Every so often, a wedding comes along that feels effortlessly classic—steeped in romance, curated with intention, and designed to stand the test of time. Hayley and Mason’s wedding was precisely that.

Set within a historic venue full of rich wood paneling and soaring chandeliers, their day unfolded like a page from an old-world love story—one reimagined with modern refinement. The design palette centered on crisp white florals and lush greenery, accented by vintage-inspired gold touches that elevated every vignette.

THEIR LOVE STORY

“Right from the get-go I could tell something was different, we had so many common interests and our personalities were similar, it was so easy being around him! We went slow at first, but by January were hanging out nearly every day and became “official” soon after. We spent that spring and summer growing our love and realized quickly that we were the ones for each other.”

The Details | Layflat Elegance

Every great story begins with the smallest details. Hayley and Mason’s wedding day was beautifully introduced through their refined flat lays—an artful composition of heirloom-inspired stationery, soft blush florals, and vintage gold accents. Her monogrammed clutch, pearl-draped heels, and the soft blush tones of her signature perfume bottle added depth to the narrative. Each element was curated not just for style, but for storytelling.

THE WEDDING INSPIRATION

“My ultimate goal was to have a wedding that was beautiful and timeless. I wanted people to look at my wedding pictures and not be sure when we got married- by choosing classic colors and styles, while
trying to avoid major trends that could give it away. From the get-go, I described the vibe as “soft, timeless, and romantic.”

The Bridal Morning | Softness Meets Strength

Hayley’s bridal morning was the perfect balance of serenity and anticipation. Dressed in a flowing, sheer robe layered over silk, she moved through the morning with calm confidence. The light poured in through sheer drapery, casting a glow over her quiet preparation. Champagne flowed, her wedding gown waited gracefully in the corner, and a sense of poised femininity carried the moment.

The Groom’s Morning | Classic & Collected

Mason’s morning was marked by quiet moments of reflection and tailored elegance. He adjusted his cufflinks and straightened his bowtie in anticipation. His crisp tuxedo and polished demeanor set the tone for the day—timeless, composed, and ready to step into a moment years in the making.

WORDS FROM THE GROOM

“I felt surprisingly calm even though it began slightly chaotic. My tux ended up not fitting so that morning, so I had to go back to the suit shop and get alterations done. Luckily we had a relaxed morning with quite a bit of extra time worked in. Overall, though, I was just excited for the day and knew it was going to be long but filled with a lot of joy and excitement. I think Hayley and I were both eager to wrap up our portraits so we could do our first look and private vows.”

First Look | A Private Pause

The first look took place high above the city—an intentional moment of stillness between two people about to enter the most meaningful chapter of their story. On a rooftop overlooking the skyline, Hayley and Mason saw each other for the first time in full wedding-day attire. Her train swept across the concrete, his expression softened, and for a brief moment, the world paused.

Iconic Hotel Portraits

With Art Deco lines and panoramic views, the hotel provided a dramatic yet refined canvas for portraits. Against the structured elegance of downtown architecture, Hayley’s off-the-shoulder gown and veil moved with the wind, adding motion to the otherwise architectural formality. The result? Pure editorial sophistication—timeless images that could live on the pages of a magazine.

“The venue was built in 1882 and used as a social club, but opened in 2019 as a hotel and event space called Hotel Kansas City. Filled with original features and historic details, I wanted to match and honor the style of the hotel for our wedding.”

Wedding Party | Modern Black-Tie with Classic Poise

The wedding party was a vision in formal black—sleek gowns and tuxedos styled to perfection. Posed on the historic steps of the Nelson-Atkins Museum, the group exuded strength and unity. Florals were kept simple and monochromatic, letting the fashion and composition take center stage. This wasn’t just a group of friends—it was a carefully curated extension of Hayley and Mason’s vision.

The Ceremony Space Of Their Dreams

“We leaned heavily on the traditional, refined look and stuck with a neutral color palette with a dressy black-tie feel. “Romantic” is a word I would use to describe the florals, they were more natural and loose with a softness to them. Overall, it felt like our wedding belonged there, and was in harmony with the space.”

The Ceremony | Meaningful & Memorable

Guests arrived to a breathtaking ceremony scene. Aisles were lined with glowing candles and clusters of greenery that wrapped the wooden space in warmth and romance. When the doors opened and Hayley began her walk down the aisle, a collective hush fell over the room. Draped in ivory and emotion, she made her way toward Mason, who stood beneath a floral archway, equal parts joy and awe written across his face.

Set within stained glass and candlelight, the ceremony felt reverent and personal. Vows were exchanged under a lush green-and-white arch, anchored by family, friends, and tradition. It was a space filled with sacred stillness, punctuated by knowing glances, soft tears, and a shared sense of purpose.

