Gather at Red Cedar Gardens Wedding

Kansas City Wedding Photographer

When Katie and I first met as next-door neighbors in our freshman dorm at KU, I never would have imagined how special it would one day be to watch her as a bride and reconnect with so many of our beloved college friends at her wedding. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, nothing makes me happier than seeing old friends being loved SO well and being able to share these huge moments in their relationship with them. Drew is perfect for Katie in every way. He is one of the kindest, most genuine dudes I’ve met. The kind of guy who could talk to anyone and immediately makes you feel like you’ve known him for years, just like Katie. When we first were introduced at a brewery in KC to discuss their wedding plans, I knew right away that she had found a good one. My friends’ fiances also get bonus points when they roll up in a Chevy truck. It’s just the truth.

Outdoor Kansas City Wedding Venues

When you have as many friends as these two do, you’re gonna need a lot of space to hold all of your people on your wedding day. I’ve been a lot of places, but I have to say, there’s no better space to celebrate than under the stars, in the middle of the summertime, out in the sticks of rural Kansas. There are so few places that comfortably allow for an entirely outdoor wedding ceremony and reception in Kansas City, which is what makes Gather so special. It was hot, like really hot, but Emily and her team at the gardens know exactly how to keep their guests comfortably even on the toastiest days of August in Kansas.

Gather at Red Cedar Gardens

I could go on forever about how special this place is, and I will, but first I must say that no words or photos can fully express the energy that envelops Gather at Red Cedar Gardens. It is so obviously cared for with love, perfectly manicured, and just far enough from the city to feel like an escape without any of your guests having to travel too far. The grove of trees was the perfect shady retreat after the ceremony, where all of Katie and Drew’s guests sat in what felt like the middle of a private forest for dinner and toasts. The dance floor perfectly borders the tree line, and nothing compares to dancing under a big open Kansas night sky. Emily’s vision for design was immaculate in everything she touched, from the florals, to the table settings, to the beautiful gardens. I was so impressed with her talent and her staff. I am a sucker for a family-run business, and what Emily is building with her daughters out at Gather is something to behold. I hope I get to come back all of the time. The venue also includes a getting ready space in the basement of the house for the wedding party to prep, and an adorable covered patio for cocktail hour in the shade.

To see another outdoor Kansas City wedding I’ve photographed, click here.