Really beautiful light in their home.

S t r e t c h !!!!

She is SO alert!

The following 2 photographs were taken in their backyard. It’s amazing! Of course it should be, Casey’s hubby owns a landscaping business.

I should pay them to do sessions with my clients in their backyard. It’s just that pretty.

I don’t think their dog was too thrilled about the photo session.

Milk coma.

Fun in a tutu.

And I’ll leave you with one sweet sleepy shot.

Anywho, on the pictures. It was so great to work with you, Dana + Forest. Best wishes on your wedding next year!

Dana + Forest found this spot. And I love it.

We had some GREAT light. Yay for spring. I so missed the sunshine during the cold months.

Ok, so this bridge used to be much more wobbly, am I right? I was there last year, and I remember it freaking me out. This year, not so much. Tell me I’m not imagining things!?

After making the rounds at Forest Park, we headed to the Arch for  a few quick shots. My fave.

I love ivy! Especially with her pink shirt.

Get a little closer…

How cute is that bench!?

One of my faves from the day. I could have shot in this little area all day! The trees and light were incredible.

Same spot, different angle + pose. Love this. They’re so cute together. Talk about cute babies someday!!!

Yup. They’re gorgeous.

My favorite.

PS If you’re not in Missouri, there are several other photographers in various states, as well as Canada, who are participating in the contest! You can get all the details on Ashley’s blog. Good luck!

It was still a little cool and rainy during our session, but these two still were up for anything I suggested! And even though I usually prefer to shoot with some good sunlight, I ended up really liking the moody, urban feel of this shoot. We spent some time down at the Arch grounds, on some railroad tracks out by the graffiti wall, and then we headed out to Washington Ave. (My favorite urban place to shoot engagement pictures in St. Louis!)

I should also add that on this day, as is typical of me, I lost my cell  phone. I’m ALWAYS losing my phone. I’ve purchased all kinds of contraptions, holders, clips, etc, but I’m always losing my beloved Blackberry. And let me tell you, I am LOST without that thing. Somehow, when we were shooting at the Arch grounds, it fell out of my pocket. Probably while I was lying on the wet grass trying to get the entire Arch in the shot with my wide-angle lens. Well, I didn’t notice it until the shoot was over. And it was dark. Brilliant, Nikki. So yeah, I had to head back to the Arch grounds to look in the wet grass for my poor phone. You see, even though it’s only a $50 fee to  place a claim on it (oh yes, I have insurance on that bad boy), I’ve lost/broken SO many BBs during the past year and a half. I’ve lost count. But I’m sure my husband hasn’t. That’s sort of a little thing between us. He hates how I treat it. And lose it. And break it. I just can’t help it. I’m BUSY. There’s SO much going on, and my phones just take a beating every day. (That’s my excuse anyway.) So I went back through the grass by myself and found it. In the dark, and I have no idea how. I just knew there was no way was I going to go home with another phone problem. So that’s my crazy Nikki story of the day. And if you ever call me, and I don’t call you back, rest assured I’ve probably dropped the thing in a glass of water, dropped it down 3 flights of stairs, or it may be in the grass under the Arch. You just never know.

And….on to the pictures!

The end!

I LOVED her choice of dress. Simple, yet elegant – and perfect for a garden wedding!

Could these flowers be any more gorgeous?! Loved the huge bouquet.

People always ask me, “Nikki, do you ever do traditional shots at weddings?” YES! I prefer to shoot mostly in a documentary style, but I absolutely do photograph group photos. I just like to have a little more fun than most traditional formal shots. And I think outdoors is WAY more fun than at the altar.

Nicole + Michael chose a fabulous location for their wedding. The ceremony was just beautiful!

So happy!

I really loved this moment RIGHT after the ceremony. They took a few moments away from everyone, and I just love their expressions.

Checking out the ring!

Nicole got emotional during the speeches. They were beautiful.

I really loved this spot at the mansion. Nicole + Michael looked at me like I was crazy when I suggested it, but I think it turned out well. Hopefully they do, too.

Then it was party time! And let me tell you, these guests knew how to dance. Maybe they could give me lessons?!

See? I told you they were super lovey dovey!

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Now I’m going to go take care of my own baby, who is NOT feeling well. Poor guy is running a slight fever and been pooing a TON. We’re going to the doctor in the morning. He’ll be so excited because he gets to play with the Legos.