Meet the Poteet's | Outdoor Family Portraits by Royal Photography

Teasers | Johnson Maternity Session by Royal Photography

Pregnancy sessions are dear to me just as much as weddings - maybe more so because I have the pleasure of documenting new beginnings in my past clients lives. Nicholas and Ashley wed last year and many of you commented on their wedding and engagement images. Well, prepare yourself for their second child; their first born was apart of the session too. From what I can gather he's going to be a true big brother. Thank you Nick and Ashley for giving me this opportunity and many blessings on the birth of your new bundle of joy.

Scott + Tiandre's Kansas City Reception at Hotel Phillips

Scott and Tiandre said "I do" in the Virgin Islands on September 20 but a couple of weeks ago, they held a special reception at Hotel Phillips for their family and friends. Tiandre is the daughter of my former pastor, Rev. Delmar & Carmen White at the Paseo Baptist Church in Kansas City, MO. I think I can venture and say that Tiandre's younger sister, Kim, may have been the life of the party. There wasn't anything she wouldn't do and say. I believe the cliché term for the evening was "turn it up"!

Congratulations Scott and Tiandre.

TEASERS: Adrian + Carmen's Sunday Wedding at The Hawthorne House

This past Sunday while the rest of Kansas City was at Arrowhead or in the comfort of their homes watching the Chiefs stomp all over the Raiders, the rest of Kansas City was at The Hawthorne House watching Adrian and Carmen commit their lives to each other. Both have a touching love story to be told. Carmen was very laid back and GORGEOUS bride that day and Adrian seemed to have everything under control. One of the most romantic comments I heard that day from Carmen was that she told Adrian he may do whatever he wanted in regards to pictures because she was "Mrs. Carter now". WOW!

More to come in the coming weeks but these are a few and only a few of my favorite "teaser" images.

Nicole + Josh Downtown Engagement by Royal Photography

Harry Belafonte Visits Kansas City | Shares His Civil Rights Legacy

Last Saturday I had the pleasure of meeting and photographing legendary Harry Belafonte. He was here by special invitation by the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center for a special fund raising event. You know...you learn something everyday. I felt bad because I found out that Mr. Belafonte made a heavy impact on our fight for civil rights. He had support from all civil rights leaders and the ear of many of our politicians. From what I learned that day, I don't think many people knew that either. Many folk probably knew him from his calypso singing, acting and television experiences. For a 87 year old man, he's sharp as a tack - intellectually.

The Friends of Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center and Sprint presented 'An Evening with a Legend: Harry Belafonte.'

The Event Honorary Chairs were Judge Jon R. Gray (Ret.) and Dr. Valerie E. Chow, M.D., Baseball Legend, Mr. Frank & Mrs. Theresa White, and Senator Yvonne S. Wilson, (Ret.).

The special dinner highlighted the life of world-renowned actor, singer, civil rights activist, and humanitarian, Harry Belafonte.  The formal dinner included a live interview with KSHB-TV 41 Station anchor, Mrs. Cynthia Newsome and Mr. Belafonte, excerpts from his autobiographical film “Sing Your Song,” and a unique retrospective of artifacts and items from the life of Harry Belafonte. 

The building’s namesake, Bruce R. Watkins and Harry Belafonte shared a similar passion for civil rights.  Both were born during the same era and helped to overturn numerous racial barriers and injustices in our nation.

In addition because of his lifelong commitment to young people and civil rights, Mr. Belafonte spoke at a special Youth Forum for Kansas City Metropolitan area middle school and high school students at Pierson Auditorium at the University of Missouri of Kansas City.  

The Gala Affair was a fundraiser that benefited the Cultural Center’s Programming and Exhibits. 

The special dinner was catered exclusively by Hill House Caterers. Corporate sponsors for the event include the following: Sprint, The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, Swope Health Services, Gates Barbecue, Husch Blackwell, The City of Kansas City, MO-Parks and Recreation Department, Truman Medical Center, and Turner Construction. 

 

Below are some images from the evening.