John + Elaina: Wedding (St. Louis wedding photographers)

I’m a few days late posting these due to unforeseen circumstances, but here they are! I’m going to let the photos tell the story of this AMAZING day. Congrats again, John + Elaina. It was such an honor to photograph your wedding day.

St. Mary’s in Villa Ridge is just a stunning church with a wealth of light. I hope I get to shoot there again someday!

This breathtaking view is in Elaina’s grandparents’ yard. How cool is that?!

Thanks to the fab Paula Bathon (of Light Source Photography) for this image of the bouquets (and for second shooting with me!).  If you notice the ribbon on Elaina’s bouquet, it’s a little different from that of the other bouquets. That’s because it was passed on from her grandmother, to her mother, to her. Amazing.

The reception was held at Caroline Vineyard in Washington, MO. It was my first time shooting there, and let me tell you, it’s gorgeous! The view is beautiful, the grounds are beautiful, and there’s even an amazing field across the street.

Love this moment between Elaina’s sister and a bridesmaid. Aren’t those dresses the perfect fall dresses?

Ok these next 2 images crack me up. I LOVE looking at their faces.

There goes her dad again. Making everyone (me) cry again.

I hope I captured all the love and joy this family has. Their story is very dear to my own heart. Earlier in the year, Elaina’s mom, Sue, was diagnosed with breast cancer. And she is a survivor. It reminds me of my mom, who had very short hair from her rounds of chemo, at my wedding many years ago. Both moms are now doing very well, and I can’t tell you how great it was to see Elaina dancing with both her parents.

Both John and Elaina are musicians, and John sang, “My Girl,” for Elaina during the reception. He has an AMAZING voice.