Black and white photo of Drake and Tamieka kissing in the middle of a downtown Lee's Summit street under winter lights

Tamieka’s mom is a talented hairdresser, and that morning she styled her daughter’s hair for the wedding. In the middle of a room full of bridesmaids laughing and getting ready, that moment could have gone unnoticed. For Tamieka and her mom, it was something deeply special. A small, suspended moment in time before the day truly began.

Drake and Tamieka built their day around what mattered most to them: celebrating with their closest people. Tamieka is an artist herself and has a deep appreciation for emotional, candid moments. Drake grew up dancing, and he brought that energy and heart to the whole day. Their wedding wasn’t about putting on a show. It was about being fully present with the people they love.

Tamieka smiles at her mom, a hairdresser, as she styles her daughter's hair the morning of the wedding

Portraits in downtown Lee’s Summit

Downtown Lee’s Summit sits just a few minutes from The Stanley, which made it the natural choice for Drake and Tamieka’s portraits. The Christmas winter lights were up along the street, and the sun had already set, giving a night feel with the street still being busy and alive. I honestly don’t remember if the air was cold. Looking back at the photos, it just feels warm, full of joy and life.

Drake is a big game fan. He was playing a strategy board game in the morning with his buddies just before getting ready. So naturally they went to Arcade Alley where we got some unique photos! 

Tamieka smiles close to Drake on a downtown Lee's Summit street glowing with Christmas lights
Black and white photo of Drake and Tamieka crossing a street lined with lit trees in downtown Lee's Summit
Tamieka and Drake play a Mario Kart arcade game at Arcade Alley, her bouquet in her lap
Tamieka and Drake goof around in front of pinball machines at Arcade Alley in downtown Lee's Summit

Inside The Stanley

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. The venue is one of my favorites in the Kansas City area for couples who want the intimacy of a smaller space without giving up a real dance floor. Read more about weddings at The Stanley here.

Drake gets emotional as he sees Tamieka for the first time at The Stanley in Lee's Summit
Tamieka smiles as Drake reads his vows to her
Tamieka smiles down at their hands bound with a braided cord during the handfasting
Tamieka's parents beam during the ceremony, her mom in a large black hat
Black and white photo of Drake laughing hard at the best man's speech at The Stanley, Tamieka smiling beside him

The first dance

Drake’s love for dancing has been with him since he was young, and it lit up the whole night. His first dance with Tamieka was thoughtful, well prepared, and full of energy. You could feel how much fun they were having, and the crowd loved it. From there, the floor stayed full.

Black and white photo of Drake pulling Tamieka across the floor during their energetic first dance
Drake and Tamieka share their first dance under chandeliers in the center of The Stanley as guests watch
Black and white photo of Drake and Tamieka slow dancing in front of a wall of string lights at The Stanley
Wide view of The Stanley's chandeliers and wood ceiling as Tamieka shares a dance with her dad

A documentary approach

Drake and Tamieka’s wedding was centered on friendship, family, and the simple joy of being together. I shot much of the day in a documentary way, letting moments happen instead of staging them. Many of the frames landed in black and white, which has a way of pulling your attention straight to the emotion, the story, the connection. It matched everything their wedding stood for.

It was an honor to be welcomed so warmly into their circle for such a meaningful day.

Tamieka puts on red lipstick in a mirror as Etienne of ATN Photography captures her reflection
Tamieka's mom bursts out laughing while Tamieka kneels on the floor behind her getting ready
Tamieka and her mom laugh together while getting ready as a bridesmaid smiles nearby
Drake helps a groomsman with his bow tie while another groomsman fixes his own, tongue sticking out
Black and white photo of a couple slow dancing at the reception, she looks up at him smiling

Planning a winter wedding in the Kansas City area?

If you are drawn to photographs that are simple, artistic, and full of feeling, you can explore more of my work here or reach out to connect.

Curious about the venue? Learn more about The Stanley.

Black and white photo of Tamieka hugging her maid of honor tightly on the dance floor
Black and white photo of guests dancing at the reception as Tamieka watches in the foreground
A guest throws her arms up and cheers on the dance floor at The Stanley
Two groomsmen laugh and raise their drinks during the reception at The Stanley