Modern Classic Wedding at The Brownstone | Kansas City Wedding Photographer

Katie Burdick
Jan 20
4 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

A MODERN CLASSIC CELEBRATION AT THE BROWNSTONE TOPEKA

Lindy and Dawson’s modern classic wedding at The Brownstone in Topeka, Kansas was an elegant and joy-filled celebration set against one of the area's most distinctive wedding venues. As a Kansas City wedding photographer, I loved documenting their intentional design, refined details, and authentic moments throughout the day at this historic barn-turned-event space.

From the very beginning, this day felt grounded — calm, joyful, and full of intention.

A COUPLE MADE FOR A GOOD TIME

Lindy and Dawson are the kind of people who bring energy with them wherever they go. Fun-loving, easygoing, and endlessly loyal to their people, they’re happiest doing life side by side — whether that’s traveling, golfing, bowling at their favorite run-down alley, or gathering friends for a night that turns into a memory.

Lindy is a hair and makeup artist — and a talented one at that. She did my makeup on my own wedding day, so getting to watch her sit in the chair and do her own makeup on this day felt incredibly full circle. Seeing a bride who knows beauty so deeply choose something timeless, clean, and true to herself felt like the perfect reflection of who she is.

A LATE APRIL DAY AT THE BROWNSTONE

Late April in Kansas has a quiet magic — the grass turning impossibly green, trees just beginning to bloom, and the air feeling hopeful. Their wedding day arrived calm and overcast, softening the light and setting the tone for an elegant, intimate celebration.

The Brownstone, a historic former dairy barn built in 1927, offered the perfect backdrop. Its sprawling limestone patio, soaring wooden beams, and thoughtful restoration create a space that feels both refined and welcoming — history and modernity living beautifully together. It mirrored Lindy and Dawson’s vision exactly: polished, elevated, but never disconnected from their roots.

STYLE THAT FELT ICONIC AND TIMELESS

Lindy wore what may truly be one of the most iconic wedding dresses I’ve ever seen — a form-fitting silhouette with dramatic puffed shoulder sleeves, finished with a striking oversized bow and delicate bridal wings. It was fashion-forward and timeless all at once. Dawson sported a monochromatic look in a dapper black tux, shirt, and tie. He was effortlessly sophisticated and perfectly matched to the clean, classic aesthetic of the day.

The color palette stayed true to black and white, softened with lush white florals and subtle greenery. Minimalist, elegant, and undeniably timeless — every detail felt intentional without ever feeling overdone.

TRADITION, MUSIC, AND MEANING

One of the most beautiful aspects of this wedding was how seamlessly it blended styles and traditions. Guests arrived in formal black attire, creating a sense of elevated cohesion, while the music brought in the warmth of small-town Kansas — including a traditional German wedding march, honoring Lindy’s Western Kansas roots.

Before the ceremony, Lindy’s sister and a dear friend sang and played guitar, filling the space with music that felt personal and heartfelt — the kind of moment that settles everyone into presence.

QUIET MOMENTS BEFORE “I DO”

One of my favorite parts of the day happened long before the ceremony began. Lindy and Dawson chose not to see each other beforehand, but we took time for portraits with their families separately — Lindy with hers, Dawson with his.

Those moments were unfiltered and deeply tender. Laughter, hugs, quiet conversations with parents and siblings — the kind of interactions that don’t perform for a camera, but mean everything years later. It was a reminder that weddings aren’t just about two people becoming one, but about families expanding and intertwining.

A CELEBRATION THAT CAME ALIVE

Cocktail hour featured a striking champagne glass wall — a simple yet elevated statement that perfectly fit the day’s aesthetic. As the evening unfolded, the energy rose quickly. Toasts flowed, the dance floor stayed packed, and the party became exactly what Lindy and Dawson are known for — joyful, high-spirited, and full of life.

Because I knew several family members and friends personally, I was able to step in behind the scenes throughout the day — helping communicate, smooth transitions, and keep things flowing effortlessly. That level of trust from their people meant everything, and it allowed the day to unfold with ease.

WORDS THAT MEAN THE WORLD

After the wedding, Lindy shared:

“Hiring Katie as our wedding photographer was one of the first, easiest, and BEST decisions we made… She went above and beyond the call of duty in numerous ways and will truly become your best friend. It matters who’s behind the camera.”

And truly — it does.

A WEDDING THAT FELT LIKE HOME

Lindy and Dawson’s wedding was elevated without being distant. Elegant without being cold. It was laughter and tradition, clean lines and deep emotion, modern luxury softened by family and familiarity.

A celebration that felt timeless not because it followed trends — but because it honored who they are.

Planning a wedding at The Brownstone?

As a Kansas City wedding photographer who’s captured multiple celebrations here, I’d love to bring your vision to life — from refined portraits to candid moments. Inquire →