Capturing Love in the City | The Golden Age, Reimagined

Austin & Haley | Save the Date Session at Crossroads Hotel & Union Station, Kansas City

When Austin and Haley reached out to me for their engagement session, they had a clear vision inspired by one of my editorial shoots called The Golden Age. This shoot featured a chic bride and groom at a bar inside the Crossroads Hotel and the iconic Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri. They wanted to recreate that stylish vibe with their own personal twist. What followed was a fun engagement session filled with laughter, challenges, and unforgettable moments at two of Kansas City's most stunning locations.

Austin and Haley at the Crossroads Hotel bar with personalized save the date newspapers

Planning the Perfect Engagement Session

Recreating The Golden Age shoot meant careful coordination. The bar shots took place inside Lazia, the restaurant within the Crossroads Hotel. I worked closely with the restaurant staff to secure permission and ensure our timing wouldn’t disrupt their service. Meanwhile, a friendly chat with the hotel front desk allowed us access to the infamous drunken hallway, a perfect spot for some playful, candid photos.

For this shoot, I provided all the accessories to bring the concept to life:

• Personalized newspaper save the dates featuring Austin and Haley’s story

• A mini white cake decorated with their wedding date

• A bottle of champagne for the grand finale

• A bow veil and bridal fashion sunglasses to add flair

• Coordination with the hotel and permit for shooting at Union Station

  
  

These details helped create a seamless experience and added a personal touch that made the photos truly unique.

Overcoming Challenges at Union Station

After wrapping up at the hotel, we headed to Union Station to capture some of the famous reverse escalator shots. This part of the day was the most challenging. Since it was the start of winter, the station was busier than during my previous editorial shoot, which meant we had to be patient and creative with timing.

Haley admitted the shot wasn’t as easy as it looked in the original shoot. After two attempts, she was ready to give up. But with encouragement and clear direction, we nailed the shot on the third try. Haley joked, “I’m going to be sore in the morning,” a testament to the effort it took but also the fun spirit she brought to the session.

Austin and Haley posing on the reverse escalator at Union Station during their engagement session

Finding Quiet Moments and Building Connection

After the bustling escalator shots, I guided Austin and Haley to a secluded staircase inside Union Station. This spot was a welcome break from the crowds and perfect for more intimate photos and flat lays. The quiet setting allowed us to slow down and get to know each other better after a full day of shooting.

This part of the engagement session was special because it wasn’t just about the photos. It was about building trust and capturing genuine moments between the couple. The relaxed atmosphere brought out their natural chemistry and made the images feel authentic.

Champagne bottle popping outside Union Station to celebrate Austin and Haley's engagement

Ending with a Celebration

We ended the shoot right outside Union Station with the bottle of champagne we’d been carrying around all day. I asked if it was their first time popping a bottle, and it was. I showed them how to pop it for maximum spray and told them to aim it right at me. The laughter and excitement made for some of the most joyful photos of the day.

This final moment perfectly captured the spirit of their fun engagement session — stylish, personal, and full of love.

What This Engagement Session Teaches Us

Austin and Haley’s engagement session shows how thoughtful planning and personal touches can turn a photo shoot into a memorable experience. From coordinating with locations like the hotel and Union Station to providing unique props, every detail added to the story we told through images.

If you’re planning your own engagement session, consider:

• Choosing locations that have meaning or iconic status

• Adding personalized elements like custom save the dates or props

• Being patient and flexible with timing, especially in busy public spaces

• Taking time to connect with your photographer to capture authentic moments

  
  

This session was more than just pictures — it was a day of fun, connection, and celebration that Austin and Haley will cherish forever. If you want your engagement photos to tell your story with style and heart, don’t hesitate to reach out and start planning your own unforgettable session.