Cocktail Hour | An Elevated Interlude

As the couple snuck away for portraits, guests mingled in a luxe cocktail hour setting. Signature drinks and passed hors d’oeuvres were paired with ambient music and golden hour light. The venue’s architectural charm offered the perfect backdrop for celebration before the grand reveal.

A Moment For The Second Dress

As the evening transitioned from ceremony to celebration, Hayley slipped into her second gown—a sleek, satin number that effortlessly blended modern glamour with classic sophistication. The mood shifted too. With the weight of the formalities behind them, the couple shared a private moment tucked away in their suite—champagne in hand, laughter flowing as freely as the bubbles in their glasses.

This wasn’t just a wardrobe change; it was a vibe shift. Hayley’s second look, paired with Mason’s loosened bow tie and playful energy, marked the start of the party. From sweet kisses on the sofa to champagne spills and spontaneous laughter, this was their exhale—unguarded, joyful, and entirely them.

These behind-the-scenes images captured not just style, but spirit—the effortless intimacy that unfolds when two people are fully present in the moment, soaking in every second of their celebration.

Reception Space Reveal: Candlelit Perfection

The reception space was nothing short of cinematic. Long banquet tables were dressed in soft neutral linens and lined with crystal stemware, towering candelabras, and low florals dripping in greenery. The flicker of candlelight mirrored the chandeliers above, wrapping the room in an ethereal glow. Every detail was designed to feel both regal and welcoming.

“The ceremony and reception space were in the same room, and while I knew what the space was sort of going to look like the actual room BLEW me away. Florals everywhere, softly lit by hundreds of candles
with a beautiful, lush archway at the front, I had never seen a prettier space. The flip to the reception was equally gorgeous, I loved that we kept the room dim and relied heavily on the candles, it kept the room so soft, dreamy, and romantic.”

The Grand Entrance | Champagne & Cheers

Hayley and Mason made their entrance hand in hand, champagne flutes raised, faces glowing. The applause was loud, the energy palpable. Their joy was contagious—and from that moment, the celebration truly began.

Reception Dancing: From Elegant to Electric

What began with romantic first dances transitioned into an all-out dance floor experience. The glow of neon lights mixed with candlelight, creating a moody, modern atmosphere. Guests filled the floor, drinks in hand and shoes tossed to the side. Hayley, now in a sleek second dress, danced without hesitation. The elegance of the day carried through, but now it was paired with freedom, laughter, and unforgettable energy.

“I really couldn’t imagine the day any other way, there’s always a few hiccups but with the team we had chosen everything was quickly taken care of so Mason and I could fully enjoy our day. It was one of the
best days of my life, I wish I could live it again and again!”

Hayley and Mason’s wedding was a masterclass in balance—historic and fresh, refined and joyful, elevated and entirely their own. Every frame told a story. Every detail had intention. And together, it became a celebration not just of marriage—but of legacy.

LOOKING BACK ON THEIR PERFECT DAY

“I truly don’t know how people do it by themselves, with so many moving parts just knowing that our vendors were there to help in any way they could put me at complete ease. Getting vendors who had
previously worked together was also a huge plus, I feel like it made the day even more seamless- everyone knew their role and how to best support each other.”

Vendor Dream Team

Wedding Planner | This Is Composure
Photographer | Ashley Ice & Amber Macken
Venue | Hotel Kansas City
Ceremony Music | Violetta String Music
Florist | Good Earth Floral
Bridal Gowns | True Society
Tux Rentals | Slabotsky’s Mens
Cake | Brooke R Davis
Bridal Hair | Bronzed & Blushed
Family Hair | Olivia Meade Hair
Makeup | Samantha C Beauty
Invitation Suite & Signage | Sparkman Studio
DJ | DJ Eric James
Rentals | Supply Event
Videographer | Rushing Productions
Rings | Vinca Jewelry Designs
Linens | BBJ La Tavola
Cocktail Hour Signage | Alpha Lit KC
Lashes | Elissa Mcdonald
Transportation | Limo KC
Dance Lessons | KC Arthur Murray
After Party Venue | Night Hawk KC
Earrings | BaubleBar
Reception Headbands | Cayla Couture
Embroidered Pillows | Kates Threads
Hair Color | Vanessa West Hair
Hair Extensions | Emmas Style Studio

Publication The Loverly | A Romantic Fall Wedding

“Thank you Ashley and everyone for all of your support. I don’t think people understand how much a photographer actually does, from timelines to people management and everything in between- it’s so much more than just taking photos.”

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