St. Louis wedding photographer Nicole Welch

Saturday was a weird day. I had an engagement session scheduled with a really fabulous couple. I was bummed when I woke up to another dreary day in St. Louis. During my drive to the Missouri Botanical Gardens, the sprinkles became a downpour. So I called up Paula and asked if she still wanted to do the shoot or did they want to reschedule. She said they wanted to go ahead and do what we could – they had umbrellas. That was cool with me, so we get there, and the rain stops! Then we get into the Botanical Gardens, and we get stopped by someone who works there saying that we have to pay a special fee to shoot portraits/weddings there. I had NO idea. I had just shot an e-session there a few weeks ago, and no one said a thing. And you can’t shoot past 3 p.m., so even if we had paid the fee, we weren’t going to shoot there. So we headed down the road to Tower Grove Park. Let me just say that I love the city of St. Louis. Despite all its faults, I really do love the city, and I wish we lived there. I am embarrassed to say I’ve never photographed anything at Tower Grove Park. I’ve barely driven by. Certainly have never gotten out of my car. I’ve seen pictures on the internet. It’s gorgeous!!! Seriously. Why haven’t I been there before?!

So we took some photos there, made a little duck friend, and headed over to Forest Park where it was wedding central! I can’t begin to tell you how many wedding parties we saw out there….Despite all the chaos of the day, this was one of my all-time favorite shoots. Paula and Nick are really wonderful people on the inside and outside. Not only did they chose the PERFECT attire for their day, they’re so much fun to be around. They truly were up for anything. Especially Nick. He even climbed a tree during our shoot! These pictures are all them. There was VERY little direction, they’re just naturals in front of the camera.

And I have to say that I was thrilled we took some shots by the Art Museum in St. Louis because that’s where they had their second date. It’s actually a funny story because Paula told me that Nick is a terrible planner. On that date, they went after Nick got off of work. By the time they arrived, the museum had closed. They ended up sitting in the car for that date. Now Paula does all the planning. That’s probably a good thing….Toward the end of our shoot, Paula hopped on Nick, and he took her for a ride down Art Hill. I just snapped away laughing hysterically the ENTIRE time. (Seriously. I should probably be embarrassed at how loudly I was laughing.) I just thought to myself, “Are you kidding me? This is amazing.” And it was. Thanks Paula + Nick for entertaining me so much. I had a fabulous time, and I can’t wait for your wedding in September. I know it will be fabulous!

Can I just throw in here really quickly how lucky I am? I get to meet wonderful new people all the time, I get to share in the joy of the best day of their lives, I get to do what I love. It in no way feels like a job, it’s just a complete joy, and I love the satisfaction of driving home after a great shoot knowing I’ve made some pictures that these people will (hopefully) treasure forever. I’m so, so, so lucky.

This shot was not set up – totally candid moment. How sweet is he?

They made a little friend who followed them everywhere!

My favorite moment of the day. Hands down.

I’ve gotta give mad props to Paula for pulling this jump off in those shoes! I totally would have fallen flat on my face.

Dancing at Forest Park. Aren’t they an adorable couple?

I told them they should be in a magazine. And I meant it. They’re gorgeous!