Johanna and Shawn’s Magical Kansas City Engagement Pictures
Hanna and Shawn’s Kansas City engagement session was a beautiful blend of love, laughter, and spontaneity! Everything that makes their story so special. Their sweet journey began as acquaintances in high school, with Hanna in the band and Shawn in theater. Years later, they reconnected on Facebook, proving that the smallest moments can lead to the greatest love stories.
A Love Story in Kansas City
Shawn’s bold move to invite Hanna on a doughnut date sparked something extraordinary. What started with a shared love for “Cats, Anime, and Food” has grown into a bond that’s uniquely theirs. Capturing their love across Kansas City’s most iconic locations—Penn Valley Park, Union Station, and the Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden in Loose Park—was an absolute honor, and every frame reflects the magic of their connection. Their love story will continue at the beautiful Belvoir Winery in Liberty, Missouri, where they’ll tie the knot next October.
Their Story: From Acquaintances to Soulmates
One thing I love about Hanna and Shawn is how much they value the little things. Shawn tells their story best: a simple Facebook message turned into hours of conversation, and before long, they were planning their first date. Hanna says she had no idea that a doughnut run would lead to her forever person, but here they are, planning their wedding at one of their favorite places.
Shawn coordinated his proposal with a close friend who happened to be a photographer. It worked out beautifully, but for their official engagement photos, they trusted me to help shape a more intentional experience.
>> Here’s how to tell if you need a proposal planner or just a photographer.
Hearing about their proposal made photographing them even more meaningful. Shawn worked with one of their bridesmaids to plan the ultimate surprise. What Hanna thought was just a couple’s photo shoot quickly turned into a proposal. She turned around to see Shawn on one knee, and the moment was nothing short of magical. It’s moments like these that make their story so memorable.
Some couples, like Shawn and Hanna, had a friend help plan and photograph their surprise proposal—but when it came to their engagement session, they wanted a more guided, professional experience.
>> Here’s what to look for when hiring a surprise engagement photographer.
Exploring Kansas City’s Iconic Locations
Romantic Tour To Capture Kansas City Engagement Pictures
We started their session at Penn Valley Park, where the sweeping views and soft greenery set the perfect tone for the day. Hanna brought so much energy and fun to the session that she even climbed a tree for one of the photos! I love how adventurous and spontaneous she was, which perfectly reflected their playful dynamic.
Next, we moved to Union Station, where the historic architecture added a timeless feel to their session. Hanna wore a navy-blue lace dress that added just the right touch of elegance, while Shawn kept it classic and understated in a gray button-down and black slacks. Together, they looked effortlessly perfect against the grandeur of the station’s details.
Finally, we wrapped up at the Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden within Loose Park, where the vibrant roses and enchanting pathways brought out even more of their connection. Most of our time was spent in the rose garden, where the blooms added a romantic and whimsical element to their session. The combination of the floral beauty and their playful energy made it so easy to capture genuine moments of love and laughter. This spot perfectly encapsulated their story—a little bit classic, a little bit fun, and completely heartfelt.
Advice for Engaged Couples
When I asked Hanna what advice she’d give to other engaged couples planning their engagement photoshoot, she said, “Relax! LaDonna not only knows how to do her job wonderfully, but also knows how to help keep the atmosphere engaging and fun!” Hearing that they felt comfortable and cared for means everything to me, because that’s exactly what I strive for in every session.
Looking Ahead to Forever
Hanna and Shawn’s love story is a reminder of how life’s simplest beginnings can lead to something extraordinary. Shawn shared, “I cherish every day that I can spend with Hanna. While most days are simple and easy, I am really excited to have a single moment that shows how much we truly love each other.” Capturing that love and connection in their photos was my goal, and I couldn’t be happier with how it all came together.
Their wedding next October at Belvoir Winery in Liberty, Missouri is sure to be nothing short of magical. I can already picture the historic charm of the venue complementing their timeless love story perfectly. Hanna and Shawn, thank you for trusting me with your story. Your love is inspiring, and it is such a joy to be part of this chapter in your journey. I can’t wait to celebrate with you on your wedding day—it’s going to be extraordinary!
K.C. Engagement Adventures in Pictures
Their full gallery of Kansas City engagement pictures captures everything that makes their story so joyful and sincere.
