warm, light-filled space with big windows, vibrant art on the walls, and food that’s distinctly different due to its Argentine roots. Like every luncheon, this one included time to mingle, a wonderful lunch, and a guest speaker to round things out. Drinkable Art and Springtime Style Before each luncheon a styled shoot is organized with a specific vision that brings together a group of creative vendors. This edition features fresh pastel spring colors, perfectly appropriate for the season! While we don't get to see the styled shoot itself, we benefit from the beautiful setup left for our luncheon! The luncheon took place in Piropos’s event room, with huge windows lining the walls and a gallery of bold artwork adding energy to the space. A saxophone player performed alongside the DJ during the networking hour, which gave the room a cool, upbeat vibe. It’s the kind of thing that makes you smile without even thinking about it. KC Cocktail Company brought out their latest acquisition: a machine that can write on your drink!! Great Food, Good Company, and a Little Inspiration After some relaxed networking and a lot of hugs between familiar faces, everyone sat down for lunch. Piropos served an Argentine-inspired menu: Focaccia bread with Argentinean spices ; Cheese and Beef Empanadas ; Chicken oregano ; red pepper risotto ; au gratin potatoes! Flavorful, creative, and a fun departure from the usual. The tables were full of wedding professionals catching up, meeting new people, and passing business cards and for most, it felt more like a gathering of friends than a formal event. The guest speaker was Paige White, the founder of KC Cocktail Co.  She shared her story of building a business from the ground up—what it’s taken, what she’s learned, and why community and networking matters so much. Her energy was honest and immediately relatable. Something Special from BAC Music We had a unique art giveaway from BAC Music , one of the few remaining makers of trombones and trumpets in the world, based right here in KC. It was a small scale reproduction of a piece of art exposed in the new MCI airport terminal: KC Jazz Bird representing a bird made with saxophones. Why These Events Matter There’s something special about these KC Wedding Guild luncheons. They’re not just about networking; they’re a chance to do what I love : capture candid, artistic moments that feel real. Plus I get to spend time with friends in the industry, meet new people, and feel more connected to the wedding community in Kansas City. Big thanks to all the vendors who made this event possible and to Ellen for trusting me to document these events. I’m already looking forward to the next one. Here are the list of the vendors that participated on the luncheon: Venue and Catering : Piropos - https://www.piroposkc.com/ Rental : Avenue Blue event Rentals - https://www.avenuebluekc.com/ Florals : Craig Sole Designs - https://www.craigsoledesigns.com/ Stationary & signage :Design by P - https://www.designs-by-p.com/ Planner : At Ease Events - https://www.kansascitysmallvenue.com/lets-plan Dessert : Bootleg Bourbon Balls - https://bootlegbourbonballs.com/ Linens : Shop Social KC - https://socialshopkc.com/ Bar : KC Cocktail Company - https://kccocktailco.com/ Entertainment : Elevate Entertainment - https://elevateentertainment.com/ Speaker : Paige White from KC Cocktail Company Coffee : Avenue Blue - https://www.avenuebluekc.com/ Guest gift : BAC Music - https://www.coolisbac.com/ Organisator : KC Wedding guild - https://www.kcweddingguild.com/ Event Photography : ATN Photography

At ATN Photography, every engagement session has its own vibe—and Ashley and Riley’s day was full of creative sparks and genuine moments. Set at Warren Place Venue in Gardner, KS, their engagement photography session perfectly captured the fun and anticipation of planning a wedding. A Day of Creative Planning We kicked things off in a room bursting with inspiration—decorations, tables, plates, glasses, silverware, and a mountain of ideas all around. In that creative space, Ashley and Riley mapped out the vision for their celebration, laughing and sharing ideas. Once the planning wrapped up, we took a leisurely tour of the venue, soaking in every detail that would later become the backdrop to their big day. Discovering Warren Place Venue Warren Place Venue is more than just a location—it’s a space with character. Nestled in Gardner, KS, this venue blends modern amenities with rustic charm, creating an atmosphere that’s both elegant and inviting. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, its unique spaces—from the stylish Chapel to the lively bar area—offer endless possibilities. To learn more about what makes this venue so special, check out their website . Portraits That Tell a Story With the creative energy still high, we moved on to capturing couple portraits that felt spontaneous and real. The natural light and the charm of Warren Place Venue brought out the best in their easy chemistry, producing moments that are both intimate and timeless. Playful Moments at the Pool Table No day is complete without a little fun. The couple couldn’t resist a friendly game of pool at the groomsmen speakeasy—a playful break that perfectly mirrored their lighthearted side. Tender Moments in the Bridal Suite In the cozy bridal suite, quiet moments turned into tender memories. The soft lighting and private corners allowed us to capture whispers, warm smiles, and those little moments of connection that speak volumes. Romance in the Chapel Later, we headed over to the Chapel. Whether they were sharing a quiet laugh or a heartfelt look, every shot in this space resonated with romance and anticipation for the wedding ahead. A Nod to Their Love Story At the bar, in a playful twist of fate, Riley slipped into his old bartender role to woo Ashley all over again—an echo of how their love story began. Looking Ahead Ashley and Riley are set to tie the knot on July this year at the very venue where their engagement unfolded. While I won’t be photographing their wedding day, I’m honored to have captured the start of their journey. If you love authentic, candid moments captured with a touch of fun, be sure to visit the ATN Photography main page  to see more of my work and get inspired for your own celebration.

First, a little bit of information about Lone Summit Ranch. The Ranch was built in the early 1900’s and sits on 128 acres of beautiful green farmland. It is conveniently located just east of Lee’s Summit, off of 50 Highway. Historic buildings and barns add to the charm and character of this property. There is a Bridal cottage for the bride and her wedding party, lots of beautiful outdoor space, a lake and a large reception room with a fireplace. Lone Summit Ranch is a beautiful place to get married and offers so many great spots to take pictures, so for your unique wedding photography, this venue has you covered! Now let's talk about our bride and groom. Kayleigh is a cat lover. The cats were not invited to the wedding, even if I am sure they would have had a blast running around Lone Summit Ranch. But they were part of the vows (and the cake as you will see). So they were not forgotten! And Nathan promised to let Kayleigh adopt as many kittens as she wants! During the day, we closely watched the storm warning that could have easily disrupted the outside ceremony. But besides some wind that made everyone's hair go wild, everything went perfectly and the sky opened up in the evening for a gorgeous sunset. Now it is time to discover the pictures! Afterall, I am a wedding photographer, (and a dyslexic, French-born speaker) so enough writing!

28 Event Space is a Kansas City wedding venue that is not very far from downtown and has two distinctly different spaces, "The Station" and "The Kansas City Room". Our couple had their wedding at The Station. The Station at 28 event space is a perfect venue for some amazing wedding photography because of its cool industrial vibe, nice old bricks, and very interesting lighting thanks to some windows on the ceiling! If I could put a theme or vibe to this specific showcased wedding, it would be childhood, innocence, joy and fun! Our bride and Groom have a cute little boy that is loved and cherished by all his family. They also had bubbles !! If there is something that brings the child inside us back, it is bubbles !! Perfect recipe for a happy celebration! This couple loves each other. It is not hard to see from the pictures, and they are very supported by their family that also loves them very much. It is always so delightful to witness and photograph that pure expression of love. https://28event.com/