Ali and Terence’s Kansas City Celebration
Ali and Terence’s Kansas City celebration was a perfect reflection of family, culture, and connection — the kind of weekend that reminds me why I love what I do.
A wedding is, at its heart, about two families becoming one. When a mother (and sometimes even a father) reaches out to help plan her daughter’s wedding, it’s always clear that family values run deep. From the very beginning, it was evident that this would be a celebration centered around love, legacy, and joy.
Out of State Wedding Planning
Like many of our couples, Ali and Terence were balancing big dreams and big commitments while living out of state — in their case, in New York City. They needed a trusted partner to handle logistics with expertise and confidence, to help them make wise decisions from afar, and to ensure every detail reflected their story. It was a privilege to step into that role, offering the assurance and calm they needed to simply enjoy this milestone season of life.
Securing The Venue
Our planning journey began with venue tours throughout Kansas City, exploring options that aligned with their vision while introducing them to spaces they may not have considered on their own. They had their hearts set on a traditional ceremony at the stunning Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception — a goal that shaped every decision along the way. After a series of in-person tours with Ali’s parents and FaceTime walkthroughs with the couple, we landed on the perfect pairing: a Cathedral ceremony followed by a reception at The Abbott on September 21st.
Expert Kansas City Wedding Vendor Team
From there, we curated a vendor team whose talents and personalities perfectly matched Ali and Terence’s style and priorities — the foundation for every seamless Fête Fully celebration.
To tell their story and immerse guests in the joy of the weekend, we began at The Crossroads Hotel, where out-of-town guests were welcomed in true city-chic fashion. A rooftop welcome party on Friday evening set the tone — reminiscent of their Brooklyn engagement photos and filled with skyline views, laughter, and anticipation.
The Day Arrives
On the wedding day, the September weather was perfection. A rooftop first look — one of my favorite modern timeline moments — brought levity and excitement, followed by portraits on the lawn of the Nelson-Atkins Museum. The ceremony at the Cathedral was reverent and heartfelt, beautifully grounding the day in meaning before the celebrations continued into the night.
At The Abbott, guests were greeted with an atmosphere that reflected both style and soul. During cocktail hour, an Indian grazing table paid tribute to Terence’s heritage, while passed appetizers and a signature cocktail — the “Sassy Lassy,” inspired by a drink from one of their favorite New York restaurants — delighted every palate. The bar team and I spent more than one tasting session perfecting the recipe until it was just right.
As guests moved from the terrace to the ballroom, they entered a space that glowed with intentional design. Sage green menu cards featured the evening’s timeline, paired with burgundy candlesticks, skyline-inspired table numbers, and a soft mix of green and blue napkins. The head table was dressed in statement linens from BBJ La Tavola, accented by suspended greenery and lush florals that drew the eye upward.
Dinner and toasts gave way to heartfelt dances, followed by a quick shoe change for the couple — the sure sign that the real party was about to begin. Once the lights dimmed, the energy on the dance floor was electric. Then came one of my favorite surprises: an ice cream truck rolling up outside to serve nostalgic favorites, including Terence’s personal request — soft-serve chocolate and vanilla. As rain began to fall, guests grabbed clear umbrellas (a planner’s secret weapon) and lined up for sweet treats before heading back to the dance floor.
The After Party
To close the night, we revealed the official after-party at King G’s — complete with wristbands and a private entrance — where the newlyweds and their guests walked together through the city streets to keep the celebration going.
Ali’s father, beaming with pride, shared stories from her accomplished golf career during the toasts — fitting for a weekend that truly was a hole in one.
What an honor it was to guide this family through such a meaningful, joy-filled celebration. From start to finish, Ali and Terence’s wedding was a seamless blend of heritage, hospitality, and heart — and the memories created that weekend will be treasured for years to come.
Kansas City Wedding Vendor Team
Ceremony: Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
Reception: The Abbott
Planning & Design: Fête Fully
Accommodations: The Crossroads Hotel
Welcome Party: Crossroads Rooftop
Catering: Brancato’s
Florals: Floriography
Photography: Deanna Johnson Photography
Videography: S&A Studios
Linens: BBJ La Tavola
Entertainment: DJ Alex Reed
Ice Cream Truck: Lick It Don’t Drip It
Stationery: Sparkman Studio
Hair & Makeup: Paradise Beauty
After-Party: King G’s
