The Original Wedding Journalist
I'm Hannah and I have been working as a reporter and journalist in the KC metro for just over 15 years now.
I took a journalism 101 class in 2009 and never looked back, serving in various capacities as a staff writer, copy editor, section editor, and editor-in-chief. During my time at the University of Kansas, I partook in an internship program wherein I worked under the tutelage of a former writer with The Guardian in London, England.
Following graduation, I freelanced with The Pitch in Kansas City and began working as a corporate copywriter for stability. During those years I was able to try my hand at product descriptions, wholesale catalogs, film branding, script writing, and marketing promotions.
As AI moved into the copywriting space and journalists continued to lose public credibility, I was searching for a way to continue my craft and tell stories that gave me purpose. It wasn't until I was putting together a photo album of my own wedding day that I realized there were many moments captured on camera that I wasn't present for.
I also recalled my best friend mentioning to me that she was so overwhelmed by people on her wedding day that she never got to sit down and look around. She asked if I had any photos of the centerpieces because somehow they were missed by the photographer.
My husband and I planned a very loose schedule for our event with the aim of being present as much as possible, and I still couldn't recall everything in the emotional haze of the day.
There was a huge gap in coverage, and the media brides and grooms did have was usually reduced to the best angles and edits. I saw a need, and happened to be perfectly trained to fill it.
That's how I became a wedding journalist.
Now I'm privileged enough to connect with engaged couples and experience their wedding days while
sitting among their guests. I arrange phone interviews with their closest loved ones in the weeks after to hear their emotional reflections and reactions.
When I'm not taking notes at an event, writing stories, interviewing sources, doing consultations, designing editorial spreads, marketing on social media, or networking, I'm usually at home with my miniature schnauzer, three cats, husband, and a good book (if not true crime podcast).
No, but really, who are you?
I'm a Pisces-dominant and INFP personality type. I grew up near St. Louis, but I now live in Kansas City with my husband and our pets.
Before I was a writer and wedding journalist, I worked in retail, but have always loved storytelling and reading. My favorite person on Earth (besides my husband) is Harry Styles. I'm fond of Diet Dr. Pepper, Taco Bell, and film photography. I prefer road trips to flights and I hate pizza.
I firmly believe in human rights and am an advocate for the LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and immigrant communities. I'm known to embrace the label "witchy" although I always lose track of moon phases. I'm never not wishing for a Pimm's Cup and I can read tarot. Do not ask me to perform math.
