Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center Motown's Christmas

If you were not present for the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center's 'Tis the Season - a Motown Christmas' on Friday, December 7, you all missed a treat. The ambiance was similar to a Jazz Club where prominent KC residents sat and were entertained by Darcus Gates, back up singers and band. Darcus sang hit singles from the Motown group the "Supreme's" as well as popular Motown Christmas songs. Darcus can SING! I've never heard of her before until that night but I was indeed impressed. I was glad to see LeShea Wright and Dre on stage with her. Dre, you and Jason impressed me by switching from piano to electric guitar - totally talented!

'Tis' the Season - a Motown Christmas!' is the 2nd annual fundraising event for the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center in Kansas City, Mo. Kudos to Jesse Barnes, Executive Director of the BRWCHC and his board for pulling together a beautiful event. Take some time out of your day to stop by the BRWCHC to see the Supreme's exhibit. You won't be disappointed.
See also related article. CLICK HERE

Above and below are some of honored guests who attended the event and a few of my favorite images.

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Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center Motown's Christmas

Four Sisters, Four Divas, Four Personalities | Family Portrait Session by Royal Photography

These have got to be the sexiest young ladies in Kansas City - just my opinion. I know one of them personally, as I have been their family photographer for a few years now. Needless my opinion is somewhat bias. Big ups to my good friend Brandon - you did well my friend. These and many more images will be a grand suprise for the extended family. Thank you for the opportunity and hope you love the composites.

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Four Sisters, Four Divas, Four Personalities | Family Portrait Session by Royal Photography

B+S+J+L = Edington Family | Kansas City Photographer Photo Session

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B+S+J+L = Edington Family | Kansas City Photographer Photo Session

Shannon + Richard | Kansas City Photographer Engagement Session

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Shannon + Richard | Kansas City Photographer Engagement Session

It's Just Me | Meet Your Photographer

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It's Just Me | Meet Your Photographer

COMING SOON: Shannon + Richard | Sunday Afternoon Engagement Session

I know Shannon mostly through her father, Deacon Neal, of the Paseo Baptist Church (where I was once a member). Shannon and Richard, although very quiet and reserved when you first meet them, are two lovely people. It's the small things that I notice when photographing couples. Richard still practices good ol fashion chivalry i.e., holding her hand while walking, opening doors for her etc... Ladies there is still hope out here for our men. In my many years of photographing weddings, couples, family photos and engagement sessions, I witnessed a first...Shannon brought her own large size mirror to the engagement session. LOL!!! I cracked up laughing. Richard just blushed and smiled. Shannon has a angelic and soft spoken personality. These are just a few of my favs, stay tune for more. They plan to marry in July of 2013.

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COMING SOON: Shannon + Richard | Sunday Afternoon Engagement Session

Eric + Danielle = Unbreakable and Unified

Men…you need to step up your game. Eric, is one of those men who aims to be a perfectionist and never wants his bride, Danielle, to ever lift a finger for anything. At least this is what I perceived in the last several months I have known them. I met both at a wedding reception in April of this year. I learned they were looking for a photographer for their October wedding. It’s not that common that you would find a man taking such an active role in planning their wedding. Eric broke that mold. He practices old fashion chivalry and Danielle soaks it up J. Danielle has a bubbly and can-do personality that is contagious. If her smile doesn’t win you over, her eyes definitely will. I often wonder if that it is what won Eric over. Family and friends near and far can see that love is a concrete word – there isn’t anything abstract about it. As the evening came to a close, the bridal party gathered outside to have a smoke with some of the special cigars made available for the guests. You will see from the photos that this smoke session wasn’t anything but boring. I was educated that there is an art to smoking a cigar. Did I try it? No, LOL but it was interesting catching some great images.

Location details were:

Marriott Downtown KCMO: Groomsmen 

Ceremony: Friendship Baptist Church

Reception: American Jazz Museum

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Eric + Danielle = Unbreakable and Unified