Kansas City Wedding & Family Photographer
Documentary, Heartfelt and Timeless Photography for Every Chapter
Leading Kansas City Wedding & Family Photographer
Welcome — I’m Merry, and I’m proud to be recognized as one of the leading wedding and family photographers in Kansas City. I specialize in documentary-style wedding photography, timeless family portraits, and legacy sessions that feel as real and meaningful as the moments themselves.
For over a decade, I’ve been trusted by hundreds of couples and families throughout Kansas City, Kearney, Liberty, North Kansas City, Overland Park, St. Joseph, Lawrence, Lee’s Summit, Parkville, Weston, Dearborn, Platte City, Mission and beyond to preserve their stories with care, creativity, and heart.
Bride’s sister gazes at beautiful bride standing in window light in Mission Hills, Kansas. © Merry Ohler Photography, 2025.
What I Offer
Weddings & Engagements
Your wedding deserves to be documented beautifully — with honesty and artistry. I’ve photographed weddings at iconic Kansas City venues like Union Station, The Abbott, The Guild, and countless intimate backyard ceremonies. My calm, documentary approach allows you to fully enjoy your day while I capture every detail and fleeting moment.
Family & Multi-Generational Portraits
Your family’s story is worth preserving — whether it’s just the five of you or four generations gathered together. My family sessions are relaxed, meaningful, and designed to capture real connection in every season of life.
Senior Portraits
Senior portraits should feel authentic and personal — a reflection of who you are at this milestone. My senior sessions are natural, relaxed, and a little bit fun, celebrating what makes you unique.
Maternity & Lifestyle Newborn Photography
From the quiet expectation of maternity to the tender chaos of newborn days, I create intimate, lifestyle portraits that capture the beauty of these fleeting seasons in your home or favorite location.
Legacy Sessions & Heirloom Albums
I believe your memories deserve to live beyond a screen. From multi-generational portraits to professionally-designed albums and wall art, I help families preserve their legacy beautifully and tangibly.
Why Kansas City Couples & Families Choose Me
Clients often tell me they chose me not just for my photography — but for how comfortable, seen, and cared-for they felt throughout the process.
Over 10 years of experience photographing hundreds of weddings, families, and milestones.
Hundreds of sessions and weddings documented across Kansas City and beyond.
Featured in various print and web publications and recommended by top venues throughout the metro.
Peaceful, observant, documentary approach with just enough guidance to make you look and feel your best.
Professional heirloom-quality prints, albums, and wall art to showcase your story.
“Merry’s peaceful energy and thoughtful direction made our wedding feel effortless — and our photos are breathtaking.”
“Her ability to capture genuine moments, even with our kids and grandparents, made our family session unforgettable. We treasure every image.”
Areas I Serve
I’m proud to work with couples and families throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area, including: Liberty, Kearney, Excelsior Springs, Independence, Kansas City, Lawrence, Lenexa, Mission Hills, Olathe, North Kansas City, Overland Park, Lee’s Summit, Parkville, Platte City, Plattsburg, St. Joseph, Sedalia, Weston, Clinton, Raymore, Belton, Grandview, and the surrounding areas.
If you’re planning your wedding or family session in another location, I’d love to hear about your plans — I occasionally travel beyond the KC area for meaningful stories.
Your wedding day is about the story you’re writing together.
Your love story deserves a storyteller who will document each moment in its truest form, with all its unique, candid moments.
Featured Work
Let’s be friends! Follow me on Instagram @merryohlerphotography!
FAQ
What makes Merry Ohler Photography different?
I blend a documentary approach with gentle guidance to create authentic, timeless photographs that feel like you — not stiff or staged.
Do you offer both digital and printed photographs?
Yes — I deliver both digital images and help you create heirloom-quality albums, prints, and wall art so your story can be displayed and enjoyed for generations.
How far in advance should I book?
For weddings, I recommend booking 12–18 months in advance. Family, senior, and newborn sessions usually book 2–3 months ahead.
Where do sessions take place?
Sessions can take place at your home, favorite park, or one of many beautiful locations throughout Kansas City — including Loose Park, Weston Bend State Park, and more.
Let’s Work Together
If you’re looking for the best wedding and family photographer in Kansas City, someone who notices the quiet moments, puts you at ease, and delivers photographs that feel true to you — I’d love to help you tell your story.
Elopement Photographer Kansas City
From urban elopements and private residence ceremonies, to beach destination weddings, to edgy elopements in the Crossroads District and private estates across the country… No matter where you choose to exchange intimate vows, it’s safe to say elopements in Kansas City and beyond hold a special place in my heart.
My couples rave that the photo planning assistance I provide gives them such relief from anxiety about how their session will go. Your custom timeline planning assistance will help you know when to plan hair and makeup, when your wedding flowers should be delivered, what time family photos will be, and more.
Your wedding day should be joyful and enjoyable.
Regardless of who needs a little extra kindness in the moment, I’m delighted to deliver it and to do what I’m able to protect your peace and care for you and your people on one of the most impactful days of your lives.
Can you see yourself in my wedding photos and working with me on your wedding day? Let’s connect! Contact me today!
What do you think? Are you ready to check availability and book your wedding consultation? I’d love to meet you and hear all about your love story! Contact me today to schedule a call or coffee!
Read Fresh Posts on My Blog
The world is pretty loud these days. Come, tuck in close and read my blog for some quiet words about love stories, joyful images, #alltheweddingthings, what’s going on in Kansas City, and peace.
My booking process is simple. Here’s what you can expect:
I am slightly obsessed with houseplants! Here’s what we’re currently growing…
Boston Fern, Dracaena, Golden Pothos, Jade Plant, Molded Wax Agave, Jelly Bean, Mexican Hens and Chicks, Aloe Vera & a pup, Snake Plant, Patio Tomatoes, Cherry Tomatoes, Marigolds, and an assortment of partial sun flowers.
If you are looking for Engagement Photos, Family Photos, Senior Photos, or something else, drop your details in the form below, then hit submit to make sure I’m still available for your date. I’ll be in touch soon!
What are my clients saying?
Read what real customers have to say about working with me. (Hint: click the arrow on the images below to view more kind words.)
Read more reviews here.
What do you want to do next?
Are you ready to chat? Contact me today to check availability for your wedding or photo session!
I’m a documentary photographer based in Kansas City - I’m glad you’re here! When I’m not behind a camera, I am usually spending time outdoors with our children or creating something. My husband Jamie is the other half of the team here. He is my second shooter for weddings, and he leads marketing, sales and development.
The most important thing about us is that we serve Jesus. We have been completely, radically changed because of His incredible love, mercy and grace, and our prayer is for you to know just how much He loves you, too.
We have four amazing “arrows” - our oldest daughter, Cadence, who dances with Jesus already, and three here with us: Zai, Elle & Ezzy. They keep us walking the line between feeling absolutely humbled that we get to be their parents… and in a state of somewhat painful shock from the sheer number of Legos we find ourselves tripping over on a nightly basis.
In our day to day lives, we serve and love Jesus, and homeschool our children. We also create minimalist art and resources for homeschool and discipling children - you can find those in our Etsy shop, Ever June Co. Sometimes I share about all that here, too. Life is an amazing gift, and we’re so grateful.
Let us know if you can’t find what you’re looking for; it’s our joy to serve you.