family Photographer in liberty, missouri

"Stories have to be told or they die, and when they die, we can't remember who we are or why we're here."

- Sue Monk Kidd

You might not know...

I'm the oldest of seven.
I drink my coffee black.
I sing about literally everything - like, making coffee. And walking down the stairs.
I'm just as awkward in front of the camera as you.
I once sang at Carnegie Hall.
I'm allergic to baby chicks.
My love for tacos rivals that of my love for coffee…but I’ve switched to hot teas recently. I especially like Harney & Son’s Paris and London Fog teas.
I'm also a writer.
If given the choice, I will always go barefoot.

Fav flicks:

M + J fav date go-to’s:

Beer Kitchen in Westport (casual dinner)
Coffee and chess at Opera House, Renegade Coffee, or Overflow (day date)
Up-Down (fun)
Our patio + steaks on the grill, a fire in the fire-pit, and Gregory Alan Isakov, The Civil Wars, Will Reagan, or The Sing Team on Spotify [laid back]

Meet Merry Ohler

Kansas City’s Leading Wedding, Family & Legacy Photographer

Hi, I’m Merry — a trusted Kansas City wedding, family, and portrait photographer with nearly a decade of experience capturing life’s most meaningful moments. I specialize in documentary-style wedding photography, timeless family portraits (including multi-generational sessions), authentic senior portraits, natural engagement photography, intimate maternity photography, and relaxed lifestyle newborn photography.

Known for my calm approach and heirloom-quality images, I’ve documented hundreds of stories for couples and families throughout Kansas City, Liberty, North Kansas City, Overland Park, Lee’s Summit, Parkville, Weston, and beyond. My work has been featured in web and print publications and is displayed proudly in homes all over the metro.

Why Kansas City Couples & Families Choose Me

At the heart of my work is a simple philosophy: the best photographs don’t just show how your day looked — they show how it felt.

Here’s what sets me apart:

Trusted Expertise: With nearly a decade of experience and hundreds of weddings and sessions photographed, I bring confidence, calm, and skill to every moment.
Documentary Approach: My clients love how I quietly observe, notice the moments others miss, and capture authentic connections with minimal posing.
Personalized Guidance: Whether you’re planning a wedding at Union Station, posing your family at Loose Park, or welcoming your newborn at home, I help you feel relaxed and present.
Heirloom Quality: I help clients turn their memories into heirloom-quality albums, prints, and wall art — ensuring your story is beautifully preserved for generations.

My Specialties

I serve clients at every stage of life with warmth, professionalism, and creativity.

Weddings & Engagements: From grand venues like The Abbott and The Guild to intimate backyard ceremonies, I know what it takes to document your wedding day seamlessly and beautifully.
Family & Multi-Generational Portraits: Whether it’s just your immediate family or four generations gathered together, I help you preserve your family’s legacy with grace and ease.
Senior Portrait Photography: My senior sessions focus on celebrating who you are at this milestone moment — natural, fun, and completely you.
Maternity & Lifestyle Newborn Photography: From the quiet anticipation of maternity to the joy of newborn days at home, I document these fleeting seasons with soft, meaningful images.

What Clients Say

“Merry’s peaceful demeanor and ability to capture real moments made our wedding day so much easier. We didn’t even notice she was there half the time, but the photos she delivered are breathtaking.” — Sarah & Matt, Kansas City

“Merry has photographed three generations of our family, and every session feels like spending time with a dear friend. Her photos are treasures we’ll pass down for years.” — The Johnson Family

About Me

When I’m not photographing, you’ll find me at home in KC North with my husband and kids — homeschooling, baking bread, drinking good coffee, and finding joy in quiet, ordinary moments.

As a photographer and storyteller, I care deeply about helping families and couples preserve their memories — not just for today, but for generations to come.

Let’s Connect

If you’re looking for the best wedding and family photographer in Kansas City, someone who will make you feel at ease, notice the moments you might miss, and deliver photographs that feel like you — I’d love to work with you.

Contact me here to start planning your session or wedding today.

FAQ: Kansas City Wedding & Family Photography

Do you serve all of Kansas City and surrounding areas?

Yes! I regularly work throughout the KC metro, including Liberty, Overland Park, Lee’s Summit, North Kansas City, Parkville, Weston, and beyond.

What types of photography do you specialize in?

I specialize in documentary-style wedding photography, natural family and multi-generational portraits, senior portraits, engagement sessions, maternity photography, and lifestyle newborn photography.

Do you offer heirloom-quality albums and prints?

Absolutely. I believe your photos deserve to be printed and preserved, so I offer professional-quality albums, wall art, and prints to help you showcase your story beautifully.

How do you make sessions feel so relaxed?

My approach is calm, observant, and intentional. I give enough direction to help you look and feel your best, but leave plenty of space for natural moments to unfold.

How can we book you?

Simply contact me here and we can start planning your session or wedding. I’ll walk you through everything and answer any questions you have.

In my bag:

***Please note: I only share or recommend products I actually use and love. When I share about those products, I use an Amazon Associate link, which means if you make a purchase through a link found here on my website, I will receive a small percentage of the sale.